Stronger...

Here's a video made by a cancer patient from the hematology/oncology unit of Seattle Children's Hospital.    I didn't know what to make of it at first, but the more I watched it, the more it made me smile.....and laugh....and cry. 

(thanks to Ryan K. for sending it my way)

I smiled at the song's message (taken slightly out of context) of growing stronger in our trials.  I laughed watching the fun the patients were able to find in their misery.  I giggled as I watched the familiar scene of a mother pushing an IV pole while frantically trying to keep up with her child as he raced around the halls on a bike.   And I was touched watching the nurses strive to bring a little joy to their  patients. 

And I smiled at the hope that shone in all of their faces....

********************

UPDATE: 

• Ellie came home bubbling about how her class was going on a field trip to the Apple Store at the mall, because they were learning about seeds.   I laughed as I  tried to envision a class full of first graders in the Apple Store fully expecting to taste test different varieties of apples and instead getting a lesson on modern technology.  

• Spence is as nauseous as he's ever been .  :(

• He also has a random cough, which seems to aggravate his nauseousness. 

• For the first time ever, we played the "cancer card" and in the process talked ourselves out of a parking ticket.  We looked out our front window one day while Spencer was home and saw a police officer giving us a ticket for having expired plates.  We ran out and explained that it was a car that wasn't being driven and that we were in process of getting them updated anyway.  He explained that it didn't matter, because it was parked on a public street, so the ticket would stand.  I got emotional and mentioned that we were distracted with a sick child right now and that's why we had let it expire.  He still didn't budge and we gave up.  Then five minutes later he knocked on our door, apologized, and voided the ticket.  During this exchange, Spencer walked by the door.  As soon as the officer caught a glimpse of Spencer's bald head, he got all choked up and could barely talk.  We got our plates updated the next day. 

*********************

"Adversity has the effect of revealing hidden reserves of strength that, in times of contentment and prosperity, would have otherwise lain dormant."
                                                                                                                                   ~ Horace

Worth of Souls

Earlier on that fateful day in January right before our lives were turned upside down, I had spent some time doing research for an upcoming talk I was giving in church.  The topic of the talk was the "Worth of Souls" and I found my heart particularly touched that morning as I delved into the topic--reading scriptures, listening to music, and studying General Conference talks.

  Lately I've been reflecting at how profound that experience was for me--that God knew then the trial that was about to befall us--and He wanted me to understand that He knew and loved our family and would be there to support us every step of the way.  Although I had no premonition about the hardships that lay ahead, looking back I know that that experience was God's way of spiritually preparing me for this journey. 

I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with Him someday.

These are the words to a song that I listened to many times that day it while I researched.  Although it's a song that I've sung to my kids since they were born and my parents had sung to me before that, that particular day I found myself feeling the weight of its message more than I ever had before.   

 I may be flawed and far from perfect, but I am a child of God and just like any loving parent He knows me (and each of us) personally and knows who we are and who we can become.  He will lead, guide, and walk beside us through the thick and the thin of our lives. 

Through our son having leukemia. 

Through Glen losing his job. 

Through the fatigue. 

Through life. 

********************************

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."   Psalms 23:4

The Good and the Bad

 Good:  The fevers and chest pain have both subsided and Spence feeling much more like himself again.   He's still on loads of antibiotics, but the pain meds have been weaned! 

Bad:  Spence has C-Diff again, which means we're all on isolation.  :(    C-Diff is a stomach bug (luckily without too horrible symptoms), that is considered highly contagious among  immuno-compromised patients.  Visitors will need to wash their hands with soap and water at the nurse's station before entering and after leaving Spencer's room, but otherwise don't need to worry about contracting it unless their immune system is also suppressed (or they have a newborn baby).

Good:  Thank goodness we were moved to the bigger room before being put on isolation!  A week cooped up in that shoebox room probably would've put me in the loony bin! 

