History

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY~*~

~*~Wednesday Morning~*~

OK....here we go with the Comcast good news and the Bear not so good news.:0(

Last night Kody started another with another monsterache {headache}....it lasted all night and hasn't gone away yet.
But...he is also telling me his throat is killin' him so lets just hope for a stinky virus and nothing else.
Right now he's just hanging on the sofa with his cat, Bam and we are all hoping that his Maxalt & Motrin will kick in soon.
I'll bet Bam hopes so too as every once in a while I hear "Meeeeeow" and a lil' boys voice say "Nope...don't leave me please, Bam". :0)

OK...so on with the good news.

Got Comcast internet?
Got a web site?
COOL!!!

Get yourself a drink, a snack and search out some graphics, clip art, backgrounds, whatever floats your boat and save them to your computer.
I'm hoping all Comcast homepages are the same when I say this...
See the bars on the left? The ones that say "My Account" "My Web Page", "Online Storage", etc.....
Go ahead and get yourslef on "online storage" and save those graphics you just got from searching on the net in there.
Guess what? You can now transfer them to your site!!
All these years I spent wasting money paying for web hosting {Yahoo, Bravenet} and all along I had no idea I could do the same thing on Comcast...it's a service they provide us cuz, well..they are just too cool.
Know what else is cool...one phone call {heck you can even live chat with a tech} and anything you ned answered is right there, that minute. No waiting for support tickets to be opened and answered which can sometimes take days, especially if you have a problem on the weekend.
Anyway...just thought you'd all like to know.
Actually...I'll bet most server's provide this and we just don't know..I am pretty sure AOL does too.
Check it out and get busy.....take it from me...
It can be very, very habit forming and lots and lots of fun!! :0)

Once you get totally into it...get yourself Paint Shop Pro 9 and you can really have graphic, picture, background fun.
I think you can still get a free 60 trial version of it at Jasc.com
{just make sure your computer won't throw up...PSP takes up some space..but it won't slow your comp. down}.

Thank you so much Mick for telling me about Benjamin's link...I fixed it minutes ago.
Please...if ever there is a broken link to any kid's..let me know. Sometimes I do these things so late into the night I an't see straight.
Thank you again!! :0)

The movie "The Grudge"....
SIGH....I got bored with it halfway through and decided sleep was more of a thrill at that point.
Guess I am just a tough one to scare...I have always loved scary movies...totally into "Chuckie" and anything Alienish!! :0)

Funny...not to many things really scare me but I'll let you all in on a little secret...don't laugh, K?
You know those Pop-in-Fresh Pillsbury Grands bisquits?
Opening them scares me!!
No joke...ask my sister, she was on the phone with me last night when I opened one....I thought she'd laugh herself silly.
Seriously....once I had some in the car...just coming home from grocery shopping in the Florida July heat and I left them in the trunk....well, I was stopped at a red light and the things started exploding in the trunk...real funny right? I almost peed myself!! {sorry!!}
So..there you have it...The Pillsbury Dough Boy and Balloons scare me to death.
Yes...I am a hoot at birthday parties.
Oh wait...let's not forget to mention the time Daddy Bear taught his young'uns to blow up those little party balloons, chase Mommy Bear around the house and pop them right in front of her.
Oh boy....how funny, how amusing....HOW SCARY AND RUDE COULD THEY BE??!!

OK gals and guys...I am off to spend some one on one time with a very miserable Bear.

Thanks for stopping by....

Luv, Kim

***********************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Today was the first day in a brand spankin' new classroom and Kody had a GREAT time!! :0)

Since he wasn't sure where the room was {it's in a just built over the summer new brick building on campus but not in the actual school building he is used to} I walked him in.
I don't know if anyone else does this with their kids but I always have to hold his hand...everywhere, even more so when I see crowds of people or in our case this morning, kids. He was OK with that while we walked through the school building, but in order to get to his building you have to keep on walking until you get outside again.
So...we get back out side and no crowds...but me being overprotective me....still kept a tight hold on that {not so little same size as mine} hand. Finally, I guess I was embarrassing him cuz he said "OK Mom, there are no crowds...you can let go now".
So...I looked at him and kinda sad to be told to let go....I said "OK Pal, if that's what you want".
Well...without skipping a beat he said "Oh heck....why don't we just touch shoulders while we walk!". :0)
I wish you could have seen the two of us goofs trying to walk "touching shoulders"...we got a few stares but so what...we had a good laugh and it made both our mornings!! :0)

The kids in his class made him feel so welcome when he walked in, and he felt at home and at ease...soooo, I left. It wasn't easy but I did.

This afternoon he can home with the great news that he gets to be in Lake County's "Special Olympics" field and track event coming up soon!!! He is beyond happy...he really is.

I'm going to have to cut this short tonight...I just popped in a movie {The Grudge} and it looks pretty scary..my kind of movie! LOL!!!

I promise I'll update some more tomorrow....

Oh before I leave let me just ask that lots of heavy duty prayers be said for Benjamin who is rapidly taking a turn for the worse.
Melody and Big Ben who are both nearing the very end of their Earthly journey's.

And...if anyone ever doubted the existance of a higher being, of a true miracle, of those who leave before us not coming back then I ask that you all go take a stroll on over to Angel Cheyenne's...bring tissues and read about the lavender pillow. You may have to go back on the journel history page to get the whole story....and then go look on the photo page...I promise you that what you will read will stay with you forever.

All the links to these children can be found on the drop down up top.

Let me just still leave this up.....

As so many of you probably know...it is that time of year again.
The American Cancer Society's Relay-for-Life".
The team name hasn't been decided on yet but I can tell you that Kody was the most popular pick for big sister, Karyelle's team, which is through the bank she works at.
Each team member was asked to complete a personal goal of $100.00 each.
But...you know my go-getters...they want a CURE and they want it NOW!!
So far Kody has $10.00 and I think Karyelle is slightly more then that.
If anyone would like to sponser either kiddo of mine, as siblings, they walk the "Survivor Lap" once again this year to help in their own way to find a cure for all cancers...
Please send to:

Kody and/or Karyelle Kruppenbacher
2402 Myer Avenue
Leesburg, Florida 34748

Relay is April 22nd this year so there is plenty of time.
In advance we would like to thank you all VERY much...together we will make a difference...cancers of all kinds will be cured...one day at a time.

Also...just so you know, Kody's blue "Life's Tough, I'm Tougher" awareness bracelets are a huge hit and flying off the internet faster then rockets on the 4th of July.
There is still some time to get yours...just click on" The Emergency Family Relief Fund.
Towards the top on the right hand side is a link to "Thank You gifts"
For a $6 to $13 donation to the Family Relief Fund a bracelet will be sent to you as our special "Thank You" for helping The Tumbleweed Foudation in this very much needed and worthy cause.

Many...Many thanks to all who have already sent for yours...PLEASE send us a picture!!
I'll be putting up an e-mail link for that in the very near future, if that's how you'd like to send yours.

OK....Love you all...till tomorrow, gotta run and watch my movie!!

Love,

~Kim~

PS. Tomorrow when I have more time I have to tell all of you who are on Comcast and have CB sites you want fancied up some really, really GREAT news I happened by accident to stumble across a couple of days ago. This is defiently going to make your day, it sure did make mine!! :0)

PPSS. CONGRATULATIONS HALEY from the UK.....for being our HALF A MILLION HIT!!!!!
I left you an e-mail, be sure to e-mail me back with your mailing address so I can get that bracelet out to you!!
WAA-HOO...Half a million..I still can't believe it!!
I still remember 10,000 hits...we thought we were bad to the bone back then. :0)

Sunday, February 13, 2005 9:52 PM

~*~Happy Valentines Day Everyone~*~

We had a pretty decent weekend here, well...it was going almost perfect till we realized this morning Kody lost his glasses.
After searching all day...and I am talking, stripping down everything, calling stores we were at yesterday, basically going nuts since those spec's of his are real pricey.
Anyway....I am happy to report they were found about 45 minutes ago by the Bear himself!! The crazy thing is, where they were...we looked about 50 times today. Weird??

So, tomorrow will be Valentines Day...and in honor of V-Day Kody has left all "his ladies...and little ladies" a little gift straight from his heart.

Get ready...Get set...crank up the volume girls cuz without any further ado may I introduce...

~*~Wild Thing...I think I love you~*~

LOL...that was better then any old box of chocolate and a dozen roses anyday!! :0)

OK...now on to a more serious note...
The school situation.

First I would like to thank everyone who has left us a GB message and e-mail. The outpouring of love and concern for Kody was unbelievable. I never imagined him having a bad day could rip through so many hearts...yet he seems to have had.
I could tell by hearing so many of you that you actually felt his hurt. Trust me, as his Mom, I think I felt the hurt more then he...see, he is OK now, but I still, for some reason, feel the sting.

So...our decision, together with Kody's feelings and input is this.

I explained to Kody what the meeting was about. He knew for the most part what I'd be talking about there and he knew right away that he is lagging way behind his friends and it is embarrassing for him to see the other children fly through their assignments while he struggles and is left behind.
Though I honestly thought he would freak at the thought of being taken out of his classroom and in to another, he absolutely liked the idea alot.
He said he even knows the teacher and likes her, he also knows two kids in the class and likes them...one being from his class he is in now.
Tomorrow morning I'll be calling the guidance counsler and arranging for Kody to be in an "inclusion class" {at least I think that's what it's called}.
He is going to try it out for at least 2 weeks and if things don't work out then I'll check him out and together he and I will venture out as Mom/Teacher and Kody/Student.

I am going to mention this to his school tomorrow and see what services they can offer him and myself. I don't know much about the "Americans with Disabilites" act but I do kow that he definetly applies and they have to help somehow.

We have been through alot together that Bear and myself...we can do this, I know we can. But...we'll cross that bridge when and if we come to it.

Thank you again everyone, I really have spent the entire weekend thinking, thinking and more thinking. As a matter of fact I was thinking so much you could actually smell something burning!! :0)
Kody, Daddy Bear and myself agree 100 percent this is the best road to follow, at least for now.

What else is new this weekend? Oh...Bravenet and Kody's CB site graphics.
Well...turns out his domain name expired after a year and they wanted $175.00 for me to get it back, in addition to the $$ they get from me every month.
OK..yeah, right.
After a few go arounds with Bravenet...I hope that things will be back to normal very soon.
On Saturday I paid for a new domain name and Bravenet offered to pay to registar the new domain name for us.
How sweet was that??
Welp...that was yesterday morning and so far I still cannot get into that new site to transfer any graphics, pictures, music...whatever I may need for Kody's site.
I guess I just need to wait for normal business hours.

So..until then...Kody's site won't look at it's best just yet. I am fiddling with Comcast tonight {where I store his video clips} so hopefully I can get Kody's song up here...he REALLY wanted "Wild Thing" up for V-Day.

Thank you to the two beautiful ladies who offered us the use of their sites to store Kody's graphics...you gals are the BEST!!

OK...I am jumping off of here tonight, gotta get my weekly dose of "Desperate Housewives"!

So it doesn't go back in the history page too far, I am leaving this still up from my last update...

As so many of you probably know...it is that time of year again.
The American Cancer Society's Relay-for-Life".
The team name hasn't been decided on yet but I can tell you that Kody was the most popular pick for big sister, Karyelle's team, which is through the bank she works at.
Each team member was asked to complete a personal goal of $100.00 each.
But...you know my go-getters...they want a CURE and they want it NOW!!
So far Kody has $10.00 and I think Karyelle is slightly more then that.
If anyone would like to sponser either kiddo of mine, as siblings, they walk the "Survivor Lap" once again this year to help in their own way to find a cure for all cancers...
Please send to:

Kody and/or Karyelle Kruppenbacher
2402 Myer Avenue
Leesburg, Florida 34748

Relay is April 22nd this year so there is plenty of time.
In advance we would like to thank you all VERY much...together we will make a difference...cancers of all kinds will be cured...one day at a time.

Also...just so you know, Kody's blue "Life's Tough, I'm Tougher" awareness bracelets are a huge hit and flying off the internet faster then rockets on the 4th of July.
There is still some time to get yours...just click on" The Emergency Family Relief Fund.
Towards the top on the right hand side is a link to "Thank You gifts"
For a $6 to $13 donation to the Family Relief Fund a bracelet will be sent to you as our special "Thank You" for helping The Tumbleweed Foudation in this very much needed and worthy cause.

Many...Many thanks to all who have already sent for yours...PLEASE send us a picture!!
I'll be putting up an e-mail link for that in the very near future, if that's how you'd like to send yours.

Thank you all for stopping by....

Hey...BTW..have you seen the hit counter lately?? We are sooooooooo close to half a million!!! :0)
Kody get's about 1000 hits a day so it won't be long.

If you happen to be lucky number 5000,000 PLEASE let us know in the GB...for being such a great Kody Bear fan, we will personally donate to Tumbleweed in your name and you'll be sent your own "Life's Tough...I'm Tougher" awareness bracelet.

Karl...Karyelle I am warning you two....NO CLICKING REFRESH 100 TIMES!!! :0)
Love you both but I know how you both are!!

Love you all and a Happy V-Day to you!

Love, Kim

Friday, February 11, 2005 10:52 AM

~*~Saturday Night~*~

Everything is great today...a really great day!!
Kody attempted his skateboard, fell about 4 times and I had him call it quits, it was just a bad balance kind of day.
He really loves that board...the top picture shows him how I caught him watching TV this morning.
Board leaning on his face and eyes on a TV show. :0)

I'll update more tomorrow...it's late {almost 11 PM} and the Bear doesn't want to sleep. Something about a spike bracelet at Claire's he cannot live without.....geez, and I always thought it was the girls who drove me nuts with the late night "But Mom...if you want me to be cool you'll get it for me" blues. LOL!!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone...more pictures tomorrow!!

Luv, Kim

PS. Bravenet has been working dilegently with me and things should be fixed very soon...long story, I'll explain later.

PPSS. Nope..Kody didn't get a new haircut...well, he did get a trim but not a new style...that slicked back hair is wet...he just came out of the bath. :0)

********************************************************

~*~Friday Night Update~*~

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TONIGHT~*~

I forgot to mention this morning when I talked about Relay for Life and sponsers...
Please, if you wanted to send a check Kody and or Karyelle's way for sponsership....
Make that check out to "The American Cancer Society"
Please DON'T make it out to Kody...that kid can spend it faster then you all can make it!! :0)

Have a great night everyone...I am off to put the kids to bed, check on a bunch of our friends on the net and go round to round with Bravenet somemore.

Oh...just incase you didn't read this mornings update..we call the front picture and the picture's on the photo page...

"If Kody can't go to the party.....The party will come to Kody"

Enjoy!!

Luv, Kim

On my own lil' personal note...

"Happy nine years in Heaven Pop-Pop...the sting of missing you is still there everyday.
Please continue to pull strings up there and keep our Bear going strong.
Till the day we meet again...."
Kim

*******************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WOW!!!!
Thank you soooooooooooo much to everyone who jumped to Kody's defense yesterday and for not thinking I was too much of a pre-menapausal psycho!! :0)

Here's the latest on the school situation...

Yesteray morning I placed a call to the school to have my say about the teacher who wouldn't let Kody go to that party....oh, BTW..I don't think I mentioned this in my yesterday's update...he was made to sit in a room, alone, doing worksheets the whole time his class was in the next room having a blast...and he could hear them having fun.
I'm sure some tear spots still adorne those worksheets...and I think that teacher should keep them always to remind her NEVER to single ANY child out for things that are NOT in his/her control.

***Oops..there goes another "surge"***

Before the meeting I got a call back from the assistant principal {whom we love...and Kody loves her daughter!} who was completley shocked, mortafied and embarrassed. She apologized several times for the acts of this teacher and said she was going to let the principal know what happened.
Honestly...I don't know what will ever become of this other then Kody chanting "Oh Yeah...my Mom is gonna get her fired!!"
Oh Lord...that kid!! :0)

OK...the meeting...
Kody is on a IEP so basically the meeting was about that, the fact that they stopped his hospital homebound tutoring and his teacher wanted me to know {without my saying I already knew} that his memory is getting worse and he is falling behind even more so lately.
Currently...Kody is only on a 1.5 grade level.
I think he's better then that but that's what they tell me.

In a nutshell...I voiced my opinion about a bunch of things and Kody will very shorty be getting PT in school, tutoring after school, and possibly a new classroom setting as to where kids of grades 3, 4 and 5 who are not on grade level have special accomodations and can get graded properly on the level they are at.
Which would mean instead of bringing home F's on third grade work he simply cannot do...or failed spelling tests {because he knows the words on a Thursday night but has forgotten most of them by Friday morning}...
He would bring hom maybe C's and B's on his grade level that he is at.
Now...as nice as that sounds there is a downside so I haven't made up my mind and it is completely up to Karl and I to decide what to do.
One thing I didn't like was the kids in this clas are not allowed to be graded with an "A", the best they can get is a "B" even if their work is completely worthy of an "A"...some stupid Board of Education rule...and I do stress "stupid" because to me that is biased and degrading.

Is this a "Special Ed" class?
Though it is called something else these days {I can't remember what}...I believe it is.
My oldest son Kyle was put into special ed in grade 1. It was humiliating for him his whole life to life with the special ed label and stigma that goes along with it.
So much so that he dropped out of school before making it out of the ninth grade.
He was made fun of by his peers, he was thought less of by his teachers and while going though the most important growing up years of his life...the humiliation he endured throughout his school years made him very, very angry and dangerously depressed.
On a happier note...he will be 20 in November...he is a great son and brother, he's reliable, strong, responsible, trustworthy and a hard worker. He is Kody's best and most favorite role model.
It's true he still struggles but he has made me a promise that he will get his GED in the year 2005. If have to drive him there myself...mark my word, he will get that diploma.

