And we're BAAAACK!

It has been a while since I have posted! I will post more later tonight because there is a lot to say but I want to talk with Steph before I do. I tend to be a "too much information" kind of person and she is not! So for now I thought I would put up a link to an article in the News-Leader today. http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071228/SPORTS0102/712280421/-1/BLOGS04 I was looking for a picture online because apparently my husband made the paper today as well and I came across this article about Columbia Hickman. Read it and weep. Literally, it brings tears to my eyes when I think of the generosity that so many people are showing. It is also important to remember that the Stephanie Phillips Foundation is not just for Stephanie Phillips! Other people in our community are and will benefit from the kindness of people like you all! So enjoy the article and I hope that it touches your heart the way it did mine. More later!

Our Christmas Story

This year it is very important to us that we teach Drew and Claire the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. We want them to understand why we celebrate Christmas. I thought I would share a few of the "Claire & Drew" translations of the story.
Drew: "Mary and Josie went to a hotel and the guy said there was no more rooms, so they went to the barn with the animals and put baby Jesus in the hay."
Claire: "Mary and Jophes (pronounced Jo-fis) went to the inn and the guy said THERE'S NO ROOM and then they went to the neighbor's with all the animals and put baby Jesus in a cradle. Then the wise men came and brought presents" I ask her what they brought. She says, "Gold, silver and frankenstein."
Enjoy these next few weeks and don't forget what they are REALLY about! (You know....hotels, hay & frankenstein!)

Great news!

I can't believe it has taken me so long to post this! Steph met with the genetic counselor and they said that there was NO GENETIC MUTATION detected! This was great news for Steph and her family. Now the boys are not at a higher risk AND that she is not a greater risk of developing other cancers. She still has a high risk that the cancer will return after treatment but it was such a relief that we don't have to worry about other types of cancer. We are thanking God for this blessing! My Mom and I got to have lunch the day after Thanksgiving with Drew and Steph. Drew was told that while they were at the mall he could pick out a surprise. Most kids would pick a toy or something along those lines.....but not our Drew! He wanted Power Ranger pajamas and some new boxer briefs! Just another reason that I love that kid! We made it through JC Penney and Steph decided that she wasn't up for the black Friday mall crowd for a few reasons. So they headed home and left Mom and I to fend for ourselves! Hope everyone had a great holiday and took the time to thank the Good Lord for all of the blessings he has bestowed upon you and yours!

Success!

As I pulled into the parking lot of my Alma mater this evening I was still a little frazzled from wrestling my "little" ones into their clothes, out of the toilet (just Cohen, new fixation) and into the car. When I finally put the truck into park and took a second to look around, I realized I had severely underestimated the magnitude of this fundraiser. I couldn't help but wonder if there was something else going on at the same time. However, as I opened the door and was greeted by the sounds of the KHS drumline, I knew this was going to be great! I don't even know where to start. Thank you so much to each and every person who made tonight possible. I know that the Kickapoo students already had a vested interest and know Coach Phillips personally. We are so thankful that you were all there in full force tonight! To the Glendale clan, we also know that you worked so hard to get the interest going for our cause. Thank you to everyone who helped with the video and all of the PR for this event. (Leslie Helfrect & Gary Prouty are just 2 that I know personally!!) Thanks to each student who made the trip tonight. You should all (GHS & KHS) be so proud of the way that you conducted yourselves tonight! A true class act! Thanks to all of the teachers who sacrificed their bodies tonight for a great cause. Might I suggest some pain relievers tonight before hitting the hay?! You all did a great job! The best part of the night was after the 3rd quarter. Mr. Loudis presented the Phillips family with a box containing the proceeds from the festivities. Drew got to open it up to reveal.......$4000.00! AMAZING! We are so thankful and want everyone to know that we are already helping other families that are dealing with cancer right now. On behalf of the Phillips family and the Stephanie Phillips Foundation THANK YOU to every single person who made tonight such a success. God Bless and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

St. Jude

Here is a link to my new favorite commercial. This is Megan White. I went to school with her Daddy and she just finished chemo on Halloween. You can read more about her and her battle with cancer at http://www.helpmeganwhite.com/ She is an amazing little girl and is an inspiration to so many. So here's the link to her new commercial with Reggie Bush! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyMSLPMpn_kWatch this and then take the time to hug your babies and thank God for each second you have with them!!!! OH BY THE WAY!!! She will be on the Today Show on Monday and Friday this week of Thanksgiving! She is doing a tour of St. Judes with Meredith!! They will be spending the week in NYC for the holiday! What a little superstar!!!!!

