A Chapter in Our Lives is Through...

.... but we'll keep you close, as always, Mrs. Tammy McDonald!  

Friday was Caleb's last day of home school Kindergarten! 

It seems like we'd be elated that Caleb has been deemed "officially ready" for 1st grade!  However, it means no more home visits with Tammy McDonald, one of the best teachers on Earth.  Everyone who knows Mrs. McDonald knows, when she's around, "everything feels like it's going to be okay".   She's our "security blanket".  We are still in awe that she spent so much time with us this year, teaching and encouraging Caleb.  She welcomed him on all days, even when he didn't feel like getting dressed and had to learn in his pj's, or when he was hyper from medications, or when he was so tired, he could barely hold his head up and could barely write.  She even had to deal with all of the steroid cravings and him crunching 'n munching all the way through class.  What an absolute angel.  We feel so blessed and humbled by her dedication.  We wish there were stronger words than "thank you".   We can say "God bless you", and that's powerful.  We hope you feel our love and appreciation forever, Tammy.  You made all the difference in the world for everyone in our family this year.  We will be forever grateful.

It's been somewhat of a rough week for Caleb.  He has suffered leg pain and exhaustion this week.  He doesn't complain, but has been very cranky, so we've just tried to be patient.  

He was thrilled that some of his buddies came over to play, but got beyond frustrated when he got too tired to keep up.

Another big event!  The group, the Sunshine Kids, does an amazing job of helping add a ray of sunshine into the lives of children with cancer.  They sure helped warm our spirits after a pretty rough week with Caleb.  We got there late, as David & I had to take turns carrying Caleb to Minute Maid Park, because his legs just couldn't carry him, and it was a long walk - but he got to meet almost every Houston Astro!  

It was a super fun experience, and the baseball players were so loving to the children!

The players took time to talk individually to each child and sign their jersey and/or baseball.

Since Caleb loves baseball so much, these up close & personal conversations were incredible for him.

Typical boys... enjoyed hanging out with the Astros' wives, just as much!  :)

It's a VERY BIG upcoming week for the boys.  They head to overnight camp for their first time without us.  They seem super excited.   They'll be going to Camp Periwinkle, where we've gone to the special "family camp" before, so they're familiar with the facility, which is great!  We don't get to talk to them until next Saturday.  Whew!  It's all through a  partnership with Texas Children's Hospital, so it's geared toward cancer patients, survivors, and their siblings between the ages of 7-12.  Caleb's Oncologist will actually be there the entire time, along with many other medical workers, so his chemotherapy will take place every day at camp.  Sure feels safe knowing that EVERYONE THERE knows personally what he and Zachary are both going through, plus he'll have access to the very best medical care 24/7.  That's powerful!

We'll be praying that the boys don't get homesick and can enjoy every second away from home, hopefully thinking about anything but cancer.  Please pray that Caleb feels better, that his legs get stronger, and that his tummy stops hurting.  Thank you & God bless!