Ashlyn is 7!

Ashlyn turned 7 on May 25th.  She was awaken that morning by her sisters singing "Happy Birthday".  Before getting out of bed, she exclaimed, "I feel taller!".  Within 20 minutes she was in tears, "I don't look 7."  Heading to school in her new dress seemed to help a little.  She brought cookies to share at school and when she arrived at school there was a birthday crown waiting for her.  She had a soccer game that evening and her grandparents were able to watch her while I stayed at home with a sick child.  Grandpa took her out for ice cream after her game...some fun bonding time.

On Friday the 27th, Ashlyn had a birthday party with a few friends.  She chose to have her party at a local pottery painting place.  Each child was able to choose a piece to paint...all the little girls were quite artistic.  Ashlyn wanted a Justin Bieber themed party so we had plates, VIP pass name tags and rock star cupcakes.  She received many wonderful gifts from her friends and is learning to share with her sisters.

We will celebrate with the family on Memorial Day.  Ashlyn wants an ice cream cake and she will choose where we eat as a family.  Jim and I are excited for her present...but it is a big secret, no one knows but us (well, I guess we told the little girls, but that is because we had to tell someone and we know they won't share).

Tomorrow, May 29th, also marks the anniversary of the day we first heard Sabrina had Neuroblastoma...cancer.  I remember thinking it wasn't possible, but we had to do anything possible to help our little girl.  She smiled and melted the hearts of many nurses.  If you look at Sabrina today, it is hard to believe she ever had a deadly tumor inside her body.  We are blessed every day and hope in the near future parents will no longer have to watch their children fight such a nasty disease.  Over the past two years we have crossed paths with many families with children fighting cancer.  Some children have beat this disease and have gone on to become great young adults, some others are still fighting, and sadly a large number of children have become angels.