4th of July week

This year for the 4th of July was quiet a bit different!
We didn't get to get all dressed up in 4th of July colors and go to the parade or any parks, have a family bbq or even do fireworks. It was a wonderful different 4th this year!

We got Riley's labs drawn on Tuesday and his ANC was down to .6 which is extremely low. So how did we celebrate you ask????......
At the Condo!! Swimming and resting!!!
Chris's work generously let us use their condo, it is pretty secluded so we could be away from a lot of people but still have fun!
We spent 3 days at the pool! This is the first time Riley has been swimming and he was ALL SMILES!!!

Of course we had to be crazy careful and not swim while a lot of other people were there and also not push Riley's limit's. So when he got tired or when we thought he needed to rest, we would go back and watch movies or take naps.

The night of the 4th we went night swimming and was able to see fireworks from the sky. It was really fun! The boys loved it! AND we were safe and away from everyone!

oh yeah!! This is the life!!

It's so fun to squirt mom!!

Riley can't eat fast food when his counts are this low but it was okay because all he wants is cereal and slush's anyway!! The FAVORITE this week is Liger's Blood from Maverick!!
We had our first family restaurant night in 3 months as take-out from Texas Roadhouse!!! While Riley eat Fruity Pebbles!!

The boys wanted so badly to go to the movie theater and see Despicable me 2, we attempted it one day, but it was so busy we had to just say no. You would have thought it was the end of the world, Riley was so sad. That whole day all he said was, "can we go to the movie now?"
So the next day, we got up and went to the earliest showing, I went in and talked to the theater, saw how many people were there and where they were sitting, which thankfully there wasn't a ton!!  And gave them the low down and that we needed the very back corner where no one was and please try not to seat people by us, and we were on our way!!!
Before we sat down, I brought my Lysol and sprayed everywhere, then I got out the Clorox wipes and wiped down the chairs..... YES we are a little crazy...... But it was now a sanitary environment and we could watch the show!! AND IT WAS GOOD!!!!

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Come Sunday when we left, Riley and I both started crying...... We didn't want to come home, we didn't want to come back to reality, we knew what this week would entail and we just didn't want to do it.
It was so nice to be gone and block CANCER out of our lives for just a couple of days. It was so fun while it lasted! Maybe if Riley gets feeling good again soon we can escape for another couple of days.... maybe!

Auction stuff...... anyone need braces or a gun safe? How about a weekend stay or a shopping gift card.........!!!

I just had to post this, I know it's early but I CAN NOT believe the overwhelming response we have had to auction donations. WOW..... this is amazing! And everything isn't even up here listed yet! We are so blessed. Thank you!! 

Riley Rocks Cancer

Riley Rocks Cancer Auction

Silent Auction 9:00am-11:00pm
Live Auction 11:30am

We will be accepting cash, checks and credit cards for auction items.

Silent Auction Items estimated value:

• Baby Blankets ($20)
• Sonic Car Wash Passes (5 at $22 each)  
• Quilts ($30-$100)
• Jewelry ($20)
• Boondocks Gift Certificate ($100)
• Heart-n-Soul Dance Gift Certificate ($50)
• Utah Valley Magazine Subscriptions ($30 for 3 years) 
• 2 Crossfit Gym Monthly Passes ($200)  
• Gift Card Set ( donated by Allyson Anderson $12)
• Wreath ($25)
• Homemade Bread (once a month for 6 months) ($25)
• Homemade Desserts (once a month for 1 year) ($40)
• Doterra Essential Oils
• 3 Davis Detailing($25)
• 2Anytime Fitness 2 month membership ($100)
• Circle V Meats gift certificate ($20)
• Gracie Lou's ($25)/car seat covers ($20)
• Dalton’s gift certificate ($20)
• 2 Nest on Main gift Certificate ($10)
• Kneaders gift basket ($30-40)
• Wiggy Wash Passes 
• Gary’s Meat package (18lbs $45)
• Cupcake Chic Cupcakes ($25)
• 1 full session Swedish massage ($75)
• Women's cut and style with Ali at The Retreat Full service Salon ($25)
• 2 little girl dresses donated ($30)
• 2 Childs dance wear ($10)
• Orange Peel gift cards 
• 2 boxes .22 shells ($25)
• UCCU Visa ($25)
• Family farm day and BBQ ($50)
• 2 Toes by Meg($20)
• 25 punch pass at Spanish fork swimming pool ($100)
• 4 Payson theater movie tickets ($28)
• 4 44lb bags granulated Azomite ($100)
• 3 hoodies from Kings Camo(Men's XL Women's L Kids M)($24)

Live Auction Items:

• Red Rock Orthodontics Treatment (valued at $5,000)
• Thomas Orthodontics Treatment (valued at $5,000)
• Cascade Dental word (valued at 4,000)
• Concrete/Bobcat work
• Hynes Hotel night stay (valued at $150)
• 2 Custom Cakes ($95)
• Marly Roo Minky Blankets (valued at $150)
• Saranoni Blankets (valued at $100)
• Beating the Bully Painting and books by artist  Andrea Kirk (valued at 1,000) Frame size: 27”x33”
  All of us are familiar with the term, “Bully”. When one visualizes a bully, they usually picture a person who is mean and cruel, acting in an overbearing manner toward others who are smaller and weaker. But, not all bullies are people. Some bullies are silent, and unseen to the naked eye, and appear unexpectedly. If left alone, these bullies eventually grow stronger, weakening their victims day by day. This bully can target the strongest, healthiest individual, causing pain, suffering, and loss of strength.
  