OK...so getting back to Kody Bear...

Last night as I went to bed praying for an answer to this school mess...a thought popped up in my head. Don't know if it was the exhausted side of me wanted to drift off to sleep or maybe it was a sign from God.
Anyway...the thought was BAM...
"homeschooling".
Now....I tried homeschooling Kyle and I found that I {I'm gonna be honest so please don't all get mad} had absolutley no patience at all, then add to the fact that I am about the most unorganized person you'll ever meet...and let's just say, it was a disaster from day one.

I know there are alot of pro's and con's and I am heavily weighing them out today {I'm a Libra..I have to weigh everything out before deciding!!}
My sister has been homeschooling her two boys for years. My own mother is big on it too. {not for me I always went to public school}.
Kody's dr. once asked me not to homeschool as so many parents of ill children do for the fact he needs to socialization.
Honestly...I don't think I'm smart enough, but then again it's only second graade stuff, right?
Kody is a procrastinater like myself.
Homework time is a nightmare in this house...between Kody not understanding/not remembering/ADD and Kolin's ADHD....yes, it's nightmare city.

But...on the other hand..this is a child I love with all my heart and soul and he deserves the very best life has to offer.
Could I offer him a good eduation at home? Let's not forget..this is the Mom who was overwhelmed trying to find math worksheets on-line. :0(
Welp...I think if I take a deep breath, a few tylenol, and a nice strong cup of coffee each morning...I think I can.
So...what I'm wondering is...if I go this route...do I have back-up from ya'all great friends of mine??!! :0)

Oh wait..here's something else I thought of...
Kolin will freak out and most likely be a booger a/k/a pain in the **BLEEP** to get to school everyday.
Would I consider homeschooling him?
I love that child with every fiber of my being...but the answer is NO WAY!!

***Spend a day with him...you'll understand***

So...that's my dilemma and that gives me an awful lot to think about over the weekend.
Kody loves the class he is in now, he loves his teacher...all his friends are there...but he is not learning in that situation.
Hmmmmm...I wonder if I can put him in school for the fun stuff and leave him with me for the rest??

I am going to try my best to get some new pictures up this morning but I have a very special date with two good looking guys in a little while so the pix may have to wait until a little later on.
But...just as a quick verbal preview...we call these new ones...
"If Kody can't go to the party...the party will come to Kody"

BYW...my "dates" are Kody and Kolin!! :0)

One more thing and I am jumping off of here for now...

As so many of you probably know...it is that time of year again.
The American Cancer Society's Relay-for-Life".
The team name hasn't been decided on yet but I can tell you that Kody was the most popular pick for big sister, Karyelle's team, which is through the bank she works at.
Each team member was asked to complete a personal goal of $100.00 each.
But...you know my go-getters...they want a CURE and they want it NOW!!
So far Kody has $10.00 and I think Karyelle is slightly more then that.
If anyone would like to sponser either kiddo of mine, as siblings, they walk the "Survivor Lap" once again this year to help in their own way to find a cure for all cancers...
Please send to:

Kody and/or Karyelle Kruppenbacher
2402 Myer Avenue
Leesburg, Florida 34748

Relay is April 22nd this year so there is plenty of time.
In advance we would like to thank you all VERY much...together we will make a difference...cancers of all kinds will be cured...one day at a time.

Also...just so you know, Kody's blue "Life's Tough, I'm Tougher" awareness bracelets are a huge hit and flying off the internet faster then rockets on the 4th of July.
There is still some time to get yours...just click on" The Emergency Family Relief Fund.
Towards the top on the right hand side is a link to "Thank You gifts"
For a $6 to $13 donation to the Family Relief Fund a bracelet will be sent to you as our special "Thank You" for helping The Tumbleweed Foudation in this very much needed and worthy cause.

Many...Many thanks to all who have already sent for yours...PLEASE send us a picture!!
I'll be putting up an e-mail link for that in the very near future, if that's how you'd like to send yours.

OK gals and guys...I'm off for my date!!

Thank you all again and again for stopping by!!
Love you all...

~Kim~

PS...What is going on with Bravenet? Does anyone know cause I am about to have another "surge" if I don't get my grahics back VERY soon!!
Bravenet is totally ruining a Valentines surprise Kody Bear has planned for all of you gals out there!!

Wednesday, February 9, 2005 9:30 PM

****Thursday Morning****

Last night Kody didn't seem like himself...sleep wasn't coming easy for him as it ususally does and late last night I found out why.
As if dropping a tray of food on himself wasn't embarassing enough {there was no applause...just laughs, and not the good kind}, yesterday in reading class there was a party going on in a class called "fast forward", which is a computer class.
Well...excited and happy, Kody got up to go attend {it was in another room} and his reading teacher {her name I won't mention but she will remember me always after today} right away told him to sit down, he wasn't going.
Then she proceeded to tell him in front of his classmates, who were going to the party that only the children that have completed all their assignments were invited.
Yes...Kody is still struggling to catch up, but he is trying and giving it 100 percent...I mean after all...he was out of school recovering from brain surgery, not the flu.
Yes...this teacher knows this and why she felt compelled to single out my son and humiliate him in front of his classmates I will never know.
But I do know this...at 12:30 today I have a meeting at his school to discuss this among other things...like why I was told on the phone a couple of days ago that they are "worried Kody's isn't keeping up with his peers" and they "just don't know what to do for him anymore".
Ahem...well...for starters...denying him his tutoring twice a week because he is back to school full time was, well...hmmmm.....STUPID!!
But...I suppose it doesn't take a genius to figure that one out.

Sorry ya'all...I just had a "surge" {that's what we call my pre-menapausal self here these days..or maybe it's just I'm a P.O'd Mom on a mission}...
Sorry to vent....I'm home alone right now and there is nobody to call. :0(

Thanks again for bein' ma' friend!! :0)

~Kim~

PS. No luck with the Bravenet people...they are next on my hit list!! :0)

PPSS. As I am sure most of you know...Our BabyBug Katia is back in the hospital...pray, pray, pray!!

***********************************************************

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY~*~

****WARNING****

HeeBee JeeBee Triplets...you may want to skip the last two pictures!!
There are four pix altogether. :0)

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Seems we're still waiting for Bravenet to get their acts together...after some supports tickets being tossed around, they still haven't come up with a solution.
It might not bother me too much if they weren't being paid so darn good every month.
Guess it's just a waiting game, if in a couple more days nothing happens...I'll just find another transfer site cuz honestly...we hate seeing Kody's site look like a mess. :0(

Tonight I've a special "Prayer Request" for our sweet friend, Haley {link in the drop down}.
Haley is a beautiful girl with the voice af an Angel.
Kody fell in love with her style {and her cuteness} and a few months ago he was surprised with a CD in the mail from none other then Haley singing away!! He really LOVES that CD. :0)
Anyway a few days ago Haley, unexpectedly experienced a sudden severe headache and after getting her to the hospital ER in an ice storm it was found she had a horrible brain bleed and half her brain was filled up with blood.
Of couse, emergancy surgery was next, then learning to talk, walk...SIGH....the things that still bring bad memories here.
And...after all she went through...you have just GOT to read what she did minutes upon waking up.
What an incredible girl...loving, so caring of others, sunshine on a rainy day...that's our Haley!!

Kody's headaches are finally gone...at least for the moment.
Karl and I have been worried...not just about the headaches but some other changes we have seen lately.
March 21st....his next MRI can't seem to come fast enough for us.

Today was Kody's first day of full day school where I didn't have lunch with him. He wanted some time with his friends and he wanted to buy his pizza at school.
In my heart I know he still isn't real great at carrying things, especially trays full of food but he was determined and sure of himself and he really wanted to try.

I wish I would have went...but I can't change time and I sure can't be stuck in his hip pocket all day, right?
Well....he told me he had his tray and was walking to his table slowly when the kid behind him walked way too fast and clipped him in the back of his ankle causing him to, yes...you guessed it...drop everything all over himself and the floor.

***Why wasn't I there to protect him??***

I asked him what happened next and he simply said..."I went back and got another tray and this time I made it!!"

***Picture me smiling here***

Then he said "And this time Mom...I made sure I got EXTRA pears and whipped cream!!"

***Picture me laughing till it hurts here!!***

Thank you so much to all of you who have been sending him Valentines...and a BIG THANK YOU to "Pre-School Pen-Pals" for all the Valentines and Valentine games sent to all the kids.
I can't even begin to describe how happy Kolin is when he see's something, anything with his name on it.

As always...please keep Big Ben and Melody {links in drop down} and their families in your hearts and in your prayers as they enter into the final stages of their journey here on Earth.
Ben is having such a rough time with pain but thankfully, by some incredidible miracle...Melody is in no pain at all. Praise God for that!! :0)

Also..this has nothing to do with our CB familes but today in Lake County, Florida in a town called Paisley, not too far from here we experienced the loss of one very brave Sherriff's deputy. While his two partners were injured...thank God, they will be OK.
Some of you may see it on the news but a 29 year old guy...a well known trouble maker hid in the woods next to his home while the Sherriff's were there questioning and roping off his home because of a domestic incident.
While the police were outside..this sick monster ambushed them and shot them killing one and like I said, injuring two.
The gunman...he was caught this evening, hiding in the woods 6 miles from his home. We watched the whole thing unfold live on TV.
It was horrible...really horrible...I think all of Lake County is just sickened and saddened by the senselessness of the whole sitution.
Please pray for the familes...
Thank you.

Ok guys and gals.....I'm outta here for tonight...thank you for stopping by and checking on the Bear!!

Love you all...

Kim

Wednesday, February 9, 2005 9:30 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Seems we're still waiting for Bravenet to get their acts together...after some supports tickets being tossed around, they still haven't come up with a solution.
It might not bother me too much if they weren't being paid so darn good every month.
Guess it's just a waiting game, if in a couple more days nothing happens...I'll just find another transfer site cuz honestly...we hate seeing Kody's site look like a mess. :0(

Tonight I've a special "Prayer Request" for our sweet friend, Haley {link in the drop down}.
Haley is a beautiful girl with the voice af an Angel.
Kody fell in love with her style {and her cuteness} and a few months ago he was surprised with a CD in the mail from none other then Haley singing away!! He really LOVES that CD. :0)
Anyway a few days ago Haley, unexpectedly experienced a sudden severe headache and after getting her to the hospital ER in an ice storm it was found she had a horrible brain bleed and half her brain was filled up with blood.
Of couse, emergancy surgery was next, then learning to talk, walk...SIGH....the things that still bring bad memories here.
And...after all she went through...you have just GOT to read what she did minutes upon waking up.
What an incredible girl...loving, so caring of others, sunshine on a rainy day...that's our Haley!!

Kody's headaches are finally gone...at least for the moment.
Karl and I have been worried...not just about the headaches but some other changes we have seen lately.
March 21st....his next MRI can't seem to come fast enough for us.

Today was Kody's first day of full day school where I didn't have lunch with him. He wanted some time with his friends and he wanted to buy his pizza at school.
In my heart I know he still isn't real great at carrying things, especially trays full of food but he was determined and sure of himself and he really wanted to try.

I wish I would have went...but I can't change time and I sure can't be stuck in his hip pocket all day, right?
Well....he told me he had his tray and was walking to his table slowly when the kid behind him walked way too fast and clipped him in the back of his ankle causing him to, yes...you guessed it...drop everything all over himself and the floor.

***Why wasn't I there to protect him??***

I asked him what happened next and he simply said..."I went back and got another tray and this time I made it!!"

***Picture me smiling here***

Then he said "And this time Mom...I made sure I got EXTRA pears and whipped cream!!"

***Picture me laughing till it hurts here!!***

Thank you so much to all of you who have been sending him Valentines...and a BIG THANK YOU to "Pre-School Pen-Pals" for all the Valentines and Valentine games sent to all the kids.
I can't even begin to describe how happy Kolin is when he see's something, anything with his name on it.

As always...please keep Big Ben and Melody {links in drop down} and their families in your hearts and in your prayers as they enter into the final stages of their journey here on Earth.
Ben is having such a rough time with pain but thankfully, by some incredidible miracle...Melody is in no pain at all. Praise God for that!! :0)

Also..this has nothing to do with our CB familes but today in Lake County, Florida in a town called Paisley, not too far from here we experienced the loss of one very brave Sherriff's deputy. While his two partners were injured...thank God, they will be OK.
Some of you may see it on the news but a 29 year old guy...a well known trouble maker hid in the woods next to his home while the Sherriff's were there questioning and roping off his home because of a domestic incident.
While the police were outside..this sick monster ambushed them and shot them killing one and like I said, injuring two.
The gunman...he was caught this evening, hiding in the woods 6 miles from his home. We watched the whole thing unfold live on TV.
It was horrible...really horrible...I think all of Lake County is just sickened and saddened by the senselessness of the whole sitution.
Please pray for the familes...
Thank you.

Ok guys and gals.....I'm outta here for tonight...thank you for stopping by and checking on the Bear!!

Love you all...

Kim

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Still leaving these links/messages below....

~*~Kody and Daddy Biker Buds Forever~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kody Bear...Live and in living color!!
Click HERE

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Tumbleweed Foundation is an organization that is very dear to Kody's heart...click on the logo below...

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Kody's artwork raised over $500.00 for The American Cancer Society!!
YEAH...KODY!!!!!

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that little angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story	Dad's Page...Just the two of us	Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play	Kody's Revenge	Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg	Field Day...2003	My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003	Margo & Rodeo Drive	My first grade memories
First Holy Communion	Matthews Miles for a Cure	My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt	My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love	Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]

This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.

[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Sunday, February 6, 2005 4:55 PM....SUPERBOWL SUNDAY!!

~*~Tuesday Morning~*~

Sorry about the mess here on Kody's site...Bravenet is down and that's where everything is stored and transferred from {graphics, clip art, backgrounds, pictures}. It should be back up sometime today...fingers crossed.

Kody has been down since yesterday evening with a pretty nasty headache. It's a little after 10 o'clock now and he is still in my bed, hurting and trying to sleep it off. I gave him the highest dose of med's I can but it still isn't touching it.
Poor kid. :0(

Anyway...maybe with a lil' prayer he will bounce back this morning, that would be so cool.

Better run...there is nothing more yummy then snuggling with a Bear who wants his Mama.

Have a great day everyone...

~Kim~

PS. When you can see it again...special thanks to HELEN for creating Kody's new background. :0)

************************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

What a cool day we had yesterday!!

And....yesterday was a HUGE milestone for Kody Bear...something he had been begging for, for over a year now came true for him.
SURPRISE...see the photo page for his big "Kodak Moment"!! :0)

The kids and I also took off to Fruitland Park's Methodist Church "Winterfest 2005" which was a lotta fun {and all for free!!} and as Kody put it "The very best day of his life"!!
{He has alot of those, doesn't he??}
Lots of pictures on the photo page from yesterday.

One thing though, was a little difficult for me to watch yesterday, and I'll tell you about it BUT.....no pity parties for the Bear because yesterday Kody put a whole new meaning to the words "Never give up" and Kody's motto "Life is Tough...But I'm Tougher" has never been more true.
Let me explain....the two boys, first thing, wanted to do this inflated obstical course and off they went.
Kolin, thinking Kody was right on his heels, FLEW through at lightening speed.
Kody...on the other hand was struggling with everything he had to make it through...falling and getting stuck everywhere...unable to even get himself over a {blow up} rock wall.
But....Kody laughed and he laughed and he tried and he tried...he fell, he wobbled, he even had some help from the crowd...cheering, encouraging and then out of the blue..a little boy about his age climbed right up there with him and pulled him over that wall.
Then...Kody fell again...But, it never stopped him from having fun.
Did Kody feel sorry for himself? Not a snowballs chance in H**L!!
DId he quit after one try? Not my Bear...he went back 4 more times to try again and again.
Did he ever make it on his own? Nope..he sure didn't but he never gave up and he never stopped laughing! :0)

Then it was off to the "Rock Climbing Wall".
Kody's first try went a little something like this....he made it about 12 inches.
"Monkey Boy" a/k/a Kolin scooted the whole way to the top...and this rock wall was HUGE...heck, even the teens were not making it but halfway.
When he came down he hugged his proud Mama and he found his big brother...standing on line to try one more time! Well..Kolin ran to Kody at full speed ahead, hugged him and said "Kody...all the time I was so scared, especially when I looked down but I thought of you and said I'm doing this for Kody...and I made it!!"
Kody was one very, very proud big brother!!
~*~See Photo Page~*~
Kody's second try....he climbed about 5 feet, it wasn't easy for him and I figured out why as I watched. He has no downward glance and so trying to see the little rock ledges to put his feet on were just about impossible...everything he did, he did by feel. Combine that with his balance isssues and it was pretty clear why he just can't do the things he was able to do in the past.
Still...when he came down off of that wall and ran over to Kolin and me....you would have been pretty hard pressed to see more prouder, happier and huggier people in the place.

What else? Oh.....there was face painting, clowns, balloons, kettle corn, drinks, hot dogs, inflatable slides, sno cones, cotton candy, deserts of all kinds, chili contests {which a tiny little chinese guy won...HA...go figure?}, pie eating contests, music, entertainment, prizes, lots of pictures, games, pugil stick competions {which the boys took part in}, a bunch of other things I am probably forgetting and our most favorite part of the day....

SNOW SLEDDING IN FLORIDA!!!!!!

Yes sir....you heard it right...I don't know how but somehow we managed, on a sunny 70 degree day, to sled on some packed down icey snowy stuff and it was F-U-N...FUN!!!!!!

