Dear Mom...

All We Could Think About 5 Years Ago...

was our adorable little E making it one day, one week, one month, one year, FIVE YEARS free from his cancer.  It seemed like eternity.  I remember walking the survivor lap with him at Relay for Life, him swimming in his shirt because he was so little and praying with every bone in my body that he would see 5, and simultaneously my heart breaking for the parents who were losing their children.  To me, the greatest heartache Earth could ever hold.


Yesterday E had his bloodwork done and his tumor marker is super low, the most wonderful news!!!  So much has happened in the past 5 years, but we are so determined to honor E and his amazing spirit by never taking one single moment for granted.  And he is now part of the fight against cancer as he understands more and wants to do more.  

This year we are again part of Relay for Life, and have been for 5 years now.  We continue to share E's story of hope and embrace his journey as a survivor.  We continue to fight this disease because we will never forget what this disease is, what it can do, and much more importantly what it cannot do.  It cannot keep people from coming together to raise funds, honor their loved ones, and keep hope in their hearts.   If you would like to donate to our team, E-Strong, you can do so at this link.  Thank you ever so much.

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=30727&team_id=823981

A Grateful Home II

And the list continues (see previous post)...


26. dandelion "flowers"
27. Liam saying yeyyow 
28. a full picnic table
29. the entertainment value of a water spigot  
30. Tarzan boy

A Grateful Home

Last fall I came across a book by Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts, and from the description provided alone I pre-ordered it.  I am so glad I did because this book, now on the New York Times bestseller list, is changing lives including mine.

I have started my own gratitude journal, my own version of Polyanna's glad game.  It's a way to center me in these full, intense days of raising 5 boys 5 and under (4 the same age).  It's a way for me to stay focused on the joy, the present, the gift He has given me.

1.   a life encompassing all things boy
7.   lightening up
11. a son's intent to save the world
13. tears while writing heartfelt words
14. a husband deep in the trenches with me
18. 5 boy wonders
19. a toothless grin
21. E's rendition of "Here Comes the Sun"
25. the gentle reminder that tomorrow is a day filled new again with His blessings and joy if I am only open to receive them




Not only am I starting a gratitude journal, but we are focusing more on gratitude as a family and I will share soon.  I hope it will help us as parents and our boys to grow our family roots deeper and stronger.  In my heart I cannot come up with anything more meaningful to give your children, especially in this world, than the ability to slow down, take it all in, cherish, savor, bond, and grow their little souls.

The Red Flyer Gang and more!

Our garage sale was a big success in our opinion and I will write more on that this week.  In the meantime, here are a couple fun videos...

The Red Flyer Gang...since Santa brought them at Christmastime, they have really mastered their little scooters and have formed their own little gang.  

We've been talking about colors and shapes for a long time now, and they now try drawing circles and they are starting to get it!  That is when they keep the crayons on the paper ;)  

Kids pick up on so much if you just sit down, take the time, and keep it fun.  Recently I took the grippy, non-slip rubber shelf liner (you can buy a whole roll for $3 at Target) and cut out shapes in a few different colors, we turn on some music and I have them stand on the shape.  They are getting the hang of it, except Griffin never wants to leave his green circle ;)  I will post some more ideas soon (and hopefully a video too)!  

*pay no attention to my voice, I am so not a fan of hearing myself on video*

Busy Humble Bees

Spring is in the air...ahh!!!  We are busy bees around here getting ready for a garage sale tomorrow and Saturday.  We are hoping these funds will help with all the new gear, etc. the boys need, especially a new stroller!

Yet in the midst of the never ending pile of prepping that I am finding myself under, even with my love of all things organized, God always has a way of sending the make sure you stay focused on what is important message.

Last week Ethan asked how he could help the children in Japan and the idea he came up with is having a lemonade stand at our sale.  He heard of the Red Cross and their helping in Japan and we talked about how they help everywhere, even in the U.S., even right here in Illinois.  So, if you're in the neighborhood, stop on by for a glass of lemonade being served by the boy with the heart of gold.

Then today I received a call from a breast cancer charity, while I told them how I would love to help, right now we focus on raising money for Relay for Life and that Ethan is approaching (next month) his 5 year cancer-free milestone.  Her response could have come in 800 different shapes and sizes, but she chose...GOD bless your son m'am, bless your whole family and it came from her heart.

Yes it's springtime and yes we're working hard in the Krol home, but not too hard to let the goodness He so freely gives pass us by.

Little Brave Heart

Remember those lovable Care Bears?  Next to Tenderheart, Braveheart was my favorite.  Well, our little Liam, our little lion has a heart full of bravery.  A heart that defined itself unlike any other, that found a way to work and allow our little miracle to grow from 2.9 lbs. to over 23 lbs (at 18-months).  A heart that surely has been prayed for many times over.

It has been awhile since I have updated because we really have no new news.  We are waiting for Liam to grow and as he is doing it so well with his trusty little heart, his cardiologist has assured us we can wait for further testing that is less invasive.  Rush (Chicago) will have a new hospital in early 2012 which also means new equipment and more technological advances.  Liam's Cardiologist and I email which I love.  We have met in person a few times for Liam's tests, and it is so nice to able to follow up via email with the head of the entire Cardiac Unit at Rush.

While we want answers now, we trust in His timing, and allow us to live in peace seeing Liam continue to thrive.  He has proven that sheer will can move mountains.  Please continue to keep Liam and his heart in your prayers and we will post again about our little braveheart when we know more!

                                                  Liam at 2 mos (non-adjusted)                            Liam at 17-months (Valentine's Day)