I really do have a wife!

Good evening to my blog family. Today was a busy day to say the least. We slept in little later than we should have. So we rushed around to make it to the 11 AM mass. After that was Michael's graduation commencement. It was shorter then I had anticipated which was a plus. It's hard to believe that this little boy I once knew has grown into a young man. Actually, he will always be that little Waldo to me. Afterwards, we went to Sally's mom and had pizza. When we got home the kids wanted to play outside so we were outside until it was time for them to get ready for bed.

There isn't much to report today. Nothing came up for me to record in my spy blog note book. Except for Michael hugging his principal when she handed him his diploma.

This is going to be a busy week for me. Which is good because it will help me not to think of the surgery to much. As for the surgery yes, I was really down about it. Not that I don't want to get better but no one wants to get cut open. Plus it's a major organ and it is a risky operation. I do understand that the benefits out way the risk. It's one of those things that I have to take a chance on and I know everything will be in God's hands. Tomorrow morning, I am driving Mr Michael around. He needs to go to the Career Center to pay his book fee so his credits will transfer over. Then he wants to go to the Hammond Police department to fill out an application. I have a doctor's appointment at 11 AM. It's with the family doctor so I can get refills on all my medication. Tuesday, Zachary's class is having a picnic. I am going to try to visit him at the park. Not sure if I will because there are many things I need to do around the house before the surgery. Plus the car is having an issue so I might have to take it in to get it looked at. Does anyone know of a good mechanic? Wednesday is Zachary's last day of school. That night Zachary, Michael, my friend Dan, and I are going to a Sox game. Before I get booed at, I will say I am going to have a fun time. I am thinking about wearing my Cub's jersey. Sally is pleading with my not to. I asked Zachary if he wanted to go to the Sox game. He said "No, I want to see the Cubs play". That was a very proud moment for me. I am doing something right with him. Thursday, I have to be at the UIC at 8:30 in the morning. I have to meet with the anesthesiologist. That night there will be a healing priest at the Carmelite Monastery and I am going to go. Sally and my friend Kim and her husband are having their first baby Thursday morning and we are going to try to visit them as well. Which always leads into trouble when Sally has a brand new baby in her arms. I know she is going to say she wants another one. Lately, Kaity's eyes have been lighting up when she sees a baby. Today at church there was a baby she kept looking at. After mass we went to see the baby. When we were walking to the car Zachary asked Sally if we could trade Kaity for the baby. Friday I have an appointment with the dermatologist. Saturday is Zachary's last soccer game for the season. I am planning on taking Sally out that night for our 11th year wedding anniversary since I will be in the hospital for it. I am sure I am leaving some things out.

Michael wants a ride to his girl friend's Carlee's house so I must wrap this up. Thanks for reading my blog. There are some days when the blog helps make my day a little easier and a lot brighter. God Bless.

P.S before Dan has the chance to gloat the Sox won 7-4. Looks like the Cubs won't be as lucky tonight.

Those stubborn stains and Happy Birthday Bekka

Today, Zach had his soccer game. I went by myself cause Kaity was a little crabby and we wanted to make sure she got a nap in before we went to Bekka who is my niece and God daughter's birthday party this afternoon. Zach's soccer team is doing really well this season. Today they won 3-2 even though we aren't suppose to keep score but, we all do anyway.

The birthday party was a smash hit. There was a bouncy with a ball pit and slide that Kaity didn't want to get out of. There was also 2- 4 wheelers for our riding pleasure. I got on one time with Michael. It was a lot of fun . The only thing was my fragile butt hurt when I got off.Michael needs driving lessons from Noah( my 8 year old nephew/God son),because he drove through rose bushes and put a leak in one of the tires and when he was driving me I got smacked in the face with a branch. Bekka was happy with all the toys she received. All the different things she got, I was a little jealous. Not because I wanted girl toys but because of the technology that went in to make these toys. When I was little my toys I got were made out of wood or iron.(no batteries needed)

I have to give it to my sister in law, Sandy, for the Uri Gellar of family mind control. When the food was being placed on the table getting ready for our consumption, she bribed Noah to make her a plate of pasta before we were all able to dig in. Sandy knew we were waiting on the hot dogs and hamburgers before we ate. She had her little nephew sneak her the food because she didn't want to get in trouble, instead risking Noah. No wonder why I am Noah's God parent and not her, I would never jeopardize Noah for myself. Unless there is chocolate cake involved then maybe I would consider. Than later, Sandy was telling her daughter Nicole to get out of a rocking chair , when there was perfectly good other chairs that she could have sat in. Nicole would not vacate the chair so what did she do? I will tell you what she did. She had the nerve to ask me the man who is dying of cancer to give up his rocker for her. I was stunned but I am use to being the gentlemen so I got up and sat on the hard concrete with my fragile aching butt while she rocked comfortable. You should have seen the glares she was getting. She even had the nerve to ask Nicole if she felt guilty when it was her who took my chair away.

With this incident it lead into a conversation with my newest nephew Joseph. He will be only married in to the family a week from tomorrow. My brother in law Tom and I have tried to warn him previously but like us he will have to find out the hard way. I saw today he is finding out quickly. Those Cummins girls I will tell you look gentle and harmless. Their looks are very deceiving. They are quiet and meek but once they wheel you in it's an entire different scenario. Sort of like going to sleep with Bella the Beauty and waking up with the Beast. They have a way about them. For example they ask you a question but you really can't give them the answer you want, you have to give them the answer they want. They have a way twisting things around making their ideas into your ideas. Let me tell you they are never wrong (unless you are Mrs. Wong) even Mrs. Wong is never wong she may be mistaken but never never wong. Did I mention stubborn? That's an understatement. Those stubborn stains are nothing compared to them ( Sorry, Jacqueline I couldn't help myself. This is it for a wong time. Sorry again couldn't help myself again).

I must redeem myself before the Cummins's gals attack me and vicious they can be. Those women know how to cook. They can win a man's heart through his stomach. They can have a good time and don't mind if they embarrass themselves. Goofy was named after them. Sandy and my wife had a conversation today on how they both refuse to grow up. Life is to short not have fun. All 5 of them will go out of their ways to help other. I hope I redeemed myself. Remember Cummins's you have to be kind to the sick man.

Yesterday's blog I failed to mentioned my dinner menu. I have been married for almost 11 years. Sally usually cooks a meal every night and feels guilty when she feeds us grilled cheese sandwiches or simple things like that. Lately she hasn't been feeling good and I suggested we just fend for ourselves last night. Then she and I came up with a dinner idea. It's a dinner we never had as a family. I have had it many times as a bachelor but never for a main course with my family. The dinner consisted of a banana split for Zachary, a strawberry shortcake for Sally, Kaity had a scoop of cherry flavored frozen yogurt and I had the delight of consuming a chocolate monkey. The kids didn't complain. I was happy to since there was no dishes to wash. I think that was one of my best meals I have ever had.

Tomorrow, is Michael graduation ceremony. We will be having a party for him probally at the end of July. Hopefully, before I return back to work. It's late and I am beat. Take care and God Bless.

Security has been breached

Today I did a lot. I went to the 9am daily mass at St. James afterwards I said all my daily prayers. Went and got blood work done for a lipid profile for my Doctors appointment that is on Monday. This appointment is routine and I need some scribs. Then I had to turn in my old uniforms to work cause they got new ones. Then I took Kaity to the park for about three hours. She will sleep very good today. I washed Sally's car also.

I had to yell at one of the kids down the street from us because he would come down to play and would hit, kick or pinch the other kids. This has been going on for the last two summers. I would just watch to make sure nothing bad was going on. He never seemed to do much in front of me except this one time I saw him swing a tree branch at Zach. As soon as I walked out side he ran away. Yesterday he hit Zach and Zach told his Dad and his Dad ignored Zach. I know this to be true cause the other kids collaborated Zachs story without Zachs influence. Now today again Zach told me that this boy hit him. So I went out to have a chat with him. I go to the back and there is Zach and Tyler ( the neighbor girl) on top of this boy. I said " What is going on! The Mr. Freeze gang said that this boy was pinching Tanner.(the neighbor boy)(I will not mention the perpetrators name)I told him that he needed to go home and not to come back if he feels he needs to be violent. He went home and told his posse. Now is whole family his outside just watching. This is strange cause this boy is only about 5 and they never seemed to care about what he was doing before. They would stay in the house while this kid roamed the neighborhood and crossed the street at will. He was still riding his bike near us and going in our driveway. That is OK as long as he didn't do anything dumb. The whole time I was being watched. So I would stare back and wave at them. I have to problem with this boy coming down to play. He just needs to keep his aggressiveness at home.