I have a bunch more photos that I took with a regular 35 camera so as soon as I scan some I'll put those up too.

All in all...it was a day full of wonderful memories that I know we will all never forget.
Many Thank You's and Kudo's the Fruitland Park Methodist Church for the "best day of Kody's life"...I will always hold close the memories of a little boy who never says quit, very close to my heart.

Before I jump off of here, because I have GOT to get those hot wings going for the big game tonight...please let me again take another moment and ask you all who can help to please stop by The Tumbleweed Foundation and if you have any means possible, please donate to The Emergancy Family Relief Fund.
Remember...please don't forget to specify which gift you would like...
A Tumbleweed Foudation key chain, label pin or many other great gifts.

Or, Kody Bear's very own personal line of "Life's Tough...I'm Tougher" blue awareness bracelet. Which also comes with an autographed note from The Bear himself.

OK guys and gals...a few things are calling my name and I gotta go tend to them....
Wings...Franks Hot Sauce...and my "Da Bomb" killer hot wings secret ingredient. :0)

Oops..almost forgot...

THANK YOU to EVERYONE who sent us a ton of web sites to find math sheets on!!
Kolin has been busy as a mathamatics bee and Kody has been busy creating the funniest "brain" things you ever want to see. I found a site {through another site that someone in the GB sent} that's called "Neuroscience for Kids".
Can you believe, at only 9 years old, Kody knows the answer to most of the questions?? {parts of the brain, etc...}.
He has been happy as a hog in mud making greeting cards, brain mazes, connect the dot brains, brain awareness bookmarks, brain coloring pages, crosswords, word searches...
Sounds as cool as it is....if you want to check it out, here's the link...>>

Neuroscience for Kids.

Love you all....

~Kim~

Thursday, February 3, 2005 9:00 PM

~*~Friday...10:15 AM~*~

Hi again!

I need help PLEASE!!

I've just been searching the net for way too long looking for fun, colorful printable math worksheets for first and third graders and can come up with nothing fun looking or exciting.
Does anyone out there know of any cool sites I could try??
Seems on the drive to school this morning I had two bright eyed little boys wanting these...can you believe it?
They didn't want "computer games" but real actual worksheets.
Soooo....who am I to argue with future genius'...right?? :0)
I mean after all..these are the kids that will be supporting me in my old age someday. LOL!!
Anyway....if someone knows and can drop me a line in the GB I really, really would appreciate it....
Thanks!!

~Kim~

*****************************************************

~*~THIS JUST IN ONLY MINUTES AGO...10:15 PM~*~

I have just gotten a phone call from Mary from Tumbleweed Foudation Emergancy Family Relief Fund.....
Please I am asking any of Kody's fans who might be able to help!!
Tonight as you and I prepare to turn in for the night there is a family with a beautiful baby girl who is in the PICU fighting for her life. As if watching theri daughter fight for every breath isn't hard enough, this Mom has done something that took alot of courage on her part...she has asked for help.

This is taken from Tumbleweed's site and I would like to share with you so you will all know where your donation is going and to ask for any who can to please help.

URGENT - PRAYERS AND HELP NEEDED!!!!!!
"If you were waiting for a special day to donate to the Family Relief Fund, today is that day! Kaitlin K's family needs our help. Kaitlin (Featured Jan '05) is in PICU on a vent, and is spiking fevers, and not doing real well. Her Mom has been able to take a leave of absence to be with her, and her dad has been with her as well, but had to go back to work. This is what this fund is for. No Dad should have to leave his little girl like this to go work. WE have collected a little bit of money, but , please, whatever you can donate would be a tremendous help. A local company here in Pittsburgh will match the first $250 raised for Kaitlin. Please - even if you can afford $1, it will get us there. This is from Katilins' journal:
Thursday February 3rd:

Kaitlin spiked a fever over the night. They took more blood cultures, but they take 24 to 48 hours to get back. The Doctors didn’t want to wait that long, so they started her on another antibiotic. Her blood pressure started dropping, so they are trying to increase the fluids on her 1st, before putting her back on the blood pressure medicine. I am so sad to say, they needed to increase a couple of the numbers on the vent. I am on my way back to the hospital; I will be staying the night. I am so upset, this is happening. Why can’t she just get better? I feel so sick inside.
God, please help Kaitlin’s blood pressure go up. God, please no more fevers. God, please help my baby get stronger and better.
Thanks again for your help. I promise to NOT become a burden!"

If you would like to visit Kaitlin and check for updates, her site is:

www.carepages.com patient name is KAITLINKOOI

Please...Please include this family in your prayers also.

Thank you so much!!

~Kim~

**************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Good news {I hope} about the PT issue.

First of all a big "THANK YOU" to C.J. from Ped-a-Care and Deidra from CMS for acting so quickly on Kody's benefit and for making all those stress-filled phone calls your job so that I could better concentrate on life here at home, where would I be without you two gals?? :0)

OK...
The first thing I found out was that the wrong paperwork was filed long ago.
But...then this afternoon I found out that the PT place was billing some insurance comp. that had nothing to do with Kody.
Which, to me, is a pretty careless mistake considering copies of Kody's insurance cards were found today, neat, tidy and safely tucked inside his medical file at the PT place.

In any case...whatever it takes, PT will be paid eventually. I was also told if I were to get a bill to call insurance ASAP as they don't want me bothered with that or have any negative credit should it go to collections.

As for any further PT....well....I found out today that all I need is a scrip. from Dr. Pincus or Kody's PCP and his school has to provide one. If they fight me on it...one phone call is all I need to make and the pit bulls in Tallahasse get involved.

Ahhhh...the joys of red tape and migraines!!

As for Kody Bear...he does not want to talk about PT, as a matter of fact, he told me that coversation ranks right up there with the "Boomer" conversation which is still too painful for him to talk about.
BTW...Boomer has never showed up, no signs of him anywhere. He was listed with "petfinder", "lost pets", our two local papers, the humane society, animal control, police depts...you name it, his picture was plastered everywhere.

Oh...one more thing and then I'll give you all a break from me! :0)

Kody's bracelets and how to get um'.

Click on The Tumbleweed Emergancy Family Relief Fund.
For a donation of $6.00 to $13.00 Tumbleweed will send you a bracelet with a personal note from and signed by Kody.
Just please be sure to specify that the bracelet is what you would like for your "Thank You" gift.
Every single bit of the money raised goes directly to the familes who need it the most.
I have always been quite a bit of a stickler about charaties because without trying to sound harsh...there are so many in this world who don't give 100 percent back to where it belongs.
I can tell you, from personal experience, that Tumbleweed is by far the most wonderful, honest and hard working bunch of ladies I have ever had the honor of "meeting".
My only wish {other then the Tumbleweed fundraiser being a complete success} is that someday all the telephone and e-mail conversations with Mary end up being a "one-on-one let's hang on the beach all day" conversation!! :0)

OK guys and gals..I have got to go watch The Happy Days reunion!!

Love you all....

~Kim~

Sunday, January 30, 2005 10:15 PM

~*~Thursday Night~*~

Good news {I hope} about the PT issue.

First of all a big "THANK YOU" to C.J. from Ped-a-Care and Deidra from CMS for acting so quickly on Kody's benefit and for making all those stress-filled phone calls your job so that I could better concentrate on life here at home, where would I be without you two gals?? :0)

OK...
The first thing I found out was that the wrong paperwork was filed long ago.
But...then this afternoon I found out that the PT place was billing some insurance comp. that had nothing to do with Kody.
Which, to me, is a pretty careless mistake considering copies of Kody's insurance cards were found today, neat, tidy and safely tucked inside his medical file at the PT place.

In any case...whatever it takes, PT will be paid eventually. I was also told if I were to get a bill to call insurance ASAP as they don't want me bothered with that or have any negative credit should it go to collections.

As for any further PT....well....I found out today that all I need is a scrip. from Dr. Pincus or Kody's PCP and his school has to provide one. If they fight me on it...one phone call is all I need to make and the pit bulls in Tallahasse get involved.

Ahhhh...the joys of red tape and migraines!!

As for Kody Bear...he does not want to talk about PT, as a matter of fact, he told me that coversation ranks right up there with the "Boomer" conversation which is still too painful for him to talk about.
BTW...Boomer has never showed up, no signs of him anywhere. He was listed with "petfinder", "lost pets", our two local papers, the humane society, animal control, police depts...you name it, his picture was plastered everywhere.

Oh...one more thing and then I'll give you all a break from me! :0)

Kody's bracelets and how to get um'.

Click on The Tumbleweed Emergancy Family Relief Fund.
For a donation of $6.00 to $13.00 Tumbleweed will send you a bracelet with a personal note from and signed by Kody.
Just please be sure to specify that the bracelet is what you would like for your "Thank You" gift.
Every single bit of the money raised goes directly to the familes who need it the most.
I have always been quite a bit of a stickler about charaties because without trying to sound harsh...there are so many in this world who don't give 100 percent back to where it belongs.
I can tell you, from personal experience, that Tumbleweed is by far the most wonderful, honest and hard working bunch of ladies I have ever had the honor of "meeting".
My only wish {other then the Tumbleweed fundraiser being a complete success} is that someday all the telephone and e-mail conversations with Mary end up being a "one-on-one let's hang on the beach all day" conversation!! :0)

OK guys and gals..I have got to go watch The Happy Days reunion!!

Love you all....

~Kim~

*****************************************************

~*~Wednesday Night~*~

Looks like there will be no more P.T. for Kody.
I received a phone call today from the receptionist at Florida PT asking me not to bring Kody there anymore because it seems they were informed today that Kody's insurance will NOT pay for any of his visits starting from day one.
Yeppers...you could say I am just a little P.O'd at this.
I was also told "Let him take extra P.E. classes in school..it'll be better for him.
I just can't believe this...and if you think I am upset...you all should see Kody, he was in tears tonight when we told him.
Then...after the initial shock wore off and the tears almost dried up he started crying again.
So....Daddy Bear asked him what was making him so upset this time and he said ....
"Oh Daddy....I am gonna miss going to Dunkin' Donuts sooooo bad!!"

LOL...that boy is such a hoot!! :0)

In any case...I will be on the phone first thing in the AM....this is so not fair to Kody, it really isn't.

Have a great night...I am turning in early for a change. :0)

Luv, Kim

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TONIGHT~*~

*******************************************************

~*~Wednesday Morning~*~

Happy Groundhogs Day and Happy Six More Weeks of Winter!! :0(

Everything here on the homefront is just fine these past couple of days...just very, very, very busy all the time.
I swear..all I do is visit my house for a quick pit stop if you all know what I mean. {and I know you gal friends know what I'm talking about!}

Kolin's feeling better enough to go back to school...he is still trying to get his voice back though....
Note to Kolin....No rush on that voice thing Dude!

Kody started FULL school days on Monday!!
He goes full days three times a week...freeing up his other two days for P.T. in the AM and a half day of school in the PM.
I go to school with him for about 40 or so minutes on the days he's there all day so we can have lunch together...the cafeteria is sooooooo loud, with approx. 200, 250 kids at a time in there talking loudly. I know his head won't handle that so we just sit outside when it's nice or in the car when it's not so nice.

I know I have been TERRIBLE lately at answering e-mails and answering the phone for that matter....so please just bare with me, one day I will actually sit down long enough to answer a call.

And with that my dear friends..I have to rush off again.
Places to go...People to see!! :0)

Love you all....

~Kim~

~*~Please don't forget to scoll down and read about "Tumbleweed"~*~

If you have the means at all...Please consider donating to this wonderful and very much needed fundraiser.

And please don't forget to pick out your "Thank You" gift/gifts.

On behalf of The Tumbleweed Foudation, Kody Bear and myself...
Thank you...Thank you very much!!!!!!!

*******************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Our's was a pretty good weekend...real busy though, but we made the most of it and we even managed to have some fun too.

Let's see.....yesterday Kolin made the sacrament of his First Penance {first confession}. He was so proud of himself, when he was done he had to find his little lost sheep {a paper one with his name on it that was "hiding" in the vestable} and bring it back up to the alter and place it in a basket with the other kids sheep...and would you believe, I forgot the camera! DUH!!!

He was soooooo nervous going in that little room to confess, but I stood on the outside of the door and it sounded to me like he was having a few laughs and high fives with father Kent.
You know...thinking back all those 100's of years ago when I was 7, that confession thing was so scary. But these kids were all coming out smiling...it was pretty cool.

Today Karl and I skipped out on our kids for a few hours so that he could be the honorary "Judge" of the annual Gumbo tasting contest at Mr. Pubs.
That was alot of fun...loud...but alot of fun!! :0)
Check out the photo page...that cup sitting there next to the Gumbo King says "Bribes Accepted".

Now on to more news...

As most of you know, The Tumbleweed Foundation is an organization that is very dear to my heart.
This group of wonderful people, all volunteers, has been so wonderful to Kody. You all know that "Bam" skateboard Kody carries with him everywhere? It was given to him through "Tumblewishes".
In addition to that board, Tumbleweed {and Mavis Friederman too!!} helped us out of the dark hole we spiraled into after coming home from the hospital with Kody this past November. We were given a gift of a check made possible through Tumbleweed and a few beautiful people who donated to Kody's post-hospital expenses.

When Kody's tumor grew and he crashed so quickly a few months ago we weren't prepared...everything happened so fast. Kody was skating one day and 48 hours later his Daddy was carrying him through the hospital because he couldn't walk himself. Within days Kody was having the most intensive brain surgery imaginable.
As hard as that was....imagine having to face needing to go to work versus needing to be there for Kody as he lay in coma. That was the heartwrenching desicion Karl was making everyday.

The Tumbleweed Foundation is at this moment sponsering a fundraiser I truly believe in. It is called The Emergancy Family Relief Fund.
What this relief fund provides is gas cards, money for food, money to pay bills, anything a parent could possibly need in times of crisis and stress when a child is in the hospital.
Every bit of the money raised goes directly to the families.

In a perfect world there would be no money worries...we would always have enough stashed away for an emergancy.
Sadly...this isn't a perfect world and most of us live day by day, paycheck to paycheck. Toss in one {sometimes two} sick child{ren} and the results are disasterous.
No parent should ever, I mean not ever have to decide whether to go to a job or hold the hand of ones scared child. Our babies are our future...they deserve to have us with them and we as parents deserve to not have the burden of how will we pay for groceries/gas/electricity should we choose to be with our child.
I have seen a single Mom, with a newly diagnosed child ask me for anything leftover I may have in my suitcase because she had no money and her childs hospitalization was so sudden.
Imagine how hard that must have been for her to ask...imagine how hard it was for me to only come up with $5.00, a can of soda and some cookies.

I know many of us are still trying to play catch-up from the holidays. I am asking...I am actually begging for any of you who can possibly help out to please, please do so.
I am speaking from experience when I say the help in which you can provide will mean the world to the parent of a sick child.
In turn The Tumbleweed Foundation and Kody himself would love to thank you all so much for sharing your heart and helping us.
There are quite a few beautiful gifts you can choose from as a "Thank You" from us to you.
One of those gifts is this beautiful monarch butterfly keychain or lapel pin...

Another is Kody's own line of bracelets...We call these the "Life's Tough....I'm Tougher" Awareness Bracelet which come with a personal thank you note from Kody.

Kody is so proud of those bracelets...he really is!!
And...we would absolutley LOVE it if when you receive yours to please send us {e-mail or snail mail} a picture of you wearing it..or the keychain, lapel pin, car magnet, anything....we just want to see how our thank yous are traveling the world.

Oh...and PLEASE, if you have a site and would like to mention Tumbleweeds fundraiser...please do!!

OK guys and gals...I'm going to jump off of here tonight...it's getting late and I am ready for some serious sleep. Kolin has come down prety sick tonight and I feel a very long night upon us.
Plus "Desperate Housewives" is on and I LOVE that show!! Gotta run!! :0)

Thank you all for stopping by....love you all!!!

~Kim~

Sunday, January 30, 2005 10:15 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Our's was a pretty good weekend...real busy though, but we made the most of it and we even managed to have some fun too.

Let's see.....yesterday Kolin made the sacrament of his First Penance {first confession}. He was so proud of himself, when he was done he had to find his little lost sheep {a paper one with his name on it that was "hiding" in the vestable} and bring it back up to the alter and place it in a basket with the other kids sheep...and would you believe, I forgot the camera! DUH!!!

He was soooooo nervous going in that little room to confess, but I stood on the outside of the door and it sounded to me like he was having a few laughs and high fives with father Kent.
You know...thinking back all those 100's of years ago when I was 7, that confession thing was so scary. But these kids were all coming out smiling...it was pretty cool.

Today Karl and I skipped out on our kids for a few hours so that he could be the honorary "Judge" of the annual Gumbo tasting contest at Mr. Pubs.
That was alot of fun...loud...but alot of fun!! :0)
Check out the photo page...that cup sitting there next to the Gumbo King says "Bribes Accepted".

Now on to more news...

As most of you know, The Tumbleweed Foundation is an organization that is very dear to my heart.
This group of wonderful people, all volunteers, has been so wonderful to Kody. You all know that "Bam" skateboard Kody carries with him everywhere? It was given to him through "Tumblewishes".
In addition to that board, Tumbleweed {and Mavis Friederman too!!} helped us out of the dark hole we spiraled into after coming home from the hospital with Kody this past November. We were given a gift of a check made possible through Tumbleweed and a few beautiful people who donated to Kody's post-hospital expenses.

