It has been a pretty productive week around here. I owe a big thanks to my brother-in-law Jason for spending the week with us and helping me catch up. I've always had a lot on my plate, but now...wow...I need about three plates. Thanks also to my babysitters. We miss Jana (who is on spring break), but Carlee, Amanda, and Jason have filled in wonderfully. As usual, Jan is always around when we need her.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone Sunday at the Trouser Mouse. Several people have asked if children are welcome and the answer is yes. The bar and grill is typically an adult establishment, but the kids are welcome to enjoy the atmosphere Sunday.
The Crawl for Cancer registrations are starting to pick up. Check out my March 6th post for details. Rachael Althaus has kindly volunteered to help me coordinate everything. She'll be compiling the registrations, setting up transportation, and working on hotel arrangements for those coming in from out of town. Feel free to e-mail her at [email protected].
Have a great weekend!
Thanks to the great weather, Dennis and Tina were able to deliver Emma and Peighton's Christmas present last week. We enjoyed the visit and the girls love the seesaw. Jana seems to fit it perfectly!
Chris,
Glad to see everyone smiling. The girls look like they enjoy their new see-saw. I hope that Sunday's event is a success. I's sure it will be.
Enjoy the weekend...it looks like Old Man Winter might pop in for a visit for a few days.
Alaina
Posted by: Alaina | March 16, 2007 at 10:50 AM
Chris, I am so sorry for your loss, you and your little ones are in my prayers. My friend is going through a similar circumstance, and that is how I found your blog. James Smith, he has mentioned you too me in the past. I am glad you are sharing your story and getting the info out there on this disease. James (katieshug) is blogging now:
http://www.cancerstolemywife.blogspot.com/
Posted by: JP Manzi | March 16, 2007 at 02:37 PM
Every since a friend told me about your blog I have been reading it and the others you have posted. I got this e-mail from a friend and I would love it if you could post it some how that everyone can sign the petition on Breast Cancer. You are a remarkable man and I pray for you and your family often.
http://www.lifetimetv.com/breastcancer/petition/signpetition.php
Posted by: Becky | March 16, 2007 at 08:09 PM
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
I found this information on The Cancer Blog and thought some of you might want to take action for this important cause.
Pick up the Phone for the Colorectal Cancer Coalition
On February 5, the President cut about $11 billion from the National Cancer Institute budget. On March 20, one group -- the Colorectal Cancer Coalition or C3 -- will ask Congress to return some of this money.
Colorectal cancer advocates from all over the country will descend upon Washington DC on this day, in honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Their plan of action on behalf of C3's first-ever Call-On Congress includes meeting with members of Congress face to face, discussing cancer research and prevention funding, and informing these powerful people that the time to cure cancer is now.
These advocates have a lot to accomplish -- and they need your help. So they ask that while they are rallying in DC that you lend your support with a few simple phone calls.
On Tuesday, March 20, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, pick up your phone and call two Senators and one Representative. Tell them now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of the cancer cause.
C3 offers a step-by-step guide for making yourself heard. The group will help you locate your specific legislators and provides a script for what to say and how to say it.
"The more people who call on March 20th and ask for Congress to make funding the war on cancer a priority, the better for us all," says one advocate.
Here is a link to their site as well:
http://ga1.org/campaign/calloncongress
Thinking of you daily.
Posted by: Kelly | March 17, 2007 at 08:23 AM
Just wanted to say that you all are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Once again, I can't explain what an impact your story has made in my life. I see things in a different way now. Chris, you are such a strong man. God Bless you and those beautiful girls.
Posted by: Daphne in Alabama | March 17, 2007 at 08:55 AM
Chris & Family,
"HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY". I hope you and your family have a great day. You are in always in my thoughts and prayers. I love the new pictures of the girls; so cute. Dennis, and Tina, I hope you are doing okay. I want you two to know that your in my thoughts and prayers also. God bless you all...Peggy
Posted by: Peggy Patrick | March 17, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Chris, Emma & Peighton,
I hope you all have a wonderul St. Paddy's Day weekend and that you girls are enjoying your new see-saw. It sure looks like lots of fun for you girls! You all continue to be in my thoughts & prayers and I hope that the event tomorrow is a huge success.
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Teegarden MD | March 17, 2007 at 05:05 PM
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!!
I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend. Thinking/praying for you always!!!
Posted by: Sarah Hunter | March 17, 2007 at 06:03 PM
Hi Chris-
I'm a friend of Shawndra Turner's and that's how I found this site. I am so sorry for your loss. It looks like you and your beautiful girls are doing very well. I admire the work you are doing to promote colorectal cancer awareness and hope that I can do the same, especially raising awareness in those our age that are not normally affected or don't know until treatment options are limited. I've read Jennifer's story a couple of times and it is truly inspiring and I know it has inspired my friend. You hit the nail on the head when you wrote the comment on Shawndra's blog that she sounds like she's smiling even in her blog because she is! ;-)Thank you so much!
Posted by: Angie | March 19, 2007 at 12:12 AM
Chris, You do not know me but I am friends with Jennifer and Doug Velander. Many of us from Jennifer's Bible Study group have followed your blog for many months. You all are still in our prayers. My husband and I select a different charity each year to make a substantial donation to. We would like to do this for the Jennifer Ireland Foundation this year. Is there anyway to receive some type of reciept for tax purposes? I will pay through paypal toward the beginning of April. It may be that the paypal reciept is good enough. Any knoweldge you have on this subject would be very helpful. THANKS
Posted by: Meg Blackwell | March 19, 2007 at 07:02 AM
Hi Chris, It was so nice to finally meet you. As I said in our coversation you and Jen have touched so many. I continue to think about you all often and pray for you and your beautiful girls. You seem like you are doing well and have a great outlook on things. Sorry Heather and I could'nt make it to the Trouser Mouse, but we are trying to get a team together for the pub crawl.
Take care and god bless.
Posted by: Toni Wakeman | March 19, 2007 at 08:52 AM
Chris and Family:
I know that you are a very busy person now - hard to be two people at once. You are very lucky to have good friends and family to help you out. I know that Grandma Jan loves all of you more than life itself and having you around helps her deal with her loneliness. She is a rock but also needs tender care. Those smiles on the girls' faces are priceless - Grandma and Grandpa made them very happy.
Chris, I hope that your days are becoming easier and your sweet little girls help to fill you with hope. I know that there are times that you feel overwhelmed.
Hope the even Sunday was a success - we had a family event so I could not attend. I continue to think of all of you and carry you in my prayers.
Dee
Posted by: Dee | March 19, 2007 at 02:42 PM