I found Tom reading my postings. He had tears in his eyes. We are both on the same page. I told him not to cry. Its a long time to wait. I no longer feel so guilty about the make a wish trip. This disease drags on and on. We just want it done and we have to wait. Its the system. As the doctor told us to give this process a chance because when we do the BMT Riley will not be in a good place. It will crush him physically and emotionally.
I remember the chemo for my Dad. He wouldn't do it twice. The chemo was worse than the cancer that killed him. What I hold on to is that it built up in his system. The first few treatments weren't bad. If we can get through that first week with mild side effects then the whole thing wont seem so long. The second week will be only a week. I don't even really know the details since we aren't supposed to be thinking this line yet. August is a long way off and its the end of August at that. But summer goes by so quickly when you are having fun and we are going to have fun this summer.
We have family coming to visit this summer. The boys have camp. We have a family trip. We have the beach. Football season starts in August. I have the teacher coming for part of the time. She agreed to work with the boys privately to keep them up and fresh. I know Riley enjoys her company. She challenges him and he respects her. We will keep busy.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday Numbers - end of May
Tense, I am still tense as this thing drags on. The numbers today were similar to two weeks ago.
Some lower some higher.
White cell 2.7 down from 3
Hemoglobin Reds 9.9 up from 9.4
platelets 53 down from 56
neutrophil 1.7 down from 1.98
Two weeks ago we were more optimistic. The doctor said to take into account that the tests were done at a different lab. Tom asks that as long as Riley stays on his cyclosporine then the numbers wont fall off. The doctor tells him that is correct. Which makes it all the worse since it is an artificially supported level. I ask when do we consult about our other options, i.e BMT (bone marrow transplant). He says six months. Tom qualifies that by stating " six months from treatment?" "Correct."
So, we are looking at end of August for the big consultation. These numbers are just not good enough. Riley had the ATG in February around the 18th it started. We were discharged after 10 days. Six months puts us at August. We will see the doctor once a month through the summer unless some sign indicates we need to take Riley in immediately.
From green light for BMT the doctor has previously told us two months to transfusion. I think we would just have enough time to squeeze in our family make a wish trip in October, for which we have been approved. Get back from that trip and then start the process. Two weeks of chemo then four weeks in hospital recovering. We would be out and done before Christmas and be able to put this year all behind us.
We knew from the beginning from all the materials we read that the ATG was a long shot for Riley. Only 20% have full recovery and those are from the mild cases not the severe critical that Riley walked into the hospital with.
So now we continue to be patient. We let insurance have its six months of trying the alternative. Then we kick into gear. We will have a fun filled summer and enjoy the moment. Having spent 10 days at the hospital we know somewhat what to anticipate. It wont be fun. It will be horrible. But it has a beginning a middle and an end. Its my favorite kind of project. Once we do the BMT, we just have to bide our time. Recovery hopefully will be nothing like the two weeks of Chemo prior to treatment. Those two weeks of Chemo will be the hell. Afterwards, Riley will just be hanging out in isolation waiting for his body to recover, restart, and recuperate. Protected from the world and the environment. Then he can get on with his life. And so can we.
The doctor said do the plane trip just no acrobatics. No extra G forces. Loops or upside down flying can bring on nose bleeds, ruptured capillaries in the eyes. Tom mentions nausea and vomiting and the Doctor says yes and with blood also in the vomit, lovely. So this weekend will be a pleasure flight only. Enjoying the beautiful vistas of the northwest. Tom says its an hour flight up to Willamette falls and down the Willamette River. Now that is my kind of flying, gentle all the way.
Our trip is still on, we just have to be sure to take the drugs with us, since they keep the levels up. We are going to have fun. I am pulling Riley from camp a day early so we can have his numbers right before we go and he can have a day of rest before our flight.
Perhaps the numbers will climb a little more before we go. I just wish they had kept climbing at that steep acceleration we initially saw. I was so hopeful. This plateau was just what we didn't want to see so soon.
The teacher asked about fall. Our plan is to start Riley in high school as a normal attendee. If numbers are good he will just get on with life. If the numbers are similar to today, we will get September for sure and half of October in school. Then depending on his numbers, November will be BMT.
On the ride home I talked to Riley about the numbers and the potential time line. And all the exciting fun things we will be doing this summer. Riley mentioned that November was his birthday month. I pointed out that it will be like he was reborn again for his birthday, all well and ready to move on with life. Its all hypothetical at this point anyway. Maybe the numbers will keep slowly climbing. But two weeks of little change, after such steep improvements the two weeks previously, is grounds, not of concern, but awareness.
It does not catch us off guard, but the disappointment weighs heavy in my gut. I had such hope even though we knew the odds.
Chemo is a heinous treatment almost worse than the disease. But I remind myself it has a beginning middle and an end. The end being the most important. You just have to count down the days and get it over with. Two weeks, two weeks goes very fast in a life time. If or when we do it, it will be put behind us and be done. This time next year, this all will just be a faint nightmare not to be repeated in our lifetimes. Its just the waiting in between that drains the body.
I am not one to put off a project when I want to get it done. Tom has been a fountain of patience throughout this process. He has known from the beginning the probable outcome. Having worked in the corporate system he knows the waiting game, the political process that must be adhered to, because that is how the system works. He read the same materials I read. Being an engineer, he knew the odds even better than I. I will be in denial up until the last minute. Lets enjoy what we can while we can. He will play the waiting game, but the second the time is up, he knows the course we will be taking.
Some lower some higher.
White cell 2.7 down from 3
Hemoglobin Reds 9.9 up from 9.4
platelets 53 down from 56
neutrophil 1.7 down from 1.98
Two weeks ago we were more optimistic. The doctor said to take into account that the tests were done at a different lab. Tom asks that as long as Riley stays on his cyclosporine then the numbers wont fall off. The doctor tells him that is correct. Which makes it all the worse since it is an artificially supported level. I ask when do we consult about our other options, i.e BMT (bone marrow transplant). He says six months. Tom qualifies that by stating " six months from treatment?" "Correct."
So, we are looking at end of August for the big consultation. These numbers are just not good enough. Riley had the ATG in February around the 18th it started. We were discharged after 10 days. Six months puts us at August. We will see the doctor once a month through the summer unless some sign indicates we need to take Riley in immediately.
From green light for BMT the doctor has previously told us two months to transfusion. I think we would just have enough time to squeeze in our family make a wish trip in October, for which we have been approved. Get back from that trip and then start the process. Two weeks of chemo then four weeks in hospital recovering. We would be out and done before Christmas and be able to put this year all behind us.
We knew from the beginning from all the materials we read that the ATG was a long shot for Riley. Only 20% have full recovery and those are from the mild cases not the severe critical that Riley walked into the hospital with.
So now we continue to be patient. We let insurance have its six months of trying the alternative. Then we kick into gear. We will have a fun filled summer and enjoy the moment. Having spent 10 days at the hospital we know somewhat what to anticipate. It wont be fun. It will be horrible. But it has a beginning a middle and an end. Its my favorite kind of project. Once we do the BMT, we just have to bide our time. Recovery hopefully will be nothing like the two weeks of Chemo prior to treatment. Those two weeks of Chemo will be the hell. Afterwards, Riley will just be hanging out in isolation waiting for his body to recover, restart, and recuperate. Protected from the world and the environment. Then he can get on with his life. And so can we.
The doctor said do the plane trip just no acrobatics. No extra G forces. Loops or upside down flying can bring on nose bleeds, ruptured capillaries in the eyes. Tom mentions nausea and vomiting and the Doctor says yes and with blood also in the vomit, lovely. So this weekend will be a pleasure flight only. Enjoying the beautiful vistas of the northwest. Tom says its an hour flight up to Willamette falls and down the Willamette River. Now that is my kind of flying, gentle all the way.
Our trip is still on, we just have to be sure to take the drugs with us, since they keep the levels up. We are going to have fun. I am pulling Riley from camp a day early so we can have his numbers right before we go and he can have a day of rest before our flight.
Perhaps the numbers will climb a little more before we go. I just wish they had kept climbing at that steep acceleration we initially saw. I was so hopeful. This plateau was just what we didn't want to see so soon.
The teacher asked about fall. Our plan is to start Riley in high school as a normal attendee. If numbers are good he will just get on with life. If the numbers are similar to today, we will get September for sure and half of October in school. Then depending on his numbers, November will be BMT.
On the ride home I talked to Riley about the numbers and the potential time line. And all the exciting fun things we will be doing this summer. Riley mentioned that November was his birthday month. I pointed out that it will be like he was reborn again for his birthday, all well and ready to move on with life. Its all hypothetical at this point anyway. Maybe the numbers will keep slowly climbing. But two weeks of little change, after such steep improvements the two weeks previously, is grounds, not of concern, but awareness.
It does not catch us off guard, but the disappointment weighs heavy in my gut. I had such hope even though we knew the odds.
Chemo is a heinous treatment almost worse than the disease. But I remind myself it has a beginning middle and an end. The end being the most important. You just have to count down the days and get it over with. Two weeks, two weeks goes very fast in a life time. If or when we do it, it will be put behind us and be done. This time next year, this all will just be a faint nightmare not to be repeated in our lifetimes. Its just the waiting in between that drains the body.
I am not one to put off a project when I want to get it done. Tom has been a fountain of patience throughout this process. He has known from the beginning the probable outcome. Having worked in the corporate system he knows the waiting game, the political process that must be adhered to, because that is how the system works. He read the same materials I read. Being an engineer, he knew the odds even better than I. I will be in denial up until the last minute. Lets enjoy what we can while we can. He will play the waiting game, but the second the time is up, he knows the course we will be taking.