I was playing with the other kids tag. I was running around and having some fun. It really felt good , and I needed it. This was going on for a while until Taylor uttered the phrase NA NA DA BOO BOO. I was what did you say and she said it again. Then all the kids were saying it in unison. I know that its not NA NA DA POO POO. They obviously changed the code because I found out what they were up to. I was terrified so I ran in the house for a few minutes to recoup. The whole time my wife and Neighbor were outside and in danger of getting kicked in the shins. I had to think of something quick. So I went out and said NA NA DA BOO BOO back but, only louder than they did. They all looked at each other and by the look in there faces I could still they were baffled.I knew then I had them wear I wanted them. I don't know exactly were that was, but as long as they thought It , I was happy. I don't think I will be having anymore trouble from this ruthless gang any longer. Unless they change there code again, but I am a pretty smart cookie.You can't pull the wool over my eyes for very long.

Thank you all and God Bless.
Cubs won 2-1 to the best team in baseball. Ted Lilly pitched a gem
Sox play at 7 at Kansas City.

Warning please read last Paragraph!

OK, The survey on whether or not Sally gets the Colonoscopy is over. Now here is my take on it. I believe that if a family with kids is involved the choice would be obviously yes, for the kids. If she was single or it was just her and I than I can see it being just her choice if there was no major issue that the Doctor could see. I think when you have kids its a whole new decision process. As a parent you should ALWAYS do what is best for the kids.(Unlike Helen from biggest loser who had her Daughter leave instead of her.That was selfish in my opinion. You always want whats best for the kids. Losing weight is definitely a health issue) There really is no wrong or right, just what you believe is the best choice for the family. Sally was told that the Doctor believed that it was stress related but, is there anyway to tell for sure without the proper testing being done , especially after what I am going through. So those of you that said that its Sally's choice is wrong. Its my blog and I am always right.

I got the call from the nurse of the Doctor that will be doing my surgery. The date will be June 10th I don't have a exact time yet but will tell you as soon as I find out. I have to go back to UIC for another appointment.Today I saw the Doctor about the nodule on the thyroid. He ordered blood work. I go back July 2nd and they will perform a biopsy at the office. I also saw the Onocologist today. I was told I will have to have 12 more chemo sessions instead of 6. Since, I am young they are trying to treat my cancer as aggressive as they can. He said that he sent 6 other patients to UIC for liver surgery. I asked him if they were still walking around. He just smiled a little and didn't answer my question. I thought great I will be thinking about this until after the surgery. He said the chemo is working and it might get rid of the cancer and then again it might not. Because of my age, they felt it's best to do the surgery and then they will know for sure the cancer is gone. There is the possibility it is growing in new locations and that is the reason for the 12 chemo sessions. So this is were we stand now,and I will keep the info going as I hear it.

I am going to tell something I did that embarrassed me. I picked up Zachary from school the other day. I will sit in my car until the kids start coming out. When he gets to the fence separating the playground from the parking lot, I will call him over. So I am sitting in my car waiting for Zach and out comes this little boy. I didn't take Zach to school this day so I didn't know what he wore. So this boy who was chunky just like my little boy comes running out of the school. This kid who came running out was fast, I thought that Zach got faster. He will inherit the speedy title if he keeps this up. I was already thinking to myself Speedy Zach. The warm feeling I was having inside. As this child came closer I was waving my hands wildly. I was going nuts trying to get his attention. Finally I see this boy slowing down and looking at me. I was able to see his face better it wasn't Zach. By the look on this child's face it said" What the heck is your problem mister", MMMMMMOOOOOMMMY . Then I know I had to turn into Speedy Bill to get out of there before the police got there. Thank goodness Zach was on his way out. I told him to hurry up we have to go. Now when I pick up Zach I have to wear a disguise now.

I want to give all the adults out there a warning. Zach would always say NA NA DA POO POO when he would be playing with his friends. I would always tell him to quit saying that. I would still hear him say it on occasion. Now in other public places I am hearing other kids say it that don't even know Zach. So what I am going to tell you might shock you , I think Its a secrete code. I think it may mean that they are going to kick you in the shin. I think this because , I saw one of them say the code phrase and then kicked what I believe was his brother in the shin. So next time you are going to be around some kids in lets say kindergarten through 2nd grade may want to have shin guards on. So remember this saying NA NA DA POO POO. Thanks for visting the blog and God Bless you all

The Doctors

I felt like I didn't want to do anything but sit outside and check out the view. I still have a slight headache but , feeling a little better than A few days ago. Basically a boring day to say the least.

Tomorrow I have two appointments in the afternoon. The first one is for the thyroid specialist at 2:45 and then Sally and I will shoot to the Hammond Clinic to see my Oncologist Dr. Mboama. Yes, that is how you spell his name.( its pronounced Bowma). Both appointments are fairly important. The Thyroid appointment will be if Dr. Adlard may want to remove the goiters in my thyroid. For now its only a consultation. With Dr. Mboama it will be about the surgery and what I will need to do or not to do or when to do it or when not to do it or if maybe when I should do it and when I shouldn't do it or do it if I don't feeling like doing it or do it only if I feel like doing it or even think about doing it and not doing it. That is what I will get from Dr. Mboama. He is a very good Doctor and has been very honest with us. I well tell everyone what happened in tomorrows blog. I had my chat with Dr. Warso's nurse about the Liver surgery. She said that Dr. Warso wanted to talk to Dr.Mboama first before it is set up. I hope that doesn't mean there may be a problem. I really want to get this done and over with.

I have a question to any postal worker( maybe my sister in law Leann or maybe my wife who was a carrier for about three months )that may be able to answer my question and anyone that may know already. If there was mail that was going to be sent to somewhere and you have on address but the place is totally different than what is on the envelope. Its like this , if you were delivering something lets say to credit card place and you were actually at International House Of PanCAKES. Knowing its a bill but it went to the PanCAKE joint, what is the protocol. I was just wondering. Knowing the rule I think will make me a more complete person if not smarter.

I am going to close out now.Sally and I want to watch a movie and check out the news. I want to see the sports cause Zambrano was ejected from today's game. I heard he got ejected when the ump. actually turned into Zambrano. I want to see who fault it was. Big Z will now get a suspension something that may not be his fault. Take care and God Bless you all.

Cubs won 5-2 two game winning streak going. Sox playing at 9 tonight.

God Bless and take care. Good night.

I really need to stop thinking

last night I had a problem with myself. Sally set up the slide show and I was looking at all the pictures that she put in the slide show. I was just staring at all the pictures and was thinking about the surgery. After I was done Sally and I exchanged our pleasantries and went to bed.( I tried too) I was laying there for awhile and then I just started to ball my eyes out. Sally made a comment" What are you doing having a seizure ( Sally and I sometimes will goof around before we actually fall asleep. She really didn't know what was going on). I lost it so bad that I was shaking the bed. She thought maybe I was laughing. As much as I tried to stop it just got worse. I got up and went in the living room to try and calm down. It was probably one of the hardest things for me to do. After looking at those pictures and not certain of my future it was hell. Sally came in the room and was trying to console me. That didn't help then I started to think about her.Sally is a great mother and wife and I'm thinking what have I done. Her life as well as mine has changed forever. She has been at my side and the kids through thick and thin and I hope they will someday realize that. I know I'm not the easiest person to live with, so that makes her all the more wonderful to be by my side during this time. She sat with me and we talked about the surgery and about all of the wonderful support that I am getting from all of you. That still didn't help, I started up again. No matter how I tried I couldn't let up. After a while, we finally made it back to sleep. It makes me uncomfortable telling all of you this. I just feel that this blog is about what I am going through and possibly other cancer patients, It's not all fun and games. I try very hard for the kids not to see me weak. So I am glad it happened when they were all asleep. One time I was on the couch and having a moment. Zachary saw me and ran and told Sally that Daddy was crying. I had to come up with an answer why I was crying. I told him that the show I was watching made me sad. I was watching Deal or no Deal. I guess the contestant on the show must have lost a lot of money and I felt bad for them.

I really don't feel much like writing to much today. The sun is out and I hope that gets me out of this rut I am in right now. So please bare with me. I will be back feeling better tomorrow, I hope. I also called to set up the surgery date. I left a message and waiting on a call back.

Sally came back from the Doctor and she did get a appointment with the Gastric Doctor for July 1st. I guess our family Doctor feels its stress related. I don't know what he means by that, everything is A-OK here.

I am going to stop here. Its really been a emotional few days for me. I am going to play with Zach and Kaity for awhile. Thank you and God Bless.

More about the Wedding.

I woke up today at 11am. I was really exhausted from the Wedding . I first woke up and wanted to clean up the house but after a while I got tired and wanted to lounge around and do nothing. So for the most part a very uneventful day. Pretty much the whole day all I wanted to do was sleep but I didn't. I just sat on the couch and stared at everyone.