When Kody's tumor grew and he crashed so quickly a few months ago we weren't prepared...everything happened so fast. Kody was skating one day and 48 hours later his Daddy was carrying him through the hospital because he couldn't walk himself. Within days Kody was having the most intensive brain surgery imaginable.
As hard as that was....imagine having to face needing to go to work versus needing to be there for Kody as he lay in coma. That was the heartwrenching desicion Karl was making everyday.

The Tumbleweed Foundation is at this moment sponsering a fundraiser I truly believe in. It is called The Emergancy Family Relief Fund.
What this relief fund provides is gas cards, money for food, money to pay bills, anything a parent could possibly need in times of crisis and stress when a child is in the hospital.
Every bit of the money raised goes directly to the families.

In a perfect world there would be no money worries...we would always have enough stashed away for an emergancy.
Sadly...this isn't a perfect world and most of us live day by day, paycheck to paycheck. Toss in one {sometimes two} sick child{ren} and the results are disasterous.
No parent should ever, I mean not ever have to decide whether to go to a job or hold the hand of ones scared child. Our babies are our future...they deserve to have us with them and we as parents deserve to not have the burden of how will we pay for groceries/gas/electricity should we choose to be with our child.
I have seen a single Mom, with a newly diagnosed child ask me for anything leftover I may have in my suitcase because she had no money and her childs hospitalization was so sudden.
Imagine how hard that must have been for her to ask...imagine how hard it was for me to only come up with $5.00, a can of soda and some cookies.

I know many of us are still trying to play catch-up from the holidays. I am asking...I am actually begging for any of you who can possibly help out to please, please do so.
I am speaking from experience when I say the help in which you can provide will mean the world to the parent of a sick child.
In turn The Tumbleweed Foundation and Kody himself would love to thank you all so much for sharing your heart and helping us.
There are quite a few beautiful gifts you can choose from as a "Thank You" from us to you.
One of those gifts is this beautiful monarch butterfly keychain or lapel pin...

Another is Kody's own line of bracelets...We call these the "Life's Tough....I'm Tougher" Awareness Bracelet which come with a personal thank you note from Kody.

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Still leaving these links/messages below....

~*~Kody and Daddy Biker Buds Forever~*~

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story	Dad's Page...Just the two of us	Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play	Kody's Revenge	Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg	Field Day...2003	My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003	Margo & Rodeo Drive	My first grade memories
First Holy Communion	Matthews Miles for a Cure	My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt	My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love	Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]

This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.

[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Sunday, January 30, 2005 10:15 PM

Another is Kody's own line of bracelets...We call these the "Life's Tough....I'm Tougher" Awareness Bracelet which come with a personal thank you note from Kody.

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Still leaving these links/messages below....

~*~Kody and Daddy Biker Buds Forever~*~

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story	Dad's Page...Just the two of us	Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play	Kody's Revenge	Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg	Field Day...2003	My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003	Margo & Rodeo Drive	My first grade memories
First Holy Communion	Matthews Miles for a Cure	My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt	My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love	Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]

This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.

[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Friday, January 28, 2005 10:45 AM

~*~Friday Night's Update to the Friday Morning Update~*~

I tried....Lord I tried to get in some nice snapshots today...but he did it again!!
The little booger got me five times out of six....
Sooooo, I did what any good Mom would do...I posted them on his photo page...ENJOY!!
{Just scroll down to the bottom ones}

***Note to the HeeBee JeeBee Triplets....
He tried his best to sneak Jake in but trust me...Jake is nowhere to be seen on the photo page***

Have a great night!!

Love, Kim

******************************************************

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Great news....

Whatever it was that took Kody down a couple of days ago couldn't keep him down for long...he is back to being a complete 100 percent wild man maniac once again! :0)

Yesterday, after getting a few complaints from one particular family member who lives here {who's name I won't mention but starts with a big "D"} about not updating pictures enough, I decided, welp let me take a few shots of ole' goofyhead a his silly sidekick {Kody & Kolin} hanging outside...just doing the things boys do.
Easier said then done, right? Right!

Seems Kody is developing just the right blend of wise guy as soon as I take out the camera...see, he is perfecting that "digital delay response" and using it to his advantage.
Just as soon as he knows the delay is done and the picture is being taken...well, that is the time he....
Sticks his finger up his nose, rolls his eyes back in his head, shows us his tonsils, ect., ect., ect.,
You get it, don't you??

Now...if I was a really mean mom, I'd teach him a thing or two and post those embarrassing pic's....however, Kody doesn't embarrass real easily so I guess I'll try to weed out a couple of OK ones and get them up today.
You know, thinking about it...I really should put some of the others up...so you can all see what The Bear's REALLY like. :0)

We finally got Kolin in for the appointment we've been waiting two months for and after only being there for say, five minutes it was very, veeeerrrrrry obvious to the doc that Kolin has a full fledged dose of ADHD.
So, that makes kid #3 for us.
Yes folks...it is a crazy and very loud house here everyday, all day.
Kolin now takes {I know I wont spell this right and I'm too darn lazy to get up and look} time release Adderall in the morning and Clonidine at night {a mild sleeping pill} to take the edge off so he'll sleep.
Hmmmm...let me explain.
I bet some of you might wonder from time to time why in the world do I update Kody's site at the earliest, sometimes 11 PM, sometimes midnight...
Well, that's because I am still up at that time waiting for Kolin to fall asleep.
Yep...he is a bit hyper. Well...I am very happy...I mean we are all SO VERY HAPPY to say for the past two nights he has been sleeping soundly by 9:15!!
And...instead of us waking up grouchy boy, he has been waking up on his own, well rested, in a great mood and asking me to get him to school earlier because he loves school so much now!! YEAH!!!!!
And...oh this is the cutest thing...
He wrote "I'm so sorry" notes to his teacher for being such a booger but he is going to be much better now.....
Oh my God..it was too cute!!
I wish I would have saved and scanned it before he taped it shut with a entire roll of scotch tape and 7000 staples...his poor teacher!

The down side to all this though is that now Kody see's Kolin not struggling at school as much anymore and unfortunetly because of Kody's problems, we can't let him take anything for his ADD.
So...Kody, sadly, will always continue to struggle. :0(
Combine that with his problem with short term memory loss and it's so sad, and so ugly and I wish sooooooooooo much I could just wave a wand and make it all better for him, take his struggles away.

On a funnier note....
He went to the grocery store with me a few days ago and between my old age memory loss and his short term memory loss...
I parked in a different spot because SOMEBODY took MY spot and well, let's just say the both of us walked around aimlessly for a good 15 minutes because we both couldn't remember where we parked the car!
Go ahead..laugh all you want, it could happen to you someday to you know. {I'm speakin' to all the young'uns out there}
By the time we got home out ice cream sandwiches were "ice cream slopwiches".

OK guys and gals out there...I got to get my act together, grab another cup of coffee and make it look like I did something around here today so let me jump off for now...get some pic's up, throw in some laundry, wash a few dishes, figure out dinner, let the dog in, kick the cats out and run out to fetch the Bear from school.

Thank you for stopping by to see us today.....Lots of Lovins' to you ALL!!

Love, Mama Bear

Tuesday, January 25, 2005 1:30 PM

~*~Wednesday Jan., 26th~*~

~*~HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY KATIA~*~

A lil' update on Kody...since yesterday afternoon, when he came home from school after not being there very long, he has been having headaches and sleeping and awful lot.
Not to panic though because he is beginning to show a fever so it's got to be a virus....YEAH....let's hear it for fevers and virus"!!!!!

Have a great day all...

~Kim~

****************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

We've been watching the news and seeing all that snow ya'all from up North have been whomped with and all I can say is....
Holy Macaroni I DON'T miss the white stuff!!!!!

I can't say the same for everyone else here who would jump through hoops at the chance to play in snow again {and for Kody & Kolin, the first time}...guess I must be gettin' old cuz I really prefer sunshine....even is it means sunshine and a blustery 40 degrees first thing in the AM. :0(

I wish you all a very quick Springtime!! Maybe the Groundhog will have some mercy, huh?? :0)

I have two prayer requests today....both can be found in "Kody's Friends" drop downs...
The first being Big Ben...a beautiful, brave little boy so close to leaving his family on Earth.
And the second being Melody....an absolute Sweetheart of a little girl who's Daddy is a HUGE supporter of so may of our familes.

Of course, I always pray for a miracle on Earth...but sometimes that isn't always meant to be.
Prayers for peacefulness and a beautiful passing and strength and love for the familes left behind, I think, are always right and needed at this very sad time.

Kody has been doing pretty well....kickin' butt at PT again today but lately he has been so tired in the afternoon.
Yesterday he slept his whole afternoon away and didn't wake up till 6:30 PM...then he was right back asleep at 9 o'clock.
I guess it was just one of those days his lil' body needed some extra ZZZZZ's.
He's in school right now so by 3 o'clock or so he ought to be pretty whooped.
We're also still having major issues with short term memory.

Kody Bear was so cool this morning on the drive home from PT when he announced he HAD to stop by Daddy Bear's job because he couldn't remember if he hugged him good-bye this morning. {he did, several times!!}
Well...no way was he going to wait until later to give his "Dude" a {{HUGGERS}} so we made the pit stop...making us a little late for school again but what the heck, a hug is a hug...right?
And...the best part?? It made BOTH their days!! :0)

You know, it dawned on my the day after my last update that I never mentioned the bracelets Kody is wearing in that picture up top...DUH!!
So....without any more delay please let me take a minute to say a very HUGE "Thank You" to the Ferren Family for sending Kody a package with all those colorful and meaningful bracelets in it!!
No kidding...he has been wearing them every single day!! :0)

Before I get out of here right now...please don't forget to stop by Gooch's page and wish him a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY"!!!!!

Gotta run some errands and pick up the kiddo's!!

Love you all....

~Kim~

Saturday, January 22, 2005 11:20 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Yesterday's trip to Seaworld with Kaysha was AWESOME!!
And...very, very tiring which explains why I never did update last night...sorry!! :0)

You know.....I finally have my positive proof that Kaysha is indeed my daughter....that crazy girl {and her friends too!} went on Kracken {a BAD roller coaster}, I thought about 12 times but she tells me it was more like 20...she just kept going on again and again until the guy running it told her not to bother getting off....just stay on, stay buckled and go around again.
She went on Journey to Atlantis I think 9 times...and she and her friends got SOAKED, it was so cool!

The whole day was really alot of fun...but really, it wasn't going to Seaworld that was the fun part...it was spending time one on one with Kaysha and just watching her be a "13 year old".
Sometimes I forget how goofy that age can be. :0)

Anyway...there are plenty of pictures on the photo page...enjoy!

Kody's day was real good today. We {Kolin too!} even found some time to go "alligator hunting".
But.....SIGH...we didn't find any, it's just not warm enough for them to come out of hiding.

Great news about that little boy from Ocala, Florida...the one that was stolen by the sicko friend of his Dad.
Incase you don't know, Adam was found alive and safe in the woods of Georgia. He is back home with his parents as we speak....unfortunetly, his abductor has not been caught and that is pretty darn scary.

We have had some sadness around Leesburg this whole week...and though I hesitated to mention it, I kind of feel tonight if by my posting this saves just one teenage life..then it will be well worth it.

Last week a friend of our son, Kyle, was killed in an auto accident.
Just a bad move on his part ended up disasterious.
There is nothing more horrible than watching your own child deal with the death of a friend, especially when this is the second friends death in two years.

Yesterday we found out that on Friday {yesterday}a car full of 5 teens from our town were out driving and lost control of the car they were in.
Not a one was wearing seat belts.
As of right now, one is dead, one is in very critical condition at Shands.
Three were injured badly.
What a shame....what an absolute shame.
Please...Please...Please...
I know I sound like the typical "Mom"...but I beg of all you young drivers...drive carefully and always, always wear those seat belts.
The Daily Commercial Article

So...as we say good-bye to Kyle's friend, Kyle today...we prepare to say good-bye to another teenage child, Adam, this coming week.

What else is new here??
Hmmmmm....not to much...
Oh wait....I do have news!!

Well....Looks like it is finally official, our oldest daughter, Karyelle, is moving on.
In about another month she is taking the plunge and forfilling her dream of moving back to and making it on her own in New York.
Am I upset????
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Really....I was sooooooo close to being OK with it and then last night she had me listen to a song she heard that made her start crying...
Next thing know I am beside myself and on the drive to Eustis this morning for Kody's PT, the song came on and I swear, no exaggeration...I was a blubbering idiot on the highway!
You should have seen the two boys trying to pat my back in the car going "Mom...what is wrong with you...people are staring!"
So...then I had the song stuck in my head all day and I really, really, REALLY don't want her to go.
But....SIGH....I know I have to let her try, right?

Oh...the song, I am pretty sure it's called "Breaking Away" and it's by that girl who won American Idol the first time...oh, what is her name!!
Wait...I have it...Kelly Clarkson.
If I can, I may put the song up on Kody's site...not tonight though.
Then again, maybe not...I would need a box of kleenex and a six pound Hershey everytime I clicked on here. :0(

So....I guess my parting advice/words to all you parents out there tonight would be something like this...

Our kids...they grow up so fast, I mean really....once you get over the fatigue factor...just blink an eye and they are grown.
All the stress you feel everyday raising our babies is nothing compared to the ache in your heart the day they decide to cut that cord once and for all.
Just yesterday I was 18 and Karyelle was a newborn. I spent days/months/years trying to figure out every little cry.
How I wish I could go back to those days when she needed me for absolutley everything....I was her world and she was mine.
Cherish those times, they really don't last long enough.

I wish you all many years filled with many wonderful memories with the children you love the most.

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!!

Love, Kim

Thursday, January 20, 2005 7:45 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Once again I am really, really happy to tell you all Kody had a rockin' great day!!!!

We drove out to his PT place and he wowed um' all with the way he has been working with his therapy ball at home. Balancing was not an issue today...having his therapists keep up with him was. :0)

So.....typically, on a normal day, we drive home, Kody eats some lunch and then he takes off to school...but today, weeeeeellllll....we got a little distracted you could say.

There is an awesome lake that Kody swears is an ocean on the drive...it's on HWY 441 in Tavares.
This morning the sky was the bluest of blues and on a whim I grabbed my ever-faithful and ever-present camera.
Sounds perfect right? Well...it almost was till I left my travel coffee cup on the roof of the car and KERPLUNK.....SPLAT!!!! No problem though...I can scope out a Dunkin' Donuts place anywhere.
Anyway....back on track.
So....Kody and I spent about 30 minutes just walking around, checking out the water, the birds, the boats and oh yeah...looking for gators!!
I got some pretty nice pictures...none of gators though....it was even too chilly for them to be out of their hiding spots.

Then we headed back out....destination home.
But....just our luck, a car dealership on the way had a cool looking NASCAR car on display and so we HAD to stop.
Well...10 maybe 15 minutes after listening to Kody point out every single little thing that only a 9 year old boy could see on a car, we were off again.
I did mention stopping for a LARGE coffee, right? The trip was starting to get very long.

When what could possibly happen next you ask??
Well...let me enlighten you....
We saw the most baddest, sickest, car of both Kody and my dreams....
A Vipor!!!!!
And on it was the baddest, sickest paint job ever....
And it was parked at a car alarm/security/stereo place and so.....
We just HAD to stop!!!!!!

~*~Take note HeeBee JeeBee TRIPLETS...the car is on the photo page...it's only paint...breath deeply, you'll be OK~*~
~*~We love you gals but you are killin' us making us all laugh so darn hard~*~

OK....So one more time....Kody was eeeeewwwwin' and aaaahhhhhin' and I was just standing there thinking of the day I hit the lottery and how this car will be parked in my driveway...
Oh wait...that was a dream sequence, sorry!!

And then finally we made it home.
And...Kody did get to school...late but he got there and like I told my Bear...
"Sometimes my Little Bear......making memories are much more important then anything."

Tomorrow I am taking off with Kaysha and the eighth grade class of Carver Middle for field day...I got picked as a chaperone...how cool is that??
Wait till you all hear where we get to go....
SEAWORLD!!!!!
Now tell me, how freakin' cool is that??!! I mean really...Florida field trips kick butt!! :0)

So....tomorrow we'll be hangin' with Shamu, riding every roller coaster at least 5 times, feeding our faces at "Key West" {their pineapple/coconut/orange fritters are the BOMB!}, feeding the dolphins and maybe....just maybe we'll even learn a little something educational....maybe!! :0)

Last but not least before I run out on all of you tonight, please I ask you all to say a very special prayer, not for a sick child but an innocent child who was abducted yesterday afternoon, from a town very close to us, by a very sick individual.
Please...let us ALL pray tonight for 11 year old Adam Kirkirt's safe return.

OK...gotta scoot and start the dunk em' and scrub em' routine a/k/a "bathtime".

Thank you for stopping by tonight....has anyone noticed our counter? We are going to hit A HALF A MILLION pretty soon!!
How incredibly COOL is that??!! :0)

Love you all...

~Kim~

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 10:20 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Kody had a GREAT day today!!!!!!!!!!

Now that is how I like to start off an update!! :0)

Let's see...when he woke up first thing he said was "I feel GOOD!"
Then we took off for PT and he did every single exercise perfect and over and over again...things he could not do last week he excelled in today.
Then we stopped off at home, he had a quick lunch and said "Come on Mom...time for school!"
He went...he kicked butt...

My only question is...
"Who is this kid and what have you done with my son??!!"

But...in true Kody style, when he came home from school...he plopped himself in front of his X-Box till dinner.
Now that's MY boy!!

I still haven't updated his picture page yet, actually Kody's reponse to some pic's today was "no pictures please, not today".
He did this so perfectly celebrity like it was unreal.
So...I did what he requested and put the camera down, I mean who really wants to take the chance of him jumpin' the paparazzi??

