WAHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Erin was able to come home tonight!  I am so happy for her!!!!  I spent some time with her, her family, and friends.  Erin is doing really well.  She was laughing and positive.  We had a fantastic time telling stories, joking, and sipping wine.  (Surprise, I know!)  In any case, she was dealing well with her surgical pain and was happy to be home.  I am so incredibly proud of her strength, her braveness, her spirit, and her unending drive to conquer this cancer beast.  Erin's pathology results should be in by Tuesday.  Please pray for NO active cancer cells.  I will post the results as soon as I can.

Erin and Claire,
We love you and cannot tell you how much this whole community is pulling for you. I know I have said it before, but cancer picked the wrong family to mess with!  You will seriously kick some cancer butt!!!  I can't wait for the big post cancer party and perhaps a Hawaiian vacation???  You will be victorious.    I just know it.
LOVE YOU!!!!
Kim and Jim

Out of Surgery

Erin made it through the surgery with flying colors.  Her doctor said it went well and that she is happy with how Erin handled things.  The pathology reports should be back next week  Praying for dead cancer cells!!  At this time, Erin is recovering in the hospital and will be monitored today.  It has not been determined if she will go home tonight or tomorrow.  I will update as I know more.

Change of Plans

Recently, Erin had some tests and scans to monitor the effectiveness of her chemotherapy treatments.  Unfortunately, her scans revealed that the tumor is the same size as before chemo.  Her doctor has shared that this could mean a couple of different things.  It could mean that the cancer cells within the mass are dead and the tumor just didn't shrink.  That would be ideal.  If that is the case, she would continue on with her treatment plan as is.  It could also mean that the chemo is not working and a different form of treatment needs to be investigated.  To know for certain, the lump needs to be removed and tested.  Yesterday, Erin went in for that surgery.  Typically, this is an outpatient procedure and Erin was scheduled as such.  Due to her heart condition, her team has decided the safest place to perform the surgery is in the hospital, probably as an inpatient.  They were unable to get Erin on the hospital schedule yesterday, bumping her to Friday instead.  Erin's surgery will be tomorrow morning at Sacred Heart. It is likely she will spend Friday night in the hospital as a precautionary measure.  Please send your prayers and positive thoughts in her direction as she bravely faces another battle in this journey.  Hopefully, the pathology reports will reveal dead cancer cells. 

I have only had brief opportunities to visit with Claire lately, but she seems to be handling things well.  Her next bout of chemo will be next week.  She is enjoying having Terry here.  I know the two and half months of separation was difficult for both of them.  While he has been here, they have enjoyed some great visits with friends and family.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, for her own journey and as a devoted mom caring for her incredible daughter.

A Fabulous Weekend!!!

A few weeks ago, Erin found a deal for a night at the Ramada by the Spokane Airport.  This hotel has an indoor pool and a tall water slide - heaven to any boy!!!  She booked the night for her and her boys and told me about how excited she was to get the guys out of the house for a little down time.  Like a true friend, I invited my family along and booked the room across the hall.  Erin's childhood buddy and my favorite new chum, Wenona, came along, too, spending the night in the room next door.  It was such a blast.  The boys were crazy little men, while the grown-ups relaxed and visited.  We spent some time poolside and even ventured in the water with our gaggle of guys.  So incredibly fun!!  Of course, we endured a few jokes about my husband, Jim, and his harem, who supplied him with a flock of sons.  Hysterical.  The whole hotel adventure was incredibly fun, and something I hope to repeat soon.....  although, next time I hope to get two coats of nail polish on my toes while sipping wine poolside.  Everybody needs a Wenona!!

Four Bathing Beauties

Hot Tub Time

Landon educating Wenona on the finer points of his video game.

Who knew Spiderman stays at the Ramada when away from the bat cave???