Vote for Levi!

Grandma Edna entered Levi's chef picture in the OH Baby! contest. So go VOTE LIKE CRAZY!!
www.ozarksmoms.com Levi is #1010

A good day!

Steph had treatment Wednesday after receiving a series of shots to get her counts back up. For some reason, it was faster than usual so she was done in time for practice! Then, she woke up Thursday morning at 6:30 and realized that not only had she slept all night (something that hasn't happened since Levi was born) but she actually FELT like getting up! We think that the shots have helped immensely and she will continue to take them before treatment to give her an extra boost. Other than wearing gloves in the frozen foods section at the grocery store, it was a normal symptom free morning. I saw a glow about Steph today that I have missed. She's been so strong, but I have missed that glow! We are really looking forward to her first game Monday. Claire and Drew are supposed to have a Thanksgiving program that night but we all decided that since A. They would never participate with NANNY in the crowd, and B. Steph and Brian wouldn't be able to come anyway, we are opting for dinner together and then we are headed to the game. If you are there be sure to look for us, Claire and Drew are normally very entertaining. If ever two kids could bust a move (if you will) it's these two! They look forward to halftime and timeouts so they can show off their best dance moves. I can't wait to see what they have learned since last season! So, let the dance party begin!!! GO LADY CHIEFS! (Sorry, being a former Lady Chief myself, that's where my loyalties lie!)

Benefit at KHS

I got this e-mail shortly after posting my blog.
"The game will be held at Kickapoo on the 20th. Tickets are 3$.. and we were told to arrive extra early because tickets should go really quick. KHS will also be donating all of the proceeds to the Stephanie Phillips Foundation. I believe the game starts at 7pm.. but I am not positive." Thanks Caitlin! This should be fun and I am hoping to see at least one of my old teachers out on the floor. I am just so excited to see these south side rivals pull together for such a great cause. It does my heart good!

New stuff

Well, it's been a while. Since I blogged last I have been to the east coast and back, to the doctor's office twice and slept VERY little in the meantime. Steph went on Friday for chemo but her levels were low possibly caused by a recent cold and she wasn't allowed to have treatment. So they gave her a series of shots and she goes in tomorrow for treatment. I have info about a few fundraisers that will be taking place in the next week.
Friday November 16th the Kickapoo VolleyChiefs are hosting a trivia night to benefit the VolleyChiefs Scholarship Fund and the Stephanie Phillips Foundation. It will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on West Republic Road. Doors open at 6:30pm and trivia starts at 7:00. The cost is $10 per person and there will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. You can contact Karen Moran to reserve your table 877-8560. Bring your own snacks and drinks. (No alcoholic beverages please!) I REALLY wish I could be there but I have to pick up someone special at the airport! I have also received word of a benefit basketball game on Tuesday night. It will be the staff and faculty from Kickapoo vs. Glendale. I hear that the Glendale staff has picked the Stephanie Phillips Foundation as the charity they will be donating to! I haven't heard anything from the Kickapoo side yet and I don't know any details as far as time and location. I will do some research and post more info later. Just mark your calendars and lets pack the place!!! And if anyone wants to volunteer any of this info either leave a comment on the page or e-mail me directly at cgeorge424@yahoo.com Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Just a normal day

Saturday was a good day for Steph, Scot and the boys. They hung out at home and worked/played in the yard. Steph said it was like a "normal" day. I am so thankful that they could get a sense of normalcy back in their lives. We are waiting to hear back from the genetic counselor (4-6 weeks) to know more about what actually caused the cancer. Let's just all pray that it wasn't a genetic mutation. I will leave you with this. I heard this in church on Sunday and it has been really helpful to me. "I don't know for certain what the future holds, but I know for certain WHO holds the future." Have a blessed week!