I'll catch him tomorrow...no doubt, mark my word. :0)

Kody and Jake the Snake have really taken a likin' to one another. I know it's not exactly a "warm fuzzy"...but it is kind of sweet to see them bond so well.
You know...I do have a picture of that, I'll try to get that one up tonight.

~*~HeeBee-GeeBee Twins...let that be a warning...do NOT look on the photo page~*~

OK, welp...let me work on the pictures for tonight and then hunker down to 12 maybe 20 blankets cuz Baby...it's COLD out here!!

Have a great night...stay warm!!

Love, Kim

Tuesday, January 18, 2005 10:20 PM

Have a great night...stay warm!!

Love, Kim

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Still leaving these links/messages below....

~*~Kody and Daddy Biker Buds Forever~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kody Bear...Live and in living color!!
Click HERE

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here's a little story about a boy any parent would be proud of. I had gotten this message in Kody's guestbook and right away just had to check this kid out.
This is about a boy named Rob who is skateboarding to raise funds for cancer reasearch. Rob lost his own Mom to cancer and was so affected by her death that he wanted to something real drastic to raise awareness and money for a cure.
Rob's skating journey has already began...and you can view each day in his daily journal from his site.
Rob is skating from L.A., California across the continent and North up to Newmarket, Ontario. He will be skating across the Rockies, the Appelachians and through the Mojave Desert.
Doesn't this sound like something my own son, Kyle would do?? :0)
Anyway....check out his site....he may be passing through your own hometown...and if we can in any way, get to Jacksonville we will be high fiving Rob like crazy!!
Skate 4 Cancer

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Tumbleweed Foundation is an organization that is very dear to Kody's heart...click on the logo below...

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story	Dad's Page...Just the two of us	Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play	Kody's Revenge	Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg	Field Day...2003	My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003	Margo & Rodeo Drive	My first grade memories
First Holy Communion	Matthews Miles for a Cure	My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt	My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love	Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]

This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.

[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, January 17, 2005 10:30 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Crazy day...Busy day...Tiring day!!

~*~Tracy...I know just how you feel today my friend!~*~

Tomorrow morning Kody has PT and then school in the afternoon.....
So, in-between those two things I will definetly update and hopefully get some new pictures up.

Oh...wait, let me add this....LOL....
To the Heebee Geebee twins...
Please don't look on the photo page just yet...Jake is still there.
You are both too funny!!!! :0)

Thanks for stopping by....Love you all!

~Kim~

Friday, January 14, 2005 11:00 AM

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

You have got to check this out...

The newest, creepiest, non-slimy, exotic member of the "K" family....
May I introduce in all his slithery glory...

"Jake the Snake"

Kinda cool, isn't he...or maybe it's a she, who knows.
Anyway...Karyelle came home from work last night and we see her parked in the driveway...but she calls on the phone inside and says "Get Daddy...there is a HUGE snake out here!!!!"

Would you believe our luck to find this beautiful Corn Snake climbing right up our fence.
Well...Karl caught him with no problem at all...well, OK, at first we didn't know what kind of snake it was and since we have already gotten rid of a highly venomus coral snake, he said "get me some tongs...those things you use to take out hot dogs"
Well.the kids were freaking and making a ton of noise and I yelled back {from the safety of being indoors of course}...
"THONGS did you say????"
HA...wrong answer there!!
Anyway...
Errrr...those tongs were trash and I threw them away months ago..I never did remember to replace them.
No problem...right? I'll find something...
And so I did...
Ice tongs...a little short but I figured it would do the trick.

So...Jake turned out to be non-poisones, non-harmful and a real docile snake.
And as it stands today, Jake is being spoiled with frogs and lizards and living la vida loca in our turtle tank.

Our turtles..well, they've been temporaraly evicted until I find a snake tank with a locking top {I mean he's cool and all but who really wants to find out the hard way he escaped?} sometime today.

Oh..and about those little ice tongs...it turned out to be the laugh of the night..."And your MOM brings me those little tongs...what was she thinkin'???"

Well guys and gals...I'm getting ready to put up some pictures and I have to be at the boys school real soon so I better run and get that done.

BTW...The skating pix on teh photo page were taken last week....Kody hasn't had the balance this week to be outdoors on wheels.

Later Gator {which might someday be the next thing we find in our yard!!}

Love, Kim

Wednesday, January 12, 2005 10:22 AM

~*~Wednesday...Midnight~*~

Tonight I come on to apologize to Sara F., who was NOT the person who left that horrible message on Ashley's site.
In fact..I have communicated with Sara via e-mail tonight and I absolutely believe with all my heart that Sara's identity has been stolen.
I won't get into anything alse besides that, except to tell you all the matter is under investigation and it will be resolved, I am sure.

My comments...though considered too harsh by a certain someone still stand...
The person who has been writing these messages in not only Ashleys GB but others is still scum in my eyes and in need of some serious help.

To the person who e-mailed me, my actions are ALWAYS from the heart...yes, I jumped the gun, got info. I should have checked alot more throughlly.
I am fearce when it comes to my children, family and friends...their feelings mean the world to me and I do NOT like to see any of them hurt.
When they hurt..so do I.

You've let me know in no uncertain terms that I am pretty much the most horrible person on Earth...whatever...I have nothing more to say to you or about you.
If I am so awful, do us all a favor and stay off Kody's site.
I see you have never signed his GB so I suppose we won't be missing much.

Sara..I am truly sorry...I wish you only the best, your son's good health and of course, good luck in finding the person who has wronged you this week.

To all of Kody's fans...
I am still keeping a good eye on him...his headaches continue..and as I said before, we are just hoping it is nwe glasses and not a shunt malfuntion, which Dr. Pincus has warned us several times, can happen easily with the surgery he had.

More new pictures tomorow...

Love you all!!

~Kim~

********************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Now that the whole "Sara" fiasco is over..I want to start the day fresh...leave it behind. I am sure she knows the pain she caused...whether that will ever make a difference in her life, I have no idea.

Maybe now would be a good time to pray real hard that she looks deep into her heart and realizes she needs help...professional help.
Let's just leave it at that...
Today I will take a deep breath, say a prayer and go on to the reason why this whole site was created in the first place...for Kody.

Yesterday at PT, Kody seemed to struggling with exercises he found to be pretty easy last week. His balancing was way off and he slept most of the ride home.

He took off for school after lunch but that didn't really last very long when I was told he needed to come home...headaches and dizziness.

Well...He did finally get those new glasses two days ago and they are very thick and very heavy and so I figured "Well, maybe it's the glasses..he needs time to get used to them".

When he walked back to his classroom to collect his backpack...that's when I noticed he was dragging his right foot and just plain walking kind of "funny/clumsy".

When we got home he stayed on the sofa and didn't really get off until bedtime. Today..he woke up with another dreaded headache.

So...this morning I put in a call to Shands and I guess I'll be waiting all day for a call back.
SIGH...it madness just never seems to end, does it?

Anyway...with that...let me run and get some things done around here while he is sleeping...then it's off to replace those Hershey's...I am having MAD withdrawls!! :0)

Love you all....

~Kim~

Friday, January 7, 2005 7:30 PM

~*~Saturday Morning...9:00 AM~*~

Happy Third Anniversary to one of the world's most bravest, coolest, strongest and inspirational boys ever...

Kody Jacob Kruppenbacher...
Our Son...brother...nephew...grandson...cousin...friend...America's Sweetheart!

Your bravery and strength is something we all admire.
Your kooky smiles and goofy ways keep us all in stitches.
Your charisma lights up our life.

Three years ago today our world was changed, turned upside down and given a good hard shake.
But...God has stood by our side throughout this journey, we know this because of all the miracles we have seen over and over again.

Keep Kickin' Cancers Butt Kody Bear....all of us that love you dearly will forever be there kickin' with you every step of the way!!

Oh...and Karl would like me to remind you all that today is also Elvis' birthday...

Thank you....Thank you very much!! :0)

Love,
~Kim~

******************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

OK...OK...I will...
I will tell you who the call was from!! :0)

The call was from....

Oh wait, first let me tell you that Boomer still isn't home. :0(
Darn dog.

Kody is plain feeling bad all day...headache, achey, icky...the works. I think it's a virus though cuz Kaysha came home early feeling pretty cruddy too.
Darn kids.

Anything else new here? I don't think so......well nothing except I talked to Laura from New York.

Oh sorry...I meant to say Laura from WOMAN'S WORLD magazine from New York!!
Of all the crazy things...they want to do an article on Kody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And that was the mystery phone call ya'all!!

Let me explain a bit more....being on Oprah would have been way cool but as of right now Kody's Story has a slim chance on being featured in "Woman's World" which I am sure all you gals out there know, is the weekly woman's mag. that we purchase at the check out counter. It gives us great diets I can never stick too...great stories, fun recipes, comics, cute kids, cute pet pictures and in every issue a heart-tugging story that will knock your socks off.

In three months or so that sock knockin' story just may be Kody's!! :0)

But...first it has to pass the dreaded "Editors" who kind of like to stamp a great big "REGECT" on most {OK, just about all} stories.
So...we can only hope and pray that Kody will be picked...wouldn't that be awesome!!
Imagine that....Kody...a household name....COOL!

And as a personal plea from one proud Mama....if anyone from Woman's World is reading this right now....
PLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE...Give us a chance!!

Hey...you don't suppose several dozen GB entries might help, do you??
OK...so that's my big news of the week, thank you so much for your patience...or HA lack of!! Because as of about 5 o'clock this evening when Daddy Bear came home from work...he clicked on Kody's site and started reading the GB entries...
His advice to me??
"Kim...you better update and tell who that call was from or I feel a gang of Kody fans is gonna find you and hurt'cha!!".

So...thank you so much for keeping me in one piece today. :0)

OK...gotta go and tend to the sick young'uns.

Have a GREAT weekend everyone....Love you all!!

~Kim~

Wednesday, January 5, 2005 9:45 PM

~*~Thursday Night...9:40 PM~*~

Hello again....

No Boomer yet...Keep the doggie prayers a comin'!

OK...about the mysterious phone call, well can you believe my luck?
I got my return phone call back this morning...unfortunetly it was on my cell on the drive to Physical Therapy and since Kody was rocking away to Linkin' Park I never heard the phone ring!!

On the way home I saw I had missed a call and as soon as we got home I called back and got an answering machine again.....so, I'll wait and wait no matter how long it takes cuz you guys...
This is soooooooooooo GOOD!!!!!! :0)

Oh wait...who was the call from??
Well let me tell you....

Oh No....I gotta run....Oprah is getting too good!!

Until tomorrow....love you all!!!

~Kim~

********************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I just wanted you all to know tonight that we still have no Boomer. :0(

We have searched and searched with no luck...my greatest fear right now is that he got hit by a car and wandered off into the woods...and, well...you can all take it from there.
Searching around these Florida woods on foot is not a real good idea since you never know when a gator or snake will be lurking in the swampy areas.

The kids just keep praying and wishing and begging God to send their Boomer back home....but, we all know as time goes by so does our luck. SIGH.....still, we gotta keep the faith going, right?

I was asked in the GB {sorry, right now I can't remember who asked} if Boomer had a "chip"...no, he didn't. Nor was he wearing tags because last summer he outgrew the most biggest collar we could find for him...since he never in 5 years left our yard...we cut the collar off and never found one big enough to replace it with.
We do have plenty of pictures though and I'll be making copies at Office Depot tomorrow to tack up anywhere I can.

Kody had a OK day today...he went to school for a few hours this morning and came home exhausted. Then.....he did the unthinkable...went in his room, layed down in his bed to watch TV, got back up for something, went back in his room and CRUNCH!!! Stepped right on his eyeglasses that he put on the floor!
Luckily...Daddy Bear has had a ton of experience rigging up broken glasses and he was able to temporary fix them. I called on Monday to see if his new glasses {the bi-focals with prisims} had come in yet and they haven't. I guess they are behind because of the holidays...or maybe the prisims are making it a tougher script. to fill.

This afternoon he wasn't himself and opted for a long nap....that is until Miss Alona showed up and Kody got right up for some playtime....she absolutely adores that boy!

Other then that...all is quiet on the homefront....except for a very interesting and very exciting phone call that I got today {but wasn't home for}. I called back but am still waiting for a call back...and, sorry but I am keeping this one a lil' secret until I get an actual call back...cuz this one is a BIGGIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's hope I get that return call tomorrow because I am sooooooooooo bad at keeping secrets! Well..this kind of secret anyway! :0)

OK...let me go check the camera because I am pretty sure Karyelle took some pictures today and I want to see how they came out...if they are too cute to keep to myself, I'll get them up tonight.

~*~UPDATE~*~
I just found that picture on top...could you just squeeze the stuffins' out of those cheeks...on both of them??!! :0)

Shoot...better go...I hear electric guitars playing when some kids {BOYS} are supposed to be sleeping! Daddy is gonna have a cow if he wakes up to that!!!!!

Oh wait, one more thing...on the drive home from school today Kody told me a little more advice he says he has been thinking about all day....
"Never be ashamed of who you are". He is so cool, isn't he? He also told me "Mom, you know...everybody has their own style and nobody's style is ever wrong, right? So...you really should never be ashamed of who you are, right Mom".
Yes Kody...you are soooooooooo right!! On the outside we may look different but on the inside we are all the same.
That boy is really going to go places, don't you think?? :0)

Until tomorrow....

Love you all!!

~Kim~

Monday, January 3, 2005 10:20 PM

~*~Tuesday Night...9:30 PM~*~

It is with a heavy heart and many tears that I tell you Griffin passed away today.
What an amazing little boy...please go on over and read how he thoughtfully, before he made his journey to Heaven, made sure the ones he loved most were comforted by his very own personal "good-byes".

********************************************************

~*~Tuesday Update...4:00 PM~*~

No signs of Boomer yet. :0(
Kyle pounded the streets for hours this last night and this morning {that's Kyle in the top picture}.
When Kody came home from P.T., Kyle skated with him for a little while to get his mind off things...
While Kody did manage school in the afternoon.....I got a call at 2:20 to tell me he was in the office and very much out of sorts.
Poor kid was real upset so I pulled him and Kolin out 40 minutes early for a little extra TLC today.
Mollie {Karyelle's dog} sleeps all day and won't eat and Zeke won't come inside, preferring to sleep in Boomer's usual spot.

I put some new pictures up in the photo album...enjoy!!
I'll let you all know if Boomer finds his way back home.

Till tomorrow....

~Kim~

**********************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Thank you so much for all the New Years well wishes...I read on another site {it was real late and for the life of me I can't remember where I saw it} but it was from another Mom who wished us parents "a medically uneventful and even kind of boring 2005"...
Boy, if that doesn't hit it right on the nail!

The kids are set to go back to school tomorrow...no wait, let me rephrase that...
I am ready for the kids to go back to school tomorrow and the kids are resisting every step of the way.

I have a crazy kind of favor to ask of you all tonight....
It seems Boomer got his freak on {ummm...sorry, I know..not too appropriate} and got through the chain link fence and out of our yard sometime this morning.
The kids and I were out most of the day so it wasn't really until we got back around 4 o'clock that we noticed the furball wasn't sleeping in his usual spot next to the house.

This is sooooooo weird because Boomer has never, ever attempted a stunt like this.
Anyway...we looked and looked and looked and then Daddy Bear came home, grabbed a recent picture and looked and looked somemore. Nothing.
Animal control was already closed for the day so no luck there.
And...as of right now {believe me right now cuz it has taken 45 minutes and four tries to get this small update done} I have got two red faced, stuffed up nose, crying boys and one very sad and doesn't want to talk to anybody little girl on my hands.
Not only that but us older ones are pretty sad too....I went outside a little while ago like I do everynight and all the time Boomer will walk up to me and hit me with that cold nose of his just to see what I'm up to...well, he wasn't there tonight and honestly...it was rough. :0(

Please if you could all say a little prayer and will that pup back home to his kids...maybe just maybe I'll have some happier kiddo's tomorrow.

Just two days ago it was Boomer's 5th birthday and just yesterday Kody was tossing goldfish crackers at him and he was catching them in the air...it was hilarious!

Kody Bear has cried so much tonight he has worked his way into a giant sized headache.

Welp...I'll update again if we find him, if he shows up on his own....until then thank you so much for the puppy prayer!!

Also....I HUGE Thank You to Jamie Smitte of New Jersey for the AWESOME handmade American Choppers blanket Kody received today!!
I'll get a picture tomorrow....he was a bit too red eyed tonight but he is in bed cuddled up in it as I type. :0)

Also...a HUGE Thank You to Wabeno Jr/Sr FCCLA Chapter of Wabeno High School from Wabeno, Wisconsin for the totally COOL box of goodies Kody also received today!!
He is completley crazy over the Linkin' Park things and plans on wearing his shirt all day tomorrow...actually he told me "Try to pry this one off Mom!!"
Pictures to follow tomororw. :0)

Kody has gotten so many cards, letters and gifts lately...man, it's like Christmas/Birthday just about everyday!!

Oh...and I would also like to thank lil' Mr. Wyatt {link to his site in drop down} for sending Kaysha and Kolin a Happy New Years greeting complete with a photo of himself...oh you handsome guy!!
Happy New Years to you too Wyatt....we wish you a lifetime of health and happiness!!

Oh wait..one more thing...
I understand that Kody has a pretty big fan...I mean a really huge fan who has signed his GB many times. I think many of us know {especially those of us lucky enough to have teens in the home} Jo-Jo....
Well, from what I understand there is a picture of Kody hanging up close to her heart...AWWWWW!!!!
And I hear Kody may want to hang out by the phone this week??
Girl...let's just say the boy is sleeping with the phone!! :0)

OK guys and gals..I have to wrap this up tonight..it's after 10 PM and the boys are still up, snuggled up in Kody's bed, hanging onto each other and whimpering about Boomer. :0(
SIGH...Dog, you better get your big hairy butt home tonight!

