Let's availeth

We have a big week ahead, and we miss Melissa and Katelyn already. They headed home early yesterday morning, and Howie and Amanda (and their awesome brood) arrived in the afternoon.

Liz's CT scan is tomorrow morning. Then we will meet with the doctor, she will get her first dose of chemo without the nasty Taxotere (we hope!), we will get her scan results back later this week, and she will have the echocardiogram on Friday. Time to see how well these six chemo treatments worked. Boom. Crush it.

Thank you all for your service and your care. We have received so many blessings and acts of kindness, and I only wish we could thank you all individually. We have felt your thoughts and good vibes, especially today. James 5:16 says that the prayers of the righteous "availeth much." Totally agree. Let's availeth.

Man, I'm tired. I got back from a fulfilling week of classwork and homework at Notre Dame after a busy work week. This progression through December will be tough, but I reserved hotel rooms for graduation in May 2014 to lend some perspective to the challenges ahead. It is hard for me to rely on others and allow them the opportunity to serve, but my Irish classmates are amazing and willing to help carry the load. 

Howie and I took the kids to Plainfield Fest last night. Great times, lame rides, expensive creepy carny stuffed animals, happy kids. Cohen was a crack shot on the cork gun.

Jensen has had a rough day or two. He has a high fever, hard time sleeping, then he threw up all over everything late last night. Dr. Howie was good to hang out with me, but I was shocked at how fast 30 minutes passed while he and I were fluidly talking. He remembers our conversation a bit differently: apparently I had my eyes closed, and it took me three minutes to start responding to each of his questions. He stuck around since it humored him.

I'm planning on another long night with Jensen, but I hope his fever breaks. Howie's clan left after a too-short one-night stay. Our boys love their cousins, and they especially loved the sweet bouncy house we bought at a neighborhood garage sale.

Liz is doing more and feeling a little better each day. She is fighting. So I bought her a pink Notre Dame shirt with the fighting Irishman on the front. Awesome. I'm glad that she and I are a team, as we have been for the last 14 years. Happy Anniversary this week, me gorgeous lady.

Go Team Liz.