Success and stability

As always, I'm a little late in getting an update out.  That's just life at the present time.  Fortunately, we see or speak with many friends and family on a regular basis, so at least we've already reached some of you.  If not, happy reading to you!

Lily's Lemonade a HUGE success!

I am beyond amazed at the success of Lily's 1st annual lemonade stand (yes, I said "annual").  Total sales and donations came to $605 combined!  Talk about generosity!  We really had a great time as a family and plan to make this an annual fundraiser.

Lily served at her stand for 7 whole hours (with a few small breaks of course)!

For you number people, here's the breakdown:

Hours open:  7 

Cups Sold:  108 (her goal was 70)

Cookies Sold:  100 (approx.)

Rollie Pollie bugs collected during break time:  50 (approx.)

Cups sold with extra Rollie Pollie protein:  0 (we think)

Lemonade sales:  $54

Garage sales:  $125 (her Mimi & Papaw donated all garage sale profits)

Donations:  $426

Total :  $605

Expenses:  $64.50

Profit:  $540.50

Amount to be donated:  $605.00

Lily worked very hard making signage to promote her stand. 

Brother Luke even helped with some preparations.

Just rollin' with it
It all came together quite nicely considering we had the idea only 11 days before the big event (which was officially Lemonade Day in Indiana.)  And the day before, I (Keri) had severe neck pain.  Still, lemonade was made, cookies were baked, signage was made.  Lily even had her own Website:  http://sites.lemonadeday.org/lilylemonade.  All in all, this little lemonade stand will go down as one of my family's favorite times this year.

What will we do with the donations?
We are still working out the details, but the plan is to prepare care packages for the families and caregivers of patients at IU Hospital.  When Christian was there in November, we were extremely fortunate to have had our own room (and a large one for that matter).  We were also very fortunate that our home was 25 minutes away.  You wouldn't believe the distance some families travel to support and care for their loved ones.  Some literally camp out in waiting rooms.  We saw lots of air mattresses and coolers.  We were shown so much kindness that we want to give a little act of kindness in return.  More to come on that front.

Christian Update
Since he doesn't like so much to be the center of attention, I'll keep it brief (for now)...

"Sustained" sums up the report on Christian's health for the time being.  The great news to praise is that he's really picture perfect health - aside from the dang cancer!  The biggie is that there's no heart damage, which is a concern when being treated with the Doxorubicin chemo (which he's now met the maximim lifetime dosage allowed on it).  Now, he continues with the trial drug and we go from there.

"Snyderstrong" sums up Christian's attitude.  He's at peace with the situation and is just taking things day by day...and enjoying each one of those to it's fullest.  Going back to work a couple weeks ago has been a bit of transition for both of us, and he's starting to get back into the swing of things.  I can't imagine going back after 6 months off!  It was hard enough to make that transition after each of my maternity leaves of 3 months!

Thank you dear family and friends for your thoughts and prayers!  We pray for stamina as Christian gets back full swing into work.  We pray this trial drug is effective.  We pray for clarity in decisions ahead in terms of next courses of treatment.  And, as Christian's mom said recently, it never hurts to pray for a flat out miracle!



I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Phil. 3:14