Thanks for checking in....Love you all!!

~Kim~

Friday, December 31, 2004 11:00 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Tonight as I try my best to wind down four hyper and excited kids {Alona's here too!}, I can't help but think back to all we have seen and all we have been through this past year.

Certainly losing so many precious children has been a horrible downfall...it all seems so needless, so senseless.
But I as just a human being have no say in this at all...I can only stand by and watch...give support, help in any way I possibly can.
Tonight as we ring in another year I offer all my prayers to those familes we love so much.

This has been quite the year for us too...if you can remember back, our year in recaps went something like this....

On New Years Day 2004 Kody lost the love of his life, Sweet Ashley and we watched our boy grieve this lose, his very first. It was very hard to watch....but little by little he came out of his depression and was able to talk about Ashley without tears. To this day he still sleeps with Ashley's picture by his side.
To honor Ashley this day we invite you all for the unveiling of Ashley's Bench.
This beautiful memorial page was created with love by Ashley's Mom and Dad, Norine and Al.

This year brought alot of ups and downs for Kody.

With yet another Relay-for Life under his belt...Kody has become quite popular amongst the older group now...teaching them the "victory dance" in the "victory lane" {where you get your survivor medal}.

As in all ups and downs how could I possibly leave out memories of all those lost airplanes..you know, the RC ones that we would take to the Middle School field on the weekends and watch them go up...up...up and then down...down...down into trees, roofs, yards with big dogs. Those times also came with a dance..this one being the "wave my arms and shake my butt and hope the airplane will turn" dance.

How about that time Kody and Kaysha decided to take off down the street into parts unknown without telling Mom. Remember how Mom flipped out and remember how Kody got grounded and had no idea what "grounding" was? HA...he's come a long way baby...just the threat of a good grounding usually sets him straight real quick.

Last Feb. 8th we hot 100,000 hits!! Check out that counter today...YEAH! Kody's Korner is averaging 1000 hits a day...I'd call that celebrity status. :0)

Camp Boggy Creek in the summer...one of Kody's most favorite weeks...one of my most dreaded weeks. We all know how I go into "get things done around the house heaven", anything just to keep busy and make the time go by fast when he is gone....it drives me crazy, it has no effect on Kody at all...and all the people in my family think I need a good dose of prozac that week.

How many of you remember who called Kody the morning he was leaving for Boggy Creek?
Give up?? Pauly Sr. from Orange County Choppers, that's who! :0)

Kody....the poster boy for "Kickin' Cancers Butt". Defiently something a parent can be proud of!

June brought us to near craziness when Daddy Bear spent the good part of a week in the hospital and we almost lost him...but like his son, he went in fighting and came out stronger.

The one thing that most sticks in my mind is Kody's ninth birthday in August..I know alot of you will remember the famous "I can't believe I lived to be 9" birthday cake! :0)

September brought us a gift from Mother Nature...two massive hurricanes back to back. Though our home and yard were pretty trashed..we came though with flying colors...as did, Boomer..the famous "Hurricane Dog".

Now things were going quite alright with Kody, a headache here and there....some stumbling...some feelings of not feeling right. Life was good and Kody along with all of us were enjoying it. But nothing, I mean nothing could have ever prepared us for October when the brain tumor beast took a sucker punch at us...virtually paralyzing Kody within 48 hours.
Without a doubt...those were the most horrible, blackest days of our lives. Were we going to lose our son after all? No...No way...not Kody, he is too strong, too much of a fighter and so without a second thought we agreed to the most intense, most dangerous surgery we could ever imagine.
On Oct. 25th Kody's brain was separated in two and through his mid-brain 80 percent of his tumor was taken out....giving him life once again.
For 4 days Kody lay in coma.....this, without a doubt tore me up more then anything.
But...he came back...he opened his eyes and he spoke...it was like hearing his first words when he was a baby.

Kody had to learn many things..things he took for granted, walking, talking, holding a cup.
I can only describe the feeling, at every triumph....his first steps was like watching him take his first steps when he was 9 months old. Everything, including brushing his own teeth was a reason to celebrate...and celebrate we did...every single chance we got!

One month and three days after Kody's surgery...our son took off on his beloved "Bam" skateboard. This was something that was never supposed to happen again...but as we all know, Kody is a true fighter, our hero...he will never be taken down, never be told no....he is, after all "Iron Man" and he has a job to do....and he is in no way through.

2005 will be a great year...I just know it will!!

So...this brings me to the slide show and song I have put up tonight. The song is "Faith of the Heart" by Rod Stewart and the slide show shows how far our Bear has come, the obstacles he has overcome and how hard he has worked for it. We hope you enjoy it!!

These are the lyrics to the song incase you'd like to follow along.....

~*~Faith of the Heart~*~

It's been a long road
Getting from there to here
It's been a long time
But my time is finally near

And I can feel the change in the wind right now
Nothings in my way
And they're not gonna hold me down no more
No there not gonna hold me down

Cause I've got faith of the heart
I'm going where my heart will take me
I've got faith to believe
I can do anything
I've got strength of the soul
And no one's gonna bend or break me
I can reach any star
I've got faith
I've got faith
Faith of the heart

It's been a long night
Trying to find my way
Been through the darkness
Now I finally have my day
I will see my dream come alive at last
I will touch the sky
And they're not gonna hold me down no more
No there not gonna change my mind

Cause I've got faith of the heart
I'm going where my heart will take me
I've got faith to believe
I can do anything
I've got strength of the soul
And no one's gonna bend or break me
I can reach any star
I've got faith
Faith of the heart

I've known a wind so cold and seen the darkest days
But now the winds I feel are only winds of change
I've been through the fire and I've been through the rain
But I'll be fine

Cause I've got faith of the heart
I'm going where my heart will take me
I've got faith to believe
I can do anything
I've got strength of the soul
And no one's gonna bend or break me
I can reach any star
I've got faith
Faith of the heart

Faith of the heart
I'm going where my heart will take me
I've got faith to believe
That no one's gonna bend or break me
I can reach any star
I've got faith
I've got faith
Faith of the heart

Its been a long road

From all of us to all of you.....We wish you all a very happy and healthy New Years!!

With love...

~Kim~

Friday, December 31, 2004 1:30 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Thank you so much to Colleen for the cool "Livestrong" bracelets...as you can see...the kids think they are pretty awesome!

I'll be back to update tonight...promise!!

Luv, Kim

Monday, December 27, 2004 11:40 PM

~*~Tuesday Night~*~

Drop down's have FINALLY been updated...sorry it took so long!
If your name {or childs name} isn't on there and you would like for it to be, please just throw me a line or better yet, leave a message in one of Kody's guestbooks...I check them more often. Thanks!

Till tomorrow...

~Kim~

***********************************************************

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WOW...our Christmas was great!! The kids were off the chain Christmas Eve. After we got home from Mass we had our traditional Italian meal {this year lasagna}, Kayara, Josh and Alona were there...we had a really good time.
Alona is so cute this year because she is totally into Christmas, gifts, lights and she LOVES getting clothes and shoes....she is sooooo girlie girl...I love it!

Fast forward to Christmas morning.....ahhhhhhh, the joys of being a parent on Christmas morning in our house.....see, Karl and I have always had this little rule...."No opening ANYTHING until Mommy and Daddy have a cup of coffee". Now...you would think, one cup of coffee...no big deal, right? Wrong! Now try being a kid with a mountain of presents in front of you and that one cup of java takes forever to finish...especially when Mom and Dad take their sweet time...LOL!!

The kids favorites this year?
Hmmmm...well...Kody and Kaysha both got electric guitars and they have been jamming...that is a favorite of their's. Also...Kody's RC Escalade was a HUGE hit as was all his new "real skater" clothes!!
Kolin's favorite was his Orange County Chopper bike...the same one Kody has only a different color...plus his Jesse James car, his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle things, his tools...heck, that kid loves everything!
And Kaysha...well, besides the guitar...she now has the sewing machine she has been begging for, for a year and a half and since then she has been in pillow making heaven!
Tonight I cleaned out a bunch of Kolin's pants he has gotten too tall for and she has been happily cutting them up and making herself some skirts, flares in her old jeans, aprons, you name it..she is creating it.
All the kids have been going gaa-gaa over their kareoke machine...the guitars, the singing, the microphones, the amplifiers....
How many more days till school starts again????

Have you all noticed the forehead clunk marks on Kolin's pictures lately??
Well...Thank God he isn't old enough to come on here and read my updates cuz this story is going down as a classic Christmas Eve story in the "K" home.
Here goes.....
When I am busy, real busy or on the phone and I lock myself in my room because of the kids noise and constant interupptions...a long, long time ago when the three oldest were real young I once, out of complete frustration yelled out to them "Don't bother me unless one of you stop breathing or is bleeding from the head" {Bad parenting rule number 36....yeah, I know}.
Well...I hadn't had to say that in a lonnnnng time...so, sometime that afternoon as I was busy cleaning up the house, baking cookies, getting the lasagna ready, ironing the kids church clothes, answering the phone, making last minute trips to the store....I decided I had to take the time to lock myself in my room and wrap the presents I had been ignoring.
Well...in the midst of cutting, wrapping and tagging I hear Kody yell out "Mom...Kolin is bleeding from the head!".
So...not wanting to stop what I was doing...cuz really I was on a roll and soooooooo close to being officially done {until around midnight when I found two bags of unwrapped kiddy things} I pretty much ignored him because they were driving me nuts and I didn't believe him anyway. {Bad parenting rule number 37...but come on, I didn't hear any crying}.
When I finally came out I was just binging around getting stuff done, barking out orders, giving baths, and that's when I noticed two scrapes on Kolin's banged up head.

So...now I am thinking "OK, this chid is going in front of our whole church to sing very soon...what did he and Kody get into this time?"
And so I asked him {OK....like I was actually going to get a real answer} and he said "What bumps? I didn't do anything. Your kidding..I have cuts on my head? "
So...this was getting me nowhere in a hurry.
That's when Kody....who we all know just HAS to be the one to tell it like it is at all times says "Mom....he got his head stuck in the ceiling fan."
OK.....HE WHAT?????????????
And that's when I had a thought and could imagine the whole thing as it played out....
You see, since Karyelle and Kyle moved back in....bedrooms and space were geting sparce. Kaysha and Karyelle were sharing a room....Karyelle is a neat freak, Kaysha is not. It wasn't working out, believe me.
So...Karl and I decided the only thing we could do was get a bunk bed and double up Kody and Kolin. Simple plan, right? Wrong!
Kody and Kolin have never been in a bunk bed...naturally we put Kody at the bottom. Kolin went on top. In the middle of the room is a ceiling fan {our ceilings are pretty low}.
The very last thing Karl stressed was "Kolin.....do NOT ever put your head over the side where the fan is".
But Kolin...in trying to get a better view of the TV {which we've since then moved}...forgot and stretched his head out over the side and CLUNK....he got it stuck in the ceiling fan which banged his head right up.
So...the moral of this story is "When your kids says someone is bleeding from the head...you better believe it and come running"
I didn't {bad parenting rule number 38} and I've since then learned my lesson...but then again, so has Kolin!! :0)

Kody has been doing OK otherwise these days...but, both Karl and I have been noticing lately that Kody just isn't his energetic self anymore....preferring to lay in bed and watch TV rather then play outside.
He never skates anymore {even though he still loves it}...he never rides his bike either. His vision is so bad he has to tilt his head in odd angles just to see anything. He has been losing balance and sadly, his memory is getting worse. We spend alot of time repeating and re-explaining things to him. His left eye seems more droopy.
We are worried, of course...but then again, we worry about our boy every single day. I guess with everything that just recently went on...we are so much more aware how things change so quickly and what we have to watch out for.
Still though....he is silly....God knows he is the funniest kid ever...he has got so much spunk and so much charm. Not a day goes by that he isn't making us either laugh, cry or a combo of the two.
In a way I am looking forward to March 21st, that's Kody's next MRI....then again I am dreading the day. I think it's just a crazy thing that only another parent of a brain tumor kid can understand...that one test is really the only way we have of knowing exactly what is going on in there. One small change can mean devistating results. No change at all gives us three more months to breathe and worry more.
The cylcle never ends.
It really doesn't get any easier.

What does make it more bearable is the friendships we have made through this site. The support and encouragement we get from you all gives us the "lift" we need to keep on going everyday...and I thank you for that with all of my heart.
I've often been told I do so much for others...I don't think I do. I think what I do is I give back as much as I get....I wish so much that there was more I could do..take away pain, fix a broken heart, find a cure. Some things are out of my hands and I hate that because I really am a control freak {don't believe me?...ask Daddy Bear}.
I think I was put into this situation with Kody so that I could find my way into the hearts of others. I also think I was put here so that others could be placed into my heart.
When I ask for prayers for those children and adults in need and I see the prayers flowing through guestbooks....when I see those same children/adults overcome heath issues and obstacles because in part due to those prayers..I know I have done my job...and it feels great, it really does!

A couple of weeks ago I was feeling stressed.....mad at the world...grinchy...so sick of everything, cancer, tumors, dying, holidays, bills, shopping, uncaring people, selfishness, rudeness....
A very wise man said something to me that made a big difference in my life.
He said to me "Just do kind things and good things will happen to you."
And so I did.....I let people cut in front of me and didn't say a word. I smiled at my cashier and said thank you. I listened to other people problems and didn't judge, although the problems seemed pretty petty to me.
I became more happy, more pleasant and yes..good things started happening to me.
That man was very wise indeed.....and his name you might ask?
His name is "Kody Jacob Kruppenbacher"
My beautiful son.....Out of the mouths of babes. :0)

We wish you all a very wonderful week.....take the time to slow down, enjoy the day, make memories, have dessert, laugh till it hurts, squish play-doh blobs, color, watch a movie, eat popcorn, kiss a childs neck and most of all.....
"Just do kind things and good things will happen to you".

Thank you for stopping by....love you all!!

~Kim~

~*~CHRISTMAS DAY~*~

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP~*~

~*~To all of our family and friends~*~

On behalf of the entire "K" family....we wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!

May your day be full of joy and many blessings.

The song on Kody's site today is "Oh Holy Night". Last night Kody, Kolin and the entire childrens choir of St. Paul's sang this song. It was beautiful and pulled at many a heart, mine included.
We hope you enjoy it today.

With all our love...

Kim, Karl, Karyelle, Kayara, Kyle, Kaysha, Kody, Kolin and Alona

Christmas Day.....2:30 AM

~*~Merry Christmas~*~

I've been trying for over and hour to get some new pictures up but for whatever reason my PC tells me no way.
I'll try again tomorrow....it's 2:30 and I'm just too darn tired to argue with a machine tonight. :0)

I hope your Christmas is joyous and beautiful!

Love, Kim

*******************************************************

~*~Friday Morning~*~

Is anybody wondering exactly where Santa is right now and when he will be where you live?
Cool!!
Have we got something for you all to check out....

~*~Santa Tracker~*~

Many things to do today...cookies that never got made yesterday {there in the oven now!}, lasagna for Christmas Eve dinner {Italian style baby!}, wrapping, cleaning, and Christmas Eve Childrens Mass tonight {the boys will be singing!}.
Better get a move on.....

Have a beautiful and blessed Christmas Eve. I should be back on tonight to let you all see how the boys did at Mass tonight. Pray no Home Alone 2 episodes become a reality. :0)

A very huge and special "Thank You" to Helen for sending Kaysha an awesome "My brave little brother is busy kickin' cancers butt" shirt and the "I'm helping Kody Conquer Cancer" buttons.
Kody will be proudly placing the buttons in all the stockings of the people he loves and Kaysha is so thrilled with her shirt she wore it to a Christain rock concert last night and got sooooooooooo many compliments on it!!

Also...Thank you to Morrison Methodist Church, The Eagles Club, St. Pauls, Leesburg Presbyterian Church, The Tumbleweed Foundation, Lisa, Dad and Donna K., Gramma Carolyn, everyone of Kody's fans that have sent him a package and Dr. Lichenger's office for making our Christmas a whole lot brighter this year!

Also...I would love to extend a very big THANK YOU to the sweet soul who sent UPS our way.
Found in a box with only "Anonymous" and "The North Pole" written where the return address goes was a DELL LAPTOP!!!!!
I may never find out who you are but I am positive you are a friend who comes to us through Kody's site...May God Bless you one thousand times fold....I am in shock, so happy, overwhelmed....Thank you so much!!
No matter where Kody's journey may lead us, we will never again be unable to let all of you know exactly how our Bear is doing.

Love you all....

~Kim~

********************************************************
~*~Hello Everyone~*~

As most of you may have already heard....it is with a very broken heart that I let you all know that Trey passed away last night at 9:30 after fighting so very hard.

Also...please send many prayers and Christmas wishes to everybody's most favorite Ladybug in the whole wide world, Katia.
Our poor sweet lil' baby girl is back in the hospital fighting an infection and fever.
Please pray that she will recover quickly and be home for Christmas, happy and healthy.
That is my one Christmas wish this year....for the Solomon's to be all together at home sweet home.

OK...I'm boot scooting off of here for now...cookies, pictures and memories to make this morning.
OK...before you all think "Awwwwww....how Martha Stewart/Ozzie and Harriet/Brady Bunch", I'm talking Pillsbury" already made into convenient pre-cut blobs.

Love you all...