If the cubs don't start hitting the ball I really don't think I will over come the cancer thing. Now they are at 500, 21-21 , 4.5 games out in 4Th place in a 6 team division and 3-7 last ten games and I believe only scored 7 runs in the last 7 games. The sox aren't doing any better.(Dan,Dave) They are at 442,19-24, 6 games out, 4-6 in there last ten games, and also in 4Th place in a 5 team division.

I want everyone to know that I put out a new survey that has to do with my wife Sally. After the survey ends I will respond to the results. So hold on to your hats.

Sally said that I need to mention more about the food at the wedding and not just the cupCAKES. So here I go, the food was really good you had a choice of Salmon or Breaded Chicken fillet with the perfect compliment of vegetables and mashed potatoes for the chicken and rice and vegetables for the salmon. Oh, those cupCakes were awesome. The CAKE part of the cupCAKES were very moist. The frosting you know was made with love for Joseph and Jacqueline. I wish I had a cup of fresh milk to drink with it.There was also a horse and carriage ride that the marrried couple had. They looked very happy together as they headed off for there ride into the sunset. When they came back Kaity ,Holly and Becca also my Niece and God child got the opportunity to have a ride on the horse and carriage. Kaity was crying during the way out. Sally had to drive her back in the car on the way back to the reception. Holly and Becca were strong and didn't cry they really enjoyed the ride. After that we all ate and were later entertained with break dancing moves from Holly, Becca got in there and broke a move too. Kaity was spinning around like a top. Just watching her made me want to puke. Then they decided to calm down a little and just do something a little more relaxing like running around the place. I was chasing after Holly and Kaity as they were running after each other. I think this is why I was so tired and beat when I got home. I was happy to see all three of those little girls have so much fun.

Getting back to the Wedding Ceremony. We almost thought that it wasn't going to take place. At the beginning of the ceremony Jacqueline's mom Sandy came down and was to be followed by the rest of the Wedding party. So as Sandy came down and then sat in her seat, nobody was coming down. We were all waiting patiently for the next pair to come down which was the flower girls. I had the camcorder going. I had to shut it off because the Wedding was now being delayed. That was when the betting started. Who was the one with the cold feet,but to everyone delight the precession started back up. I later asked Sally what happened. She told me that nobody could find Joseph's ring. They were going through rooms, and had to get someone from the Aberdeen inn to open up a room for the search. Nathan , Jacqueline's quick thinking brother called Jacqueline about the situation and as it turned out, she still had the ring packed away and never gave it to Nicole, her sister and Bridesmaid. So the Wedding went off without another hitch. It was really nice to see Jacqueline's Dad Norm there for this very special day of his daughter.


Thank you for visiting and God Bless.

Ladys and Gentlemen Mr. and Mrs Joseph Wong

As you all know we had a wedding to go to today. It was done very well and couldn't have been done better. Jacqueline and Joseph make a very nice couple. The ceremony was very nice with live violin and cello music playing in the background. To be honest I'm not sure if it was a violin and cello,because of all the other things going on that I was paying attention to, plus I was video taping the couple getting married. It could have been drums and maracas for all I know. Not to sound like I didn't care , I was just watching the ceremony very closely just not the music part.( I am sorry for that) Watching the two flower girls (My Kaitlyn and my God Child and Niece Holly) come down the path really made me start to think. ( more on that later) I really think they will make a wonderful couple and can't say that enough. Joseph and Jacqueline that is not Kaitlyn and Holly.Not saying they won't be a nice couple just not with each other. Actually when they play together they are a cute couple just not that kind. Never mind I think I am digging a hole here.
The cupcakes that were served for desert were not from this planet. They were the most delicious cupCAKES that I have had. The frosting was pure heaven. Jacqueline told me were she got them from and I forgot. All I remember is I asked her and then I was dreaming about my next dose of those CupCAKES but, When I came to she was gone Yes, they were that good but not only that, they were huge. They were definitely manly in size. Oh yea the other food was very good too.

Now what I wanted to say is the whole time during the Wedding Ceremony I was thinking about not being there when My little girl finds somebody to marry. It is a hard pill to swallow knowing that I could have prevented most of my illness if I didn't ignore it and now I am paying for it. It's hard thinking about all your kids and not being there when they do these milestones.It's just different with your little girl because Daddy's always dream of walking there little girls down the aisle. I really don't know if I will get that chance. I know the next surgery I have can improve my chances of survival. That's just it, it improves it but doesn't guarantee anything. I will always have that cloud over my head for the rest of my life. What will this do to my wife that I love with all my heart and soul. She will be left holding the pieces of the home we were building together. The surgery that I need is very risky and that is something else for me to think about. I know I am wondering off a little but ,that is what this blog is all about. It is truly about what my feelings and my true thoughts are. Not about the silly stories that I tell. I do like telling the stories so all of you get to know me and my family a little better. And to understand why I am the way I am.

It's late and I still have to say my daily prayers. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers, and just being who you are and reading my blog. God Bless

I also wanted to say that the cord we use to download picture to the computer is missing. That is why there hasn't been any pictures lately. As soon as we fix the problem , pictures will return. Thank you for your patience.

A very special day for all

Today Zach had his soccer game and he is getting better.He doesn't fall on the ground and flap around like a fish as much anymore. Now if we could only get Michael out of the fall on the ground fish flapping stage. He usually only gets that way when we say he can't have any pop.

We had the wedding rehearsal and dinner. That went really well. I think that Jacqueline and Joseph will make a great couple. I believe Jacqueline found her Mr. Right in Mr. Wong.(Joseph Wong) The food at the dinner was simply scrunchious. I really liked the pasta salad. The vegetables were of the freshest in nature. Surely somebodies garden is missing some vegetables. I believe Nicole and Matthew made it. Jacqueline had a bachelorette party last night. There was a ex- stripper there teaching all the women how to tease there man. From what I was told Jacqueline's Mom Sandy stold the show. Sally couldn't make it cause she was still having stomach problems.

After all that Sally and I with Kaity and Zach went to go.( Michael stayed because he is doing a reading and it's easier if he spent the night) If we are in the neighborhood of Albanese Candy Factory we always like to stop and get some candy. It's really a treat for the kids because there is so much to choose from and the prices are very reasonable. We went and got some gummis. After we got our sweet goodness Sally asked me to hold Kaitys hand and walk her to the car. Zach and Sally were behind us coming out of the store. As I was walking closer to the car I heard a commotion. I looked back and saw Sally and Zachary going over the bag of Gummis. I was like you gotta be kidding me. We our only about 20 feet away from the car and they are already looking through the bag of candy. People were coming to go in the store and stopping to stare at my wife and son pilfering through the bag. I couldn't believe my eyes and glad I wasn't with them. So here is Zachary and Sally both are chunky. We had a few different bags of candy because each of us got what we wanted. So there is Sally and Zachary digging through the bag because Zachary wanted his item which of course is in the bottom of the bag. In order to get it Sally and Zachary were taking out the individual bags to find what Zachary wanted (in front of the door blocking people from getting in) Then there was a couple that walked by and looked at them and started to laugh. So picture chubby Zachary and Sally in front of the door holding bags of candy some of the bags fell on the ground. They looked like 2 liitle pigs who couldn't wait until they got their hands on the goods.

Thank you for visiting my blog and God Bless you. I Will write about the new Mr. and Mrs. Wong's Wedding tomorrow.

My very excellent mother just served us nine pies

Today Sally and I and the kids had to go back to Michigan City to take back the dresses so the bridal store could fix there multiple mistakes. Again I won't say the name. I think the name Renee is very nice. I think the name Renee is a perfect name for someone to open a Bridal store. Maybe more like a Bridal and Fashion store. Michigan City is a very nice location of this store. If this store did exist,If it did would be totally coincidental.

Well anyway while I was waiting on Sally to get back to the car,Zach and I were having a conversation about space and the planets. He asked me why do the spacemen fly in space.I told him there not flying but, floating around cause there is no air in space. I also told him that they wear special suits so they can breath or they will die. Why will they die? Because there is no air up there. They need the oxygen to breath. Then why is it Daddy that in my movies the bugs don't die when there in space. That is when I realized he had me with no explanation. So I thought about it for a while and came up with a clever answer, Because there bugs. Why is that Daddy. They are so small that they don't need a lot of air so they will hold there breath until they come back to earth. What happens if they don't ever come back to earth. That is when I put my hands on my ears and said lalalalaalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalla.

Zachary was reading a book in the car about space which was one of the reasons he was asking so many questions in the car. He started talking about satellites, the moon, planets etc... So Sally named the planets in order starting from the closest to the sun Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto. I was surprised that Sally knew them all in order since she never really showed an interest in things like that. Then she told me the sentence "My Very Excellent Mother Just Served Us Nine Pies". I was trying to figure out what in the world what she was talking about. She said "Don't you know that sentence. I thought everyone knew it. " I never heard it before and she explained the first letter in every word begins with the same letter as the planet and that was how she knows them in order.