Bad/Good:  I called the blood bank to see if I could get a final count of how many people donated blood in Spencer's name and not only were they rude to me, but said that it was impossible to tell me numbers.  So based solely on eyewitness accounts of people who donated (and notes that people sent to me), I'm estimating that we're at least in the 30-40 range.  Despite the blood bank management's rude non-helpfulness, the actual blood bank workers were very grateful for the influx of donations and were amazed at all the people who turned out to donate for Spencer.    Thank you to all who donated (or tried to donate and couldn't for whatever reason)!  You all are amazing!!!!


Good:  Spence's eyebrows and 'stache are growing back quickly (see picture at top for evidence).  They may very well fall out again in a week, but he is relieved by how quickly they returned!

Bad: Spence got a new hat that would likely be the envy of the pediatric hem/onc floor (see picture at top for evidence), but because he's on isolation he can't even show it off or share it with any of his fellow chemo buddies!   :) 

Good:  Tonight Spence received what will hopefully be his last dose of chemo....ever!!!!!!


**************************

"...remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

Helaman 5:12 (from the Book of Mormon)

Political Views Aside...

I won't get into politics here on the blog, but I just had to show what Spencer got in amongst his cards.  He was quite excited and requested it be framed (which it has). 

Additionally he received a card from Mitt's son, Tagg Romney,  and letters from Senator Mike Lee of Utah (a family friend) and Representative Gerry Connolly of Virginia (who commented on Spencer's humor).    We were hoping for something from President Obama too (which we also would have framed), so we could have a poll on which presidential nominee sent the cooler card, but I guess ruling the free world might have taken a little higher priority.  :)

Stay tuned for more highlights from the birthday card shower. 

*************************

UPDATE: 

Spence is still feverish and in pain, but for the most part has been in good spirits.   Please come visit this weekend.  Blue parking lot, blue elevators, Room 512.  703-776-4512

All blood cultures have come back negative, so the central line will stay in for now. 

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“Freedom, morality, and the human dignity of the individual consists precisely in this; that he does good not because he is forced to do so, but because he freely conceives it, wants it, and loves it. ”
                                                                                        Mikhail Bakunin (1814-1876);

(Thank  you to all who have freely done good to our family.  We are seriously behind on thanking people individually, but know that we appreciate it very much.)

Race Day (and update)

On Saturday morning, we awoke bright and early, laced up our running shoes,  and headed to the high school for race day!  

I accompanied Ellie in the mile run, where she surprised me and finished with a time under 10 minutes  despite having one of her absence seizures a few feet before the finish line which made her stop dead in her tracks right as the announcer was excitedly drawing attention to her great sprint to the finish.  

Adam also ran the mile....

and had an awesome sprint to the finish in just under 8 minutes. 

Ellie wishing Cami luck for her 5K race...

Cami hadn't run a race since the end of the indoor track season, but her time was one of her better 5K times ever....

I LOVE, LOVE this picture of Cami and Ellie...

Glen and Emma also ran the 5K race...

This was Emma's third or fourth 5K race and she was all smiles  to be done. 

And next year we hope that  Spencer will be racing with us too! 


************************

UPDATE:  

• Spence still has a fever and horrible chest pain that docs think are indicative of an infection of some kind.  Docs are speculating that it may be a central line infection (but aren't sure) and  are discussing removing his central line and using IV's for the rest of this round.  We have very mixed feelings about this drastic move, but if it were to help him feel better we obviously are supportive, even if it means getting daily IV's in his arm.   

• Spence starts his "blue chemo" (mitoxantrone) for the first time tonight, which we've been told will make him pee green for a while (and possibly even turn his eyes blue).  Spencer is looking forward to it.  :)

• It is mentally exhausting to watch your child in so much pain.  :(

************************

"In the furnace God may prove thee,

Thence to bring thee forth more bright,

But can never cease to love thee;

Thou art precious in his sight.

God is with thee, God is with thee;

Thou shalt triumph in his might."

(“Zion Stands with Hills Surrounded,” Hymns, no. 43, verse 3)

It's only the second day of chemo and...

his fever is back. 
his chest pain is back.
his nausea is back.
his central line was clogged.