Waiting
I am tense today. We meet the doctor this afternoon. He will tell us if Riley can do things again. Can Riley be normal? Tom is planning to send Riley up in a plane if he can, and launch rockets at a park for fun. Lovely things that go boom and crash. Tom asked me about sending Trevor with Riley in the plane. I told him an adult has to go with either boy. They can not go with just the pilot. Say something happens, like Riley gets a bloody nose or if the boys go together and they start to fight.
I know the boys well. If Riley shows a hint of fear in the plane Trevor will point it out and antagonize Riley. If only to hide his own fears. Riley will retaliate and get angry. Without an adult other than the pilot, those boys, given the right circumstances, can be a nightmare.
Tom gave the boys DS's for a road trip once, thinking it would keep them occupied and avoiding fighting. He provided four different games. We hadn't even gotten to the freeway before they were fighting over who gets to play which game first. Tom had to pull over and have words with the boys.
Riley doesn't like to be splashed unless he has water goggles. He needs the full face snorkel style that covers his nose. Then splashing is not a problem. Trevor loves to see if he can get Riley mad. He will sneak up in the water and try to catch Riley off guard. Trevor has no problem with water whether he has goggles or not. Trevor was a fish in a previous life.
So I can see those boys in the little plane, getting comfortable with their surroundings, then getting board with the confinement, then looking for entertainment by turning on each other.
All in good fun of course. But to the misery of the pilot, who must sit through it all and listen.
Tom took the boys on a fishing trip last year. He hired a guide and boat because on all the previous trips they had never caught a fish. This was a guarantee. He told me afterwards the guide had to lay down the law with the boys. Tom loved it. He just sat back and enjoyed having someone else scare the boys into obedience.
I told Tom just this week the boys had been getting along wonderfully recently. It has been a long stretch of love and peace. Riley loves it when his brother gets home from school and he has someone to play with him. The flaw is that when Trevor gets happy, he gets loud. He doesn't need a fog horn. He has a slight hearing loss in one ear from childhood ear infections. I blame that for his loud voice. He doesn't know how to whisper. So if the boys fight the pilot will be miserable. If the boys are happy, they will be loud, and the pilot will be miserable. Since this is Tom's brilliant plan, I think he needs to go with them to make sure that everyone behaves.
Its one thing to be outside and gleeful, but contained in a small space with loud children is not fun. Tom will make sure they have fun safely and pleasantly.
My sister and I did a glider plane when we were in Sun Valley one year. It was noisy with the wind coming through the little window in the cockpit. I was surprised at how loud the wind was in that confined space. It was the same with scuba diving. You can hear your breath in the respirator gurgling loudly sucking air in and out. It sounds like Darth Vader breathing. Everyone talks about the quiet and peace of these activities. I found it noisy with the air circulating. I even felt a little motion sickness in the glider. We were at 12,000 feet
since Sun Valley itself is at a high elevation. I saw a Bald Eagle circling below us. It was an exciting day and left an impression, but I don't think I need to repeat it.
I think that is what we are after with Riley. A one time exciting event that does not need repeating at least any time soon. Why can't we get a boat? They are exciting, the wind blows your hair around. They are noisy. But there is a peacefulness associated with them. They are also on the ground not a mile in the air. I remember bouncing along in my Dad's ski boat. The same rules would apply with Riley. He has to have numbers to take the bouncing. But I could see going out on the weekends and enjoying the river. Tom likes boats. We now have a car that can pull a boat. The hitch is already attached.
Boating is much more my thing. Like golf, its a sport that as we grow old we can still participate in. A friend told me our husbands would give up the mountain biking and the kayaking and down hill skiing, so to find a sport that you can do together in your old age. Golf is good, so is boating.
I think the boys would get into boating.
I know the boys well. If Riley shows a hint of fear in the plane Trevor will point it out and antagonize Riley. If only to hide his own fears. Riley will retaliate and get angry. Without an adult other than the pilot, those boys, given the right circumstances, can be a nightmare.
Tom gave the boys DS's for a road trip once, thinking it would keep them occupied and avoiding fighting. He provided four different games. We hadn't even gotten to the freeway before they were fighting over who gets to play which game first. Tom had to pull over and have words with the boys.
Riley doesn't like to be splashed unless he has water goggles. He needs the full face snorkel style that covers his nose. Then splashing is not a problem. Trevor loves to see if he can get Riley mad. He will sneak up in the water and try to catch Riley off guard. Trevor has no problem with water whether he has goggles or not. Trevor was a fish in a previous life.
So I can see those boys in the little plane, getting comfortable with their surroundings, then getting board with the confinement, then looking for entertainment by turning on each other.
All in good fun of course. But to the misery of the pilot, who must sit through it all and listen.
Tom took the boys on a fishing trip last year. He hired a guide and boat because on all the previous trips they had never caught a fish. This was a guarantee. He told me afterwards the guide had to lay down the law with the boys. Tom loved it. He just sat back and enjoyed having someone else scare the boys into obedience.
I told Tom just this week the boys had been getting along wonderfully recently. It has been a long stretch of love and peace. Riley loves it when his brother gets home from school and he has someone to play with him. The flaw is that when Trevor gets happy, he gets loud. He doesn't need a fog horn. He has a slight hearing loss in one ear from childhood ear infections. I blame that for his loud voice. He doesn't know how to whisper. So if the boys fight the pilot will be miserable. If the boys are happy, they will be loud, and the pilot will be miserable. Since this is Tom's brilliant plan, I think he needs to go with them to make sure that everyone behaves.
Its one thing to be outside and gleeful, but contained in a small space with loud children is not fun. Tom will make sure they have fun safely and pleasantly.
My sister and I did a glider plane when we were in Sun Valley one year. It was noisy with the wind coming through the little window in the cockpit. I was surprised at how loud the wind was in that confined space. It was the same with scuba diving. You can hear your breath in the respirator gurgling loudly sucking air in and out. It sounds like Darth Vader breathing. Everyone talks about the quiet and peace of these activities. I found it noisy with the air circulating. I even felt a little motion sickness in the glider. We were at 12,000 feet
since Sun Valley itself is at a high elevation. I saw a Bald Eagle circling below us. It was an exciting day and left an impression, but I don't think I need to repeat it.
I think that is what we are after with Riley. A one time exciting event that does not need repeating at least any time soon. Why can't we get a boat? They are exciting, the wind blows your hair around. They are noisy. But there is a peacefulness associated with them. They are also on the ground not a mile in the air. I remember bouncing along in my Dad's ski boat. The same rules would apply with Riley. He has to have numbers to take the bouncing. But I could see going out on the weekends and enjoying the river. Tom likes boats. We now have a car that can pull a boat. The hitch is already attached.
Boating is much more my thing. Like golf, its a sport that as we grow old we can still participate in. A friend told me our husbands would give up the mountain biking and the kayaking and down hill skiing, so to find a sport that you can do together in your old age. Golf is good, so is boating.
I think the boys would get into boating.
Friday, May 21, 2010
update
My Mom called to check in. She said we hadn't been posting recently and she wanted to make sure everything was OK. No news is good news at the moment. The weather has been rainy and wet. As a result our outings have consisted of going to the local library and picking up books we have put on hold through the computer.
Its a slick system where we search for interesting books then have the library call us when they come in. No searching the stacks necessary. The books are there in a pile waiting for pick up with my name on them. Riley has found some real gems to read. Trevor has also found a few that peak his interest.They are both studying the civil war.
Next week, Thursday, we find out if Riley's numbers are good enough to fly in a small plane. I cringe at the thought, but it is something Riley wants to do and it is a guy thing. Tom has made arrangements with some friends. I have stepped back on this wish. I can't say no, but I am not going to participate. It is totally their gig.
Riley's forehead is completely covered in zits. They are not bleeding, but they are definitely noticeable. Tom and I both had to take oral antibiotics as teen agers so Riley comes by the acne from both sides of the family tree. Riley is not in a position to have that luxury.
I try to get him to wash. He now takes baths every day again. But he doesn't like to just wash his face. I get him to use wipes, which are convenient and easy, but that doesn't seem to be getting it under control. Well, he will outgrow them eventually.
Mean while we hang out. The teacher is the highlight of our day. She is really good, calm and relaxed. Riley enjoys the sessions.
Its a slick system where we search for interesting books then have the library call us when they come in. No searching the stacks necessary. The books are there in a pile waiting for pick up with my name on them. Riley has found some real gems to read. Trevor has also found a few that peak his interest.They are both studying the civil war.
Next week, Thursday, we find out if Riley's numbers are good enough to fly in a small plane. I cringe at the thought, but it is something Riley wants to do and it is a guy thing. Tom has made arrangements with some friends. I have stepped back on this wish. I can't say no, but I am not going to participate. It is totally their gig.
Riley's forehead is completely covered in zits. They are not bleeding, but they are definitely noticeable. Tom and I both had to take oral antibiotics as teen agers so Riley comes by the acne from both sides of the family tree. Riley is not in a position to have that luxury.
I try to get him to wash. He now takes baths every day again. But he doesn't like to just wash his face. I get him to use wipes, which are convenient and easy, but that doesn't seem to be getting it under control. Well, he will outgrow them eventually.
Mean while we hang out. The teacher is the highlight of our day. She is really good, calm and relaxed. Riley enjoys the sessions.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Hand sanitizer
We went to the Locks yesterday. It was a historic society event. Celebrating the newly working locks. They had been shut down for over a year while the corp of Engineers checked and fixed them. A stern wheeler went through while we were there. There were people dressed in period costumes. The boys enjoyed being out and about. They ate burgers and pie with ice cream.