  Unfortunately, Riley was targeted by one such bully. This bully is Cancer. He didn’t ask for this affliction, and neither did his family. Overcoming this bully requires specialized treatment over a lengthy period of time. He and his family have to sacrifice much to fight this battle.
  
  As members of this community, we have the amazing opportunity to pull together to help Riley overcome his bully within.
  
  This original oil painting has been donated in honor of Riley, to assist in helping, he and his family as they continue to battle this awful disease. It is entitled, “Beating the Bully Within”.
  
  Donated by artist: Andrea Kirk Oil on canvas, Solid Wood Frame: Courtesy of Provo Art and Frame, Original painting was used as one of the illustrations for the book, “Beating the Bully” Written by, the late: Michael J. McLelland and illustrated by: Andrea Cope Kirk, published by Cedar Fort Inc., 2007.
•  
• Living Will Estate Planning Package donated by Stephanie O'brian at  Fillmore Spencer Law Firm (valued at $1,300)
• 2 Summer Passes @ Sundance ($24)
• Seth Topham Wildlife  Photography 
• Snow Bird package 
• 2 Real tickets ($30 each)
• 2 Night stay at the Zermott in Midway Ut. ($200)
• Gun Safe donated by Liberty Safe 
• Golf Club set from Gladstan golf course ($300)
• 30 min Plane ride around Utah Valley and above Provo Temple ($175)
• 1 year computer protection from Invisus service ($249)

AND MUCH MORE!!!!

*If you would like to donate items to the auction please email auction@rileyrockscancer. com. All items need to be collected by July 1st

Week 12: No Chemo!! What did the doctor order??? Some good friends??

Today is week 12,  2nd week in a row with NO CHEMO!!! I could get used to this!! (ONE DAY!!)
It's a little bitter sweet today.... exactly 3 months ago we started this journey. WOW is what I'm thinking..... 3 months of this, yet ONLY 3 months have gone by.
I'm so happy we are 3 months down but so sad we haven't even reached half way yet. (ALMOST THOUGH)!
I'm not gonna lie, this is one of the toughest trials of my life. I've been to the darkest lows and the happiest highs all in 3 months. Sometimes, a lot of times, all in one day. I've been beyond the point of giving up and my sweet sweet husband has had to pick up my crying pieces and lift me back up again. Yet I've been on a mountain of pure blessings and miracles that I've never thought possible. I'm still being humbled and I know I'll be pushed even further but I have so many GOOD SOLID FRIENDS that are here at a seconds notice. And of course I have my MOM.
I got down right mad the other night when Riley was in the bathroom looking in the mirror and I said "what you looking at? That handsome boy in the mirror?" he got so mad and said "no, I hate myself, I don't want to be bald." I think at that moment I picked up the pieces of my heart off the bathroom floor. I laid by him that night until about 3:00 a.m. just watching him, so angry that my little boy looks like this and "hates" himself. How is this fair? And what as his mom can I do about it?

I went and had a nice visit with our stake president, Pres. Claire, he is so nice and loving, he just cares. He gave me some good advice and good things to remember and apply to my life. But most of all, he let me breathe. He let me know everything I am feeling is valid and okay and he lifted the darkness over me and let me JUST BREATHE.
The other night as Riley was going to bed he looked at the ceiling and said "mom, why are those things on the ceiling always in my room at night and there not anywhere else?" I said "what things?", he said "all those dots all around the room, can't you see them? They are everywhere." ... No baby, I can't but I know they are angels looking over you. We are not alone and that brings great comfort.

As for the other days of the week, Riley has felt so good, other then his feet and legs hurting off and on, but he is doing amazing! We even had his counts done last Monday and of course we were border line on his red blood cells, but once again his body fought hard and we didn't end up needing a transfusion!

Riley's still pretty tired and gets worn down quickly so he still spends a lot of time in the house. But last Thursday..... nothing was going to stop him from getting out and playing with B man AKA Boston!!! The Augers are back from Australia for a visit which are our BEST FRIENDS!!!

Ri actually wanted to go on a bike ride with them!! Even if it only lasted a couple of blocks!!

I think it's just what the doctor ordered!! They had a ball! It's been almost 9 months since they saw each other and they picked up right where they left off!! Hunter and Boston have been best friends since they were 2, no kidding!!

Playing in the mud like the good ol times!!

I even broke some rules and let Riley play in the sand box too...... of course with restrictions!!