Gamers

Thankful

I am so thankful for all of the acts of generosity and caring that have been extended to our friends, Erin and Claire.  On this day of thanks, I am thankful for all of the time, money, cards, food, care packages, phone calls, every single act of kindness that has made its way to Erin and Claire.  I am amazed and humbled by the generosity of our community and the character of so many incredible individuals, families, and businesses.  I cannot believe how people have rallied to support this family.  Thank you.  Thank you for following their journey.  Thank you for the prayers.  Thank you for the well wishes.  Thank you for the meals.  Thank you for every ounce of your support!!  While my heart is burdened with shards of their struggle, it is also overwhelmed with gratitude for the selfless acts and kindness of so many.  It really does take a whole village to fight cancer and this village is rallying behind two amazing women.
From my heart, I sincerely thank all of you,
Kim

Landon's Big Birthday!!!

Yesterday, Landon celebrated his sixth birthday!  His super fun party was at Jump and Party in Spokane.  Landon and his friends had an exhausting, sweaty, amazing time.  The day was filled with love, birthday cheer, goodies, and tons of giggles.  Erin and Claire were our beautiful hostesses who also enjoyed a little jumpy time.  Thank you to Jennifer Holm for being our official party photographer.  Enjoy!!!

Christmas Ideas

I was contacted by some sweet friends of Erin's about a Christmas List.  What a fantastic idea!!!  Of course, our little Miss is quite reluctant to share her needs.  She told me that people have done so much already and wouldn't provide me a list.  So, how about gift cards?  I know Erin enjoys shopping for her boys and could go get the kids exactly what they need.  There is a Walmart near her home and a Target close by. We do have a Toys R Us in Spokane as well.  I know from my own little family that groceries are getting spendy, too.  The nearest grocery store to Erin and Claire is Safeway, but there are Albertsons, Fred Meyer, and other grocery stores.  Erin also shops on-line, so Amazon cards would work well.  The other thing that might be nice is restaurant gift cards. Then, when the family is up to it, they can go out to dinner.  I'm not sure of Erin or Claire's favorite restaurants, but I know they like all kinds of food, with Asian food being a staple for them.  Claire has some unique dietary needs, but definitely enjoyed the Mongolian Grill where she could put exactly what she wanted in her bowl.

Thank you for thinking of this dear family at this special time of year.  The awesome side of this horrible journey is watching the generosity and good in people unfold.  It really is inspiring and incredible.  The other day, I was talking with Erin and Claire and they were discussing getting a turkey for Thanksgiving.  Within ten minutes, no exaggeration, my cell phone rang.  It was my sister-in-law telling me that another family at the Taekwondo school Gavin attends wanted to bring a Thanksgiving meal to a deserving family.  She wanted to know if Erin and Claire would be interested.  How strange is that?  It was honestly kind of eerie.  In any case, I heard from Erin that a 20 pound bird showed up from that family yesterday.  That is awesome.  I know their home will be filled with family and that turkey will definitely be enjoyed.  Thank you!!!

Destruction and Boobs

I'm sure that living with cancer has got to be frustrating, to say the least.  I'm only living it through Erin and Claire, and I know my emotions run the gamut.  Well, the other day, Erin sent me a text saying she just wanted to break stuff.  I totally get that.  With struggles I have personally had in the past, I have broken things and found it very primal and cathartic.  So.....  I came home that day and started scouring the cupboards for things we could break.  A while back, my hubby was laid off in a yucky way from a company he had enjoyed for eleven years.  He has moved on and is much better for it, but I am still terribly bitter about how it all went down.  Sure did find the two mugs with that company's logo on them!!!  I also found some other glassware that I never use.  I grabbed some bags, took a test run of my idea, and headed off to Erin's house.  We wrapped the glasses and mugs in brown paper lunch sacks and then double wrapped them in grocery bags, because while destruction is fun, clean up is not my style.  We smashed the hell out of those little bundles on her patio.  It was awesome.  Primal, cathartic, and simply amazing.

