Sunday, May 9, 2010 - Birthdays and Mother's Day

Yesterday afternoon Joe was able to get out to the ballpark to watch his team play baseball. He enjoyed seeing everyone and once again everyone made him feel so special and offered kind words to him. After our game, the Titans presented Joe with a signed game ball at the pitcher's mound. I wish I had my camera! It was very touching and such a kind gesture by their team. It really showed us that this baseball association is so much more than winning games but about making good friends and loving and encouraging others. Thanks, Coach Hawley and the rest of your team...we are honored. And thanks to everyone on the Storm and all over the ballpark on the many other teams in every leagues for caring about Joe and what we are going through. You are all amazing!

Last night we went to the Japanese Steakhouse to celebrate Ben's 9th birthday and Kevin's 42nd birthday (yes, he is older than me:)) Father and son share the same birthday, which also happens to be on Mother's Day this year, so we went out to celebrate the birthdays a day early. It was a great meal even when Will would get up and run away from the "fire" on the table. Everyone enjoyed the onion volcano but some of the kids like the view from a little further away. It has been a long time since we have all been out together so it was extra special to be together as a family and have Kevin's parents with us.

Today we were able to take Joe to church with us. It was so wonderful to have him there. He has not been able to attend in over a month so he got a very warm greeting from everyone and got to go to Sunday school. I think everyone also enjoyed seeing him smiling in person. It really shows how well he is doing. As we don't know what to expect during this process of chemotherapy for Joe, we are excited to be able to have him out and participating in things when he feels well. Hopefully the amount of time he is unable to do these type of activities will be very minimal. It has been a great week for him and we are all getting anxious for Joe to start running around and playing. Each day it is getting harder to hold him back!


This afternoon we celebrated Mother's Day by going out to eat after church. I received beautiful handmade cards from the kids and a necklace. Then we came home to celebrate Ben and Kevin's birthdays with cake, cards and gifts.


It was a wonderful weekend and seemed so NORMAL! Praise God that Joe is doing so well and we are on the road to recovery. There were no surprises and it was almost like an ordinary weekend...we are looking forward to many more of these!

All of us - Happy Birthday Ben and Kevin

Ben and Joe with Gramie and Grampie

Caleb is exhausted from all the Fun!



Joe, Will and Ben (the birthday boy)

Will with Chopsticks

Kevin and his Parents

...watch the lighter, Will


Daddy and his boys


Caleb is a little silly with the box!

Happy 9th Birthday, Ben

Ben and Caleb...aren't they sweet?

Gramie and Grampie with "the Gang"