rough night

Isaiah was up much of the night itching.  He was in the shower twice and again early this morning.  His chemo was increased Tuesday so his body is probably reacting to that.  He's frustrated and tired.  

2 years down

Isaiah was diagnosed two years ago today, May 24, 2007.  

Today he played hard with his cousins, rode bikes, fought with swords, and is feeling strong. 

We are grateful today for life, for the gift of these last two years together, and for the hope of restoration.  

In some ways, the last two years have felt long and deeply challenging.  In other ways, it seems the time has flown by.  

Thank you all for standing with us in this journey.  We're especially grateful for our families and for our church community - you have served and supported us so thoroughly.  

Please continue to pray for Isaiah as he enters year three of his treatment.  Pray for grace to be strong and courageous.

feels like summer

Isaiah and Sienna spent a couple days this week with their Bita and Papa and Aunt Gentry while Mom and Dad got away.  Based on the stories we heard upon return, the highlight for Isaiah seems to have been his 20 - 16 home run derby victory over Uncle Buzz in the orchard at Woodman Lane.  

Here are a couple recent pics:

isaiah's woot shirt idea

Sometimes Isaiah and I check out this t-shirt site which prints shirts made from independent artist's designs.  Most are very strange.  Some are cool.  A few have made us laugh.  

Last night as Isaiah stepped out of the shower he said, "I want to make a shirt that has a picture of two guys fighting with swords and says, 'Life is a Battle'."

I said, "I think that would make a great shirt." 

the avenue of the giants

We escaped the hospital just in time to take a weekend off in beautiful northern northern California.  We enjoyed good time with friends and with one another.  Isaiah felt strong and loved playing alongside the Eel River while dad ran his first marathon.  Here's a shot of Isaiah offering dad a PayDay at the halfway point.  We saw incredible redwoods, enjoyed a great bed and breakfast, and spent a lot of time in the van!  It was a wonderful little vacation. 

hey it's good to be back home again

Nothing like a John Denver quote to make you feel better...

We got home Thursday night.  Isaiah feels great.  The kid is so strong.  We were struggling to redirect him yesterday when he took-off running down the street.  "I want to run!" he yelled over his shoulder.  

Here are some phone-pics from our stay at Club Sutter.