this was posted on my friend hannah's blog and it's with a heavy heart that I pass this along to all of you:
"clint, pratt and i come to you today with the heaviest of hearts. my doctor from home, dr. braden...his daughter (erin) and her husband (ben) have a five year old little girl. zoe is her name. zoe goss. from my limited understanding...they believe zoe has been diagnosed with something called a neuroblastoma. probably stage three. stage four being the worst. these people are a wonderful, wonderful family...both sides. the braden the goss'. i could go on and on about dr. braden. i'll just say this. i know no one who gives more of himself than larry braden. he started the christian health clinic in camden several years ago. this is a place where people can come and get medical and dental care for free.i'm going to cut and paste dr. braden's email. it was sent to close friends...and was forwarded to my sister. she forwarded it to me. i would hate to get anything wrong as far as the facts go...
Goodeve everyone,
Just got home. What a ride thusfar. We still don't have any absolutes but Zoe's oncologist (still doesn't make sense that our beloved Zoe would need an oncologist) is certain we are working against a neuroblastoma...probably stage 3.As stages go the higher the number the worse it is and stage 4 is the highest. If he is right she will go back to ACH next week for the instillation of a port and a bone marrow biopsy. If that biopsy shows tumor cells her tumor will be advanced in classification to stage 4. If it is negative then stage 3.We also await "biologics" and one genetic study. If any of these are positive and she is stage 3, then "stage 3 high risk". If these "biologics" and genetic exams are negative, and she is stage 3, then stage 3 intermediate risk". If the latter, then 6 to 9 months of chemotherapy with hope for a surgical resection along the way. If stage 3 high risk then 9 to 13 months chemotherapy with hope for a sugical resection along the way. If surgical resection remains impossible following the expected shrinkage by chemotherapy, then radiation to the abdomen. If radiation, then "her ovaries will be moved to her thighs to maintain her eventual fertility".Sounds pretty complicated...it is. She will remain "relatively isolate" so long as she is being treated. Kindergarten is out of the question. Erin and Ben are considering home schooling and we understand the school district can (must if we ask) provide a teacher. Because she can have only very restricted contact with other children. An early birthday party (her birthday is June 21) has been planned...tomorrow eve 6 pm..."Holiday Lanes"...a bowling alley in Texarkana. All are invited.The oncologist was asked specifically about church and yes, she can come to church. "She must sit at the back of the congregation wearing a mask and all must wave at her from afar. She cannot attend Sunday School." She has been, as she always has been, through this experience, a remarkable lady. Quiet, fun-filled and always seeking, exploring. As soon as she could she asked me, repeatedly, to "just go for a walk." As she insisted on helping with IV care and the like she has been dubbed "HRN" (honorary registered nurse) and was presented with her own (a real and working) stethascope.In spite of the circumstance we have experienced remarkable blessings, most notably what seems best described as a "compassionate solidarity": Prayer, cards, phone calls, visits and emails from everywhere.Erin says she quietly visualizes a coincident and dense efflux of energy from North America calling to heaven for help...for strength and for healing. Please do not end your praying....pray even more intensely....please.
Larry
my heart breaks as i re-read that email. i don't know how you find the strength to do what you're required to do...as a parent. as a grandparent. no, that's wrong. i do. the strength is found in God. and in prayer. and in spreading the word to any and all you can tell. so i'm begging you...each one of you...please please please forward this to as many as you can. i know so many of you have children. and i don't know how you do all of this with a little five year old girl. how do you begin to explain what is happening. clint says you don't. i guess he's right. if you have a blog, i beg you to post this. we touch so many lives with these. please, please, please help. one more thing...kelly from kelly's korner once said of her little harper...don't just pray for harper...but pray for all those babies that are sick. she's right. pray for all of the kiddos fighting for their health. thanks for reading. i hope you each have a wonderful week. i'll update with more as soon as i know more."
Will you take a moment to pray for this family and especially, this little girl?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday Finals
I have a budget of 100 a week for all of my shopping. Everything - that includes groceries,diapers, gifts, runs to walgreens, cvs and rite aid. Here's how I did this week with trips to Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target, Kroger and my first trip to Kmart:
Total value/cost bef0re sales and coupons: $320.74
total out of pocket (what I actually paid): $ $61.50
total % of savings: 81%
not too shabby.
Total value/cost bef0re sales and coupons: $320.74
total out of pocket (what I actually paid): $ $61.50
total % of savings: 81%
not too shabby.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
dinner with a bear
Our little man shares how to make tacos...
Step One: Quickly lift the lid to the suckers and grab one before Mom sees you.
Step One: Quickly lift the lid to the suckers and grab one before Mom sees you.
Step Two: Eat the Avocado as soon as you find it, do not wait for it to be peeled or diced.
Step Three: Show mom how you did not eat the nasty little brown thing on top. She'll be impressed and probably reward you with the sucker confiscated in step one.