Today Zachary was playing the Wii and Sally was laying on the couch and Zachary was having a conversation with himself. Michael came in the living room from the kitchen and asked Zach who he was talking to. Zach's response was " I don't know ,Who ever will listen to me. I thought that was a pretty good response for being put on the spot.

We had Zachary stay home from school today because his school had a child with the Swine Flu. We thought it to be safer to have him stay home one extra day. He did ask me if he could have a pop because he said was sick. He was playing the sick card all day. He didn't want to go to Michigan City either.

I am going to make this short. We did a lot of things today for preparation for the wedding.Sally has a lot more to do tomorrow . She is felling a little better but has the sniffles. Still doesn't want to venture to far away from a bathroom. The blogs for Saturday and Sunday may be short also do to the fact we may get home a little late and be tired. Take care and God Bless.

Set back!

Please bear with me , it's hard to see the screen when your vision is blurred, and you can't do anything about it. As you all know I had the appointment with the Liver specialist doctor. He looked at the CT Scan results and saw the spots and said there is no way of knowing if it is the Cancer spot or scarred tissue. There is no way of telling without just going in there and butchering me. This surgery has a lot of risk involved. I am back and read what Sally said. Don't listen to her I do feel it's a step back. I know its for my best interest but, I still think I'm going backwards.

Hi everyone this is Sally. Bill stepped out to be with Zachary for soccer practice. So I have decided to share my version of today's events . The surgeon was very nice. He sat down and explained what will be done. Bill of course is not happy with the fact that he will be under going another surgery which is understandable. Not that I enjoy when Bill is miserable and in pain but I am thankful he is able to have the surgery. Wish the surgery could be performed closer since I am terrified to drive in Chicago, but I know everything will work out. The surgery will increase Bill's survival rate between 30-40%. The surgeon will removed the 2 spots on the liver and he will also look for the cancerous lymphoid and remove it if he is able to find it. So basically the cancer will be gone but there will still be cancer cells floating around so he will not be out of the woods and will still have chemo therapy treatments. Like all surgeries there are risk involved. What complicates this surgery is that one of the spots in the liver is way up in the liver right underneath the rib cage. The doctor will have to move the liver to get to it. With Bill undergoing chemo there is a possibility the liver is soft which can lead into complications. However, the surgeon specializes in this so he will know what to look for and what to do. Like what Bill said The surgeon did say that there is no way to tell if the spots are cancerous unless he has the operation. He said since the spots have shrunk it could be scar tissue. However, it is felt it's in Bill's best interest to operate.The recovery should be a little easier then the last surgery. He will be in the hospital for about 7 days, less if he does good. He should be able to return back to work about 4 weeks after the surgery.The surgery doesn't need to be perform immediately. He will have to be off chemo for 3 weeks before he has surgery. I am hoping he could have it on the week of June 15th (least this way it will be after our wedding anniversary). Bill is worried that if he is off work for more than 6 months he could loose his job so he thinking about postponing the surgery and going back to work for awhile. He will have to make some phone calls tomorrow to see what is best. I do not feel this is a step back but a step a head for Bill.

When I was in the room waiting to see the Doctor, the nurse ask me to strip down to my underwear and put on there undergarment. As I was doing this Sally was sitting there and all of a sudden she started laughing at me. I wasn't completely naked so I know she wasn't laughing at that. I looked down and realized that I had on underwear that had bleach spots on them. My drawers were black and with the bleach spots made my drawers have actually brown splotches all over them. So it looked like I soiled my drawers. I could tell that the Doctor was a little hesitant about my exam because, he probably thought I had a more serious issue I needed to worry about first.

I really didn't feel like writing today because of what I was told, but I am getting a lot of positive feedback about the blog. That is whey I really enjoy writing it. Sometimes I may not write for one reason or another. Then I will have Sally write it and she will let everyone know that she is. If I don't it's probably because I am not feeling good. It's getting late and I am going to go now. God Bless you all and Thank you for the prayers.

Cubs are losing again 3-1 in the 8th
The Sox got destroyed 20-1

Prayers for Sally

Sally last night went to the ER and I slept through it, She didn't wake me up. She is having issues to were she is bleeding, cramping and feels like she needs to go to the bathroom. The Doctor at the ER told her she needs to get a Colonoscopy. I am obviously concerned for her. The good thing is, this is early and not something that has been going on for a while like with me. I really don't know everything that happened at the Hospital. I will ask her if there is something that needs to be added to this post . She is laying down now and said she is still cramping. So please say some prayers for Sally. I will be Ok, but she really needs the prayers them now. Thank You

My Special Day

I am starting this blog early so that I won't be writing this all night. Yesterday, Sally and I without the kids had to go to the Mall cause Sally needed to get a dress for the Wedding of our Niece Jacqueline this weekend.We went to most of the clothing stores throughout the mall. One of the times Sally was trying on a dress she asked me how she looked in it. I said you looked fine except you may want to wear your girdle. You have a little of your stomach showing. Sally's reply"I am wearing a girdle"( There was a moment of silence) Than out came" ooops" "No, I didn't say girdle I said my parents are going to Myrtle Beach next year silly"." I don't know why but, she put the outfit back. I thought she looked almost perfect in it. She did finally find what she was looking for and all wasn't lost.

This morning I took Michael to the Career again and after that I went to Stracks( The official grocery store of Bill's Blog) to get some English Muffins that I wanted for breakfast. As it took me a while to find them ,cause they are not located on the bread aisle.(?) They are located on display cases in different areas of the store. Well anyway after I aged a year and got what I was there to get, there was this lady in the store yelling at everyone. I thought maybe she was looking for English Muffins too and was waiting for me to find them for her. Maybe she couldn't take it any longer and just let her frustration out. I looked at her and said " What did I do"?Thinking she would say it took you long enough to find the English Muffins you jerk, No, she didn't.She started saying things that I couldn't begin to understand. So I left before the Pea Soup started shooting out of her mouth. That is when I knew that today is going to be a very special day.

Sally and I took Kaity to her fitting for the Flower Girls dress. I won't go into detail about that, except I won't ever recommend them for anything. My Sister in Laws sandy and Staci earlier were there dealing with there knuckle headiness. Just to summarize a little bit with what Sally and I dealt with. The dresses are falling apart already. The pink flowers that go around the mid area of the dress is coming undone on my God child and Niece Holly's dress, plus there is some black stuff on the flowers. On both dresses the sewing itself is coming undone. We think they put these dresses together in haste cause they forgot to send the order in promptly. The deposit was made in December and the order for the dresses was made in the first week of January. Why did it take four days before the wedding for them to come in? Sandy, Jacqueline's mother her dress still didn't come in yet. I won't mention the name but, if your going North on Franklin Street in Michigan City its on the right side of the street. ( the block between 108Th and 107Th streets I believe). While we were there Sally said she didn't feel good.She was having stomach pains. She ended up fainting, not to the point were she hurt her self. She did go down slowly cause she was up against the wall and a display model was there to help her down slowly. She went to the bathroom and stayed in there until she felt better. Zach wouldn't leave his mothers side. I am very proud of that little boy for the concern he showed for his mother. I was busy chasing KaityKaity around so she could get her toga outfit fitted. She was complaining in the car ride there that she didn't feel good. she still doesn't feel good and Kaity is whinny too. I hope she feels better tomorrow or I will go to the doctor by myself.y Special Day

Its really getting late and I need to attend to my sick wife. Please remember to pray for me tomorrow. My appointment is at 2:30 but I have to be there at 2:00 for the Liver Doctor. I don't want the surgery. Please please pray for me. God Bless you all.

A Michael oncore

I woke up today at about 7 and had to take Michael to the Career center because he missed the bus again. I got home about 8 and Sally cracked the whip and told me to go back to bed. So I did and that lasted until I woke up at about 12:30. I really didn't think I did a lot yesterday but when I think about it, it was a lot. I went to sleep fairly well but, every time I swallowed it felt like something was caught in my throat and I had a slight burning sensation. Then I got heartburn real bad and then Kaity woke up again. I went and got Rolaids and came back and took care of Kaity. I didn't need to cause Sally had her calmed down and she was almost back to sleep. I wouldn't have any of that and asked her if she wanted her Daddy. She perked up and she held her hands up for me. We went on the couch and I just held her. I really didn't have to do this but it is times like this were I know I will never totally be out of the woods and just wanted to hold my little girl. Zach earlier woke up and came out of his room and stared at Sally and I and turned around and went back into his room without saying a word and went back to sleep. If it wasn't for the fact that he had school , I probably would have gotten him up to come and sit with me a while. On occasion we would put Kaity to sleep and Sally would pop some popcorn then we would watch a movie together with Zach. We will have to do that again real soon.