Springfield News-Leader

Check out the front of the sports section in the News-Leader today! Thanks to Allen Vaughan who wrote an awesome article about Steph. He had e-mailed me a while back and said he wanted to help. I can't think of a better way to help!! This was a great story and will not only raise awareness about Steph's battle but also everyone else who is fighting right now. I put the link on here in case you don't get the paper. Let's pray that Steph is able to make a smooth transition into basketball season! Thanks again Allen!

http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071030/SPORTS0102/710300380

BATMAN!!!

Today was our costume parade at school. Drew wasn't really sure about it but I did manage to get a picture of him showing off his muscles! We are all getting excited for tomorrow and all of the fun things Nanny has planned for us! Nothing new today, just thought you would like to see Drew in his costume. Stay tuned for more tomorrow!

Chef Levi says......

Here's a little greeting from Levi to everyone who has or will be helping with dinners for his family! He has been pretty sick the past few days. Steph took him to the doctor with a 103 degree temp. They said if it got worse that he may have the dreaded flu. Which, by the way, they say is starting earlier this year so everyone be sure to get your flu shots asap! Drew got his and my mom said she may have some hearing loss due the the insanely high decibel at which he was screaming! Not a good day! On Friday my mom was bouncing from St. John's to Cox all day. She spent some time with Steph at chemo and some with my dad. He had to have a blood flow test in his hand to see how good it is after his accident in 2005. Apparently, it is non-existent. Dr. Boswell said that it doesn't look like there is anything he can do to fix it so they will go back to the hand doc and see what he says. Today has been a rough one for Steph. She is REALLY sensitive to the cold right now. So, my dad is going to take her later to Bass Pro (if she's up to it) to get some under armor stuff to hopefully take the chill off. Right now she is cuddled up by the fire in their living room staying warm. She is learning that you have to be your own voice when it comes to chemo. She found out on Friday that they can give her meds that will give her more energy. We aren't sure why they didn't offer her that last time! Unfortunately there are no meds to take care of the extreme sensitivity to cold, so she will just have to tough it out. Luckily it only lasts about 5-6 days. We are looking forward to dressing the kiddos up on Wednesday, making "pumpkin brownies" and painting pumpkins. We will post pics of the kids in their costumes. Drew is Batman, Claire is Supergirl, Cohen is Charlie Brown and Levi may go as a little kid who has been electrocuted. You will just have to wait to see pics of that. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and is enjoying the beautiful fall weather! Oh and by the way, check out my blog and look at what's new at our house! http://www.claireandcocosmommy.blogspot.com/

Yikes!

I just put a stat counter on this blog. I started at 9000 because that's AT LEAST how many hits the other website has gotten thus far and they go hand in hand. A few hours later there were 9093 hits! I am amazed. Not because I am surprised at the number of people who care for Steph and are concerned about her progress, but the fact that people read what I write and actually come back! If you know me, you know that I often end up talking to myself. Usually I crack myself up and occasionally someone gets my jokes! (Usually Monica, my brother or Ashley!) I just hope that I am using the right words and giving the Glory to God. I never thought I would ever have the chance to speak to so many people without having to leave my home, take a shower or even brush my teeth. I just pray that this blog can be a testimony to believers and non-believers out there who need a boost. God is working here so keep coming back and we will prove it to you! As far as Steph goes, today she left for Columbia for a coaches clinic and a meeting. She has been pretty tired lately but said it is "manageable" so that is a good thing! Thanks to Chuck and Greta for taking her up to Columbia and Jimmy for bringing her home. Since she will be trapped in a car with nothing else to do, she just might get some rest! By the way, I would like to take a moment to say THANK YOU to Jim Pender. He has been around for as long as I can remember. (We are talkin' SMS days here.) He has been a huge help with the boys and his friendship means the world to all of us. Love ya Jim! Steph, I miss you. It seems like it's been forever since I have actually SEEN you. I know you didn't need to see me last week since I had the flu and was sequestered to my own home, but now I'm a healthy hand washing freak so I must see you soon! Everyone take care and God Bless!