Step Four: Grab and lick everything. If it looks like it has flavor, go for it.
Step Five: Cram as much cheese into your mouth as possible. This applies to any situation.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Around Town
WENDY'S
Sign up for the Wendy's email list here and you'll receive a $1 off coupon in your inbox within the next week. This coupon can be used on anything on their menu, so if you get something off the Dollar Menu, you'll get it for free
DENNY'S
Denny's is offering three different B1G1 coupons which are good through Friday (February 27, 2009). You can print them here.
The Start Making Choices Welcome Kit (including a free sample of Orville Redenbacher popcorn and coupons) is available again. If you didn't get a chance to sign up for it last time around, you can go here to do so.
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
Sign up for the Texas Roadhouse email list and you'll get a coupon for a free appetizer.
CHILI'S
Sign up for the Chili's email club here and you'll get a coupon for free chips and queso.
ZONE PERFECT BARS BUY 2 GET FOUR FREE
Here's how to get your B1G3 coupon:
1) Go here and register to become a Zone Perfect VIP member. You'll be able to print a B1G1 coupon after you register.
2) Then, go here and login. You'll then be able to print your B1G3 coupon.
So, buy 2 and get 4 free :)
KASHI
you can go here to request a coupon for a free Kashi frozen entree.
Sign up for the Wendy's email list here and you'll receive a $1 off coupon in your inbox within the next week. This coupon can be used on anything on their menu, so if you get something off the Dollar Menu, you'll get it for free
DENNY'S
Denny's is offering three different B1G1 coupons which are good through Friday (February 27, 2009). You can print them here.
The Start Making Choices Welcome Kit (including a free sample of Orville Redenbacher popcorn and coupons) is available again. If you didn't get a chance to sign up for it last time around, you can go here to do so.
TEXAS ROADHOUSE
Sign up for the Texas Roadhouse email list and you'll get a coupon for a free appetizer.
CHILI'S
Sign up for the Chili's email club here and you'll get a coupon for free chips and queso.
ZONE PERFECT BARS BUY 2 GET FOUR FREE
Here's how to get your B1G3 coupon:
1) Go here and register to become a Zone Perfect VIP member. You'll be able to print a B1G1 coupon after you register.
2) Then, go here and login. You'll then be able to print your B1G3 coupon.
So, buy 2 and get 4 free :)
KASHI
you can go here to request a coupon for a free Kashi frozen entree.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Walgreen's Run
What can $1.42 buy you? A Coke? A bag of chips? A head of lettuce?
How about 8 rolls of Reynolds Wrap, 1 tube of Revlon concealer, 1 bottle of One A Day women's vitamins, 2 bags of Starbucks candy, and 1 tube of Sally Hansen Lip Gloss!
Original price before sales, rebate and coupons: $47.99 (before tax)
Total after coupons: $1.42 (before tax)
Total Savings: 97%
How about 8 rolls of Reynolds Wrap, 1 tube of Revlon concealer, 1 bottle of One A Day women's vitamins, 2 bags of Starbucks candy, and 1 tube of Sally Hansen Lip Gloss!
Original price before sales, rebate and coupons: $47.99 (before tax)
Total after coupons: $1.42 (before tax)
Total Savings: 97%
Walgreens Deals 2/22-2/28
February Free EasySaver Rebates
(Free after Easy Saver Rebate done online at Walgreens.com or you can mail in)
Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer or Foundation $9.99
Revlon Creme Lip Gloss $9.99
Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Hair Care $3.99
ThermaCare Heat Wrap $2.49
Walgreen's Multi-Purpose Solution $1.99
Other EasySaver Rebates Worth Doing
Walgreens Brand Nutritional Drink (6 Pack) $4 Plus get a $4 EasySaver Rebate
Final cost FREE!
Various Glade Products 2/$5Plus get a $2 EasySaver Rebate
Theraflu $5Get a $6 EasySaver rebate on 2
Purchase two and use two $2 coupons from here
Final cost FREE!
Register Reward Deals
Purchase five Nature Valley Granola Bars $1.19 each for a total of $5.95 get $3.50RR (In the candy aisle, look for the small 2-count packs)
Pay 5.95
Get back a $3.50RR
Final cost 5 for 2.45 or 24.5c a bar!
Gillette Fusion Gamer or Venus Spa $8.99 get $6RR
Final Cost - $ 2.99
Excedrin 20-24 ct $1.99 and get $1RR
Use the $2 coupon from here
or the $1 off one from www.smartsource.com
Final cost as low as FREE plus a $1 moneymaker!
Other Great Deals
Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil (20 sq ft) $.89 w/ in ad coupon
(There were 1.00 off Reynold's Wrap coupons in the Smart Source from 2/8 - if you don't get the paper, go to ebay and order some of these coupons to make this free plus .11 overage!)