Usually all this garbage doesn't start happening until the week following the administration of the chemo, so this is not cool.  :( 

On the bright side, they did move us out of the shoebox sized room into a room with two beds (Room 512).  We are happy to actually have a place to put our things. 703-776-4512

*****************************

Thank you to all who sent cards, stopped by, donated blood, etc for Spencer's birthday.  It's wonderful to have such happy memories as we embark on this stressful leg of the journey. 

*****************************

“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”                                                                      ~Winnie the Pooh

Ode to a Basket of Cards

 Once there was a boy.
He was loved
and brought his family great joy.

Then one fateful day
he seemed rather sick
 when too much barf did he spray.

His parents sought for an answer
and to the doctor they brought him
where it was discovered his blood had cancer.

His family and friends were sad
as off to the hospital he went
to spend weeks on end with food rather bad.

After a few months so long
his birthday rolled around
which to spend in the hospital seemed wrong.

So his mom tried to come up with a way
to help make his birthday
an extra special day.

A shower of cards from around the states
and maybe a few countries as well
would be just the fun needed to make it a date!

So she went to her friends
and did beg and nicely plead
to send him some cards before April ends.

Her friends were so awesome
and stuffed our mailbox full to the top
and then some!

Spencer's smile was as big as a barge
when a basket of laundry was emptied
to make way for the card pile so large!



Finally it was deemed the right time
to peruse through the stacks
and open the cards one at a time

So Spence went to work
opening each and every card. 
Not one did he shirk.

The cards made us smile....

and although it's taken a while...

he's read every card and admired the art...

Thank you to all

who took time from their days

to make Spence's birthday a ball!

Now we're back to the hospital...

in the hem/onc floor's tiniest room...

and the poison chemo is streaming into his blood...

and Spence is already tired and catching up on his sleep...

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED MAKE HIS BIRTHDAY SO GRAND!!!!!

************************

UPDATE:

• As mentioned, Spence was readmitted to the hospital this morning for his fourth and hopefully last round of chemo.

• He received a bone marrow biopsy and spinal tap (and infusion of chemo to the spinal fluid) as part of the readmission.  Spinal tap results have already come back clear, but the bone marrow results are being sent to Seattle for verification and won't be back for about a week. 

• We are weary, but looking forward to almost being done with his treatment.  Spencer has made grand plans for this summer. 

• Much to my chagrin, we've been placed in a tiny little shoebox room which has no 2nd bed for Glen or I to sleep in.  They tell us that he will be moved to a larger room as soon as one becomes available, but in the meantime we're trying not to trip over ourselves and our stuff in this annoying small room.

• First prize for numbers of cards received from outside Virginia was California!  And Utah, Colorado, and Texas were the runners up!  Thank you again to all of you! 

• I have a gazillion things I want to blog about right now, so look for the following posts in the upcoming days:  (Race Day, Best of the Cards, Other Birthday Celebrations (probably divided into a couple of posts), and more about the Blood Drive!)  I take requests as well, so let me know if there's a topic you'd like me to cover.  :)

• Thank you again to all who made Spencer's birthday so special! 

**************************

"In their daily life, all are braver than they know. "
                                                                                                              ~Henry David Thoreau

The Little Soul

Author Unknown

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world.

He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?" God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," he asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone."

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity."

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you". God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.

In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.


                                                           ************************

400+ cards, dozens of blood donations, countless meals, gifts, phone calls, emails, mowing our lawn, plates of goodies, loaves of bread, prayers, hugs, giving the kids rides, playdates, numerous hospital visits, listening ears....

Thank you to everyone for being a part of that miracle in our lives.

Celebrating 17-Years of Greatness

17-years ago today when the doctor placed Spencer into my arms for the first time, I remember marveling at his tiny little  features.  He had dark hair like mine and brown eyes almost the exact same color as Glen's.  I was young--barely 22 and still in college when he was born--but our youthfulness did not stop us from harboring big dreams for our firstborn.  We were sure that he was destined for great things. 

Then he grew. 