It's real

First I will start by saying Steph is feeling a little nauseous today but the weekend wasn't too bad. Friday was a weird day. It was weird for me because I can't even begin to imagine what it must feel like to be pumped full of, for the lack of a better term, crap that you have no idea how it is really going to affect your body. I also struggled because....now it's real. It's real that Steph was the first one in the office Friday morning and the last to leave. It's real that she will be there for 6 months to a year and the lady next to her goes 4 times total. It's real that it was hard for her to hold Levi this weekend because her port is on the left side and she is hooked up for days. It's real that our lives are forever changed. It's real. I apologize if this part of the blog is a downer but this is real. Our tears are real. Our hurt is real. Our confusion is real. Our pain is real. BUT! Our God is real. Our Faith is real. Our hope is real. Our love is real. We will see Steph through because she is a very important part of our world. She WILL WIN. But I relate this to the old days when I used to play volleyball. In order to get to the big games and win them, we had to do 2 and 3 a days during the last (HOTTEST) weeks of summer. No one liked ALL of the practices and I'm pretty sure we would have done anything to avoid running the dreaded MILE, but we did it for the love of the game. And there is no doubt in my mind that Steph will do this for the loves of her life. Whew! Now that I have that off my chest, here's a few more stories from this weekend.

Steph's nurse gave her a prescription for anti-nausea meds that she said should do the trick. Thank the good Lord that her insurance covered it! She paid $18 and saved.....$501!!! (for 20 pills) She also noticed as soon as she took a bite of food with Ranch dressing on it that things are tasting different so I will let you all know if she finds something that she can't stomach if you are bringing food! She said it is amazing how good a glass of ice water sounds when you know you can't have it! You also don't realize how much easier it is to get a cold drink than a lukewarm one! She also knew she had way to much time on her hands during chemo when she started really wondering what each persons story was. If you know Steph, you know that she doesn't usually concern herself with the business of other people, ESPECIALLY complete strangers. But, she found herself wondering about each person in there. Maybe cancer will make her as nosy as me and my Mom! (Doubt it!)

She was a trooper this weekend and was in her and Scot's cousin's wedding. She left the house at 9:30 am and got home at 10 pm and was able to participate in all of the wedding festivities! Jackie, being the beautiful and gracious bride that she is, took the time to honor Steph and her battle at different times during her big day. It was so thoughtful and it meant the world to Steph. Drew loved his tuxedo so much that he wore it ALL day, ALL night and he even slept in it. When I say slept in it I mean he slept in the shirt, pants, tie, coat and the shoes. He thought it was pretty neat. I promise to have pics up very soon! Thanks again for all of your support. It means so much to all of us. God Bless and keep sending up prayers!!!

Day 1

Well folks, today is the first day of chemo! Scot took Steph this morning for her first treatment at 10. My Mom took his place and brought lunch at 12. Please pray that all goes well today and that her side effects are minimal. I will let everyone know how it goes as soon as I hear something. We still haven't decided on what to do with the fanny pack tomorrow during the wedding! Check out our other website for totals from fundraisers last week! www.stephsgonnawin.com

HUGE SUCCESS!

The fundraiser was a HUGE SUCCESS! First I want to thank Leslie, Greta, Kailey, Whitney, KJ, Molly and the staff at Mcalister's for all of their hard work tonight. (Will one of you PLEASE let me know if I left anyone out!?) You girls did an amazing job getting this together and waiting tables. The girls busted their tails (literally huh Whitney?) getting the food and drinks out to everyone. Thank you! Second, thanks to Jarad, Ashely and Doug for being in charge of the merchandise. Third, thanks to Mom, Dad, Edna, Jarad, Ashley, Doug and Terry for helping so much with the 4 kids. It's not a small task. Last, and certainly not least, thanks to everyone who came and made this such a huge success. For those who weren't able to attend, let me paint you a picture. When I pulled up at 6 pm, the parking lot to Mcalister's and the TWO buildings next to it were full. There was a line out the front door and down the sidewalk and there was not an empty table in the place. I was overcome with emotion. (Especially when I realized I may have to park at Target!) Honestly though, it was so touching to see so many people waiting for 20-30 minutes to order their dinner at a place that normally takes 5! We all realize how precious your time is and we can't thank you enough for coming out to show your support for Steph. There were tons of Stephs players there...past, present and future! There were old teammates, opponents, coaches, fellow teachers, family, friends, nurses, doctors, and even people who don't even know Steph but are aware of her situation! One of the Mcalister's employees said we raised more in the first hour (just in sales) than most organizations do in a whole evening! I wish I could thank each person individually, just know that we appreciate you. It was so nice to get to put some faces with names and finally get to meet some of the people that have helped out so far. I only wish I would have had time to talk to everyone. Again, THANK YOU EVERYONE who was there (In body and spirit!) for making this such an amazing night. I have some pics that I will post later! God Bless and Good Night!

