June 23 and 24, 2008

Monday Sam slept in, rested, went for a walk, picked up groceries, and watched a movie while mom slept. Monday afternoon and evening was spent with our cousins, Donna, Chris, Michael, and Josh Hartmann. Sam loved playing around in the backyard, using the wii, and just enjoying time with another kid his age. He really misses his friends, playing, and doing sports. It was great to hear the kids laughing, being silly and doing goofy boy stuff that they find hilarious. We enjoyed a great roast beef dinner which Sam had been craving all week. Thanks for your warm and wonderful hospitality Hartmanns.

Early this morning Sam had his blood test. The numbers of his blood counts were good so the "Consolidation" phase begins tomorrow. From this day, we begin the 3 year countdown for Sam's treatment of ALL. Tomorrow, Sam has another spinal tap and threenew types of chemo. We won't know how he will respond to these drugs so we are feeling somewhat apprehensive. We will be at the hospital for 8 hours tomorrow... it will be a looong day. It has been a reprieve this past week to see Sam feeling so much better. I wonder what the new drug side effects will be and how they'll make him feel.

This afternoon Sam spent some time with his friend Nathan while I went to my nieces grade 7 graduation. It was fun to see Zoe all dressed up, enjoying her ceremony and her friends. We celebrated with all her grandparents in attendance as well as her family, and Sam and me. Zoe also had about 10 friends over after school and they had a big pizza party in the back yard. We sure are grateful to spend time with our families and take in special events going on in their lives.

Well I need to get to bed because we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Good night!