Hershey's Candy Bars buy one at .89 get one free with in ad coupon
Purchase Reese's Whips bars buy one at .89 get one free with in ad coupon
One A Day Vitamins (60 to 200 ct) prices starting at $7.99
Use $6 in ad Walgreens coupon
Plus this $1 coupon, IE or Firefox
Final cost as low as .99!
One A Day Flinstones Vitamins (60 ct) $7.99
Use $6 in ad coupon (pictured are the other One A Day vitamins, but since these are also One A Day vitamins and 60 ct or more they should work with this coupon)
Final cost 1.99!
Robitussin and Dimetapp $3.99
Use $2 coupons from here
Final cost $1.99!
Refill your ink Cartridges for ONLY $5(color and black)
Just print off this coupon
Softsoap Body Wash $3.49
Use $1 Walgreens EasySaver coupon
Plus use $1 coupon from here
Final cost $1.49!
Colgate Toothpaste 4.6 oz. Cavity Protection .99
Use .75 coupon from here
Final cost as low as .24 each!
Sally Hansen Lip or Nail care 40% off
Purchase Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine for Lips or Nail Lacquer $5.99
With 40% off dicount only $3.59 each
Use $2 EasySaver coupon
Plus use $1 coupon from here (click on the $1 coupon link in the lower right hand corner)
Final cost ONLY .59!
B1G1 Arm & Hammer Detergent buy one at $6.99 get one free
Use two $1 coupons from here
Final cost just $2.50 each!
Starbucks chocolates 2/$10
Purchase two and use the $6/2 EasySaver couponPlus use two $1/1 Blinkie coupons found beside the chocolates
Final cost just $1 each!
(Free after Easy Saver Rebate done online at Walgreens.com or you can mail in)
Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer or Foundation $9.99
Revlon Creme Lip Gloss $9.99
Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Hair Care $3.99
ThermaCare Heat Wrap $2.49
Walgreen's Multi-Purpose Solution $1.99
Other EasySaver Rebates Worth Doing
Walgreens Brand Nutritional Drink (6 Pack) $4 Plus get a $4 EasySaver Rebate
Final cost FREE!
Various Glade Products 2/$5Plus get a $2 EasySaver Rebate
Theraflu $5Get a $6 EasySaver rebate on 2
Purchase two and use two $2 coupons from here
Final cost FREE!
Register Reward Deals
Purchase five Nature Valley Granola Bars $1.19 each for a total of $5.95 get $3.50RR (In the candy aisle, look for the small 2-count packs)
Pay 5.95
Get back a $3.50RR
Final cost 5 for 2.45 or 24.5c a bar!
Gillette Fusion Gamer or Venus Spa $8.99 get $6RR
Final Cost - $ 2.99
Excedrin 20-24 ct $1.99 and get $1RR
Use the $2 coupon from here
or the $1 off one from www.smartsource.com
Final cost as low as FREE plus a $1 moneymaker!
Other Great Deals
Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil (20 sq ft) $.89 w/ in ad coupon
(There were 1.00 off Reynold's Wrap coupons in the Smart Source from 2/8 - if you don't get the paper, go to ebay and order some of these coupons to make this free plus .11 overage!)
Hershey's Candy Bars buy one at .89 get one free with in ad coupon
Purchase Reese's Whips bars buy one at .89 get one free with in ad coupon
One A Day Vitamins (60 to 200 ct) prices starting at $7.99
Use $6 in ad Walgreens coupon
Plus this $1 coupon, IE or Firefox
Final cost as low as .99!
One A Day Flinstones Vitamins (60 ct) $7.99
Use $6 in ad coupon (pictured are the other One A Day vitamins, but since these are also One A Day vitamins and 60 ct or more they should work with this coupon)
Final cost 1.99!
Robitussin and Dimetapp $3.99
Use $2 coupons from here
Final cost $1.99!
Refill your ink Cartridges for ONLY $5(color and black)
Just print off this coupon
Softsoap Body Wash $3.49
Use $1 Walgreens EasySaver coupon
Plus use $1 coupon from here
Final cost $1.49!
Colgate Toothpaste 4.6 oz. Cavity Protection .99
Use .75 coupon from here
Final cost as low as .24 each!
Sally Hansen Lip or Nail care 40% off
Purchase Sally Hansen Lacquer Shine for Lips or Nail Lacquer $5.99
With 40% off dicount only $3.59 each
Use $2 EasySaver coupon
Plus use $1 coupon from here (click on the $1 coupon link in the lower right hand corner)
Final cost ONLY .59!
B1G1 Arm & Hammer Detergent buy one at $6.99 get one free
Use two $1 coupons from here
Final cost just $2.50 each!
Starbucks chocolates 2/$10
Purchase two and use the $6/2 EasySaver couponPlus use two $1/1 Blinkie coupons found beside the chocolates
Final cost just $1 each!
ready
My wonderful husband brought me these beautiful flowers when he got home from work yesterday...for no particular reason...just because he's amazing.Aren't the colors beautiful? Makes me really, really ready for spring.
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