Like a huge dork, I even had a short soundtrack for our destructive feat.  I found Melissa Etheridge's version of Janis Joplin's hit, "Piece of My Heart."  Melissa Etheridge performed it on the Grammys with Joss Stone after her battle with breast cancer.  It was her first performance since her treatment.  I remember my hubby and I being in awe of her strength, her beautiful baldness, and her energy. Awesome, awesome story and song.  I'm sharing a link to that moment, as it still gives me chills:  Grammys performance.  Enjoy!!! 

So Erin and I listened to her awesome, determined voice blaring from my phone and just started smashing.  My favorite part was that Erin and I were laughing so hard, we were completely testing the outer limits of our bladders.  So hysterical and a night I will never, ever forget.  I have another new destructive idea and can't wait to test it out with Erin!!!

On a different note, my six year old asked me why every time he hears about "breast cancer" someone says "boobs."  I asked him if he knew what breasts were.  The sweet little darlin' said yes and pointed at my chest while saying, "those things."  Ummmm........ yep.  I asked him if he knew what boobs were.  Again he said yes and showed me he knew exactly what they were.  Then he said, "Mom, the proper name for them is breasts.  So, why do people say boobs when they are talking about cancer?  Shouldn't they say breasts?  That would be the right way."  Wow....  who would have guessed a six year old had that in him.  I told him that sometimes we say boobs or boobies to kind of lighten the mood because breast cancer is a very, very serious thing.  He was happy with that and ran off to wreak havoc on our cats or something.  Love it.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for Erin and Claire.  If you would like to donate a meal, please check their meal calendar.  Thanksgiving dinner has already been generously covered by a fellow taekwondo family.  Thank you to them!!!  Also, Erin and Claire's fund is at Spokane Teachers Credit Union under the "Erin Broughton Hughes Benefit Fund."  I know many people have made donations to the account in the names of family or friends as gifts.  This is a great idea for Christmas presents for loved ones!!!!  Thanks!!!

Guest Writer

Recently, I was contacted by a man, Cameron, who shared with me his hard journey through cancer as a caregiver for his wife.  He asked me to share this story as it is poignant to the road the family and friends of people with cancer travel.  All of our personal stories are unique with regard to Erin and Claire, but many of us will identify with feelings, thoughts, situations, etc, with Cameron, our guest writer.  The following is his family's story.

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

How I Survived My Wife's Cancer Diagnosis

As her caregiver, my wife has said that she cannot imagine how I felt after her mesothelioma diagnosis. Its been difficult to share some of my experiences with her, but I hope to use this forum to share more.

Our first child, Lily, was born three months prior to my wife’s diagnosis. We went from experiencing a time of great joy to a time of immense fear and uncertainty after her diagnosis. When she was diagnosed, I looked into my wife’s eyes as she was crying, and I wondered, “How are we ever going to get through this?”

In the midst of her diagnosis, I was on the verge of a mental breakdown myself, but I managed to snap out of it when the doctors asked me questions about her future medical care. This day marked the first of countless days that I would feel overwhelmed. Despite my feelings, I had to make difficult decisions with my wife.

When she was diagnosed, my range of emotions included anger, rage and fear. I did not know how to control my feelings of anger. Many times, my communication style included needless expletives. It took a while, but I learned to control my emotions. I had to learn because I needed to be strong for my wife and daughter. They depended on me to be strong. In every situation, I had to be a source of optimism and stability. This was much easier said than done.

After the diagnosis, I often had long “to-do” list. The lists consisted of work action items, travel arrangements and other events. I was overwhelmed, but I learned how to prioritize and select the most important tasks first. During this time, I had to learn to accept help from others when I was overwhelmed to avoid feelings of despair. I am not sure how I would have cared for my wife without the help of these people. Many days, I was still overwhelmed even with the help.