Riley had a hard time when the kids first wanted to see him, he said he didn't want them to see him. He is so self conscious right now, but we eased into it and he's okay with it now!

There's Lillie!! They are 6 months apart and we have some good pics.... maybe to use at a future wedding?? :)

All the world was right for one more day..... SATURDAY!!
Riley and dad stayed home and Hunter and I had the best time out on the lake for some much needed time together AWAY from the house and feeling like normal for just a bit!!

We've been couped up LONG enough and we took full advantage of it!!!

Paxton, Jaren, Hunter and Boston!!!

BESTIES!!!

Katie, Calie and me.... don't forget the styrofoam cup!!

Thank you Calie and Dave for such a fun fun day out!!! Love you guys!!!

We'll be back to our world soon enough, but for now, we're going to enjoy another week off and build some much needed blood cells to get ready for next week!!

Week 11..... NO CHEMO!!! Dr. Pepper.... You betcha!!!!

Today is week 11 and NO CHEMO!!!
We have been going to Primary Children's Hospital every week, sometimes several times a week for the last 13 weeks solid. I'd have to say we've come along pretty good!! 
As a reward Riley got a Dr.Pepper!! haha!!!

AND......
Another stroller ride!!!

Love the crossed legs and hidden face!!

His requests are simple and easy! We've had a good day today!! Just liven it up!

Go'en strong!!

It's Sunday evening and Riley is a trooper!!
We've had a turn of events at our house..... A LITTLE BIT OF ENERGY!!! We even got out Friday and Saturday evening for a walk in the stroller!!
It was so good to see neighbors out and about and say hi for a second!! (of course from a far!!)

I know what you are thinking....
1st: who took the picture and cut my head off?!!! (DAD)
2nd: does that kid ever stop playing games?!! (YES)
3rd: Does he ever look at the camera and smile?!! (NO)
HaHa!!
It makes my heart happy that he is doing so well! And it all started when Hunter got home! Friday Riley was a different kid!! He missed his brother so much, when he had energy, they would play and when he didn't, they would sit on the couch and watch movies! They built a fort in Riley's room and wrestled on the ground a little bit!!
The bad news..... Hunter was up Friday night with an ear infection. (sad face) So Saturday morning I took him to the Doctor and sure enough it was yucky, so was his throat. He is on an antibiotic and we have once again sanitized everything in sight, so hopefully Riley won't get anything.
I'm not going to stress and worry over something that hasn't happened and may not happen! So we are good!! I almost had a breakdown after leaving the doctor's but I kept my cool and were pushing forward!!
Riley will get a CBC tomorrow morning from a home health nurse that will just come here, and he will get de-accessed as well! Riley is already crying over that. But he'll be happy when he can actually have a real bath and not just a sponge bath!!
Riley asked today if we had to go to the hospital tomorrow.....
NOPE!!! We are on a 2 WEEK BREAK BABY!!! Were going to enjoy it!!!! 

Shirts and toes to match!!!

We have SHIRTS!!!!!

THANK YOU Outback Graphics in Salem!! You did an awesome job!!!

Toes to match......

YES PLEASE!!!

 Thank you for the toes Meg!!!  And thank you Angie for the shirt that you designed!! AMAZING job!!!!


And here is the shirt I designed......

I'm thrilled with both of them!!!
Sorry though, this shirt is not for sale! Family and Friends only!!

A few good Racers!!!

Who are these racers that run for those who can't?..... 

One of my fabulous friends and neighbor Bethany Erickson ran the American Fork Canyon half Marathon & 5K a week ago. Here is the poster from it. 

Touches my heart! Everyone of them!

  I didn't realize there were 2700 runners and each one of them submitted someone with Cancer and their story and picture. Out of those, only about 10 or so were chosen to be put on the big poster for inspiration for the runners..... Riley was one of them. What an honor. What an honor.

 She carried a picture of Riley the whole way!! Thank you Bethany!! 

You make me smile every time I see this pic!!!

Other fabulous runners were Angie Snow, Ashlee Henrie, and Katie Kilpatrick. LOVE LOVE LOVE these wonderful girls!! Thank you! What a huge honor!!

Angie, Bethany, Ashlee and Katie!! You made us proud!!

AND:

 This weekend is the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay for Cancer!

I have an amazing friend Mace Crane who is running 17 miles of this race and has chosen to run for Riley. I have been so touched by this especially because I haven't seen Mace in 16 years or more. I went online just now to watch the video of everyone who is running with him for the cure against cancer and I wasn't prepared... I just bawled my eyes out. My heart is so full and thankful. The tears won't stop. Thank you Mace! Were cheering you on from home!
Please go to the blog and see these wonderful people!
http://www.piratesforthecure.blogspot.com/

After I get pictures I will post them!!  

I'm going to personally commit to get in shape and start running for good causes like these. (I HATE running) But I'm going to anyway! Once I have a cancer free boy and have the time, of course! Wish me luck!!