Riley is now on a weekend antibiotic. I didn't even have to cut the pill for him this time. Its a pretty good sized pill. He swallowed it with his yogurt. I wonder if I could change his cyclosporine to the other pills so he wouldn't have to take so many. He has become used to taking the pills and can now take a big pill. He could go from eight to four. I even think they come in 100s which would mean only two pills of cyclosporine. I think I will talk to him about it and the doctor.
We see the doctor again on the 27th. That is the next blood draw and it is at Dornbechers for a check up. Two weeks seemed so long at first, but as the numbers continue to climb, the weeks pass quickly. The bi plane ride , I understand is still planned. Riley has to be better than 75,000 platelets to be allowed to go up.
I am delighted with his numbers enough that we did brave the public and crowds. I listened carefully for anyone coughing. But I haven't heard of any bugs going round. The sun was shining and everyone appeared to be non contagious. Riley is good about keeping his hands in his pockets and washing them in sanitizer whenever we spot a bottle. It helps keep the germs away.
In this modern age, I notice many people have started using hand sanitizer. It is on the walls of Tom's building, outside offices. Not quite in so much abundance as at the hospital. But it is impressive how people have taken to the regular use. I see women use their own personal supply kept in their purse or in the car. I have it on the kitchen counter and in my car and purse. Regular use of the hand sanitizer is part of our hygiene these days.
We are also working on trying to get the boys to wear deodorant every day. I leave out bottles of roll on strategically located in hopes of triggering their memories and the use. They will figure it out eventually, when the girl friends tell them to start using it and not just their mother.
Riley is now on a weekend antibiotic. I didn't even have to cut the pill for him this time. Its a pretty good sized pill. He swallowed it with his yogurt. I wonder if I could change his cyclosporine to the other pills so he wouldn't have to take so many. He has become used to taking the pills and can now take a big pill. He could go from eight to four. I even think they come in 100s which would mean only two pills of cyclosporine. I think I will talk to him about it and the doctor.
We see the doctor again on the 27th. That is the next blood draw and it is at Dornbechers for a check up. Two weeks seemed so long at first, but as the numbers continue to climb, the weeks pass quickly. The bi plane ride , I understand is still planned. Riley has to be better than 75,000 platelets to be allowed to go up.
I am delighted with his numbers enough that we did brave the public and crowds. I listened carefully for anyone coughing. But I haven't heard of any bugs going round. The sun was shining and everyone appeared to be non contagious. Riley is good about keeping his hands in his pockets and washing them in sanitizer whenever we spot a bottle. It helps keep the germs away.
In this modern age, I notice many people have started using hand sanitizer. It is on the walls of Tom's building, outside offices. Not quite in so much abundance as at the hospital. But it is impressive how people have taken to the regular use. I see women use their own personal supply kept in their purse or in the car. I have it on the kitchen counter and in my car and purse. Regular use of the hand sanitizer is part of our hygiene these days.
We are also working on trying to get the boys to wear deodorant every day. I leave out bottles of roll on strategically located in hopes of triggering their memories and the use. They will figure it out eventually, when the girl friends tell them to start using it and not just their mother.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Loss of antique
Recently I lost one of my antique chairs to the children. It had survived a visit from my mother in law but I had not tucked it back into a safe un used location after she left. The chair completely shattered under the boys use. I opted not to be angry. When I heard the crash I decided I would look at it the next day. I would ignore it and give myself time as I knew it would be devastating. The boys were surprised I didn't have a conniption and were grateful.
The next day I saw the damage. It is pretty much kindling. It's old brittle wood in shards. It had a lot of history attached to it and now that all was gone. I sat the boys down and told them gently how saddened I was by the loss, how expensive the chair was, and how special it was. I told them we had many fragile and expensive antiques. I explained they were all irreplaceable heirlooms. I pointed out other chairs just as fragile and special.
Surprisingly they took it to heart. Tonight, they were playing a game with friends and some one rocked back in a chair. The boys reprimanded their friend telling him the chairs were fragile and special, irreplaceable historic objects, from the revolutionary war no less, and very valuable, and to please treat the chairs with care. I heard it all from my office unobserved. So, maybe my antiques will survive my boys after all. The one that did not, gave it up for the rest. I am still saddened by the loss, but by not losing my temper over the loss of a very valuable antique the boys were more respectful and guilty, rather than resentful, as they would have been if I had yelled and freaked out. It is still a painful loss, but I have hopes it will be the last one we have. The boys will remember the chair and be more respectful of the rest of our furniture. They are also saddened by the loss of a chair that had so much history attached to it.
I tentatively look forward to now getting furniture fixed and out of storage that I had feared to use. I do notice the boys are not making the joints squeak anymore on the chairs we do have and use regularly.
The next day I saw the damage. It is pretty much kindling. It's old brittle wood in shards. It had a lot of history attached to it and now that all was gone. I sat the boys down and told them gently how saddened I was by the loss, how expensive the chair was, and how special it was. I told them we had many fragile and expensive antiques. I explained they were all irreplaceable heirlooms. I pointed out other chairs just as fragile and special.
Surprisingly they took it to heart. Tonight, they were playing a game with friends and some one rocked back in a chair. The boys reprimanded their friend telling him the chairs were fragile and special, irreplaceable historic objects, from the revolutionary war no less, and very valuable, and to please treat the chairs with care. I heard it all from my office unobserved. So, maybe my antiques will survive my boys after all. The one that did not, gave it up for the rest. I am still saddened by the loss, but by not losing my temper over the loss of a very valuable antique the boys were more respectful and guilty, rather than resentful, as they would have been if I had yelled and freaked out. It is still a painful loss, but I have hopes it will be the last one we have. The boys will remember the chair and be more respectful of the rest of our furniture. They are also saddened by the loss of a chair that had so much history attached to it.
I tentatively look forward to now getting furniture fixed and out of storage that I had feared to use. I do notice the boys are not making the joints squeak anymore on the chairs we do have and use regularly.
Golf
I took Riley golfing today to celebrate and enjoy this beautiful weather. We were the only ones on the course. The local small par 3 we had all to ourselves. The first hole was practice. Riley opted not to keep score. Maybe he should have. He hit three greens off the tee on the round. Those he didn't hit, he laid up in front or pin high. We really had a great round. A few more times on this course and he will have outgrown it and be ready for some real golf. I thought we could go to Stone Creek in Oregon City. It wouldn't be nearly as busy as Langdon Farms. I would prefer it not to be busy.
It was nice to be able to play some golf myself and not police the boys. I didn't do too badly. I could see I was rusty. Riley and I tried to out do each other's shots. This is a sport Riley might be able to have through high school. We are cautiously optimistic.
I tried to mow the lawn when we got back, but the lawn mower was uncooperative again. We are rough on lawn mowers. They get left out in the rain or hit a rock or stick or toy. Pretty much we are abusive and I haven't found one that is resilient yet. Yesterday Trevor was mad and used the lawn mower to take out his frustrations on the yard.
Trevor has missed the bus recently several times. After the first temper tantrum he realized I was firm on not driving him. I told him he could take a bike. He turned out liking the experience and freedom. He beat the bus to school and home at the end of the day. He now has biked several times and may start making a habit of it, now that the weather is nice. It is great exercise. Riley will not be able to bike for a while, so I am allowing Trevor to take Riley's bike until I can get Trevor's bike fixed again for break issues. Tom says he used to do his own repairs on his bike. But he hasn't shown the boys how to do it.
These new bikes have 21 gears. I wish we had bought the old simple style with 5 or 7 gears. we never use more than 3 or 4. Our next bikes will come from the local store. The quality is far superior to what I purchased from Joe's. I find the extra gears gimmicky. So, Trevor is mobile and Riley is golfing. I am glad the boys are getting exercise. Even though I carried my clubs and Riley used a pull cart. I am debating what we'll do when we play a long course.
We will probably start with just nine holes and see how we do. We could do pull carts to start. The exercise is as important as the game. I miss Tom walking the course. He would be so buff. His legs were fantastic when he walked.
It was nice to be able to play some golf myself and not police the boys. I didn't do too badly. I could see I was rusty. Riley and I tried to out do each other's shots. This is a sport Riley might be able to have through high school. We are cautiously optimistic.
I tried to mow the lawn when we got back, but the lawn mower was uncooperative again. We are rough on lawn mowers. They get left out in the rain or hit a rock or stick or toy. Pretty much we are abusive and I haven't found one that is resilient yet. Yesterday Trevor was mad and used the lawn mower to take out his frustrations on the yard.
Trevor has missed the bus recently several times. After the first temper tantrum he realized I was firm on not driving him. I told him he could take a bike. He turned out liking the experience and freedom. He beat the bus to school and home at the end of the day. He now has biked several times and may start making a habit of it, now that the weather is nice. It is great exercise. Riley will not be able to bike for a while, so I am allowing Trevor to take Riley's bike until I can get Trevor's bike fixed again for break issues. Tom says he used to do his own repairs on his bike. But he hasn't shown the boys how to do it.
These new bikes have 21 gears. I wish we had bought the old simple style with 5 or 7 gears. we never use more than 3 or 4. Our next bikes will come from the local store. The quality is far superior to what I purchased from Joe's. I find the extra gears gimmicky. So, Trevor is mobile and Riley is golfing. I am glad the boys are getting exercise. Even though I carried my clubs and Riley used a pull cart. I am debating what we'll do when we play a long course.
We will probably start with just nine holes and see how we do. We could do pull carts to start. The exercise is as important as the game. I miss Tom walking the course. He would be so buff. His legs were fantastic when he walked.