For a two-month period following Heather’s surgery, I struggled immensely in her absence. Heather and my daughter were in South Dakota recovering with her family. She was also preparing for her next phase of mesothelioma treatment, which included chemotherapy and radiation. I was only able to see them once during this time period.

One Friday, I drove through a snowstorm for 11 hours to visit my wife and daughter. I slept for a few hours in the car waiting for the storm to clear. When I arrived Saturday, I was exhausted, but I spent the rest of Saturday visiting with my family and some time on Sunday morning before starting my journey back home.

I do not have regrets about making the decision to be apart from my family, or any other decisions I made during this time. I was simply happy that my wife was still around so that we could make these choices about her care. During this time, I learned some valuable lessons. I learned to accept help from others, and to be grateful for the opportunity to make the choices. This gave me comfort during a time of uncertainty. Through all of our struggles, Heather is still here and still healthy over six years later.  I hope that our story can be a source of hope and help to those currently battling cancer.

Sale Recap and Shirt Order Info

I am trying to wrap my head around this post, but I am truly a huge tangle of emotions. There is no possibility that words can do these last few days justice.  It was all so amazing.

Erin's friends devoted so much time to her.  Jennifer Walker and her family bent over backwards to make our sale possible.  Thank you, Jennifer.  This was all your dream.  It was incredibly inspiring to watch this huge event unfold.  Dyanne, Su, and Laurie worked endlessly at the pay station and straightening the sale items.  My dear friend, Bonnie, folded clothes all day long.  Her husband brought us a big "Joe to Go" from Starbucks at just the right time.  My own student, Dylan, and his friend, Mason, sold vintage candy and made over $90 for the fund.  I cannot tell you how proud that makes me.  The compassion from these two young men truly comes from their amazing families. Thank you so much!!! Wenona, Erin's childhood friend, helped all day long, staying for the extensive clean-up, even though she had to drive back to Priest River.  Another student of mine, Natalie, came with her mom and sister.  This family, who has never met Erin or Claire, has already sent three meals to them and came to the sale.  Thank you!!!  My neighbors, from my beloved Alice Avenue, brought me coffee, shopped the sale, bought raffle tickets, and warmed my heart with their caring.  One of these sweet neighbors even left a small care package on my porch, reminding me to take care of me.  So, so, so thoughtful and kind.  My student teacher came with her daughters, bringing another coffee (thank you, Wenona was in a desperate need!) and taking advantage of some awesome deals.  My work friends came to shop and support our cause.  Erin's current work friends, and coworkers from long ago stopped by.  My folks loaned me their truck on Friday for donation pick-up and clean-up yesterday, as well as saving my behind when I forgot to get the change for the cash boxes.  Thank goodness their bank was open until 6:00 on Friday!  My sweet friends, Bob and Tracy, took our kids all afternoon, made donations to the sale, and came shopping.  Roz and her mom helped us get the shirt orders going.  Erin, Claire, and David came to the sale, spent a long time thanking people, chatting, and even posed for a picture with our sweet Junky Munkey candy vendors.  Your presence was the inspiration our tired bodies needed to keep going.  I hope you were able to step back and soak in the love that radiated from our day.  I wish I remembered all the vendors that were there, but sadly, my brain is too tired.  Just know we so appreciate you.  I am extremely thankful to the businesses and friends who sent items for the raffle and silent auction.  We made quite a bit of money just by selling raffle tickets.  Thank you!!!  And, finally, a huge heaping of gratitude to my sweet husband.  He walked in the door with a pizza just when Wenona, Jennifer, and I were needing some more fuel.  He has gone above and beyond watching our boys so I could help out the Walker family with this sale.  He has been my rock and I am so grateful.  Love you, Jimmy!!!