And we discovered that "great" pretty much described him perfectly.    In addition to having a great sense of humor, being a great student, and a great debater.   He also had a strong penchant for great messes, great work avoiding techniques, and great and merciless teasing of his siblings.  

Then he grew some leukemia cells and at a time when he should be focusing on college entrance exams, his driver's license, playing lacrosse games for his high school team, going on dates and prom, finishing his eagle scout project, and even going to early morning seminary, Spencer has been confined to the hospital bed and taking round the clock medications.  When everything in his world suggested he had every right to go the other way, we have been comforted to see Spencer's good greats far outweigh the bad greats.  We see that he keeps a great and positive outlook in the midst of great adversity.  He is great at putting people at ease and being kind to young and old.  And that he is great at keeping a love of God in his heart. 

Through these last few months I am grateful to see a stronger glimpse of the great man that we believe he was destined to be.

Happy 17th Birthday Spencer! We are incredibly proud of you!!! 

Stay tuned tomorrow for a recap of his birthday celebrations, including the opening of the mountain of cards! 
*******************

Starstruck on a Field Trip

 Need advice on herding cats (aka wandering 3rd grade boys)?   Or on helping an entire group of kids with varying amounts of cash to find a souvenir in an overpriced gift shop?  Or how to successfully nap while seated three to a seat on a school bus?  Call me.  I hate to brag, but I am somewhat of a field trip connoisseur  and could teach a college level course about all the sweet skills I have!  :)

Too bad I have yet to convince any colleges to add Field Trip Czar Skills as a major program. 

Sarcasm and chaperoning skills aside, I love that my kids go on field trips to places most people only read about in history books.  Places like Jamestown, Philadelphia, Yorktown, Gettysburg, Baltimore, Williamsburg, Richmond, etc.  They see them up close and personal and  I think it's awesome! 

On the dozens and dozens of field trips I've been on over the years though, it's clear that some are better than others.  Some are long and boring (like last year's 2 hour drive to a farm where we got to stay for 1/2 hour).  Some are cool.  Some rushed.  Some fun.  Some disorganized.  And some are downright awesome!   

Today I chaperoned a field trip for the first time in a few months and had to say that today's trip was of the awesome sort! 

See evidence....

They got to meet Bill Nye the Science Guy!  

He was rushing out of the convention center to an engagement at the White House, so the boys were among the last few kids who got to greet him before he greeted the president, but it was so cute to see them act a little starstruck in his presence.

Then later on,  I was showing the pictures to everyone at home and and guess who was jealous of his younger brother meeting Bill Nye the Science Guy? 

Spencer Nigh the Leukemia Guy!  That's who! 

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UPDATE:

• Tonight is our last night of the middle-of-the-night administering of his IV antibiotic!  I am very much looking forward to a couple of days without a 1:30am alarm going off! 

• Spence is still feeling pretty good and is looking forward to a fun weekend of birthday celebrations. 

• The birthday cards continue to pour in and he's getting very excited about opening them!  Thank you!!!!!

• Thank you to all who have either signed up or already donated blood in Spencer's name!  We are humbled and honored by your generosity. 

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"I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness, and the willingness to remain vulnerable."

Anne Morrow Lindbergh (sent by Carol S.)

Our Very Full Mailbox

With an average stack of mail at our house looking like this lately....

...I think we've become the US Postal Service's favorite house.  More often than not in the last two weeks, the mailman has had to come to our door with the mail because it didn't all fit in our mailbox. 

We've got cards, postcards, and a random moose from 19 states and 3 countries.   Thanks to my sister, Kristina, cards from California far outnumber all of the rest of the states, but Utah, Colorado, Virginia, and Texas are coming in with respectable numbers as well!   We are truly in awe at so many people's kindness in sending birthday greetings to someone they don't even know. 

Thank you for helping make Spencer's birthday fun and special!    He is excited to see the mail each day and is getting antsy to start opening them in a few days!  :)

*************************

UPDATE: 

Thank you to all who brightened my birthday today with cards, phone calls, treats, and flowers.  It's been a long time since I've had that much attention on my birthday and it made me  feel like a kid again!  :)

Glen and Spencer are very, very happy about the Caps (the DC NHL team) winning their playoff game tonight!

