Thursday, October 16, 2008
At last.....
Since the last update we have been lucky enough to have had a few adventures with the boys. Our first trip was to Legoland and then on to Folkestone. We travelled during the night to Windsor to Legoland as we thought that would be better for the kids as it was such a long journey, we just had a nice slow drive, stopping off every couple of hours for tea and fresh air, the kids slept most of the way which was great, we ecouldn't get into our hotel until after 3pm so went straight to Legoland for it opening at 10am.Legoland was just as great as we had been told it would be and more. The boys had a fab time (so did we) I think we appreciated more the time involved in making all the constructions but think that went over the kids heads a bit. The timing was perfect too as most of the English kids had gone back to school that week so the place was quiter than it would have been a week or two before. The weather wasn't too fantstic and we had to wear our waterproofs a few times each day but it didn't dampen our enthusiasm. Most of the out door rides we did it the first 2 days which was just as well because the third day was torrential rain and we did the indoor activities then, before heading off to Folkestone.
Pictures from Legoland are here.
This is too funny not to share....... here.
Our trip over to Folkestone from Windsor was fine and we made it in good time even though it was friday and we had to go via the M25. After arriving at our hotel our friends Paul and Angie came to meet us and we follwed them to their house. Paul had made his speciality for tea, chicken nuggets and chips! LOL....well that's what the kids had....we had thai green curry .... it was delicious! After tea we had a lovely catch up before heading back to our hotel. Adam was very tired but it had been a long day. We had a great few days with Paul, Angie, Paul and Megan. They really made us feel more than welcome and had taken the time to be with us all weekend. Thank you guys - it was great and the boys want to come back! (Must have been the chicken nuggets!!!). On the saturday as Paul and Spike went for a game of golf, Angie took myself and the kids to an adventure play area not far from her house. The boys were all running around daft and then I noticed a familiar face........it was a girl (well a woman now!!) called Steph that I had worked with years ago (before kids). We had both worked for the same company but in different branches she worked in Erith in Kent and I was in the Edinburgh office. We haven't seen each other in about 10 years, although we do keep in touch via the internet. It was just really amazing to bump into her like that. Steph tragically lost her husband a year past in a motorbike accident and I felt so helpless being so far away, finally I was able to give her a huge cuddle. She was there with her two kids Caitlin and Callum, who I have only ever seen pictures off - they are even more gorgeous in the flesh. We had a BBQ on the saturday with lots of other friends, which was great too. Another late night but a nice end to a great day.
Pictures of Folkstone are here.
More to follow...................................
Lynn x
Monday, October 06, 2008
Computer problems
Will update over next few days. Adam is doing well and coping with full days at school.
More later though.
Thanks for continuing to support us.
Lynn x
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Another week gone by so fast....
Saturday we had a visit from our friends' daughter Ashley and her friend Adele. It was great to see them and Adam really enjoyed them being here. Our other friend, Dode, had also given Adam some money that he had collected in tips from his taxi customers (thank you all very much) with this money we bought Adam a battery operated vehicle. His balance is a little off at the moment and he has lost confidence in riding his bike so we thought this was a good option for him, it also helps conserve his energy not having to pedal! Ashley and Adele went over to the local school playground with the boys. Adam in his robot car and the boys on their bikes. They all had a great time as you can see. The boys also found a huge puddle and were happily riding through this........


Here is Marc and Scott after riding through that puddle!!!

I also want to use this opportunity to talk about Ashley's dad, Glen. Spike has known Glen for a long, long time and we have only recently been made aware of the fact that he is infact a master baker. Glen has the hidden talent of being able to product mouthwatering scones! I know it seems trivial but to someone like me whose scones turn into rock buns in the oven I am very impressed. He is very modest though - to the point he would probably not even admit to this skill. As he is so modest I have decided to share a picture of his produce with you all.
Sunday was my niece, Ava's dedication service at the Salvation Army, followed by a breakfast and full day party with all the family. It went really well, she is such a wee sweetheart. It was a fantastic service at the Salvation Army, there was singing, and even a puppet show - it really was brilliant. Here are some pictures.

