I've never liked Marathons

Clayton's Flair Hair... Love it..

    Most of you probably know that I love a great workout.  I mean, I'm all about going to the gym for an hour, sweating and feeling great when I leave.  Remember I said AN HOUR.. not much longer... I'm really not dedicated to long training and anything AT ALL that resembles a Marathon. The closest I've gotten to running a marathon was New Year 2011 when we were eating donuts at the Main Street Bakery at Disney's Magic Kingdom cheering for some crazy people that agreed to get up at 4am to run 26 miles through the Parks and were staggering in one at a time. I was perfectly fine sitting in that donut shop, eating my sprinkle donut twist and watching.  That being the case,  it's strange that I am sitting here feeling like I'm on the first mile of a HUGE marathon. One that I didn't agree to, one that I'm having to pay to enter, and one that's least desirable.. certainly not one with Cinderella waving at me from the Castle.  That's what this treatment for Clayton feels like when I look at it as a whole.  A LONG LONG marathon with lots of hills and valleys, a few water breaks, and A FINISH LINE!

 Last night Clayton and I drove to Cook Children's to do another overnight chemo. The 2nd of 14.  I let stress and anxiety get the best of me and really spent the whole day yesterday depressed.  Just dreading the tough chemo, the hard week that follows, the fear of another fever, and figuring out how to leave 3 kiddos and a husband behind...again.... and make the best of a hard situation with Clayton.  Honestly, it's overwhelming and depressing and sometimes just deserves a really good cry. So, I have the good cry.. go to bed with  a headache.. and wake up putting one foot in front of the other.

    As a delightful surprise, today wasn't so bad.  We met another great doctor here at Cook Children's, spent some awesome time alone with Clayton, had lots of laughs and received another round of chemo... which puts me one week closer to the finish line. The finish line being close to Christmas... I honestly don't think I'll be frustrated at Hobby Lobby this year when they put their Christmas stuff out in July. Heck, I just may start my Christmas decorating early.  It's hopeful and exciting for me to think that by Christmas, my baby will be walking away cancer free and treatment free in Jesus name... We're believing it, Lord!

     The doctor here at Cook confirmed a great prognosis for Clayton, was very encouraging and was excited to work with us.  He, like the others, clearly loves what he does.  We once again feel very loved and cared for. 

   So far tonight, we have not had nausea and are praying that with the anti nausea meds, we'll be ok this time.  Believe it with us.  Pray that this marathon has minimal bumps in the road and a gorgeous finish line that will leave our little winner bragging on his trainer... our Jesus.. HIS Healer.. for a lifetime. To God be the Glory!
   Yesterday I couldnt get this verse out of my mind.  And as is typical of our Lord, He put it on the mind of a friend, who sent it to me... giving me a double dose of His truth for me yesterday...
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge cloud of witnesses, let us strip off everything that weighs us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race set before us.  Let us fix our eyes on JESUS.. the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
   
As a side note... if you ordered a tshirt, they should be in any day.  We'll be letting you know how to pick yours up.  If you haven't ordered one, but want one... YEAH... send a message to me with your size, and we'll put you on our second order that we're placing soon.  Thank you all for your support.  We LOVE you all!