Spencer is feeling fairly good and enjoying his time at home!

Be sure to check out the Spencer Birthday Blood Drive Facebook page my brother created.   The idea is to get as many people to donate blood in Spencer's name as possible before his birthday on Monday.  Check my previous post for details on how to make it happen. 

Not that I'm surprised, but I've already gotten notes from a couple of people who have donated blood in Spencer's name already...we have awesome friends!!!!   THANK YOU!!!!!! 


*************************

"There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle." 
                                                                               ~Albert Einstein (sent from Jake S.)

How to Donate Blood in Spencer's Name

Anyone who's been reading along with Spencer's updates here on the blog, knows that he has received numerous transfusions of whole blood and platelets through the course of his treatment.    During his first two rounds of chemo he was given the transfusions whenever he started experiencing any symptoms related to low blood counts.  During the third round however, the doctors suddenly seemed much more reluctant to give him blood or platelets until his numbers reached critically low levels, meaning that he would suffer with the fatigue and other symptoms for several days before being transfused.  At first we thought that it was a difference due to doctor ideology, but in time we learned that the true reason for the reticence was that INOVA hospitals are suffering a critical shortage of blood and platelets and they had placed very strict restrictions on dispensing their blood products. 

It got me to thinking how selfish I had been to expect other selfless donors  out there to donate blood so that my son could receive life-saving blood transfusions and yet I hadn't donated in about 18-years.  So today I decided that it was high time to change that.  I donated blood this morning and  have documented the process here so that you could see how easy it was!  If you are eligible, PLEASE consider donating at the INOVA blood donor center in Spencer's name (or to benefit patients in your own communities if you live far away).    Blood donated in Spencer's name will not go directly to Spencer, but would be credited to Spencer's "blood account" and would make it less likely for them to be stingy giving him future transfusions.   


HOW TO DONATE BLOOD IN SPENCER'S NAME: 

1.  Drive to the INOVA blood donor center at 3289 Woodburn Road Suite 010, Falls Church (at the corner of Gallows Road and Woodburn Road, right next to INOVA Fairfax Hospital).  Don't worry though--parking is free and much easier than at the hospital!   Walk-ins are welcome or make an appointment if you wish (see below for details)!



2.  Register--Bring your driver's license and register at the front desk, making sure you let them know that you're donating in Spencer's name.  Then fill out this eligibility questionnaire (check here for requirements).   If you've been unable to donate in the past, be sure to check the NEW REQUIREMENTS  that have eased up on a few restrictions, especially those involving travel to foreign countries.   

2.  Finger prick--This quick test just makes sure that you're not anemic.  I made it by the skin of my teeth with a hemoglobin level .1 above the minimum. 

3.  Donate--I donated whole blood, which took me all of 5 minutes and 39 seconds to donate.  Platelet donations take 1-2 hours and would make for a great time to catch up on some reading or tv shows on Hulu.  

4.  Rest, eat free food, and get yourself a cool bragging sticker. There was a whole table full of food and fridge full of water and juices to boost up your energy after donating.  I did not feel light-headed or dizzy at all, but still took advantage of a free snack while waiting the required 10 minutes before leaving the clinic!

5.  Go home knowing you just potentially just saved someone's life and that you're awesome! 

WORST EXCUSES NOT TO DONATE: 

I spent two years living in a foreign country as a child ( or as a missionary) and don't think I'm eligible. 
CHECK THE NEW REGS!!!  Most foreign missionaries would be fine to donate under the new eligibility requirements (the restrictions don't kick in until after spending 5-years in most countries)  The one exception is for travel over 3 months to the British Isles, which because of Glen's 2-years as a missionary there is why he served as official photographer today rather than donating as well. 

I don't have time.     I did not have an appointment and I was in and out of the door in about 45 minutes.  With an appointment I imagine it would have been even shorter.  Platelets take longer, but as mentioned above would be a great way to get caught up on some reading or tv watching. 