I wanted to let everyone know that Michael was voted by his senior class most likely to Brighten your Day Award. This is even more special when Michael is only at the Griffith High School only half the day the last two years. The first part of the day is spent at the Career center ( taking a Criminology Course)with other kids from other schools. He has been doing this his Junior and Senior years. So I really think this is a very special accomplishment. Michael makes me laugh a lot usually though he doesn't mean to, and that takes talent. Sally and I are always being told how nice and polite Michael is. I remember one time an older lady had me pull my car over just so she could tell me how wonderful it was for Michael to walk her arm and arm across the street. OK ,that didn't really happen but, I wouldn't doubt it if it would one day. This does happen a lot from people I don't know but know Michael. Michael is like this I believe cause Sally instilled compassion in Michael. I didn't know Michael until he just turned 5. He was always very sensitive little boy. I remember one time I was going to take Sally out before we were married. Michael was getting ready for bed and I was waiting for my future wife to come down the stairs. Michael for no apparent reason came up to me and hugged me and started to cry. I was startled and didn't know what to do. I asked him what was wrong,he said "That he didn't want me to die and that he loved me" I Said "What do you mean. Michael said " I don't want you to smoke cigarettes anymore. I will never forget that and that is when I knew that Michael was something very special. Michael's grandfather died the day he was born of pancreatic cancer. He smoked about 2 and half packs a day. I do not smoke if anyone was wondering. I use to have a cigar or two at night to calm me down. Another time Michael went out to eat with my wife and her mom. The waitress was an older lady who wasn't friendly. Michael started to cry. Sally asked him what was wrong and Michael said he was crying because the waitress looks really sad. Sally made him feel better by telling him they will leave the waitress a big tip to make her happy. The first time I met Michael, Sally and I took him to Celebration Station to play games. I took them back home and Sally helped Michael get ready for bed. Before he went to bed, Michael went up to me and wrapped his arms around me. Then he said "I Love you Bill". I gave him a hug back but wasn't sure what to say so I told him "I don't know what to say". He looked at me and said good night and went to bed. Zach, I believe will be a lot like Michael in this way. He is very sensitive too and always tries to make people laugh too. All the qualities this boys have has nothing to do with me. Until I got sick I was always working and not home much. So the boys were always around Sally. Sally was always teaching them manners and being polite to others not to mention good hygiene Zach will wash his hands until they almost bleed after he goes to the wash room. If I raised them they both probably would be sitting in prison right now. Since now I am home more I realize just how important family really is.

So Michael is very compassionate about others but his family well that's a different story (especially when it comes to his mom). He will do anything for a laugh. When he is was younger he was out for dinner again with his mom and grandma. The restaurant was quiet and Michael stood up and said really loud "mommy has a big butt". I really don't have a problem there. I wasn't there but I wish I could have seen the look on Sally's face. Another time at a restaurant he went to use the restroom and called 911 on the pay phone. Taking him out to eat we never knew what to expect except we always knew he would try to build pyramids with the individual creamers and he would always eat Sally's food when he finished with his.He knew better than to Even eye my plate. He really hasn't changed much. When we are out shopping he sometimes will grab Sally's hand and hold on it tightly so she can't pull away. Then he will swing hands with her while they walk around the store. We often ask him why he can't be like a normal teen and stay away from us but we are lucky he is who he is.

The picture that is posted today is the letter Zachary gave to Sally for Mother's Day. You might have to click on it to see it better.

Thank you and God Bless you all!

yuck!!!!!

Today I woke up feeling better. Still tired though. Kaitlyn was crabby this morning with Sally. When I woke up around 9, I took care of my baby girl and she wasn't crabby for me. I don't think she is still over from being sick from last week. I still do not have much of an appetite. Last night I kept thinking of different foods and just the thought would make me sick. Not like I wanted to think of them I just couldn't help it. I took a nausea pill and felt better. I had homemade tortilla shells with spray butter for dinner last night. It's one of the very few things that appeals to me right now. I want bland or sweets, the thought of meat doesn't go over to well. But last night around 9pm I finally told Sally I have been craving Sizzle steaks( steak- ums) and Suzie Q's. Sally went to the store and bought them for me. She actually bought home a generic brand cause they didn't have the brand I wanted.( I may have to rethink the Stracks and Van Tils the official grocery of Bill's Blog) Even after eating the sizzle steaks it made me sick. I feel like I am pregnant sometimes with the cravings. I didn't want her to go out in the dark but Sally is stubborn and doesn't listen to me half the time. Besides at that time Sally was able to out run me.

Michael's meeting didn't go the way we wanted to but it wasn't bad either. It's a good learning experience for him. Not that I agree with the results it is what it is and Michael is going to make the best of the situation.

This morning while Zachary was in the bathroom getting ready for school, Kaitlyn was in there sitting on her potty chair eating her vegi chicken pattie. Sally tried to get her out but she wanted to stay there and eat. A couple of minutes later Sally heard some splashing and went to see what was going on. Kaitlyn was playing in the toilet. I am sure some of you who are reading will say "Yuck!" but it really isn't as bad as what Zachary did when he was that age. Zachary was found in the bathroom with the toilet plunger against his face. He thought it was funny and didn't want to take it off of his face. If we could we would have gotten him a bleach bath. It took awhile before any of us wanted to kiss him.

I know some are concerned about me doing to much. I appreciate you thinking of me. Sally is always on my case as well. The major projects I need to do is a matter of heath concerns and safety for my family. If I wait to do it when I go back to work it will be harder on me. This is a shorter blog cause I did a lot of things that I wanted to do and some I didn't yet but , I will. It was the perfect day to me with it not being to hot and a nice breeze.

Thank you for the thoughts and kind words. I would like to ask all of you a favor. On Thursday I am having the appointment with the Liver specialist at U.I.C. about possibly having another surgery for the spot that was seen on my liver. I don't think I could handle it to well if he says I need surgery. The CT Scan result said everything is shrinking so I feel I could without the surgery. It was a small spot to begin with and now it is smaller. So please can you help with this. This is what I am thinking about a lot lately and it consumes a lot of what is on my mind.(what is left of it)Thank you and God Bless.

Last night Sally and I went to Apple Bee's and we saw a play called "Crazy For You". It was an enjoyable evening for the most part. I had a hard time eating my dinner. I had the chemo pump taken out a couple of hours before we left. Nothing appeals to me and I am extremely sensitive to taste and texture right now. The play was a musical/comedy. I think Sally and I were the youngest in the audience there. It was almost 3 hours long but it was entertaining. Thanks mom for letting me and Sally have a good night out.

Today I slept in until 11. We will be going to night mass this evening instead. I took Zachary and Kaity to the park. Kaity did not want to get off the swings. I stood there for over an hour pushing her on the swings. I finally convinced her to go down the slide. She didn't want to go home but after an hour and a half at the park I was beat.

Friday night I was on the phone and Sally was on the computer. Zachary and Kaitlyn were playing. Zachary comes in the kitchen and grabs a pair of scissors. I wasn't paying attention but Sally was. She asked him what he was doing and then we heard Kaitlyn crying as she was walking towards the kitchen. Some how, I am sure with Zachary's help, Zachary's remote control toy wheel was wrapped around Kaitlyn's hair. Zachary was going to cut Kaitlyn's hair. If he would have I am sure there would have been hell to pay with Sally. First of all it was a huge chunk of hair and secondly all Kaitlyn is going to be a flower girl next Sunday and Sally wanted to keep her hair long for that. Sally and I tried to get her hair out but it was in there tight and she was getting upset. We finally got it to where there was only a few strands left. I wanted to cut but Sally insisted we do not cut her hair. So I had to find my set of screw drivers and take a part the toy. We finally got her hair out.

This isn't the first time a toy has gotten stuck in my child's hair and I had to come to the rescue. When Zachary was little he loved Thomas the train and friends. He collected all the battery powered trains. One day while I was busy at work, Sally called me and told me there is an emergency and that I needed to come home. Luckily, I work only 15 minutes away. So I sped all the way home. I open the house door and there is Sally on the couch with Zachary on her lap. She was laughing and he was crying. Then I looked again and one of his trains some how got tangled up in his hair. This time it was right up to the scalp so there was no way the hair could be cut. Me being the hero that I am, was able to loosen it enough so I was able to cut his hair and free him of Percy.

Also, this isn't the first time Zachary took hair cutting in his own hands. When he was 4, Sally was laying in bed napping. She woke up to Zachary cutting off a chunk of her hair. Surprisingly, Sally thought it was funny and didn't go after him with the frying pan. She gets mad at me when I touch her hair because she says I am messing it up.

