Thankful

This year we are again thankful and mindful of the great blessings & great promises that God has given to us.

Here are but a few recent examples of God's gifts these past few weeks. There's a lot more gifts that have happened all year long; but I doubt you have time for such a lengthy blog!

We are thankful for those who were not afraid to "Be Brave and Shave" in support of Children's National Medical Center and the fight against pediatric cancer.

Gretchen, Jay, Nicole and Kimber - we love you guys!!! Clinic visits could be horrible,
but you make them something that Carson looks forward to!

Thanks Dr. L - Carson looks forward to seeing you too!
....and so do his parents!

Officer Tom, our special friend. Carson loves knowing a "real policeman"!

We are thankful to organizations like Growing Hope, who give a boy and his family a fun day to remember at King's Dominion.

Carson atop the ferris wheel enjoying a sunny day.

We are thankful to all those who've donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in support of Jennifer's efforts to run the Disney Marathon and the search for a cure. This week, as I learned about my friend's 7 year old son, diagnosed with Bcell ALL the day before Thanksgiving; I again realized that no parent should ever have to hear the words "Your child has leukemia". We won't stop until that phrase is erased!

By the way, the winner of the gym membership is........ Sue Earman! Thanks Sue for your donation (and being a great running partner to boot!)

What it takes to get a 14 miler in on a 32 degree day: Tights, running skirt stuffed with sport beans, new stability shoes (to keep the knee in place), long sleeved shirt, ear headband, hat, ipod, fuel belt with
gatorade and gloves!

We are thankful for birthdays!!! Some times we forget that life is, in fact, a gift from God in itself and worth the celebration. Don't take it for granted!

A teenager among us......YIKES!

Ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins - YUM!

Our thanks to you, our friends, family and readers! Your words, deeds and prayers have carried us through another year!
-Jennifer

Trying to blog

We have a million things to share, and things just won't seem to settle down. Thank goodness there is a holiday coming - maybe we will have some down time and an opportunity to update the blog in something other than "Reader's Digest" format.

This is what went on last week in the Kind household:

• a cortisone shot in the knee for yours truly
  
• a new roof installation
• the continued night time activities of the flying squirrels that have invaded our attic and seem too smart for the traps
• 2 children with birthdays
• a week long visit from my parents (who were a huge help amid the chaos)
  
• the "service engine soon" light coming on in the Mini
  
• a 3 hour visit Children's hospital downtown for Francesca to upgrade her insulin pump
• a 3 hour visit to the ER later that night(morning) with Carson for an ear infection
• a birthday party for Carson at the house
  
• a visit to our dear friends who lost their 12 yr old son suddenly in the overnight hours of Friday and Saturday
• a second visit to the ER on Sunday for more IV antibiotics for Carson
• and an evening at church to hear both children sing in their respective choirs

This chaos still beats the hospital any time any day!

Carson poses patiently for a picture before opening gifts.

Cupcakes!!!!! Need I say more?

Stay tuned for more photos!

-Jennifer

Blog Alert.....

We have had a lot going on here in the King household. More fundraisers, day trip to King's Dominion, swim meets, flying squirrels in the roof - and subsequent trapping of flying squirrels- washing machines breaking, physical therapy, cortisone shots, a little boy on steroids, you name it.

This is just a note to say, we will update soon. Stay tuned!

-Jennifer

Free Fitness Ending...

The chance to win a free gym membership will be coming to an end soon. There's still time to get in on this raffle though if you're interested. You have until midnight on November 7th. Just click here and receive one entry for every 10 dollars donated to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Hope everyone is having a great fall weekend. Half of us are hanging at home, and the other half are at a swim meet.

-Jennifer

Clinic and Halloween

Here's a few photos from Halloween. We spent last Halloween in the hospital, so this year was terrific! Columbia had its annual Trunk or Treat complete with tons of candy, music and bounce houses. Carson went down early to hit the inflatables before everyone and their germs and had a blast! Unfortunately, when we went back for the actual Trunk or Treat he was already worn out. He lasted about 45 minutes and was done. He slept very well last night though!

Nona is here visiting and got to see the Halloween Parade at preschool on Friday!

Two firemen and a the unique "rapping swimmer" ready for Trunk or Treat.
Thankfully, there were no fires or drive by shootings during the festivities!

Saturday, our "fly girl" participated in a duel meet with North Baltimore Aquatic Club.
Both clubs brought their best of each age group - Curl Burke rocked!

Counts check at the clinic last Thursday was quick and easy. Well, the finger stick to get the counts wasn't easy, but we once again survived. Carson's ANC is a whopping 2000, hemoglobin good and platelets too. Despite a higher ANC than the doctors would like, we are still moving slowing with increases in chemo dosages. These next two weeks we'll increase the methotrexate to right around 100%, but the 6MP will stay right where it is at 50%.

Next clinic visit: November 11th. -Jennifer