As for Erin and Claire, I had the immense pleasure of showing them all the moolah from our sale.  I walked in the door with a pink (of course!) bag, full of cash and checks.  I handed it to Claire, told her that it was for them.  She felt the rolls of quarters stretching the bottom of the bag and the bundle of bills inside, all while having no idea of the bag's contents.  I wish I had a video of her face when she peeked.  That look made it all worthwhile.  Claire was obviously in shock by the generosity that money represented.  When Erin had a chance to take a gander, she audibly gasped, and maybe even murmured an expletive or two at the size of the sale profits.  Thank you to EVERYONE who made that possible.  I know it wasn't easy, but we all appreciate every act of generosity, no matter the size.

As we visited, we were watching Lawrence Welk. (David had the remote!!!  ha!!!)  Claire joked about our huge Saturday night, watching Lawrence Welk with the folks.  I wouldn't trade that for anything.  David made sure I saw L.W. tap dancing in his Fred Astaire tribute show.  Who has ever seen him without a baton in hand, let alone dancing???  We watched some of the Osmond family's guest performance and marveled at the huge hair on the ladies.  David told Claire and Erin they should try out that style.  And, true to my smart ass nature, I made sure to give him hell for telling his bald and balding gals how to do their hair.  How insensitive!!!  David, thank you for letting me tease you and thank you for teasing me in return.  LOVE IT.  We also listened to Erin share the childhood stories of how she terrorized her little brother.  She has been sneaky and secretive from the very beginning.  Alex, it is a wonder you are a successful, functioning adult.  Sorry my friend was so rough on you!!!

As we look forward, past the sale, Roz and I would like to invite you to order a BooBees shirt to benefit Erin and Claire.  Orders will be taken for both t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts.  Please e-mail Roz at rozalindk01@gmail.com.  T-shirts are $20 and hoodies are $35.  Please add $5 for orders that need shipping.  Shirts come in youth sizes S-L and adult sizes S-4XL.  The last day to order shirts is this Thursday, November 15th.  Thanks!!!!

A Little Verklempt

Our benefit sale for Erin and Claire was a HUGE success!!!  We had a great turn out, lots of help, donations, everything.  My sincere thanks to Jennifer Walker and family.  This whole event was Jennifer's idea and I know she put so much time, energy, blood, sweat, and tears into today's fundraiser.  I am so glad it was so successful.  At times, Jennifer and I both talked about how overwhelmed we were by the generosity of others.  I cannot count how many times Jennifer came up to me, with tears in her eyes, sharing the latest amazing story of  a generous donation.  It was unbelievable.  There are way too many stories to list, but today really did highlight the good in humanity.  I'd like to thank everyone involved, from the friends who volunteered to help, the awesome vendors who shared their finds, my Alice Avenue neighbors who represented our awesome block quite well, the numerous educators who came to support my friends, everyone.  I cannot name them all.... my brain is tired and my eyes are drooping.... just know that we are so, so, so grateful for your time, help, generosity, and positive enthusiasm.  I'm hoping to post more sale details soon, but definitely need to go rest my weary body.  Jennifer, you should be so proud.  This was an amazing, amazing day. 

Overwhelmed

Jennifer Walker, her family, friends, Nik, and I....and so many others.... worked really hard today to get the Grange ready for business tomorrow.  My sincere thanks goes to Jennifer and her family who have devoted much of this week to Erin and Claire's sale.  I'm sure they all must be just about to drop.  The Grange is bursting at the seams with awesome donations.  There is so much for sale.  I saw clothes, shoes, furniture, a plethora of toys, books, wine glasses, kitchen goods, picture frames, even a Flobee!!!  Please come and search for some amazing deals.  We will be pulling a raffle ticket every hour to pick a prize from our basket table.  We have baskets from Starbucks, Mary Kay, Bath and Body Works, wine stuff, dog stuff, hair products, and much more.  You might be one of our lucky winners!!!  Although, if you win the wine basket, I  will follow you through the parking lot, hoping to steal the yummy bottle of Barrister Merlot.  There will also be vendors in the basement selling their awesome crafts, at great deals.  One of my very own first graders will be selling vintage candy, including the candy cigarettes we all remember and love.  Please show Junky Munkey your love!! Also, starting at 2:00 p.m., we will have a bag sale - all items you can fit in a garbage bag will be $5.00.  Furniture will be half-price starting at 2:00 as well.  Come find some great deals!!!