Tonight Michael had to go to an award ceremony. I stayed home with the 2 little ones. Plus I am really tired and Sally will be going with him. Michael received an award for donating 6 pints of blood. They said he saved 18 lives from his donation. He will have to wear a red rope during his graduation. Please keep Michael in your prayers. Tomorrow, at 11 am he has an important meeting. As respect to Michael I will not go into details (no he has not in trouble with the law). I will say that if the meeting doesn't go his way he will be very upset and disappointed.

Both the Cubs and Sox lost today. Well I am unbelievable tired today. I even took a nap and I have no energy. Sally has helped me with some of this post because I am to tired to type. Good night and God bless.

Must give me cake

Today I woke up around 9 and I feel pretty good. Just a little tired but, otherwise feeling better. Sally and I have some things we are doing this afternoon and evening. The removal of my pump, Zachary's soccer game and later we have received tickets from my mom and Dad to see a play at the performing arts center. I started this post at 11am and Zach's soccer game is at 12pm I have a few things I want to do around the house then the pump removal is at 5:30pm. The play is for 8pm, So there is a lot I want and need to get done so that is why I am starting this early. Kaity does seem to feel better today but we aren't going to let her go out. Michael and I are going to take Zach to his game without Kaity and Sally. This will give her more time to fully feel better. Last night she slept really good, she needed that.

Yesterday, I was playing with Kaity and she kept saying what I thought was bear. I thought she wanted one of her build-a-bears that she had made. So I was trying to give her these bears but, she wanted no part of them. I could tell she was getting frustrated. I asked her what, what do you want. She then without hesitation stuck her finger in her diaper pulled out a surprise for me. Then she stuck her finger near my nose. That is when I realized it wasn't bear she wanted it was butt. So like the good Dad that I am, I changed her poopy diaper.

The second part of my weight gain. I am a chocoholic and cake addict. Combine the 2 and there is trouble. When Sally and I first married she was working at Dominicks. There was a midnight position that opened and she took it. Michael was able to sleep at his grandma's when we were both working. We thought it would be best with my crazy work hours there wasn't a set shift she could work without having a sitter. Michael was with sitters since he was 1 and it was difficult to find care that met her standards. Right before she took the midnight position there was an incident which I might save for another blog. Of course it will again be on Michael's expense. Which lead to our decision to raise our kids on one income. , so far have not had a job that required a set shift so Sally could work around my hours. Anyways, enough with my ramblings and back to the chocolate and cake. Sally would often had something made for me to eat when I got home from work. One night she made a chocolate cake with home make chocolate frosting before she left for work. I came home to my surprise to find a chocolate cake waiting for me. I was like "Hell Yeah!". So I took the pan of cake and sat in the living room watching TV. Enjoying the peace and quiet of an empty house and cake, what more can I ask for. One slice turned out to be another and another. What can I say I was a hungry and growing man( just in the wrong direction). So yeah, I ate more than I should have but I did save some for Michael and Sally so I didn't see the problem. The next day when I woke up, Sally wasn't to happy with me. She started in with me about the cake. Saying she was pressed for time and still managed to find time to bake me a cake. She told me I was rude and selfish. I didn't see the problem, I left them cake. Ok, so I ate the center of the cake and left the burned edges for them. They still had cake to eat if they wanted to. Sally didn't make any more cake for me after that when she was on midnights.

Here is another cake story. When I worked at the dairy my brother in law, Tom (Sally's sister Stacies's husband) worked there with me too. We were on the same crew. One night while we were working hard they had taken their mom out for her birthday. Not only they took her out to one of my most favorite places for spaghetti but they went back to their mom's house for cake. So I was on the phone with Sally and joking around I told her to bring me a piece of cake to work. Sure I really wanted cake but there was no way I would let her drive to my work. I worked in the West part of Chicago( The stuffest part-Usually the highlight of the 10'oclock news). I saw things that I would be glad to never have to talk about it. Somethings left this big manly man shaking his head . About an hour after I hung up the phone with her I heard a paige from security for me. Sally and Stacie were at the security gate. Stacie drove her green little pick up truck with Sally to give us cake. This was probably the first time in my life I wasn't happy to see cake. I was really upset with them. The two goofs thought it was funny. In fact they informed me and Tom that while they were driving in the West side they decided to move their upper torsals around in a circular fashion so this way it would be harder for them to be hit by a bullet. Knowing that did not put my mind at ease. After they left I did eat the piece of cake but it didn't taste as good for some reason.

I will have more tomorrow take care and God Bless.

As her head starts to spin

I'm an going to start the blog with some stats of our Chicago Baseball teams so those of you not baseball fans please bear with me,
Cubs are 20-14 tied for 2nd 0.5 games out
Sox are 15-18 4th and 2.0 games out
Cubs -Soriano tied for 3rd in the Nat. league with 11 Homeruns
Sox- Quentin tied for 5th in the Am. league with 8 Homeruns
Cubs are 7th in both leagues with 57 Homeruns This is a surprising stat to me. I thought the Soxcatagory. I felt the Sox had more power than the Cubs.
Sox are 19th in both leagues with 33 Homeruns
Cubs have a team batting ave. of 2.55 22nd
Sox have a team batting ave. of 2.51 26th Both teams need help here to be competitive.
Cubs have 161 RBI'S 15th
Sox have 132 RBI'S 26TH
Cubs ERA IS 4.48 15TH
Sox ERA is 4.66 19th Again both teams need to bring this down.
Cubs in strikeouts have 285 1st in the league
Sox in strikeouts have 223 21st in the league
My report card for the teams for what I really think they deserve: Cubs C+ There hitting really needs to improve along with there bullpen. They are ranked 4th in the power polls,I Don't feel they are living up to that as of yet. They have had a lot of injuries as of late. Lee, Zambrano and Ramirez.
The Sox I think they deserve a D+ They were not really expected to do much according to the sports writers. There isn't any pressure on them because of this. I do think they have the talent to do better ,but lets hope not. There power poll ranking is 20th

Today is a very rainy day so I really don't feel like myself. I went to the Dermatologist today and she agreed with my oncologist that they are stress related acne. She gave me two scribts and some samples of some sunscreen. This is the exact sunscreen that my sister Dawn gave me a while back. Along with the SBS-40 skin cream she also gave me. I will have to find out where to get that, I am almost out. My face peels a lot so I first put on the skin cream and wait a few minutes then put on the sunscreen. The skin cream is really good stuff.
Kaity woke up last night throwing up. I really felt bad cause she was throwing up a lot. We got her to go back to bed but, later she woke up again and she wanted Sally this time. That was just fine with me. Sally got her back in bed and she slept until 10am. I really didn't feel that great either. I was feeling crappy earlier in the evening. I was very tired and had a upset stomach myself. I do feel better now just still tired.I think that I am going to be taking it easy today. I think my body needs it. Next week it is suppose to be warm and I have a lot to do. I need to get the foundation leak that we have taken care of and also the kitchen ceiling needs to be Spackled and painted all this needs to be done A.S.A.P. I am actually looking forward to this.

This story I am going to tell and the one tomorrow will explain a little (a lot) why I have a weight problem. When I was about 8 or so I lived next to a girl named Vanessa B. and next to her was her best friend Mathew V. Vanessa had this kitchen set with a real bake oven. With this real bake oven she had real cake mix. One time when Mathew and I were there and Vanessa left the room we cracked open one of the mixes and went to town. She came back and didn't seem to care, so we all dug in. One box became two then 3 then 4 and so on. We just couldn't let her mom know what we were doing. We told Vanessa to ask her mom for some other flavors because all she had was yellow. Like the good mom she is she didn't disappoint. I few days after this incident Mathew and I had a cake mix smorgasbord. We took what we could fit down our shirts and pockets and headed outside behind her garage as not to be detected by other cake mix stealing Kids from the neighborhood. Mathew and I got in a argument with the last box of the powdery goodness. I had it and I wasn't going to give it up. When I was done I did let him have the few granules that were left. That made him happy and he wasn't mad at me anymore. Vanessa never really eat the cake mix like we did. That is probably why she is thin.

Thanks for visiting and God Bless you

I'm shrinking, I'm shrinking

Today most of you know that I was to get the result of the CT Scan. So far so good. I was told the everything is shrinking. My lympnodes and my liver with the small spot on it, everything is shrinking. They didn't get a measurement of how much shrinkage there was. At least it's going in the right direction. So that is definitely great news to hear but, I still have a little way to go. I am very happy and will start the cart wheel training. Tomorrow I have a dermatologist appointment because Sally notice when I got out of bed when she was checking me out( wink wink) that I had red spots all over my back and arms. My doctor believes it's just a form of acne. He isn't sure, so that is why he set this up. I finally got my appointment with the liver specialist next Thursday the 21ST at 2:30 at U.I.C. I will be praying very hard that he will not feel the need to do surgery to remove the spot. I will take that news as a step back. I am hoping since the spot was small to begin with and it shrunk more he won't want to do surgery. I still have to see the thyroid specialist on the 28th

Today in the mail I got some blessed St. Peregrine Oil from the The Compassion Ministry. This is the Ministry of Father Rookey. When I called to have Father pray over me he told me he would send me the oil. St. Peregrine is the patron Saint of people with cancer. This is nice for them to do this. Like I mentioned on Tuesdays blog this is an added bonus to all the wonderful people(you) out there that are praying for me.