I just gave blood a month ago.  Way to go on being awesome!  While it's true that you can only give whole blood every 56 days, you can give platelets every 2 weeks.   Spencer has received platelet transfusions countless times during his treatment for leukemia and they are always in short supply. 

It will hurt too much.    On a scale of 1-10, the pain of giving blood was a miniscule .28, so stop being a wimp and just do it.   

I am too young.    16-year-olds will need a form filled out by their parents before donating, but anyone 17 and over can donate without parental consent.    If you're younger than 16, then thank you for showing interest and be sure to come back and donate when you're old enough. 

I don't weigh enough to donate (110-lbs).    For heaven's sake, EAT A COOKIE and stop complaining! 

I live far away from Virginia and cannot donate in Spencer's name.   First of all, let it be known that we love visitors and would happily house any stray blood donors who come our way, but if perhaps that's a bit of a longish trip for you, then please consider donating to your community's  blood banks in Spencer's honor.

I don't know what type of blood I have.  It doesn't matter a bit!  Donate and find out what type you have!

I work all day and won't have time to come.  Check it out!  They take donations until 8:00pm.

Check out the Facebook page my brother created, to invite others donate in Spencer's name as a birthday gift to him: 

The most critical shortages are for the following types of blood:

O+, O-, B+, B-, AB-, and platelets of all types

Other Important Info to Know:

• Check our eligibility requirements 
• Are you at least 16, but under 17 years of age? You must bring the signed parental consent form
• Call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) for an appointment
• Schedule a blood donation now
• Walk in to any one of our four donor centers or come to a community blood drive. Donors with an appointment are given preference, but walk-ins are always welcome.

 
This location is right next to INOVA Fairfax hospital, but has much easier (and free) parking:

Woodburn Medical Park
3289 Woodburn Road, #010
Annandale, VA  22003
Map and interactive directions
Hours of operation
Monday through Friday — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday — 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday

Quiz Answers and Update

Thank you to all who participated in yesterday's super hard quiz!  It was fun to do a little old-fashioned blogging again, especially when that meant hearing from a few more of you readers than usual.  I was impressed with all of your good guesses and I felt so cool when I saw the number of comments it got!  Never mind that a third of them were from the same person...I'm just going with the cool feeling. 

SUPER HARD QUIZ ANSWERS:

1.  Cami was nominated as lacrosse Athlete of the Week last week. True story.  She is following in her older brother's footsteps and playing JV lacrosse for her high school.  Although she's never played before this year, she is proving to be pretty adept at it, usually scoring a goal or two or three each game. 

2.  Spencer was caught in the middle of an almost-melee when he was sitting between two people who started screaming and cursing at each other in the middle of  watching "The Lucky One" at the movie theater.   I know it sounds far-fetched, but this one is 100% true.  Spencer went to "The Lucky One" with a friend of the feminine persuasion, but since neither one of them drive yet, Glen and I decided to go along with them.  We sat on the other end of the theater giving them their space and witnessed as a very large man seated next to Spencer started loudly arguing with a sketchy looking guy sitting behind them.  It was a loud, tense, profanity-laced argument that seemed heading towards physicality, but thankfully the very-loud-arguers backed off before any fists were thrown.  I should note that Glen was poised and ready to make a mad-dash to rescue Spence and his friend should a fight have ensued. 

3.  Grandma Sandy is in process of teaching Emma how to knit.   YES!  Although technically I can crochet, sew, and cross-stitch, I can not knit, nor am I very good at crocheting, sewing, or cross-stitching.  Thank goodness for Grandma Sandy (Glen's mom)  to come help bestow some domestic skills on my girls! 