Excellent blood numbers
White 3
hemoglobin 9.4
Hemocrit 27.3
Platelets 56
RBC 2.77
We haven't hit our goals yet. That is probably a couple more months. But All the numbers are still going up significantly.
Goals
White at 5 or better
Hemoglobin 11 or better
Platelets 150 or better
Riley can travel if the platelets are above 75, To be able to handle a rough landing.
Everything looks good and improving. Remember though he is still taking cyclosporine to prevent his body from attacking itself. He has to be able to get off the drug eventually. He will probably not be removed from the drug until his numbers are solidly normal to give room for the doctors to react if the numbers start to fall off again, buy some time, a few days at least.
We wont worry about that now, but we can't get too excited. We are not out of the woods yet. We don't take anything for granted any more. The better the numbers the more comfortable we are with Riley being social and out in public.
hemoglobin 9.4
Hemocrit 27.3
Platelets 56
RBC 2.77
We haven't hit our goals yet. That is probably a couple more months. But All the numbers are still going up significantly.
Goals
White at 5 or better
Hemoglobin 11 or better
Platelets 150 or better
Riley can travel if the platelets are above 75, To be able to handle a rough landing.
Everything looks good and improving. Remember though he is still taking cyclosporine to prevent his body from attacking itself. He has to be able to get off the drug eventually. He will probably not be removed from the drug until his numbers are solidly normal to give room for the doctors to react if the numbers start to fall off again, buy some time, a few days at least.
We wont worry about that now, but we can't get too excited. We are not out of the woods yet. We don't take anything for granted any more. The better the numbers the more comfortable we are with Riley being social and out in public.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thursday Labs - not until tomorrow
We love the convenience of the local clinic. We left the house at quarter to 10:00 am. We were done by 10:15 am. We were checked in and sent back to the lab waiting room. The room looks like it used to be a storage room or an observation room, but the door has been removed. It is just across the hall from the one seat lab station. Two nurses work the area.
One of the nurses was there the first night I had brought Riley in way back in February. I was all nervous, telling them this is Riley's first poke since the Picc was installed and now removed. I tell them to be careful as he has Aplastic Anemia and it could be dangerous. The nurse says she knows Riley's case and has been following it. She asked how the blood drive went. I feel better, they know the case and what they are dealing with.
Both nurses sit and help draw the CBC. I can see they are as concerned as I am not to do it wrong. Riley tells them they did a better job than the ER nurses. It only stung a little. The other nurse said she sprayed a topical numbing agent to help. It went smoothly.
I did find out though, the results wont be back until tomorrow. The labs are done off sight. Results are to be sent to The Doctor at Dornbechers ASAP. I had suspected it was an overnight from our previous experience. Next time I will make a Tuesday or Wednesday appointment so we get the results a little earlier.
Its just that we have been invited to a friends for the weekend. I want to know Riley's numbers before we go gallivanting off to do fun things. I want to know his white cell count to see if he can be out and about with the "common people", perhaps crowds. Hopefully we will get results
that allow us a little more freedom.
I call Tom to tell him we have to wait. Tom is as disappointed as I am that we wont know the numbers until tomorrow morning. He tells me Saturday is Locks Day in Oregon city. His mill is giving limited tours. I tell him to make an appointment for after 2:00 pm if schedules are allowed. I am headed downtown in the morning to hear Margaret speak about her art at the gallery. Last week was art walk on First Thursday and the opening of her show. I missed the opening, but I would love to hear her talk about her art. I wanted to know if the boys would be able to attend, if Riley's white cells are still going up. Now that it is spring and people are out doors in the sun, I feel optimistic about taking Riley out in crowds. I just have to check the numbers. If his numbers are still going up, I think Tom would like to have the boys come to the mill. He wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise.
Usually we have nothing going on, then bam... We have overlapping plans.
It is always the case, when I have one cool thing planned, two other cool things come up for the same day. My girlfriend wants us to come to Longview. The Mill is giving tours and Margaret is talking about her art at the gallery. Tom is going to Longview already to go golfing. He needs that so badly, I am glad he is finally going. He has needed to vent some energy on the golf course for a while now.
When we were young and single in Seattle. We had a friend who would get what we called "Fatal sperm build up." When he was between girlfriends he would become aggressive after a while, punch holes in the wall, or get overly mad at friends, end up in fights. Tom gets "fatal golf build up". If he doesn't golf regularly or enough, he gets incredibly cranky and belligerent. He is a different person after golf; thoughtful, easy going, easy to live with, even romantic. It kills me that he doesn't golf more often down here. His stress level would be so much better. So, I encourage golf. I may try to take the boys out again soon. Eventually I hope we can all play together, once the boys know the rules well enough, and can hit the ball.
One of the nurses was there the first night I had brought Riley in way back in February. I was all nervous, telling them this is Riley's first poke since the Picc was installed and now removed. I tell them to be careful as he has Aplastic Anemia and it could be dangerous. The nurse says she knows Riley's case and has been following it. She asked how the blood drive went. I feel better, they know the case and what they are dealing with.
Both nurses sit and help draw the CBC. I can see they are as concerned as I am not to do it wrong. Riley tells them they did a better job than the ER nurses. It only stung a little. The other nurse said she sprayed a topical numbing agent to help. It went smoothly.
I did find out though, the results wont be back until tomorrow. The labs are done off sight. Results are to be sent to The Doctor at Dornbechers ASAP. I had suspected it was an overnight from our previous experience. Next time I will make a Tuesday or Wednesday appointment so we get the results a little earlier.
Its just that we have been invited to a friends for the weekend. I want to know Riley's numbers before we go gallivanting off to do fun things. I want to know his white cell count to see if he can be out and about with the "common people", perhaps crowds. Hopefully we will get results
that allow us a little more freedom.
I call Tom to tell him we have to wait. Tom is as disappointed as I am that we wont know the numbers until tomorrow morning. He tells me Saturday is Locks Day in Oregon city. His mill is giving limited tours. I tell him to make an appointment for after 2:00 pm if schedules are allowed. I am headed downtown in the morning to hear Margaret speak about her art at the gallery. Last week was art walk on First Thursday and the opening of her show. I missed the opening, but I would love to hear her talk about her art. I wanted to know if the boys would be able to attend, if Riley's white cells are still going up. Now that it is spring and people are out doors in the sun, I feel optimistic about taking Riley out in crowds. I just have to check the numbers. If his numbers are still going up, I think Tom would like to have the boys come to the mill. He wouldn't have mentioned it otherwise.
Usually we have nothing going on, then bam... We have overlapping plans.
It is always the case, when I have one cool thing planned, two other cool things come up for the same day. My girlfriend wants us to come to Longview. The Mill is giving tours and Margaret is talking about her art at the gallery. Tom is going to Longview already to go golfing. He needs that so badly, I am glad he is finally going. He has needed to vent some energy on the golf course for a while now.
When we were young and single in Seattle. We had a friend who would get what we called "Fatal sperm build up." When he was between girlfriends he would become aggressive after a while, punch holes in the wall, or get overly mad at friends, end up in fights. Tom gets "fatal golf build up". If he doesn't golf regularly or enough, he gets incredibly cranky and belligerent. He is a different person after golf; thoughtful, easy going, easy to live with, even romantic. It kills me that he doesn't golf more often down here. His stress level would be so much better. So, I encourage golf. I may try to take the boys out again soon. Eventually I hope we can all play together, once the boys know the rules well enough, and can hit the ball.
Thursday
Today we see a regular doctor and have our blood drawn locally. We will see how it goes. Riley will have to be poked with a needle for the first time in months, now that the picc was removed. It has been two weeks since the last CBC.
For no apparent reason he was up this morning before anyone else, even Tom. I heard Tom go by his room and call out Riley's name when he didn't see him in bed. Riley was already downstairs. He said he just felt like getting up early. But 6:00 am is pretty early. Last night we watched Lord of the rings. I had to be the heavy and shut off the second movie mid way because it was a school night. Tom had already headed up to bed, after putting the movie on. The boys need a good night sleep also, so I made them shut off the TV. Trevor needed a bath and Riley said he would take his in the morning, which he has.
Yesterday we picked up a refill of the magnesium and ordered more cyclosporine. The Doctor at Dornbechers has also prescribed a weekend antibiotic. Riley is to take it Saturdays and Sundays. It is a big pill so I will have to split it in half for Riley to swallow. Luckily it has a seem down the middle for easy splitting.
We are going to have breakfast and then hit the road. I thought we would go to the Library afterwards. I also got a call to go work for an hour and a half this afternoon. I asked Riley if he would mind. He was fine with it. It is a local school and I know everyone there.
Riley's teacher got called in to work Friday so we scheduled next week with an extra day of school. Riley is to memorize the Gettysburg address. I love that they are studying the civil war so they will be ready for our trip. I want to watch Gettysburg the movie again just so everyone knows the players.
For no apparent reason he was up this morning before anyone else, even Tom. I heard Tom go by his room and call out Riley's name when he didn't see him in bed. Riley was already downstairs. He said he just felt like getting up early. But 6:00 am is pretty early. Last night we watched Lord of the rings. I had to be the heavy and shut off the second movie mid way because it was a school night. Tom had already headed up to bed, after putting the movie on. The boys need a good night sleep also, so I made them shut off the TV. Trevor needed a bath and Riley said he would take his in the morning, which he has.
Yesterday we picked up a refill of the magnesium and ordered more cyclosporine. The Doctor at Dornbechers has also prescribed a weekend antibiotic. Riley is to take it Saturdays and Sundays. It is a big pill so I will have to split it in half for Riley to swallow. Luckily it has a seem down the middle for easy splitting.