Pastor Brian -it is great to hear from you again. It's been a long time since I heard from you. I am glad you are back. I think I will take a visit to your church one day. I love to read your posting especially when we our beating up on Dan. Go cubs, They won 11-3 today.
Patty- I really look forward to your postings. I know that you don't know me personally,but you have really helped me with what I am going through, since you have been there done that. I have a couple of questions I would like to ask you if you don't mind.
Dan- Do you really need an introduction. Yes you probably do. I am really grateful for all the things you have done for me to help make my illness more bearable. You and your wife are truly amazing people and I wish only the best for you and your Daughters
Deb- I really look forward to reading your post . They are very uplifting and makes me feel better to have a fellow cubs fan being there for me. you are truly a special person. Joe is very lucky to have you. I hope Dan is able to help you with your cards and your writings.You have sent a few of your cards to me and they are very beautiful. The public needs to know.
My family( Sally's side and mine) and friends- All of you have done so much for me and my family. With the planning of the benefit or working it and getting the raffle prizes and ect. ect. ect. You all have gone far beyond expectations. You are giving me the love that I needed to help me with my illness and I will always be in deep gratitude to you. I wish I could make mention of everyone,but that would be a very long night for me and you do deserve the notoriety . I will say that I LOVE each one of you very deeply. I hope to thank you in a more personal way some day.

I want to tell a quick story about Kaity that happened yesterday. On our doors in the hallway we have the door knob things on them so Kaity can't get in the rooms. Now she will pull real hard on them to make them pull apart. So yesterday she got in the bathroom when she did this. She went in there to wash her hands, she was getting ready to eat dinner. Sally asked me check on her so she wouldn't burn herself with the hot water. I went to open the door and it was locked. "Oh know" I said,(I thought she must have done that accidentally) "Hey kaity open the door, this is Daddy( that really made her rush to the door). I didn't know what to do, she didn't seem to care. I wasn't sure how the door needed to be opened. I didn't know if it was a push in Like our bedroom door is or and push and turn like Michael's. The whole time thinking I have to look for my precision screw driver set. Before I was going to leave to save my poor defenseless little girl. Not knowing what trouble she could get into. I heard a sound from the door knob. The door slowly opened and she said " OK come in now ,done" and she walked out. I was speechless. You gotta love her.

God Bless you all and thatnks for the prayers. I truly believe it was the prayers that helped me today. Thank You

You are my son shine, Dedicated to Michael

Again ,Kaity woke up at about 2AM. I took her again in the living room and just cuddled with her on the couch. She calmed down immediately. Although I don't like her being upset, I really enjoy holding my little girl. It will be sad when she is a big girl and doesn't need to be held like that any more. Zachary once in a while will still want to be held and I enjoy that. Even Michael will lay on his mother on occasion. Getting back to Kaity I think I know why she may have gotten up. She is very particular how she is put to bed. Every time she goes to bed it's the same ritual. First of all, she gives everyone a kiss. Then she gives us her pillow. We have to make sure her pillow case is on perfectly. Then we have to place it in the same exact spot every time. She then lays in bed, but her head it resting against the wooden frame. So we have to pull her down by grabbing on to her ankles. We cannot use any other part of her body or we will hear her dissatisfaction. After all of that it is inventory check. Her pink heart, Build a Bear, bear must be on her right side, a baby doll on the left side. Her sippy cup she snuggles up with. Finally, she wants to be covered. The blanket can not be a real heavy one. Her face, arms and hands can not be covered up as well. After all of that 95% of the time she goes to sleep really good.

Zachary was the only one who really didn't have a ritual. When he was Kaity's age he didn't like to sleep in his bed. We would often have to lay down with him. Sometimes he would fall asleep on the couch if all the lights were off. Sometimes he would fall a sleep in front of the gate that would block off the kitchen from the living room when Sally would be in the kitchen on the computer. Most of the time he would end up in our bed. He started sleeping on his own right before Kaity was born. He sometimes sleeps in our bed when I work midnights. On occasion we wake up with Zachary sleeping at the foot at the bed without us knowing.

Michael had a ritual as well. His lasted probably until he was at least 10. Every night before he went to bed Sally would have to sing "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine...." song. If she wasn't home she would have to call him and sing it. No one else could sing it for him. Even when we went away for 3 nights for our honey moon, Sally had to sing it to him every night. Michael forbid Sally from singing it to Zachary when Zachary was born. Plus Michael would call her every morning when he woke up. We couldn't go very long or far because of it. Michael was and still is attached to Sally. He has admitted to being "A Mommy's boy". ( Nothing is wrong with that) He slept with her until we got married and often ended up in our bed. Sometimes on the weekend mornings he might climb in bed with us when the other 2 kids are in there.

Michael is somewhat of a weather bug. If the weather is fierce he has a hard time. Like the time I had my walk and was out in the tornado that hit Griffith. I was talking about my experience with Sally and Michael was getting mad and didn't want us to talk about it at all. Whenever there is a storm he goes in the hallway with a flash light. Last August with the tornado, he woke all of us in the middle of the night and told us he heard the sirens and to go into the hallway. Sally and I were to tired and laid in bed. Besides storms Michael is afraid of the dark. In December we lost power for a day. We took the kids out and came around 10 pm. The plan was for Kaity to sleep with us and Zachary was going to sleep with Michael. Zachary ended up in our bed and Michael wasn't happy. He didn't want to be by himself in the dark. I was expecting Michael to jump in our bed as well. Luckily, the power came back on and Sally and I were able to reclaim our bed. Sorry Michael but it's time the world must know or at least some of the people you know.

Today, was an uneventful day. I slept in again. Helped Sally with house work. Picked up Zachary from school and took him to the school book fair. Hopefully I can get to bed earlier. The last couple if chemo sessions I have been really tired. I hope if I get more sleep I won't be so tired. Tomorrow I am hoping to get the C scan results. Tomorrow's blog will probably be short since I will be getting home late. It takes me a long time to type out the blogs since I am only a 2 finger typer and I need to rethink the stories so they are as true to the best of mine and Sally's recollection. I am trying to spend more times with kids and less time with the blog when they are home and trying to fit in typing the blog when they are busy or not at home.

Some of you have been asking about the Running Girl book written by my good friend Dan. You might be able to find it at a book store in Cedar Lake called the Seed Sowers. It is not at the Christian book Store in Merriville, That store I was told wasn't very helpful in getting it in. Amazon sells it as well. They only have 2 in stock right now. Half.com has them also.

On another note. Sally just scanned this picture that I have been wanting to post. Since I am on my Michael kick, I thought this would be a good time to share. There is a story attached to the picture. A couple of months ago, Zachary told Sally he misses his older sister. Sally was confused and was trying to understand what Zach was talking about it. Sally said you have a younger sister, not and older sister. Zachary said no I have an older sister, remember the picture of her? He was talking about the picture of Michael. A few years ago Sally was in her creative moods. She didn't want Michael to feel left out by displaying all the cute picture of Zach. So she printed out this picture and made the color antiqued and placed it in a frame for all to see.

Until tomorrow God Bless you all and have a great rest of the week.

The big day

Last night Kaity didn't want to go to sleep. We finally got her down around 11PM. So at that time I started my daily Prayers and after that Sally and I played a little wii. Kaity woke up about 2:30 and she wanted her Daddy, so I was up with her for a while consoling her. I finally got her to sleep but, than I was restless most of the night. I did wake up at 8am so Sally could take Zach to school and I would keep an eye on Kaity. When Sally got home I went back to sleep and I slept until 1pm. I got my act together so I could pick up Zach from school. I also called Father Rookey again. I felt like calling him is an added bonus. With all the support and prayers I have been already receiving, I thank all of you for that. After I picked up Zachary from school I took him home and went for the CT scan. I also had my blood work done for Thursday's chemo treatment. As I was traveling to my appointment the song from Gloria Gaynor "I Will Survive" came on. I was like ooooooooohhhhh yeahhhh. I thought that was the perfect song for the situation at hand. Than the song by Steam called Ballroom Blitz came on. It was like no way, it must be my lucky day. There really isn't any reason why I mentioned that song except that it ROCKS! It was sad before I was to get my blood work done because there was a young boy about 4 years old getting blood drawn. Needless to say he didn't take it to well. They had to call in reinforcements so they could do what they had to do. I was at the Wellness Center for a while because of this. When I finally got my blood work done I then had to go and drink the barrien and than sit around for about 45 mins or so. I hope to get the results on Thursday when I go in for Chemo.