~Kim~

Tuesday, December 21, 2004 10:30 AM

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

First things first....PLEASE go on over to Trey's page today as he continues to grow those sweet lil' boy angel wings. What a fighter he has been!!
I have always had a soft spot for this little cutie. :0)
Prayers for Trey's Mama, Misty also...this has to be the most saddest and horrible time for her as she watches her baby fight so hard.
I know there is no good time to lose a child..certainly anytime is the worst time, but so close to Christmas..when it seems the world is at it's happiest...well, to put it bluntly and I am sorry for this but It Sucks!

I am sooooooooo sorry...really I am!!
I just realized there are alot of worried Bear Fans out there!!

OK...this morning before anything else gets done...let's update with Bear News, not BARE news cuz that wouldn't be pretty but Bear news for all the fans who Care for the Bear...OK...I'll stop, too much coffee...or maybe not enough in my case. Heck, I've been on a DUH roll since I attempted the Post Office this morning. :0)

Anywho....life in our house continues to be blessed with constant commotion and turmoil.

Kolin couldn't be anymore spazzy with excitment....Kody is pooped with being dragged from pillar to post...Kaysha keeps remembering friends she forgot to shop for....Kyle is working crazy hours at Ramshakles {restaurant}....Karyelle is getting ready to fly the coop for a few days in New York {but she'll be home for Christmas...just like the song}...Kayara is working like crazy and loving on Alona every minute she is home....Daddy Bear can't keep up with where I am and what I'm up to all day {try Wal-Mart....it's a sure bet you'll find me there!}...Alona is the sanest of all of us...she is just to cute when she see's Christmas lights and says "Oh my GOODNESS!!" :0)
And Mama Bear...well, there's school drop offs and pick ups, Physical therapy appt's, Physical therapy practice at home, tutoring for Kody after school, house cleaning stuff I can in no way keep up with {My dream fantasy...a maid for a day}, trips to Wally, trips to the mall, kids party's here and there, keeping the laundry pile down to 4 feet, grocery shopping, holiday decorating {HA..that's a good one...unlike Martha my decorating consists of whatever Kody and Kolin bring home in their backpacks}, and the never ending "Mommmmm....can you do me a favor today?
Oh and my car decided it was a wonderful day to give me some major troubles.....

Other then those few things...life is GREAT!!

Kody is actually doing pretty good these days....some balancing issues have kept him off anything with wheels and his memory issues are getting a bit more prominent every day. Which you know, could be a blessing in disquise....he never remembers all those trips to the store!!
On a serious note though...it nearly broke my heart last weekend when he couldn't remember the name of his CCD teachers. He kept saying "I know who you are, I just can't rememebr your name".
Yesterday at his first day of tutoring he tried so hard to relearn simple arithmatic. A few nights ago Karyelle followed me and the kids to drop off my car for Kyle so he could get himself home at midnight. We made a quick trip to Christmas Tree Lane and when we pulled back home with Karyelle's car..he didn't see my car in the driveway and not remembering dropping it off for Kyle...he said "Mom...where's our car, it's not in the driveway".

I put in a call to Shands to see if there is maybe a vitamin or mineral that can help with the memory thing but they won't be back until Monday.
Also..combine that with his ADD...sometimes it's like we are ramming ourselves into a brick wall, especially at homework time.
Oh...and Kolin also has been affected with the dreaded ADHD {as Kyle too at that age}...well, you can all imagine what homework time or anything elee that requires attention can be around here.

Today Kody's tutoring consists of Science only...something he loves so hopefully, fingers crossed tutoring will go alot more smoothly.

Thank you soooooo much to everyone who has been sending Kody packages and Christmas cards...he is having a ball opening them {sorry, he has never been very good with having patience and waiting!}...especially the ones we received yesterday from the third grade students of "Peebles Elementary School"....we ALL had the best time reading those precious handmade cards!!
This message comes directly from Kody....

"A Cheery Hello to all of you!!!! Thank you very much for the cards...they were AWESOME!! I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas this year and I hope you all get everything you ever wanted from Santa!!"
Love, Kody

Well...I better run for now so I can get some stuff done around here...plus Kody is trying to exercise on his exercise ball {a huge, heavy ball} and it looks like he could use a little help.

Thank you all for coming back to check on Kody....We love you all!!!!!!!!!

Love,

~Kim~

Saturday, December 18, 2004 11:45 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I am heartbroken to say, as most of you may already know...we lost Travis this past Thursday.
A beautiful article was written about him...you can get there by clicking HERE.
Rock on Dude...you will be missed very, very much by all of your Caring Bridge family.
Our prayers go especially to his wonderful family and mostly his loving parents who stood by every step of the way while their brave son fought this horrible demon and WON!!

Kody is doing OK lately...but something we have noticed this week is that his short term memory is getting worse.
Also...he's been falling again, mostly when he tries to walk too fast.
But...in true Kody Bear style...he just keeps going and going and going...

I'll be updating a bit more tomorrow, which is turning out to be a busy day for us.
Let's see...Church and CCD in the morning...the kids are having their annual Christmas party and since there will be alot of singing...Kody is really looking forward to it.
Tomorrow night..Christmas Tree Lane...pictures to follow!
Lot's to do to get this house ready for Santa...I really could use an extra few hours in the day. :0)

OK guys and gals...Daddy Bear just made a guest appearance and wants to know when I'll be showing up...no time like the present, huh??!! :0)

Oh...I'll get a new song up tomorrow. I'm sure whatever Kody picks, it'll be a hoot. Hmmmmmm.....maybe I should pick this time??

Love you all....

~Kim~

Thursday, December 16, 2004 11:10 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

The roads are so crazy.....the malls are insane....Toys-R-Us is madness and Wal-mart is a PAIN!!!
Everywhere I turn I see Santa there....Friends have sweets and their always wanting to share.
My head is achin', my jeans are too tight....
Christmas songs on the radio...wrapping paper and tape flying everywhere...
I just spilled my coffee and where are those stupid scissors...I just left them there!

It's almost Christmas...the kids can't settle down....
My list is a mile long and tomorrow I hit the town.
I Pass by a church and see something pleasin'...
Baby Jesus on hay and I remember He is the reason for the season.

Time to calm down....hold my babies real tight.
Keep reminding myself that everything will be alright.
Jesus didn't have big screen TV's, RC cars and a perfect Christmas tree.

He had the love of a mother and the love of a father...
He had a beautiful soul and a heart made of gold,
He didn't wear designer, he wore rags so I'm told.

Nine days till Christmas....eight days to shop.
How could I ever compete?
He gave us a gift of love, life and eternity.
So much more then I could ever leave under our tree.

AHEM...OK, OK...I'll stop!! I know...I am no poet!! LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks like our Bear's vision will be alot better in about a week...YEAH!!
Thank you to CJ and Deidra at Ped-I-care and CMS for seeing that Kody get's yet another pair of spec's, these with bifocals but better. These glsses will have prisms in the bifocal part which is so cool becasue the prism actually brings the things down below that Kody can't see {remember, he still has no downward glance} up to where he can see them. It just sort of pops up...really cool...really!!
He will have to get used to the effect...but he will and since he is so young and adaptable, he will get used to them real fast.

I have a prayer request tonight for a little girl who's name is Erin.
Sadly...Erin has brain tumors behind her eyes and is blind. Her site is brand new and I am sure she would love some visitors. Spread some holiday cheer to this little one..her Mom reads all her GB entries to her and it really brightens up her sweet day.

Also...our little pal Benjamin has taken a turn and having some problems. As most of you know..Benjamin is home on hospice. He has been having lots of pain...mostly some very painful headaches.

And Travis since he has stopped treatments has been very ill.

And Heidi who is a young wife Mom who was diagnosed with end stage lung disease and has been very weak and frail as this horrible disease attacks what is left of her lungs.

I also have a very special request from Kaysha and this one is for her friend, Nina, who some of you may remember suffers from seizures. Just recently Nina had a very bad seizure in school while sitting in-between Kaysha and another friend. It was scary and upsetting enough where Kaysha came home early that particular day.
Nina could use lots and lots of prayer...as a matter of fact..PLEASE flood the Heavens with prayer that her Dr's can find out why she is having these seizures and how they can treat them.
I have recommended Shands...but I have no idea if her parents will take her there. :0(
In any case...my heart is with her and my prayers are for her.

Let's see...what's up with Kody these past couple of days??
Well..he has been working hard, struggling some but really trying to kick butt in P.T.
If being a wise guy was part of his therapy...he would be at 100 percent right now. :0)
He's also been trying to make it to school everyday...but by the time he gets home...he just conks right out.
Today he went to P.T. in the AM and school in the afternoon..poor kid, he was so out of it by the time he came home. But...he never complains..he just keeps on going strong.

Tomorrow he has his Christmas party in his class...he is so excited!! So excited that he made a shopping list of al the things I really HAVE to bring to school for him tomorrow...cookies, candy, lunchables...LOL...yeah, he threw a lunchable in there too...guess I know where I'll be for lunch tomorrow...eating those oh soooooooooo delicious taco supreme lunchables with the Bear and those incredibly yumm-a-licious chicken dunker lunchables with Kolin.
Oh boy...I can hardly wait. :0)
Oh...by the way...Kolin's party is tomorrow too and all Kaysha has to look forward to is a day of the dreaded halfway through the year EXAMS! Ahhhhh...remember those days?

So...I still cannot get Leonardo to stay out of the tree....so tonight I put him in "kitty jail". One of those cat carrier things. Well..he is not a happy cat...I can hear him from two rooms away. And....Lola, who always hated that kitten is standing guard right over him. Protecting him....NAHHHHHHH....mocking him is more like it!! :0)

OK all....I think I'll be jumping off for now.
Thank you all again for stopping by...do you all know that Kody gets over 1000 hits per day?? That is a heck of alot of prayers, isn't it?
All those prayers...well they just have to be the reason that our Bear is the silly, wild man that we all know an love.

Alright...it's past 11 PM...why are you all up? Go to bed!!

Tilll tomorrow....have a great night!!

Love,

~Kim~

Tuesday, December 14, 2004 11:30 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Crank up those speakers cuz tonight your all going to rock out to Ozzy Osbourne's "I am Santa Claus".
OK...so this may not be a traditional Christmas song but.....it is one of the Bear's personal favorites!! :0)

Sooooo....guess what?
I come here tonight with some pretty awesome news.....

News #1....I talked to Lisa from Dr. Pincus' office tonight...he read Kody's MRI yesterday and has declared Kody to be "Stable"...no new growth, no new changes...and his shunt is working perfectly!! YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So....what about the Smurf-a-Vison you may ask? Well....Kody is seeing a blue outline around things still...and this can be one of a few different things...

One...possibly the brain still trying to rewire itself.

Two...Just par for the course symptoms of what's left of the tumor...nobody really can predict what the thing is going to do next.

Three...Just might be a sign of possible seizures and since he is getting that "eye twitch" often now...I'll keep a good eye {no pun intended} on things and see if it get's worse.

Our next step....call right away if things change in any way.
If he has no further symptoms, we are free to be normal {well..OK, that's if we can possibly be normal..this is the "K" family we're talking about here} until March 21st when he has his next MRI and see's Dr. Smith, his neuro-oncologist. He may have to see Dr. Pincus too this day...we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

Our next great news....

Those bifocals Kody needs.....
Weeeeellllllll....I found out today from Ped-I-Care and CMS that as long as it's medically necessary...Kody is entitled to as many eyeglasses as he needs.
So...there will be no out of pocket expenses for us exept for the upgrade on the lenses because non-scratch, non-breakable and tinted {because of the strong Florida sun} are not included.

Many of you all have complimented on Kody's black and white photo...as much as I would have loved to have taken the credit for it...I can only take credit for having a totally good lookin' son...the rest comes from Sears portrait studio, who in my opinion...really kicked butt and went totally overboard yesterday when I brought to them three kids....

One who wanted nothing to do with changing outfits, smiling, posing with different backgrounds and missing cartoons.
One who wanted it over with in record time as to get back to important things...phone, computer, phone, phone, phone, computer.
And one who wouldn't stop posing, smiling, picking backgrounds, kept insisted on more photos and was convinced about being "Hot".

So...can you all guess who was who??

Seriously...the gals at Sears spent two hours with these kids, taking about 50 to 60 photos and never complaining for a second...even when I accidently forgot Kaysha's black shirt and they made a bee line with her to take one off the rack for a snapshot. Pretty cool, huh??

I'll most likely wait another day or so and put the rest of them up...just to give everyone a chance to see the ones already up.

I'd like to say a HUGE "Thank You" to Lori who created this oh sooooooo Kody background for Kody's site. It totally goes with the music, don't ya think??
We have another background to put up that is just as cool.....and I will in a few more days....
Holy Macaroni....Lori is very, very talented!!

Well guys and gals...the temp. is dropping outside {repeat after me...it does get cold in Florida}...but Daddy Bear has got it warmed up inside....so baby make some room for Mama cuz she's coming in for some foot warmin' and loud snorin'.

Love you all.....

~Kim~

Monday, December 13, 2004 10:25 AM

~*~Monday Night~*~

While I was out having the kids Christmas pic's taken this afternoon, Shands called back.
They won't give us the results over the phone...we need to be there Wednesday at 12:30.
SIGH...the waiting game continues. :0(

I put a few new pic's up tonight....more to come!! :0)

Love, Kim

***************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

What a great morning.....the sun is shining...the kids are ALL in school {even Kody!}...I've got three tons of things to do....waiting for the MRI results still...feeling like nothing can go wrong today....yeppers...it's gonna be a good one today! :0)

Kody and Kolin's chior pratice on Saturday morning was real good....though he had a tough time reading the words and keeping up, our Bear gave it his 100 percent all and lip synced his way through the whole hour. He smiled, he laughed, he had fun and he even lip synced in time with the words {no pun there Ashlee Simpson.}. He even told me "Mom..I hope nobody laughs at this but I really love going to chior practice...even if I have no idea what I am doing".

We put up our tree yesterday and the kids decorated it last night. Today the cats are undecorating it....so, other then a water gun blast of water....any idea on how to keep the lil' furrballs out of our tree?
I'll have some pic's up later of the tree decorating.

Well guys and gals...I'm not going to stay on here too long this morning as I have some things to get done here and Kody to pick up in about an hour.

Hope you all enjoy the song we put up here last night...this and The Little Drummer Boy are my absolute favorites....crank up the volume and enjoy!
I know I should be letting Kody pick the song and I probably will in a few days but just to let you in on a little warning...have you ever heard Ozzy Osbourne sing "I am Santa Claus" {sang to the tune of "I am Iron Man"}...well, ahhhh...that's one of his favorites.

To all our friends out there celebrating holidays right now...we wish you all a very Happy and Healthy Hanukkah Season....Love you all!!
My kiddo's cannot get enough of the gold wrapped chocolate candies out in stores these days...honestly, they treat that bag like it is gold!! :0)

I'll be back on today sometime with the results of Kody's MRI just as soon as I get them myself and it still looks like we wil be going back to Gainesville on Wednesday to see Dr. Pincus.

Have a BEAUTIFUL day!!!!

Love, Kim

Friday, December 10, 2004 11:05 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

We won't have any MRI results back until probably Monday...but, Dr. Levine {eye doc.} is going over to radiology sometime tomorrow to take a look see for himself.
Everything went well...it was just a very, very long and tiring day for all of us.

Let's see...the eye appt., well..Kody is now going to be wearing bifocals. So..I'll have to get that script. filled right away on Monday since it takes a week to get them in. I doubt CMS will pay for another pair so I figure this one is on us.
The reading glasses just weren't cutting it as his distance was not great...but with the bifocals he can see 20/20 distance and reading. They will have a really high bifocal on them since he still cannot turn his eyes downward....hopefully these will work out. He also see's everything in pairs {double} when he looks to the side because his eyes are not tracking right...totally normal and hopefully in time will go away. Same with the glasses..it could get worse but then again maybe not.
Barring no new problems...he goes back there in three months.

We talked about the "blue" vision {a/k/a Smurf-a-vision}...which today was more of a blue "haze" { Smurf-a-haze maybe?}. As explained by Kody...this morning he was seeing a blue outline around everything...different from what he was seeing.
Now...Dr. Levine did say that some people see things, objects or colors before they have, say a seizure...but as far as I know, Kody hasn't had any. But...after we left I remember Kody telling me Monday night {I think} that his eye was "shaking" and he couldn't get it to stop. Then he woke up seeing in blue on Tuesday. I have no idea if this is connected but I'll mention it on Monday.

The MRI went OK...except when it was time for contrast. Kody has so much scar tissue from being poked so many times in the hospital that his veins kept rolling and wouldn't cooperate. It took quite some time but they did get the contrast in on the inside of his wrist.
Since we left there at 8:30 PM there was nobody around to read his scans...so we wait...and wait..and wait. :0(

Tomorrow is Kody and Kolin's chior practice day...they always look so cute when they practice but I swear...while I am sitting there in that front pew, so proudly watching my two youngest children sing beautiful religious Christmas songs...I can't help but picture in my mind the two brothers from "Home Alone 2"...do you all remember the scene in the beginning when Kevin and his older brother are singing at Christmas Eve mass and one punches the other...the slugs back and before you know it the scenery falls right on the head of the pianist/chior teacher?
OK....we all know where this is going....please, if there was ever a time to pray for sanity, Christmas Eve mass at 6 PM in a big church in a lil' town called Leesburg would be it. :0)

Alrighty guys and gals..the kids are finally asleep...I've got a few CB kiddo's I need to check on so I'm outta here for tonight!

Thank you all soooooooo much for flooding those Heavens with lots of Prayer for the Bear....no matter what...he looks as beautiful as ever...we couldn't do it without the support of all of you!! Thank you again and again and again.....