We are going to have breakfast and then hit the road. I thought we would go to the Library afterwards. I also got a call to go work for an hour and a half this afternoon. I asked Riley if he would mind. He was fine with it. It is a local school and I know everyone there.
Riley's teacher got called in to work Friday so we scheduled next week with an extra day of school. Riley is to memorize the Gettysburg address. I love that they are studying the civil war so they will be ready for our trip. I want to watch Gettysburg the movie again just so everyone knows the players.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Bathrooms
How would you feel if someone stood at the door of the bathroom listening and asking details of what you are doing, every time you went in to the bathroom. We listen to Riley pee to make sure he is hydrated and has good flow. The color needs to be yellow not dark tea. Dark tea is the sign of stressed kidneys. The poop is not to be constipated or diareah. Diareah may be an indication of illness and constipation can cause scraping in a vulnerable area to bacteria. So, every time Riley heads to the bathroom we pause and listen. If he takes his time we ask how he is doing. If he says he is pooping we ask what kind. Its all in the details.
When Riley raises his voice in frustration, I don't reprimand him. It is an invasion of his privacy. We have been very good though at telling him why his poop needs to be loose but not runny and his pee needs to be light in color. When I remind him to drink his water, he huffs at me but he gets his glass and drinks.
Tom worries that Riley pees too often and not enough volume. We worry about diabetes as one of the side effects. I have been paying attention to the fluids, so I know when he makes three trips to the bathroom, Riley has just finished a can of pop shortly before. Tom is a worrier. I am worried also, but we can not let it consume us. Thursday we get a CBC. It could tell us everything or nothing. Our hopes are that the numbers keep going up and up and up. But if we dwell on the waiting, and the thought that the numbers might be bad, that is not good for anyone.
Let it go. The situation is what it is. The numbers will be what they are going to be. We can celebrate or make hard decisions accordingly. But in the meantime we have to function, not dwell or let the worry consume us. This is our normal for a while. You get one shot at life. Do you want to enjoy it or be miserable all the time.
Right now Tom listens at the bathroom door thinking the worst. Riley comes out and tells him in a gruff voice he is fine. Riley wants his space. He does not need any more of a downer than his life has already thrown at him. We look , listen, and ask, but then we need to just let it go. Riley is doing better with the situation than his father. Riley knows the story. He is smart. He listens. I have discussed it with him. His Dad has discussed his case and the decease with him. The doctors have discussed his options and situation with him. He gets it. Which is why he doesn't chew our heads off too badly when he opens the bathroom door to a barrage of questions or let us check the toilet before he flushes, so we can see for ourselves.
He is truly an accommodating teen ager. I would always say that while Trevor might be an accident waiting to happen, Riley has a good sense of self preservation. What we need to do is just live life. I think of my friends who are retired with age related health issues. They still do things. They travel and see friends. They take their pills and they still enjoy life as fully as they are able regardless of the health restrictions. We need to do the same. Follow the rules, but don't dwell or think the worst before we know anything.
Patience, Tom complained over the course of our marriage that I have no patience. I would rip into a project without restraint. But with Riley and this illness, I don't dwell too much. If I don't think too much about the future and live in the moment, it is much healthier mentally for all of us. Tom is doing enough worrying and dwelling for the whole family. The numbers will come. In a few months hopefully Riley will be well enough to attend high school. If the numbers are not good enough then we address the bone marrow transplant. There are good and excellent matches. He has an excellent chance of recovery if we do it.
Two weeks in the hospital for intensive Chemo to kill the marrow, then the transplant, and 3 to 4 weeks in isolation under the watchful eyes of Dornbecher staff. Survival odds are very good. I look at either road as a win. Patience, the numbers will come and we will have more information.
On the zoo field trip I met a mom who was just a year out from a bone marrow transplant for Lymphoma. It gives me a strange feeling to think about our meeting. What were the odds of us just randomly sitting together when there were four buses and 180 students with 35 chaperone's, some driving their own cars, that I would sit next to this woman who has just gone through what we are facing, recently. We did not know each other. I was not pointed out to her as "that mom with the sick child." She just sat down next to me in the last empty seat. If you don't believe in God's blessings, its your loss. I know in my heart there was no way we would
have met coincidentally. Her story, the details, if Riley does need BMT it is not horrific or unmanageable. It is survivable. He will come out healthy at the other end. The first three weeks will be miserable then its all good.
If we lived our lives dwelling on what might happen, we would worry there might be a car wreck or a horrible accident. We would never leave the house. I am slowly learning to be willing to take Riley out and do things with him. We can't be house bound forever. The doctor encourages us to be doing things. Now that we haven't had to rush to the hospital or need blood or platelets, we need to get over fearing that the worst will happen. Live in the moment. Be smart, but don't plummet to the depths of depression, and don't rush the doctors or the cure. Check the poop and pee, but then forget it and go have fun. Riley is doing well. Don't see negatives where there aren't any.
When Riley raises his voice in frustration, I don't reprimand him. It is an invasion of his privacy. We have been very good though at telling him why his poop needs to be loose but not runny and his pee needs to be light in color. When I remind him to drink his water, he huffs at me but he gets his glass and drinks.
Tom worries that Riley pees too often and not enough volume. We worry about diabetes as one of the side effects. I have been paying attention to the fluids, so I know when he makes three trips to the bathroom, Riley has just finished a can of pop shortly before. Tom is a worrier. I am worried also, but we can not let it consume us. Thursday we get a CBC. It could tell us everything or nothing. Our hopes are that the numbers keep going up and up and up. But if we dwell on the waiting, and the thought that the numbers might be bad, that is not good for anyone.
Let it go. The situation is what it is. The numbers will be what they are going to be. We can celebrate or make hard decisions accordingly. But in the meantime we have to function, not dwell or let the worry consume us. This is our normal for a while. You get one shot at life. Do you want to enjoy it or be miserable all the time.
Right now Tom listens at the bathroom door thinking the worst. Riley comes out and tells him in a gruff voice he is fine. Riley wants his space. He does not need any more of a downer than his life has already thrown at him. We look , listen, and ask, but then we need to just let it go. Riley is doing better with the situation than his father. Riley knows the story. He is smart. He listens. I have discussed it with him. His Dad has discussed his case and the decease with him. The doctors have discussed his options and situation with him. He gets it. Which is why he doesn't chew our heads off too badly when he opens the bathroom door to a barrage of questions or let us check the toilet before he flushes, so we can see for ourselves.
He is truly an accommodating teen ager. I would always say that while Trevor might be an accident waiting to happen, Riley has a good sense of self preservation. What we need to do is just live life. I think of my friends who are retired with age related health issues. They still do things. They travel and see friends. They take their pills and they still enjoy life as fully as they are able regardless of the health restrictions. We need to do the same. Follow the rules, but don't dwell or think the worst before we know anything.
Patience, Tom complained over the course of our marriage that I have no patience. I would rip into a project without restraint. But with Riley and this illness, I don't dwell too much. If I don't think too much about the future and live in the moment, it is much healthier mentally for all of us. Tom is doing enough worrying and dwelling for the whole family. The numbers will come. In a few months hopefully Riley will be well enough to attend high school. If the numbers are not good enough then we address the bone marrow transplant. There are good and excellent matches. He has an excellent chance of recovery if we do it.
Two weeks in the hospital for intensive Chemo to kill the marrow, then the transplant, and 3 to 4 weeks in isolation under the watchful eyes of Dornbecher staff. Survival odds are very good. I look at either road as a win. Patience, the numbers will come and we will have more information.
On the zoo field trip I met a mom who was just a year out from a bone marrow transplant for Lymphoma. It gives me a strange feeling to think about our meeting. What were the odds of us just randomly sitting together when there were four buses and 180 students with 35 chaperone's, some driving their own cars, that I would sit next to this woman who has just gone through what we are facing, recently. We did not know each other. I was not pointed out to her as "that mom with the sick child." She just sat down next to me in the last empty seat. If you don't believe in God's blessings, its your loss. I know in my heart there was no way we would
have met coincidentally. Her story, the details, if Riley does need BMT it is not horrific or unmanageable. It is survivable. He will come out healthy at the other end. The first three weeks will be miserable then its all good.
If we lived our lives dwelling on what might happen, we would worry there might be a car wreck or a horrible accident. We would never leave the house. I am slowly learning to be willing to take Riley out and do things with him. We can't be house bound forever. The doctor encourages us to be doing things. Now that we haven't had to rush to the hospital or need blood or platelets, we need to get over fearing that the worst will happen. Live in the moment. Be smart, but don't plummet to the depths of depression, and don't rush the doctors or the cure. Check the poop and pee, but then forget it and go have fun. Riley is doing well. Don't see negatives where there aren't any.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mothers Day
We are going to barbecue. Tom does pork ribs that are famous in our circle of friends.
He has been whining that we kept the house much cleaner when his mother was visiting us. I have to say I enjoyed her company. She would get into the kitchen and start wiping counters. She would bring her dishes to the sink. She would bring other people's dishes to the sink, what a novelty in this house of men. I get so irritated at being the only one that picks up or knows where the laundry room is or a garbage can is located. It was lovely having someone else in the house to work with me. Her company was appreciated. My house stayed consistently clean all week with her support and help.
I have been blessed with a great mother of my own. She is full of life and a real character. I enjoy watching her with other people. She has a glow and laughter that is contagious. She can make a sick person laugh with her stories. She lights up a room with her presence. The flaw is she is an incredibly soft touch when it comes to her grand children. They walk all over her, and then afterwards she realizes it. She was never a soft touch when we were growing up. But then that's what Grandmas are for, spoil the children then give them back, a little revenge. That is what Gigi says.