We also could use a few more hands to help out at the sale.  If you would like to be put to work, just show up and find Jennifer Walker or me and we will point you in the right direction.  Any amount of time you can spare is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Nik and I got to sneak away and have lunch with Erin, Claire, and Landon.  They were doing well and enjoyed a good meal with us.  Erin and Claire were upbeat and positive and amazed me with their strength and resilience.  Minus the hats and a twitching eye or two, it was like any other day.  We all stuffed ourselves, shared some great stories, listened to Landon's hysterical banter, and left happy and full.

I know this round of chemo has been harder on Erin.  She is working through some irritating neuropathy, nausea, and frequent changes in internal temperature.  Claire has been helping her greatly and has been strong this week, even as her hair begins to litter the floor.  Please keep our dear friends in your thoughts and prayers.  Claire's chemo week is right around the corner.  Both ladies will need the strength of many to keep pushing through this fight.

Alright......  I hope to see so many of you tomorrow!  Remember to bring cash or checks for payment.  Please park legally and respectfully.  The Grange does have a decent sized parking lot, but overflow might need to use surrounding neighborhood roads.  Please be considerate of our host neighbors.  Thank you!!!

Help Needed and Shirt Order

Jennifer Walker will be at the Grange today from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  She will be accepting donations and would also love some muscle.  If you have time and strength, please consider helping Jennifer and crew move donations from the trailer to the Grange hall. 

Donations will be accepted today and tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Thank you for your generosity.  The sale will be Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  All large items will be half price from 2:00 - 4:00.

Also, Roz and I will be taking t-shirt orders on Saturday.  BooBees shirts will be $20 and must be paid before the order can be placed.  Shirts are unisex and come in youth sizes XS-L and adult sizes S-4XL.  Thanks!!

Reminders

Donations will be accepted this evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Bigelow Gulch Grange - 7001 E Bigelow Gulch Rd.  Anything will be accepted.  Donations this weekend included everything from clothing and toys to furniture and appliances.  Thank you!!

Donations will also be accepted this Thursday and Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  These days will be devoted to moving items from the storage trailer to the grange and pricing.  Thank you to the Bigelow Gulch Grange for allowing us this extra time.  And, again, thank you to Mercer Trucking for the storage trailer.

The big tag sale will be this Saturday, at the Bigelow Gulch Grange, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  All of the profits will be deposited to Erin and Claire's benefit account at Spokane Teachers Credit Union.  Please come prepared with checks or cash for your purchases.  Also, all large items (furniture, etc) will be half price the last two hours of the sale.  Thank you for thinking of our sweet friends.

Also, there is limited parking at the grange.  If possible, carpool with friends.  Please be respectful of the residents and businesses in the area and park carefully and legally.  Thanks!  We can't wait to see you!!!

Erin shared with me that Claire is doing ok after herceptin treatment, just tired.  Erin is doing fine after yesterday's chemo, too, but very tired and having trouble sleeping.  Hopefully this bout of insomnia will be short-lived for her.   Thank you for continuing to keep these dear ladies in your thoughts and prayers.  I know they are digging deep for strength and relying on the enthusiasm of others to help weather the storm. 

Besties Forever

One of the very best bosses I ever had was at the mall, years ago.  I was working my way through college and had no idea I was going to be making life long friends.  I truly just thought I would scrape enough together to pay the bills and get myself through teacher school.  A couple of close girlfriends (Jennifer and Kerrie) and I worked for this gal who was always kind, considerate, self-sacrificing, and consistently went over the top to help all of us succeed.  That boss was Erin.  We became friends during our years peddling sunglasses and often spent many after work hours together.  Since that time, the four of us have tried really hard to schedule a handful of girls' nights every year.  With families and children, it has been tricky at best, but somehow we have made it work.  We held each others hands through a handful of boyfriends, 5 weddings, 7 births, 2 divorces, 2 miscarriages, 1 funeral, a smattering of disagreements, and more cocktails than I care to remember.  Often, we have talked about one day being four old ladies still sitting down at a local restaurant for cosmos and girl talk, while wearing our red hats.  