Talking about the little boy having the blood work done. The same thing happened to Zachary when he was about 5 and Sally was pregnant with Kaitlyn. The Doctor wanted to check for lead poisoning. It was a routine check that he went in for and this was his bonus. He knew before he went in what was in store for him. When he was called in he made a b-line toward the exit. Since I was speedy Bill I was able to catch him before he got to the border. When we finally got him back in there , reinforcements were called in plus he had to sit on my lap and I had to hold his arm down. I never heard such crying before and I almost wanted to say lets go. As a father this really breaks your heart. When we finally got it done none of us had dry eyes when we came out.
Another time when Zach was an infant and getting his baby shots. We took him in and he was always smiling, not having a care in the world. There he was smiling at the nurse and at his Mommy and Daddy. Hey you can't smile ,( the bad voice said) and since you are smiling they are going to stick you with a needle now. He started balling and that will break your heart too. I wanted the nurse to poke me since I felt like I deserved it after what I did to my little boy. Better yet just cut my arm off or pound a nail into it.

I am going to go to spend time with Sally God Bless you all and thank you for everything. By the way I don't know if any of you notice my new survey about the book Running Girl by my friend Dan. I read it and it is a book you want to consider reading. It's a book for all ages and it is Christian book.

CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN

This is all the garbage I got out of the car.

Today I slept in until about 9:30. I was really tire because I was up until 2 am the night before getting things ready for Mothers day and saying my prayers before I go to bed. I still feel a little tired. I just don't want to sleep my day away. After eating breakfast I took the car for an oil change. Sally and I are going to pick up Zachary from school and we have a meeting with his teacher about his academics and his placement for next year. He is having a hard time with some of his subjects. His best subject is Math. Usually gets all A's and B's in Math. I think he has a hard time with reading and that is what a lot of his problem is. When he brings home his homework and I go through it with him, he will understand it and do it right. At school they are responsible for reading there own instructions on how to do there work. That is why I think that is the issue. He also has a hard time with his speech and he sees a pathologist twice a week. We are trying to help him with his reading and did try to get help with his speech but, our insurance won't cover him unless we get a referral. We asked for a referral but they say he isn't severe enough. We have been fighting about this for about two years now. The help he gets at school just isn't enough.

We just got back from school. Zachary is border line from being retained and being passed. He might be OK next year if he receives extra help. Which we were told he might but there isn't any guarantees. If he does bad next year he would be held back in second grade. Last year we were told the same thing. It's hard to see him struggle and it's heartbreaking to hold him back. The teacher told us she would support the decision we make. Sally and I chose to have him retained. Zachary doesn't seem to mind. The major issue is his speech according to his teacher. Sally requested to have him tested for learning disabilities as well. We were told it will be a year process but as long as it's done, that's the most important thing. The teacher told us that Zachary has no problem reading or comprehending.

Zachary is funny. He complains about being a boy and wants to be a girl. He said it's not fair because girls always go first in the line and the boys always have to go last. He also doesn't think it's fair that girls have purses and boys do not. Wait until he get older when he realizes he has to pay for dates and all the other rules (like females are never wrong).

I am going to wash and clean Sally's car. The car always seems to get cluttered. The kids have a tendency not to take their garbage and stuff out with them. It's embarrassing when I get out of the car and a wrapper of some sort is stuck to my shoes. Or when we open the door and something flies out. Reminds me of the time when I was with my brother in law Tom picking up a basketball hoop that Sally had won. We already had one so we didn't need another one. It was sponsored by Pepsi. The backboard had a Mountain Dew logal on it. When we were going to put the basketball hoop in his truck, He opened the back end of his Yukon and out pours a water fall of Mountain dew cans. That is when I new that the backboard was going to be in the right hands. Now back to the story of the Clean Impala. Actually, the car is our car since my car hasn't been running since August. I like driving her car better. My car is a 94 Pontiac Grand Am. It has over 200,00 miles. The air doesn't work any more and what is even worst there is no radio. My car was broken into a few years ago and someone stoled my stereo which I had gotten for Father's Day one year. I do not enjoy driving without music.

Tomorrow at 4 pm is the day for the C Scan. In one way I am anxious for it be done. It would be great and a relief to know the cancer is going away. On the other hand, I am scared. To find out it has spread will be devastating. I am putting everything in God's hand but it's still hard not to worry. The waiting for the results will be the hardest part. Hopefully, we will know something on Thursday. I am asking for lots of prayers for a good out come. I am going to call Father Rookie again for his help too. So please everyone prayer for a great result. Thank You for the prayers and support.

Cubs are Idle, the Sox are losing 2-0 in the bottom of the 4th and the Hawks play at 8pm.

Mothers' day

Today I wanted to make sure Sally would have a nice day. This morning I went and got flowers for her and bagels for breakfast. Zachary wanted to have sausage links the way his brother Michael made a few months ago. He said they are the best sausage links he ever tasted. What makes these veggie links such a delicacy is, well let me tell you. It's the special way Michael makes them. He puts them in the microwave for about 10 minutes. This way they are nice and hard and crispy. Michael should think about putting together a cook book don't you think. I told Zachary maybe some other day. I don't think my stomach could handle the taste of such a dish. After we ate we went to church and then went to visit Sally's mom. Then we went and visited my mom. My sister Dawn and her closet Cubs fan husband Dave came over as well. it was nice seeing them. I don't get to see them much, cause they live out in Plainfield. It was a very nice visit. We then went home and took it easy for awhile. I had to take Michael to the Central Library so he can get a book for his Criminology class. After he got his books we went home and got ready to out for dinner. We were going to go to Gino's East. Sally wanted to get the stuffed pizza. The waitress said it would take 1 and a half hours. We said good bye and went to Edwardo's instead. It took Edwardo's 45 mins which is the normal time for stuff pizza. After we ate that fine meal we ended the evening with Frozen Yogurt Express.That is what our mother's day was like.She got a lot of nice gifts too.(Bath and Body from Michael,Pancake Puffs Maker from Zachary, perfume from Kaitlyn and I got her a Babies Neck Charm Ring that she puts on her neckless with my birth stone on it. She has all the kids and herself but, insisted on having one with my stone.)

When I was little and I would go out with my Mom and brothers and sisters to a restaurant my mom use to get made at me a lot. I would always order spozzzghetti. That was my favorite meal and still is. She would say that we are waiting a long time for our food because of the noodles for my spaghetti. She said that it takes a long time cause of them boiling my noodles. So thanks to me that is why we would always have bad service when we went out for dinner.
My mom got yelled at one time at My sister Lisa's wedding. When she is celebrating she like to have fun ,just like any one else. So at the wedding she was feeling so good that she actually stood on the table and started to dance. I was like "Oh no here we go,There going to kick us out"Here is my mom who is in her 60's dancing on this table. not caring in the least who is watching her. So after she picked up all the dollar bills and stuck them under her dress the bouncers came over and told her in a firm voice to get off the table. To this day I'm not sure if they were afraid she might break the table or the action she was getting, and that would be revenue lost for the banquet hall.

I hope everyone had a great Mothers Day. Thank you for visiting my blog and hope you continue to visit. Take care and God Bless

Grand day

Today Zach had his soccerama for his soccer league. This is when his team goes through all these different soccer drills. His team goes through all these drills and they keep score of all the players and from all the other teams in his league. They tally up the total for the each player and then add it together for the team. His team didn't win but, his coach said that he did a great job. Did a better job then some of the players that were expected to do better. That was a lot of fun watching that.

Zach and I went to a grand opening of a store called Add with Water. They sell boats and skis and other water related items hence the name. Zach heard this commercial on the radio and asked if we could go. I said that we can cause I like to go to things like this. There is always giveaways and freebies. If it's free I'll take it. You can give me a rock and I'll be happy. We got a free hot dog and chips with pop. We also got a bunch of floatable keys chains and a real nice flash light that is water proof and Zachary got some candy. I have no intention of buying a boat I just wanted the free stuff.

When Zach and I were going home he was talking about his Star Wars toys. Than for no apparent reason he asked me if Mississippi is real.I said what do you mean. Is Miss Issippi is a real person. After I got the car out of the ditch , I said that Mississippi was a river ,a state and a street but, believe there is no person named Miss issippi. I thought that was cute and wanted to share.

I am going to end this now cause I will be going to Michael's girl friends house. I was told that she ripped her bumper off her car along with the sensor to her garage. So I will be going there to look at the damage. god Bless you all and have a safe and very happy Mothers Day.