Phew - that was a busy weekend. On to Monday, Adam very reluctant going into school this morning, I had to go in with him, after 15 minutes of crying and disruption to the class I decided to take him home. This afternoon he had his bloods done and again they are all really good, so we can continue with his next cycle of chemo next week. Paul was also off school today as he had an upset tummy. He was ok though, he's having a bit of a tough time just now and is having sessions with the play specialist at the sick kids to help him adjust and understand his feelings.
Tuesday and Adam, Spike and I went into school this morning, he became unsettled again and we thought we were going to have to take him away again but I decided to persevere with it. Spike went away and I stayed with him, once he was settled and involved with a task, I slipped away - he was absolutely fine! So plan is for now that I go with him and stay for a little while and then leave, he knows this and is ok with it. To be honest I think he has become so used to being with us everyday that he is having mild seperation anxiety, and as much as we want to spend as much time as possible with him we also realise this would be unhealthy for all of us and he needs to still soicialise with others. I had a girls night tonight - was great to see you all, sorry I left early but was just really tired.
Wednesday was much better at school, no crying at all and I managed to get away after only 20 minutes, he seems to be getting used to a routine again. Was tired after breaktime but I think we need to expect that.
Thursday and Paul not had a good night at all, found it very hard to settle and was up and down during the night. Adam also had a restless night so we decided that Spike would have a boys day with the two of them. We feel it is important that all the boys spend individual time with Adam as well as family time. The boys had a lovely day and so did I - a day to myself. Went shopping in the morning with Nicola and her mum - thank you both was nice to "escape" for a bit. I also got some beautiful flowers delivered today, which was a huge suprise - thanks Trish and Yvonne!
Friday, school went fine, no problems at all. He had a really good day his teacher said, I am so pleased. When Adam was first diagnosed and we were told he was incurable and would die, my initial thought was "why bother with school, he would be better off just having fun than learning stuff he will never need", now, however, seeing him at school makes me so proud of him and what he has already been through. School is very important from a social point of view not only educational. We would like to thank St Ninian's school staff, teachers, helpers, parents, children and anyone else connected with the school for their support and understanding - you are very special people and we appreciate everything. Thank you all!
Ok, my fingers are sore after all this typing so I am off, we are away next week to Legoland and Folkestone with the boys so will no doubt have loads more to share with you soon.
Lots of love from all of us!
XXxxxx
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Adam started school today!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
What a week!
On arrival on Monday we unpacked abit and the boys started to play. Spike and I set about building a climbing frame to go in the garden, we got the main part done but then the rain started and kept on all night. Had a nice quite night in front of the telly with only 4 channels!!! It was like returning to the dark ages, we are so spoiled with our digital tv at home.
The weather on Tuesday wasn't much better, we had a little drive into Perth and got in some supplies then back home again. The boys were able to play pool in the summer house while we were in the house.
Wednesday and we decided to go to a local wildlife park before we set off I noticed that one of the car windows was smashed. We are not sure how this happened, the boys all deny all knowledge of it so we have no explanation. We then had to go to Perth to a VW garage to see about getting it replaced, they do not deal with commercial vehicles and as we have a transporter this is classed as a van/minibus so the nearest place was Edinburgh. We phoned and ordered the window to be ready for our return of Friday, then headed off to Homebase to buy MDF, plastic sheeting and tape to secure the window for a few days. We did eventually make it to the wildlife park, it was great, loads of animals to see, an old fire engine for the kids to play on, a cafe and shop, the wether also cleared up and became very warm. So all in all we still mamanged to have a good day.
Thursday we went to a Christmas shop near by and the boys all picked a special tree decoartion for this christmas. I tried to explain that this was going to be a special Christmas as it may be our last with Adam but I think it went over their heads. Was a beautiful place and glad we went. After that we just to Crieff for a wander, had lunch then home to the cottage, the boys played for a bit then we all headed up the the golf course where Spike, Marc and Scott went round the course. Adam, Paul and I waited in the club house as they were only playing 9 holes, it was lovely and sunny and was a pleasent wasy to end the day. Home for tea, showers and a DVD.
Can't believe Friday came so quickly, we could easily hae stayed longer. It is so quite, the neighbours are all very friendly anfd was a nice change of scenery away from hospitals etc. But , all good things must come to an end so we packed up and came home. Window wasn't in yet for the car so Spike having to go back on Saturday to get it fitted.