4.  Glen and I went for a much needed six-mile run.  It felt awesome.    FALSE!  Although we did go out for a six-mile-run (something that would have been a piece of cake a few months ago)....this time it did NOT feel great.  I was slow.  I had to walk a lot.   And I was still sore afterward.  Good job to ALEX and KRISTINA who guessed correctly!  ALEX is a fellow runner and a great friend who correctly suspected that I haven't been running very much lately.   When she's not acing my quizzes, I feel it's also worth mentioning that ALEX is also a superb cook and a super-organized mom that inspires me to be a better mom in many ways.  KRISTINA is my sister, who although she lives on the opposite end of the country, still keeps in nearly daily contact.   Just so you know, in addition to being a good super hard quiz guesser,  KRISTINA  is also the absolute queen of birthday cards.  She's single-handedly arranged for nearly half of the 100+ birthday cards Spencer has received thus far.  My brother MATT probably thinks I should mention him as well, but since he cheated by guessing multiple times under different aliases, I'm only mentioning him as a super hard quiz cheater who made my day by jacking up the numbers of  comments on that post! 

5.  I actually beat Glen and his mom in an uber-competitive game of Scrabble.   TRUE, TRUE, TRUE and it's definitely not because I got lucky, it's because I rock at playing Scrabble (and maybe got a little lucky)! 

6.  Ellie randomly decided to make a ginormous "I Love You" banner for her 1st grade teacher.  True and I can only imagine that it made her teacher's day. 

7.  Emma and Cami were on a 9-mile hike with the young women from church when a storm blew in, so they spent the last 3 miles running through the pouring, blustery rain.    This one was also a little hard to believe, but 100% true.  The young women are training for a 22-mile walk to the temple in June, so they go on weekly group training walks.  This week's walk was twice around a lake, which meant that there were no shortcuts to get back to the cars when the storm blew in quickly.  Although some of the girls were a little freaked out, thankfully other than getting soaked everyone got back home safe and sound.  A few of you noted that Emma is only 11 and not officially a YW yet, but because  their young women leaders decided to include any girls who would be 12 this year, she is also able to participate.    Emma is thrilled  with the opportunity to hang out with the older girls on such a challenging adventure! 

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UPDATE:

• Spencer went to the clinic this morning.  All his counts were low, but recovering nicely ( ANC was 580, platelets 115, and hemoglobin 10.5).   This means his immune system is still suppressed and  needs to stay away from sick people, but that he's high enough to eat fast food again.  :)

• Everything is on target for him to be readmitted for his bone marrow biopsy, spinal tap, and 4th (and last) round of chemo on May 1st. 

• We're getting in a good system with administering all of his medications, but man oh man am I tired!!!! 

• Watch tomorrow for an update on Spencer's birthday cards, including the coolest card ever and a breakdown of which states have sent the most cards. 

• The picture in today's post has nothing whatsoever to do with the written content.  It is included merely  because I am a visual person and I don't want perfectly good pictures to go to waste.  :)  

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"Sadness, disappointment, and severe challenge are events in life, not life itself. . . . Be a cork. When submerged in a problem, fight to be free to bob up to serve again with happiness."    Richard G. Scott

(I can't remember who sent me this quote, but thank you to whomever it was.)

Super Hard Quiz

(Long-time readers of this blog know that I love making random quizzes about our life and promising prizes of gazillions of dollars for those who answer it correctly.  Too bad for you I don't have gazillions of dollars to offer, so instead I'm offering something much awesomer that money.  Anyone who answers this quiz correctly will earn the privilege of me mentioning their name in a future blogpost.  You will be famous and it will be awesome.  )

Which one of the following statements is NOT true about the last few days? 

1.  Cami was nominated as lacrosse Athlete of the Week last week. 

2.  Spencer was caught in the middle of an almost-melee when he was sitting between two people who started screaming and cursing at each other in the middle of  watching "The Lucky One" at the movie theater. 

3.  Grandma Sandy is in process of teaching Emma how to knit. 

4.  Glen and I went for a much needed six-mile run.  It felt awesome.

5.  I actually beat Glen and his mom in an uber-competitive game of Scrabble. 

6.  Ellie randomly decided to make a ginormous "I Love You" banner for her 1st grade teacher. 

7.  Emma and Cami were on a 9-mile hike with the young women from church when a storm blew in, so they spent the last 3 miles running through the pouring, blustery rain. 

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"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."             ~Helen Keller