My little sister lives so far away, that Tory and I like to give hugs to her mother for her. Margaret never complains. She is calm and graceful like a fresh breeze. We all know she misses her daughter and her grandson dreadfully, living so far away. She loves to have activities to fill her time. Tory is going for a walk this morning with her in the Arboretum. What a lovely way to start Mother's Day.
Myself, I am making Tom Barbecue for a couple of my oldest and dearest friends and their children. Its Mother's Day, how can he say No? We are going to do the barbecue at their house, per my girlfriend's request. She wants to show off her newly installed marble floors that she did herself, but still have Tom cook. She was the one that got me started on the road to home improvement. We would trade off watching each other's infant children while we would take turns ripping out carpets and laying tile or wood in our homes next door to each other.
I know this new project will look lovely. She has been working on it for months. I can't wait to see the floors. It is a perfect way to spend Mother's Day, admiring a project well done with good friends. They have land for the children to run around, so the boys love playing at their house. She has all the ribs and BBQ sauce ready to go. It has been hard to see them recently because she has a big family with small children still. Someone has been sick at one time or another precluding any play dates. Which is too bad since she is one of my few friends I know who is a home mom available during a school day to play.
So we are looking forward to Tom doing all the work and the mess being at someone Else's house. Perfect.
He has been whining that we kept the house much cleaner when his mother was visiting us. I have to say I enjoyed her company. She would get into the kitchen and start wiping counters. She would bring her dishes to the sink. She would bring other people's dishes to the sink, what a novelty in this house of men. I get so irritated at being the only one that picks up or knows where the laundry room is or a garbage can is located. It was lovely having someone else in the house to work with me. Her company was appreciated. My house stayed consistently clean all week with her support and help.
I have been blessed with a great mother of my own. She is full of life and a real character. I enjoy watching her with other people. She has a glow and laughter that is contagious. She can make a sick person laugh with her stories. She lights up a room with her presence. The flaw is she is an incredibly soft touch when it comes to her grand children. They walk all over her, and then afterwards she realizes it. She was never a soft touch when we were growing up. But then that's what Grandmas are for, spoil the children then give them back, a little revenge. That is what Gigi says.
My little sister lives so far away, that Tory and I like to give hugs to her mother for her. Margaret never complains. She is calm and graceful like a fresh breeze. We all know she misses her daughter and her grandson dreadfully, living so far away. She loves to have activities to fill her time. Tory is going for a walk this morning with her in the Arboretum. What a lovely way to start Mother's Day.
Myself, I am making Tom Barbecue for a couple of my oldest and dearest friends and their children. Its Mother's Day, how can he say No? We are going to do the barbecue at their house, per my girlfriend's request. She wants to show off her newly installed marble floors that she did herself, but still have Tom cook. She was the one that got me started on the road to home improvement. We would trade off watching each other's infant children while we would take turns ripping out carpets and laying tile or wood in our homes next door to each other.
I know this new project will look lovely. She has been working on it for months. I can't wait to see the floors. It is a perfect way to spend Mother's Day, admiring a project well done with good friends. They have land for the children to run around, so the boys love playing at their house. She has all the ribs and BBQ sauce ready to go. It has been hard to see them recently because she has a big family with small children still. Someone has been sick at one time or another precluding any play dates. Which is too bad since she is one of my few friends I know who is a home mom available during a school day to play.
So we are looking forward to Tom doing all the work and the mess being at someone Else's house. Perfect.
weekend time
Today Tom took Riley with him. I think he wanted Riley to have some activity also out of the house. It was game day. Once a month Tom gets together with some male friends and they try to reenact history with the role of a dice. Each man plays a country and battles. Its a fun time and involves quite a bit of strategies, like a giant chess game. Riley loves board games and is quite good himself. They were gone all day.
Trevor and I attended my niece's play. She had the role of Frenchie in Grease. There was a solo acting part, Beauty school drop out. She was wonderful and so expressive. She reminds me of my sister in New York who also has that same love of the theater. Its such a small world that one of my niece's theater instructors went to school with my sister. They know each other. We couldn't take Riley as there would be many children and it was at a school with lots of people in the audience. So I was pleased Riley had an alternative activity today.
Riley has a lot of home work to do. Friday he was not fully finished. He has a book he doesn't want to read. In school he would have just got it done regardless. Now he balks at the reading like his brother does. I read the book. It was not bad, an easy afternoon read. He just has to get it done then write a summary. He asked the teacher to choose more sophisticated material for him. He was honest with her and said he found some of the work childish and too youthful. He had a valid argument. He is a sharp student. Often the middle school materials are geared toward less talented students. This book was a bit youthful, but I told him he still had to get it done. The next book she told him she would try to pick one more to his liking.
Riley likes fantasy. Maybe we should try the Odyssey with all the Gods and monsters, just like Peirce Jackson and the Curse of the Titans. At least then its educational literature. I read a couple of the chapters aloud to see if I could get Riley started on the book he was assigned. He liked that, but it didn't hold him enough to read it alone. I may just have to read the whole thing aloud. I wouldn't mind especially if Trevor can sit and listen also. At least then I can educate both boys and feel its time well spent.
I have tried to rent movies on Netflix to tie in with what the boys are studying. We watched last of the Mohawk ins the other night. Every one liked it, and it was about history, the French and British fighting for the East and getting the Indians to take sides. I had another movie lined up in the ques, but Riley got on line and had them send a Jim Carry movie Bruce Almighty instead. I told him every other movie needed to be educational. I told him he would like my picks, and to trust my picks. So, the next movie is Dustin Hoffman in Little Big Man. I remember watching that one at school myself. Its about the Army's cruel treatment of the Indians and their response at Little Big Horn, from the Indian perspective. The way I see it is Riley doesn't get to hear a classroom lecture or discussion anymore, so watching a good movie on the subject fills that gap a little bit. It helps to see different movies on the same subject from the various perspectives.
He still has to read his text books, but the movies bring it alive. Netflix has been great to browse for material.
Any Movie recommendations are welcome. Humanities is supposed to run up through the Civil war this year. We already watched Roots, The Patriot, Gettiesburg. Book recommendations would help also. Its hard to find that balance between not childish and not too mature. I didn't think the Teacher's pick was that bad, but Riley balked. The problem also is he doesn't want to read anything too disturbing, which is hard not to do when you are studying wars and slavery and the persecution of minorities. We have had great success with some documentaries. The Railroad, about the Continental Railroad was wonderful. Riley found it fascinating that the Chinese played such a pivotal role in the building of the western branch. He does love learning something totally new and factual. So, The teacher and I muddle on with school work and try to make the best of it.
Trevor and I attended my niece's play. She had the role of Frenchie in Grease. There was a solo acting part, Beauty school drop out. She was wonderful and so expressive. She reminds me of my sister in New York who also has that same love of the theater. Its such a small world that one of my niece's theater instructors went to school with my sister. They know each other. We couldn't take Riley as there would be many children and it was at a school with lots of people in the audience. So I was pleased Riley had an alternative activity today.
Riley has a lot of home work to do. Friday he was not fully finished. He has a book he doesn't want to read. In school he would have just got it done regardless. Now he balks at the reading like his brother does. I read the book. It was not bad, an easy afternoon read. He just has to get it done then write a summary. He asked the teacher to choose more sophisticated material for him. He was honest with her and said he found some of the work childish and too youthful. He had a valid argument. He is a sharp student. Often the middle school materials are geared toward less talented students. This book was a bit youthful, but I told him he still had to get it done. The next book she told him she would try to pick one more to his liking.
Riley likes fantasy. Maybe we should try the Odyssey with all the Gods and monsters, just like Peirce Jackson and the Curse of the Titans. At least then its educational literature. I read a couple of the chapters aloud to see if I could get Riley started on the book he was assigned. He liked that, but it didn't hold him enough to read it alone. I may just have to read the whole thing aloud. I wouldn't mind especially if Trevor can sit and listen also. At least then I can educate both boys and feel its time well spent.
I have tried to rent movies on Netflix to tie in with what the boys are studying. We watched last of the Mohawk ins the other night. Every one liked it, and it was about history, the French and British fighting for the East and getting the Indians to take sides. I had another movie lined up in the ques, but Riley got on line and had them send a Jim Carry movie Bruce Almighty instead. I told him every other movie needed to be educational. I told him he would like my picks, and to trust my picks. So, the next movie is Dustin Hoffman in Little Big Man. I remember watching that one at school myself. Its about the Army's cruel treatment of the Indians and their response at Little Big Horn, from the Indian perspective. The way I see it is Riley doesn't get to hear a classroom lecture or discussion anymore, so watching a good movie on the subject fills that gap a little bit. It helps to see different movies on the same subject from the various perspectives.
He still has to read his text books, but the movies bring it alive. Netflix has been great to browse for material.
Any Movie recommendations are welcome. Humanities is supposed to run up through the Civil war this year. We already watched Roots, The Patriot, Gettiesburg. Book recommendations would help also. Its hard to find that balance between not childish and not too mature. I didn't think the Teacher's pick was that bad, but Riley balked. The problem also is he doesn't want to read anything too disturbing, which is hard not to do when you are studying wars and slavery and the persecution of minorities. We have had great success with some documentaries. The Railroad, about the Continental Railroad was wonderful. Riley found it fascinating that the Chinese played such a pivotal role in the building of the western branch. He does love learning something totally new and factual. So, The teacher and I muddle on with school work and try to make the best of it.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
social life
Last night I had the best time. I went to a Creative Memories scrap booking party. A friend is in the cottage business. Once a month or more often she hosts an open house to come work on projects. She has all the supplies available for use or for sale. I do mine digitally. She is my consultant. Any products I buy on line for my digital book she receives a commission. It is worth every penny in that she can help navigate the program on my computer. There are so many things that program can do from editing pictures to wrapping text or changing colors of pages or font style.