Saturday, weather wasn't too bad, didn't do too much though, catching up with washing etc and just chilling.
Sunday again was relatively quite we went out late afternoon for our dinner with David, Roxzhan, Val, Auntie Celia and David's mum, Caroline as a birthday celebration for David. He is 21 on Monday. Can't believe where the years have gone, I met David when he was almost 9, seems like another lifetime. I also checked our bank account online tonight to discover 2 items not made by us. Somone has booked themselves a flight and travel insurance at our expense!
Monday and we decided to have a stay at home day again mainly due to the weather and getting kids clothes all ready for starting back to school on Wednesday. I phoned the bank about the 2 items and they have now launched a fraud investigation and I amy need to be inteviewed by the police!! Bloody cheeky gits - £672 they took!! We should hopefully get that back soon though. Adam had his bloods done this morning and they are all fine. He is having a little trouble going to the toilet but I think that could be the chemo also his appetite has taken a bit of a nose dive so need to keep an eye on that.
Tuesday we went to the bowling with the boys, had our lunch and they played about on the machines for a while, went to the shops to get packed lunch supplies to later find out our school was closed due to strike action! Boo Hoo!! I was so looking forward to them going back, needless to say they were all delighted!!
On to today, Spike and Scott went back to VW garage to sort out the broken wing mirror from months ago and to get new car seat covers fitted. They then had a nice boys tiem and went for lunch. I stayed at home with the other boys who just played around in the house because - yes, you guessed it - it was once again pouring with rain!!!
I meant to mention before too that Spike has played a couple of charity golf games recently, one was a PRO-AM in aid of the Sick Kids Hospital and the other was for Marie Curie Cancer Care. He was delighted to be able to play in these competitions and to be able to give back something, especially as we are getting so much support from all around us.
We have also still been receiving collections from people for Adam and I wanted to say once again how grateful we are for this. We are delighted to be able to take the boys to Legoland and Disneyland Paris next month. Things that would not have been possible without your generosity. Thank you all so much for everything, we are building up some wonderful family memories and collecting some great photos along the way.
I promise to post some new photos very soon.
Lynn x
PS Adam starts school tomorrow!!!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
We are off....
Monday was pretty uneventful, Adam and Scott went to the holiday club at the community centre and the rest of us had a chill out day. Adam restarted his chemotherapy for 3 weeks. Paul, Marc and Scott went to a Siblings Evening at the Sick Kids tonight. This is an annual event for siblings to meet others in a similar situation, to see around the hospital, to chat about their worries and ask questions about treatments etc. They also had a craft time and pizza! Paul is making up a special Memory Book with Pictures of him and Adam with the help of Helen , the play specialist from ward 2.
Tuesday we went to West Calder, it was 20 years since my granny had died and we went to the cemetry with flowers then we went to visit my Auntie Jean for lunch but as we were arriving unannounced we took lunch with us. The boys enjoyed running around playing in her garden. They then had a birthday Party at Clownaround so it was all go!
Wednesday we had our biannual family outing to the dentist! They must love it when we go, we take over the place. LOL As the weather was pretty bad we decided to go to the cinema with the boys to see Wall-e. They had been asking for a few weeks to go and it was really good. A nice story and some really funny bits. I love kids movies!
Also while I am talking about the cinema I forgot last week that my lovely friend Nic took me to the cinema to see Mamma Mia, it was great - just what the doctor ordered a real feel good film, although Pierce Brosnan can't sing! Cheers Nic!
Thursday, another quite day. David came and took Paul and Marc to the cinema to see The Dark Knight, which they seemed to really enjoy.
Friday another quite day, weather was pants! Saturday weather was still pants! LOL Paul went to the cinema with Madge, Frank, Alan and Liam to see The Mummy 3 - had a lovely time - thanks for taking him!
Saturday night I managed a night out with some of my playground chums, a chance for us to chat up before we hit the playground a week on Wenesday. Not the I am counting or anything but it is only 10 sleeps til they go back! woo hoo!
Today was spent getting ready for going away and to give Adam a chacne to relax today, he been a little under the weather with an upset tummy but seems better today.
Anyway am off for now, will catch up again soon!
Lynn x
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Another busy week!