This and That

Here's a few little stories that lean towards the "lighter side" of cancer. After driving through Arby's and bringing home lunch, Steph and Drew sat down to enjoy their meal together. The conversation went as follows.
Drew: "Mommy, is this slow food?"
Steph: "Huh?"
Drew: "I said is this SLOW food?"
Steph: "What do you mean Drew?"
Drew: "Well, the doctor said you can't eat FAST food, so is this slow food?"
Too cute! We did find out that the first nurse told her wrong. She is allowed to eat anything she wants. We think that because the kind of treatment she is receiving she doesn't have to watch so closely what she eats.
Also, I learned some new info today that gave me just the ammo I needed for the perfect "fanny pack" jokes. Steph's first treatment is Friday. This means they will hook her up and give her a fanny pack to take home. She then will be a bridesmaid in her cousin Jackie's wedding! I told her we could "Bedazzle" that thing until it shines like the top of the Chrysler building! Or we could stuff it in the top of her dress along with some balloons filled with pudding (to round everything out) and she can be the Pamela Anderson version of herself. OR She could put it under her dress in the back and get the JLo thing going on. I personally think it's a win win win situation.

Dinner Date

Just a reminder!! I would like to invite everyone for dinner on Monday night between 5pm and 9 pm. Don't worry, I won't be cooking! Come to Mcalisters Deli on Primrose and don't forget to bring your appetite and your spare change. All tips and 10% of the sales will be donated to the Stephanie Phillips Foundation. Come show your support for Steph and get her "pumped" up as she prepares to start chemo next week. Thanks so much to Scott Pureyear for encouraging me to call in and give the details on Sports Talk today. I hope I didn't sound too silly on the radio! Hope to see everyone there and finally put some faces with names and meet all of the wonderful people who have contributed so much to our cause!! God Bless you all!

Ding dong....no one's home.

Yes, I am referring to my head. One of my worker bee's was trying to get in contact Steph using the cell phone number I gave her. She instead got my Aunt Karen. We all had a good chuckle and talked about how I was too young to be experiencing memory loss. THEN, Karen got about 5 more phone calls asking for Steph. Luckily she realized what was going on and gave them her REAL number. I had inadvertently put Karen's cell number (which in my defense has 3 of the same numbers in it) on a DRAFT that I send out when people need directions to deliver food. So it was going out to everyone! Some days I wonder how my kids and myself make it through a whole day without being wounded or seriously injured to to my daily "bonehead" moves.

On a much more positive note, we had a breakthrough on Tuesday. Drew showed up for school dry eyed and bushy tailed and stayed that way the whole day!!!! He didn't cry except when Claire grabbed his cape while they were standing in line. She can't be blamed. I mean everyone knows chicks can't resist a man in a cape. Why do you think Steph married Scot. But Drew got even....he sat next to someone else at lunch. Oh to be young again! So for all of you who have been praying for Drew, OUR PRAYERS ARE WORKING! His teachers were so excited and literally had chills when we walked away and he didn't cry. I think it had everything to do with our little miss bossy pants looking at Drew and saying, "Drew, no crying." She's a take charge kinda girl and Drew is a take orders kinda guy! Remember the wedding is scheduled for the summer of 2029!