It is a fairly easy program, but it helps if you know where to look to find what you need. That is where the consultant comes in. She takes training classes and works with the program all the time. She can show me without my getting frustrated. The more projects I do the better for her business. But best of all, we just get together and chat as a group. It is a modern day quilting bee.
In the course of the evening children came and went. Trevor hooked up with her son and some other boys to go to the opening night of Iron Man. This was after the Wizards performed at the High School. The Wizards are a globe trotter exhibition basket ball team. They competed against the district schools' staff. Trevor said it was fantastic and hysterically funny. What I liked was it was local entertainment. So did everyone else in town. The place was packed. It wasn't cheap though. The tickets were $10 each. I told Trevor if he mowed the lawn I would pay him so he could afford to go to the event. He did it in short order. The yard looked great.
The evening evolved and I found out my girlfriend's children were all going out to the movie afterwards and Trevor was welcome to go with them. I didn't consider the time though. The feature they were seeing didn't start until 10:00pm. It was 12:30 am by the time Trevor and I pulled in at home. I reminded him to be quiet as Tom and Riley would be well asleep. Trevor only crashed into the bathroom door otherwise we were quiet. We were both in such happy moods.
It is a fairly easy program, but it helps if you know where to look to find what you need. That is where the consultant comes in. She takes training classes and works with the program all the time. She can show me without my getting frustrated. The more projects I do the better for her business. But best of all, we just get together and chat as a group. It is a modern day quilting bee.
In the course of the evening children came and went. Trevor hooked up with her son and some other boys to go to the opening night of Iron Man. This was after the Wizards performed at the High School. The Wizards are a globe trotter exhibition basket ball team. They competed against the district schools' staff. Trevor said it was fantastic and hysterically funny. What I liked was it was local entertainment. So did everyone else in town. The place was packed. It wasn't cheap though. The tickets were $10 each. I told Trevor if he mowed the lawn I would pay him so he could afford to go to the event. He did it in short order. The yard looked great.
The evening evolved and I found out my girlfriend's children were all going out to the movie afterwards and Trevor was welcome to go with them. I didn't consider the time though. The feature they were seeing didn't start until 10:00pm. It was 12:30 am by the time Trevor and I pulled in at home. I reminded him to be quiet as Tom and Riley would be well asleep. Trevor only crashed into the bathroom door otherwise we were quiet. We were both in such happy moods.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Change of fortune
A friend wrote about a recent interview she had. Like me, she has been a home mom for years. . Like me she would like to get out in the world and be doing something. She wrote about two questions that stumped her in a recent job interview. What would be your dream job? and what is phenomenal about yourself?
Phenomenal? That was easy, its my positive energy. Recently, it has been difficult to be positive and up beat. We seem to have been tossed a lot of problems and issues to deal with. Tom has some family and relative issues that have caused us concern and stress. Riley's illness has been difficult, and the loss of both our Dads in the last year. Tom's father's death was less than two weeks prior to the discovery of Riley's diagnosis. That has been emotionally draining. Sometimes I feel like the bagged chicken at the store, plucked and cooked, but still looks good to eat.
Time, what we need is time to get back on our feet without having some crisis thrown at us. Even the house has had crisis's. The house is less than 10 years old. You would think that it would hold together on its own. Instead, everything that can go wrong or break has broken. We had the house painted last year so we could get some leaky windows caulked and siding repaired. I have replaced the kitchen dish washer and the laundry machines. We also bought a new used car because Tom didn't like the fact my old car was over 10 years old. The family room TV blew up right after Christmas. The new TV had to be better than the old one. Expenses just eat up the savings.
So what do I find Phenomenal about myself? The fact that I can still pull myself out of bed each day and be happy in the face of adversity. I made a list of all the *&^%^* that went on in the last year. Its a wonder I don't take meds to function. I guess that wouldn't make a good interview answer though or at least leave out the details of our string of bad luck.
Maybe I should buy some Power ball tickets. We are so due for some change of fortune.
The other question, My dream Job? A friend told me recently I was a problem solver. When ever she didn't know how to fix something or wanted an idea for a home improvement, she asked me. I liked that job title. I like to go into homes and change floor plans in my mind. I like to remodel,or move furniture to improve traffic flow.
I also like small problem solving projects. I built a cabinet for the electronics for the TV that now hangs on the mantle. By moving the TV to the mantle, there was a huge void below where the TV should have gone but was inches too big to fit. I drilled down through the mantle to run hidden wires to the new shelves I installed so the DVD player and surround sound all had proper homes. Riley has been doing models since he has been home bound. He needed a way to display them other than leaving them on his floor. I ran a wire across his room and strung the airplanes just like at the airplane museums. Simple solutions that don't break the bank. Inventive and easy problem solver that's me.
It does amaze me sometimes that people can't see the solution. I can toss out half a dozen ideas. I wont sit on them either. Once an idea begins to percolate in my mind I try to make it a reality. Another friend told me she was always impressed that when I talk about a plan or a project I do it, I don't just talk about it. If I want to see something happen I either do it myself or find someone who will accomplish it for me. I have never wanted to complain about something if I am not willing to step up and solve the problem myself. Now if only I can turn that problem solving and home improvement love into a career that pays.
I enjoyed real estate. Being able to tour homes was delightful. But I would reinvent the home in my mind, trying to find solutions to the issues a house might have. A skinny back yard might needing lattice to hide the neighbor's house, or a master bedroom needs vamping for show or a new paint color. Carpets got me really revved up. I hate carpet. Houses before 1970 are likely to have hard wood under that shag. All I wanted to do was rip out the carpet and look. I have ripped out carpet in every home I have owned. I can't stand the stuff. Its dirty and creates dust and allergens. Eventually I will have it all gone in this house. So many people I find are not fixers, they hire people or just leave the problem as a problem.
The thing is I'm cheap. Which is a good thing or we would really be in debt as I could squander a lot of money on materials. That is one reason I like to do things myself. If you have ever seen exactly what these guys do, it's not rocket science. Yet they make $75 an hour. Probably because some of the jobs they do you wouldn't want to do. I would love to make that kind of money. Of course my jobs never look quite as good as when I hire it done. So, my dream job? problem solver, fixer, the idea man, no job too small.
Phenomenal? That was easy, its my positive energy. Recently, it has been difficult to be positive and up beat. We seem to have been tossed a lot of problems and issues to deal with. Tom has some family and relative issues that have caused us concern and stress. Riley's illness has been difficult, and the loss of both our Dads in the last year. Tom's father's death was less than two weeks prior to the discovery of Riley's diagnosis. That has been emotionally draining. Sometimes I feel like the bagged chicken at the store, plucked and cooked, but still looks good to eat.
Time, what we need is time to get back on our feet without having some crisis thrown at us. Even the house has had crisis's. The house is less than 10 years old. You would think that it would hold together on its own. Instead, everything that can go wrong or break has broken. We had the house painted last year so we could get some leaky windows caulked and siding repaired. I have replaced the kitchen dish washer and the laundry machines. We also bought a new used car because Tom didn't like the fact my old car was over 10 years old. The family room TV blew up right after Christmas. The new TV had to be better than the old one. Expenses just eat up the savings.
So what do I find Phenomenal about myself? The fact that I can still pull myself out of bed each day and be happy in the face of adversity. I made a list of all the *&^%^* that went on in the last year. Its a wonder I don't take meds to function. I guess that wouldn't make a good interview answer though or at least leave out the details of our string of bad luck.
Maybe I should buy some Power ball tickets. We are so due for some change of fortune.
The other question, My dream Job? A friend told me recently I was a problem solver. When ever she didn't know how to fix something or wanted an idea for a home improvement, she asked me. I liked that job title. I like to go into homes and change floor plans in my mind. I like to remodel,or move furniture to improve traffic flow.
I also like small problem solving projects. I built a cabinet for the electronics for the TV that now hangs on the mantle. By moving the TV to the mantle, there was a huge void below where the TV should have gone but was inches too big to fit. I drilled down through the mantle to run hidden wires to the new shelves I installed so the DVD player and surround sound all had proper homes. Riley has been doing models since he has been home bound. He needed a way to display them other than leaving them on his floor. I ran a wire across his room and strung the airplanes just like at the airplane museums. Simple solutions that don't break the bank. Inventive and easy problem solver that's me.
It does amaze me sometimes that people can't see the solution. I can toss out half a dozen ideas. I wont sit on them either. Once an idea begins to percolate in my mind I try to make it a reality. Another friend told me she was always impressed that when I talk about a plan or a project I do it, I don't just talk about it. If I want to see something happen I either do it myself or find someone who will accomplish it for me. I have never wanted to complain about something if I am not willing to step up and solve the problem myself. Now if only I can turn that problem solving and home improvement love into a career that pays.
I enjoyed real estate. Being able to tour homes was delightful. But I would reinvent the home in my mind, trying to find solutions to the issues a house might have. A skinny back yard might needing lattice to hide the neighbor's house, or a master bedroom needs vamping for show or a new paint color. Carpets got me really revved up. I hate carpet. Houses before 1970 are likely to have hard wood under that shag. All I wanted to do was rip out the carpet and look. I have ripped out carpet in every home I have owned. I can't stand the stuff. Its dirty and creates dust and allergens. Eventually I will have it all gone in this house. So many people I find are not fixers, they hire people or just leave the problem as a problem.