This weekend, Jennifer, Kerrie, and I manned the storage container at the grange on our first donation day.  Honestly, we had a ball.  We reminisced about the good ol' days and gossiped about life right now.  We also squabbled like sisters and poked fun at each other in a way that only truly great friends can do.  Just like when we were 20 somethings, we shared some diet cokes and fries, taking breaks only to help unload another donation.  In my heart it just felt perfect to be with these two amazing women.

After we locked up and headed off, we met Claire and Erin for lunch.  It was absolutely perfect.  We belly laughed when Claire walked in with a big velvet hat Erin had found for her at Value Village, complete with hideous fake roses on it, shared stories from our decades as friends, chuckled at the things our kids have said or asked, and just generally enjoyed being together.

So, what is the purpose to my babbling?  I feel so completely blessed.  It is not often that people make friends as young adults that endure into the real world.  The four of us will support each other through this awful journey, picking up Claire along the way, too.  I absolutely hate that people I love are fighting cancer, but I am so happy to feel the love, support, and "stay-bility" of our little group.  (Yeah.... I said it, stay-bility.... all for you, Miss Jennifer.)  And, even this reluctant hugger is learning how to give a good two armed hug, although I keep hearing, "It really is too bad that it took one of us having cancer to get you to give a good hug."  I must admit, I am getting better at this hugging thing, even if it is weird because I make it weird.... thanks, Kerrie.  It is true, we will be best bitches forever.  Love that and love you all.

As for an update from Cancer-land, Erin is set for round four of chemo tomorrow.  Claire will be doing a herceptin treatment as well.  I know these two have strength that I cannot even fathom, but I'm sure tomorrow will knock them on their buns a little.  Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  I am praying for a restful, healing week for both.

When we left the grange yesterday, the semi-trailer was probably about 1/3 of the way full.  Thank you to everyone who stopped by with a donation of items we can sell.  Donations will be accepted on Tuesday night from 5-7 p.m. and on Thursday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. both days.  Thank you for thinking of us!!  The tag sale will be on Saturday, November 10th, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  We can't wait to see you there!

Grange Day!!!

Some friends and I are at the grange today until 2:00. Our "compartment" is actually a whole semi-truck trailer. Thank you so much to Mercer Trucking for donating the trailer and allowing us to hang on to it this week.  We have tons of room. Bring your things!!! 7001 E Bigelow Gulch Road

Halloween Fun

Last night, Erin and I celebrated a perfect Halloween with our sweet little guys.  Our four boys were over the moon excited for tricks or treats!!!  After a quick dinner, we headed out with Nik and the little men.  The weather was perfect - no rain and warm enough for only sweatshirts.  We giggled like mad, conquered the boys' fears of the really scary house down the street, and perhaps the grown-ups helped lighten the boys' heavy candy bags.... just a little.  At one point, my youngest peeked down the street and said, "Mom, there are deer over there."  Our neighborhood is definitely in the city.  We were only a block from a very busy road.  I assumed that he saw a lawn deer or a strange costume in the distance or something.  Nope, the kid had really spied two full grown deer, a doe and a buck.  My family has lived in this neighborhood for 12 years and never seen a single deer.  It was pretty incredible to watch them trot down the pavement and hop over fences with grace and ease.  It made our whole night extra special.

After trick-or-treating, Erin and I spent some time with the boys helping my hubby hand out candy and visiting with some awesome neighbors who stopped by.  It was really a fun, festive, cancer-free evening.  We need more days like that.