I had a landscaper bid my patio. He made this elaborate plan way out of my budget. I ended up just adding a simple slab. Which is all I really needed. Eventually I would love a pergola or water feature, but I am too cheap to pay for it right now. My market is not the high end. I enjoy fixing things up, improving them, but not going over the top. Being practical but still getting what you want.
The thing is I'm cheap. Which is a good thing or we would really be in debt as I could squander a lot of money on materials. That is one reason I like to do things myself. If you have ever seen exactly what these guys do, it's not rocket science. Yet they make $75 an hour. Probably because some of the jobs they do you wouldn't want to do. I would love to make that kind of money. Of course my jobs never look quite as good as when I hire it done. So, my dream job? problem solver, fixer, the idea man, no job too small.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The blood drive
Riley was so excited about the blood drive. He would log on to his school teacher's blogs and there would be an announcement. I gave up my morning time slot so a friend of my Mom's could donate with her. When I arrived in the afternoon, the wait was long. A few people were sitting and snacking at one table waiting for the OK to leave. Friends that could not donate were volunteering their time to help. There were chairs with people waiting for their turn. Four recliners were set up for donors in the center of the gym. Against one wall cubicles had been set up for the private consultations regarding eligibility.
They check your identity and address, then have a list of questions you answer in the computer. The white coated red cross employee checked my answers, then escorted me to a blue plastic recliner. I had my blood pressure checked and I was handed a squishy hand warmer to improve my circulation in the arm. A friend from school came up to me to chat and I didn't even notice the needle prick or the time it took to donate. Trevor was volunteering. He brought drinks and snacks for people. He brought me an orange juice.
Tom showed up. He walked over to check on me, but had to walk away. He was squeamish seeing the blood coming out. He checked in and passed muster. He was then asked if he was willing to do the two bag blood draw. They had brought a machine that filters the blood and adds plasma. It is supposed to be less stressful than the straight pint donation because it keeps you hydrated. You have to be over 145 pounds and certain blood types and over 5 foot 5 inches tall. How could Tom say no? He was not happy but allowed himself to be hooked up for the double dose. He felt fine afterwards. His hemoglobin was 13.1 when they pricked his finger to test his blood prior to starting. Riley's last number was 8.1. I didn't look to see what mine was. I wish I had.
At home Riley was watching my neighbor's children so she could go donate. I had called and warned her it was taking longer than anticipated. I had a 45 minute wait before I was interviewed. Riley was having a blast. My neighbor said she would pay him even though I said that if she was donating blood for Riley he should not get paid. Besides playing with her children is what the boys do all the time. She has really wonderful children. They are good friends to my boys.
I saw Trevor and Riley's retired Principal from their elementary. He was a double bagger also and a regular card carrying Red Cross donor. The boys' old football coach showed up. He said he might coach eighth grade this year even though his son has moved on to Freshman high school. I hope he does coach eighth grade. He squeezed the most out of those boys, 110% . They loved him and learned, and had so much fun. I would sit on the side lines at practices with a couple of other moms to be entertained by the coaching. Trevor could use having this coach again and will be in eighth grade.
I saw people I didn't know, who just gave out of their own generosity. I saw so many friends, and many from PTA. 48 people donated almost 60 pints, with those double baggers. 80% were new to the Red Cross records, fresh new donors. I feel really good about it and I am so grateful to Trevor's Teacher who arranged it all. Tom and I can donate again in August. I will keep tabs of local blood drives from now on.
They check your identity and address, then have a list of questions you answer in the computer. The white coated red cross employee checked my answers, then escorted me to a blue plastic recliner. I had my blood pressure checked and I was handed a squishy hand warmer to improve my circulation in the arm. A friend from school came up to me to chat and I didn't even notice the needle prick or the time it took to donate. Trevor was volunteering. He brought drinks and snacks for people. He brought me an orange juice.
Tom showed up. He walked over to check on me, but had to walk away. He was squeamish seeing the blood coming out. He checked in and passed muster. He was then asked if he was willing to do the two bag blood draw. They had brought a machine that filters the blood and adds plasma. It is supposed to be less stressful than the straight pint donation because it keeps you hydrated. You have to be over 145 pounds and certain blood types and over 5 foot 5 inches tall. How could Tom say no? He was not happy but allowed himself to be hooked up for the double dose. He felt fine afterwards. His hemoglobin was 13.1 when they pricked his finger to test his blood prior to starting. Riley's last number was 8.1. I didn't look to see what mine was. I wish I had.
At home Riley was watching my neighbor's children so she could go donate. I had called and warned her it was taking longer than anticipated. I had a 45 minute wait before I was interviewed. Riley was having a blast. My neighbor said she would pay him even though I said that if she was donating blood for Riley he should not get paid. Besides playing with her children is what the boys do all the time. She has really wonderful children. They are good friends to my boys.
I saw Trevor and Riley's retired Principal from their elementary. He was a double bagger also and a regular card carrying Red Cross donor. The boys' old football coach showed up. He said he might coach eighth grade this year even though his son has moved on to Freshman high school. I hope he does coach eighth grade. He squeezed the most out of those boys, 110% . They loved him and learned, and had so much fun. I would sit on the side lines at practices with a couple of other moms to be entertained by the coaching. Trevor could use having this coach again and will be in eighth grade.
I saw people I didn't know, who just gave out of their own generosity. I saw so many friends, and many from PTA. 48 people donated almost 60 pints, with those double baggers. 80% were new to the Red Cross records, fresh new donors. I feel really good about it and I am so grateful to Trevor's Teacher who arranged it all. Tom and I can donate again in August. I will keep tabs of local blood drives from now on.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Tomorrow
Tomorrow, Tuesday is the blood drive. I understand over 44 people signed up. Family and friends are coming to donate. Riley saw on his teacher's blog an announcement. He thought it was really cool. He felt special.
It is so nice to know that people are doing this for him. He is not forgotten, even though he is stuck at home, like a recluse. I wish there was something we could do for his social life, but hopefully he will be back in school by fall. We have some great trips planned this summer, to keep us busy.
Trevor will be doing football in August, which will get us out for the games. I wonder if he will make the eighth grade team. Last year it was wild looking out on the field at practice and seeing him look average next to all the other big boys. Usually he is so much bigger than his peers.
I came downstairs after Trevor left for school. He had made himself breakfast and left his dishes out. Breakfast for Trevor is a Chinese rice bowl with chicken and vegetables. he wouldn't eat anything as mundane as eggs or pancakes. He wants real food. The other day he made himself a cheese burger for breakfast. You could smell the cooking long after he left for school. I just tidy up after he is gone. At least I know he knows how to cook. He wont starve once he is launched into the world.
He has been mowing the neighbor's lawn. He needs a mower with a bag though. The Dad had to re mow everything to get up the grass Trevor cut. I told the mom she should make Trevor rake. He would have raked if she had told him. Next time I think they will have him use their mower, with the bag. At least Trevor had done the hard part with cutting the long grass. Still, I wish he had been told to rake. He did a nice job on our lawn also. Ours is cut regularly enough that you can leave the cut on as mulch. He was saving up to buy a DS game he wanted. He had found his old DS in my car. At least I hope it is his. I have to check with a friend and see if this is her son's just in case.
I will look forward to the day that the DS disappears again or breaks. It is really hard to get any chores out of the boys when they are content just to sit and play games.
Riley has been doing the Exercycle now that the picc is out. He needs to do it every day. He has been doing it for about 10 or 15 minutes every couple of days. I explained he needs to get his heart rate up for at least 15 minutes to really do any good. That is more like a 20 to 30 minute workout. I can't complain though, at least he is doing something.
It is so nice to know that people are doing this for him. He is not forgotten, even though he is stuck at home, like a recluse. I wish there was something we could do for his social life, but hopefully he will be back in school by fall. We have some great trips planned this summer, to keep us busy.
Trevor will be doing football in August, which will get us out for the games. I wonder if he will make the eighth grade team. Last year it was wild looking out on the field at practice and seeing him look average next to all the other big boys. Usually he is so much bigger than his peers.
I came downstairs after Trevor left for school. He had made himself breakfast and left his dishes out. Breakfast for Trevor is a Chinese rice bowl with chicken and vegetables. he wouldn't eat anything as mundane as eggs or pancakes. He wants real food. The other day he made himself a cheese burger for breakfast. You could smell the cooking long after he left for school. I just tidy up after he is gone. At least I know he knows how to cook. He wont starve once he is launched into the world.
He has been mowing the neighbor's lawn. He needs a mower with a bag though. The Dad had to re mow everything to get up the grass Trevor cut. I told the mom she should make Trevor rake. He would have raked if she had told him. Next time I think they will have him use their mower, with the bag. At least Trevor had done the hard part with cutting the long grass. Still, I wish he had been told to rake. He did a nice job on our lawn also. Ours is cut regularly enough that you can leave the cut on as mulch. He was saving up to buy a DS game he wanted. He had found his old DS in my car. At least I hope it is his. I have to check with a friend and see if this is her son's just in case.
I will look forward to the day that the DS disappears again or breaks. It is really hard to get any chores out of the boys when they are content just to sit and play games.
Riley has been doing the Exercycle now that the picc is out. He needs to do it every day. He has been doing it for about 10 or 15 minutes every couple of days. I explained he needs to get his heart rate up for at least 15 minutes to really do any good. That is more like a 20 to 30 minute workout. I can't complain though, at least he is doing something.
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