All my love...

~Kim~

Wednesday, December 8, 2004 11:00 AM

~*~Wednesday Night~*~

Just dropping a quick update tonight to let you all know that Kody still doesn't feel great but he did say he was seeing a "lighter" shade of blue.
This afternoon his left eye was starting to turn up...sigh...that's never a good sign but we all know Kody...and he will not stand for this one minute so with lot's of prayers...his tough as nails attitude will see him through this again.
I wish I was as stong as him. :0(

Have a great night..it's late and the Bear wants me to lay down with him tonight.
Gotta love that boy!! :0)

~Kim~

*****************************************************

~*~Prayers for the Bear Please~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

******SIGH******

Kody will be going for an emergancy MRI this Friday night...

Let me explain.

When he woke up this morning he was off balance...he wanted to go to school anyway, especially because it was "pizza day"! :0)
I dropped him and Kolin off at 8:30 and by 9:30 his school called to tell me that he was VERY off balance and seeing "blue" out of his left eye {the good eye}.
I right away went to pick him up and by then he said he couldn't see much of anything out of his right eye {the bad eye} even with his glasses on.

We came right home and I called LeeAnn at Shands {Dr. Pincus' right hand woman!!} and she seemed concerned. She had me call Dr. Levine {eye doc} and he said I could take him there now or give it 6 or so hours to see if it would go away BUT....the blue tint problem would seem to be and "oura" which would be more of a brain problem, possibly swelling. The blurry vision would be typical signs of worsening vision because his right eye is much worse off then the left. {but so fast??}
We decided to wait a little while and see...but in the mean time if we felt he was getting worse we could certainly get him in today, tomorrow night, whenever.
However..he did say if he was not acting "himself"...to call LeeAnn right away because is s sure sign if a neurolological problem.

So...as it stands right now, unless things take a sudden turn for the worse....we are scheduled to have that MRI this Friday night at 7:30. And, we'll see Dr. Levine as his last appt. of the day...which gives us a little break inbetween....perfect for a growing Bear's appitite...cuz he is already requesting...UGH...what else?? A Wendy's chicken sandwich and root beer!! :0)

As of right this moment..he is hanging out on the couch watching some TV...but his is very tired, dizzy and not himself. :0(
He says he feels healthy but he doesn't think he can do backflips today...LOL!! {his words!}

Please...keep Kody Bear in your prayers that whatever this is will either go away by itself or can be treated real quick.

I'll still leave these links below for some of our pals that could use a few hundred or more prayers....BTW..Thank you so much, I am seeing some familiar faces in GB's...you guys are the BEST!!

Trey, Benjamin, Rayanne, Matthew, Noah, Travis, Stephanie, Kaidrie, Heidi, Michael and Danny.

OK...let me jump off and spend some time with my Bear....

Love you alll...

Kim

PS...I have had some requests for those cartwheels I promised when Kody was in the hospital...I'm still working on it...but just a warning, seeing me cartwheel can be very scary for all of us....BUT....Daddy Bear can turn a perfect one....any requests??
HEH...HEH...HEH...Gotcha baby!!

Monday, December 6, 2004 12:14 AM CST

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Yesterday's big bash at the Shamrock Lounge was GREAT!!!!!
I have never seen such a bunch of party animals as I saw in my kids yesterday...LOL...they were INSANE!!!!

There was sooooo much delicious food, {we are pretty sure Kolin ate about 8 man size ribs and two huge plates of peach cobbler!} great entertainment, lots of well wishes and prayers and my most favorite part..the balloon launch!
For $1.00 people bought a balloon and then wrote a prayer for Kody on it...towards the end, the balloons were taken outside and released to the Heavens. It was awesome..and gave me the goose bumps just watching.
Kody picked out a bright red balloon and wrote on it two small yet very powerful words "Hi Ashley", with a heart. Then he told anyone that would listen all about Ashley and how they were going to be married someday.
Kolin wrote on his "Thank you everyone..We luv you".

And then there's the story about the leather hat...a really cool leather hat that was being auctioned off...and much to Kody's dissapointment was bought. When a real sweet lady named Alice found out how much Kody had his eyes on that hat...she went right over to the man who bought it and bought it right back!! Then she came right on over to Kody and put that hat on his head...the expression and excitement on his face was something else...Thank you so much Mrs. Alice!!
BTW....Daddy Bear's lookin' quite hot in that hat also...YEAH BABY!! :0)

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone from Shamrock who worked themselves to the bone to make sure that yesterday was a day to remember for our family. Because of your kindness we will be able to recooperate from Kody's Oct/Nov surgery and hospital stay and get back on track. And even better then that...our children can look forward to some gifts under our tree this year!!
We love you all!!!!!!!!

For a preview of of our Christmas party..check out the photo page....
Warning...dial-uppers...you may want to get a drink, make a sandwich, throw some laundy in, build an addition on your home, climb Mt. Everest. :0)

I only have a few minutes to stay on right now but I wanted you all to know I have gotten together a huge list of prayers requests...kids, teens and even one adult in need of prayers and miracles.
Tonight when the kid's are in bed and things settle down I'll update with that list...also, I know I have got to work on my drop downs....no excuses, just plain busy these days.

But..a few I can think of off hand are...

Trey, Benjamin, Rayanne, Matthew, Noah, Travis, Stephanie, Kaidrie, Heidi, and Michael.

Please...I ask if you have a few extra minutes on your hands..stop by and sign a few GB's...we all know how important a few words of encouragement can be. Heck...skip Kody's GB today and pick someone from our way too long list of requests...Really...it's OK....we understand and we love you for it!!

OK....let me get off..the toaster oven just beeped and Kody's chicken tenders are ready.

Have a terrific day everyone...
Love, Kim

Saturday, December 4, 2004 1:18 PM CST

~*~Sunday Afternoon~*~

I put some new photos up last night...
The kids had a great time at the parade...though...WE FROZE!!
Yeppers...the temp. dropped to about 50 degrees and we were bundled up like a family of eskimo's! Two shirts, a coat, blankets, gloves, hats and if it gets any colder I am definetly investing in "hot seats". :0)
See...I keep telling you all it does get cold in Florida...when are ya gonna belive me?? :0)

Thankfully...it is back up to almost 70 now and the low 80's in a couple of days....Whew...I do HATE the cold!

We are off this afternoon to P-A-R-T-Y...PARTY!!!!!
Thank you Shamrock Lounge for choosing us to be your "Christmas Family of the Year. We will see you at 4 for some serious "get down and get crazy time".
BTW...you have no idea what kind of insane, loves to party family you have invited!! :0)
On a serious note...we do appreciate everything you have been working so hard to get together for us today....from the sounds of things..it will be BEAUTIFUL!!
Thank You...Thank You...Thank You!!!

Thanks again and again for stopping by

Have a warm and wonderful weekend.

Love, Kim

***************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I didn't want you all to worry much...sorry it's been a few days since my last update. :0(

I'll make this one quick though and update tonight when I have a bit more time.

All has been pretty well...Kody's new glasses have been ordered and he should have them in a week or so. He kicked butt at P.T. this morning...doing so many things that came so difficult last week...he did it with ease today!! :0)

The picture on top came from Wal-Mart today..they, and it seems the Coke Comp. were having some free picture/Santa thing but honestly....it looked to me like Santa had been hitting the egg nog and was no longer in the mood for kids with red hats and Christmas wishes. No problem...it will get us by till we can get to the mall and see the real deal.

I'll be putting up some new pictures tonight...one in particular of Kolin with the Childhood Cancer Recognition Calendar that he himself helped to design. We recieved ours a couple of days ago and it is absolutley beautiful!! Please consider picking one up for yourself..all orders completed by December 9th will arrive in time for Christmas. Plus...not only are you getting an awesome piece of art...but cancer kids and their siblings are receiving well earned gifts from the same shop with profit money made.
To get yours...just click on top where you see the black picture of Kody wearing his "Kickin' Cancers Butt" t-shirt or click on the words "Childhood Cancer Recognition Calendar"...those links will take you straight there.

Oh...before I go let me tell you this Kody story from this morning..I may forget later and it was too funny not to share...OK, here goes...

On the drive to P.T. this morning Kody, very seriously said to me "Mom...I really think I am the chosen one"
So...I said "What do you mean" and he said "Welp..I really think God picked me to be the chosen one"
To which I said "Chosen to do what??" and without skipping a beat and very, very seriously he said...
"To spread the word of gossip!" :0)
To which I laughed so hard my freshly made Dunkin' Donuts coffee came flyin' out my nose and I said to him "Do you mean "spread the word of the gospel?" and he said "Yeah...right...that's what I meant!!"

LOL...told you it was funny!! :0)

Now...if there was any doubt in anyone's mind that God and his lil' Angels don't work in mysterious ways you all just have got to check out Daddy Roy's journal entry about the Mockingbird and Angel Cheyenne.
This is one amazing and beautiful story about the love of one little girl Angel and her Daddy on earth forever.

OK guys and gals..I have got to drop Kyle off at work and pick up Daddy Bear from work and tonight the kids and I are off to the Annual Leesburg Christmas Parade on Main Street. Sounds like fun! :0)

I'll be back tonight to update some new photos...thank you a trillion times for stopping by!!
Love you all...

~Kim~

Monday, November 29, 2004 11:15 PM

~*~Wednesday Afternoon~*~

Here it is....

More popular than The Incredibles....
Cooler than The Spongebob Movie...
More action filled than Spiderman 1 and 2.....

The newly released.....

~*~Never Say Never~*~

Enjoy!!!

Love you all....

~Kim~

******************************************************

~*~Tuesday Night~*~

Hi all....

Today's eye doc appointment went pretty good....in a few days Kody will be sporting some new and very cool reading glasses!!
Seems there is still a quite a bit of damage to the third nerve {the main nerve that controls the eyes}, because of the swelling to the brainstem, and because of it, it is effecting Kody's ability to see things up close.
That third nerve is also the same nerve that caused Kody's eye to be paralzed so fast.
While we are waiting for the insurance issuses to be ironed out...hopefully by the end of the week, so we can get his precription filled...we went ahead and picked him up a pair of reading glasses from CVS. He's walking around reading things and saying "I can see...wow..I can see!!". Heck...even eating dinner came sooooo much easier to him tonight when he could actually see what was on his plate.
But...those generic glasses don't fit him real well...probably because they are made for adults...so it's only temporary to get him by until his spec's come in.

Well guys and gals....I have some pretty messy kids waiting on their baths so I better get going.

Oh...but wait!! I did say something about some news yesterday, didn't I?? Right...well...just so you all know.....

I AM NOT PREGNANT!!! Holy Macaroni...please don't wish that on me...I am NOT young anymore you know!! :0) Love babies..I really do, especially when they are someone else's!!

Car? No....

Lottery? No...better then that!

Marraige for Karyelle.....um, nope..not yet.

Another pet...heck, even I'm not that crazy!!

Extreme house makeover....SIGH..only in my dreams....

Let's see.....

is it...

could it be.....

Weeellllllll.....I could string this one out a little bit more....

OK...OK...I'll stop.......ladies, gentleman and kiddo's of all ages....

It is with great pleasure I introduce to you....

The one....

The only...

In living color....

Better and Badder then ever......

Yessirree......Our Bear is BACK ON HIS BOARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK....let me take out five minutes to explain....

On Sunday Kody was begging me to ride his board, but our deal was he had to pass his "sobriety test" {walking the straight yellow line down the road, heel to toe}. Well, he did, kind of...slightly wobbly but alot better then he has walked it in the past...so, I told him get his helmet and board and he could sit on it and let Molly {Karyelle's dog} pull him.
Welp...I turned around to do something else for 5 seconds when I heard Kaysha yell out on the top of her 13 year old lungs....."OH MY GOD MOM...TURN AROUND!!!!!!"

And when I did...Kody came whizzing by at full speed ahead, on his board.....laughing like a maniac!!

Well...I dropped what I was doing and tried {key word here...tried} chasing him to get him to stop and that's when he came whizzing by again in the opposite direction.

And the whole time he was yelling "They said I couldn't do it....I'm skating....I'm back!!!!!"

So.I guess the moral to this story is "Never say Never" to Kody Bear because he will prove you wrong every single time!! :0)

What I really wanted to do today was surprise you all with a video clip...but...since his eyes were dialated today, there was no skating this afternoon. {anyone who has had their eyes dialated knows what I'm talking about}
So....even though a picture is worth one thousand words..the video clip should be up here by tomorrow. :0)

OK....I really do have kids that need to be bathed so I better get going.

I'll be back soon with new pictures & video's.

Love you all...

Kim

PS. Thank you so much for your all patience!!

**************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Guess what???

We have a new member to the "K" Krew....that's him right on top with Kody....our beautiful new Rottweiller pup..."Zeke".

I know...I know...we are crazy, gluttons for punishment, totally nuts, lost our minds....LOL....your probably right but, it was an early Christmas gift from Karyelle to the family and you know what...we love the lil' guy!! :0)
Zeke is no trouble, and he completely fits in with the family and with the other pets...well, OK...Bam and Lola are taking a little while to warm up but Leonardo loves him....they even nap together and I really have got to get a picture of that, it is too cute.

Tomorrow morning we are on our way to Shands for Kody's appointment with the opthomologist, though he says it is slightly better...his vision is still very blurry. Could be temporary, could be a forever thing...we'll know more tomorrow. Fingers crossed...a simple pair of eyeglasses, or better yet just a little more time will do the trick.
Also..on December 15th at 11:30 AM is Kody's post-op MRI. Lots of prayers that day should bring us home with nothing but great news.

OK...I have no other way of saying this next part....so here goes....

Yesterday {Sunday} at around 3:30 PM something happened here that will forever effect everyone in this family...something big...something mindblowing and something I just can't tell you about tonight. Sorry!!!
But.....come on back sometime tomorrow late afternoon or evening and see for youself.
Honestly....Sunday, November 28, 2004 will go down in the Kruppenbacher family history page...and I would love for all of you...our family and friends to be the first to share in this with us.
Any guesses??

I posted some new pictures up tonight...most were taken yesterday. Enjoy!! :0)

I better jump off....it's real late and the morning gets here way to early for me anymore.

Have a great day...I'll update with Kody's eye dr. appointment news tomorrow.

Love you all.....

Kim

Saturday, November 27, 2004 11:25 PM

~*~New Photos Up Tonight~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Check out that happy, smiling boy up top!! WOW...imagine Kody's surprise when he WALKED {yeah baby...he walked beautifully!!} out to the mailbox and pulled out an envelope from Tony Hawk!!!!
Imagine the scream he let out when he opened up a personalized autographed picture from the skating king himself?? :0)
Thank you so, so , sooooooooooo much Tony Hawk {and Lenore and Rielly!!}...today you have made one nine year old little boy very, very happy!!

This picture in the mail couldn't have came at a better time..I mean, really if I had to pick a day for something like that to come..today is the day. You see, this afternoon Kody was talking to Kaysha..I was listening, though he didn't think I could hear. Well, seems Kody was trying to stay on his board in the living room yesterday and couldn't balance on it. He was on carpet and next to a recliner chair for balance...but he kept toppling off the board anyway.
He told Kaysha he was seriously thinking of quitting skating...he felt he'd never be able to get on and do the things that came so naturally to him ever again.
As much as I wanted to jump in...I bit my lip and let Kaysha go at it..and she did great!! She told him all the right things..but he insisted "No, Kaysha...I am quitting".

Not minutes later the mailman's truck pulled up and I asked Kody to walk with me to get the mail, figuring some alone time was what we needed to talk over this skating problem.
We talked a little about not giving up, having patience, and practice. We talked about how even the most famous skaters in the world have gotten seriously hurt, and although it took some time to heal..they got back on and praticed until they were better then ever.
We talked about how Tony and Bam wouldn't want to hear of him quitting...then we opened the mailbox and Kody pulled out a brown envelope.
Because he still see's blurry, I read the return address label and I wish you all could have seen his eyes when I told him it said TONY HAWK on it!! :0)

Well..he practically ran home, dragging me with him and pulled open that picture you see up there...."Stay Strong Kody....Tony Hawk".

Can you guess what comes next??

Kody is NOT quitting....he got his "it's gonna be OK" sign in the mail today and he will be back in no time and better then ever. That is a promise!!

Other then that...he's still fighting off a rotten stomach bug, this one is just lingering forever. Hopefully he'll get this thing out of his system by the time the weekends out.

Thank you all for stopping by today...I'm going to make this one short and sweet tonight. :0)

Have a great weekend....love you all....

Kim

Wednesday, November 24, 2004 11:45 PM

~*~Friday Morning~*~

Hi everyone...

We hope your day yesterday was a wonderful one!! Our's was definetly one to cherish and remember always. :0)
We had the pleasure of meeting Jodie and Kathy {whom I believe both Kody and Kolin had a "thing" for!!}...our newspapers reporter and photographer...so, without any further ado may I introduce to you all.....

~*~Beyond Blessed~*~

Our annual football game was a hoot.....the boys won but it was the girls who definetly got the most laughs!! For a few laughs of your own....please check out the photo page. :0)

Well...I'm not going to stay on here long this morning, Kody had come down with a nasty ole' stomach bug last night and Kolin woke up with a sore throat this morning. :0(
So....off to spoil my boys for a while.

Thank you for stopping by...just as soon as Karl brings me home the other newspaper article I'll scan that in so you all can take a look see.

Have a "beyond blessed" kind of day...and be careful if you decide to head off to the mall...stay safe!!!!!!

Love always....
Kim

**********************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

As I sit here tonight...kids sleeping, pumpkin pies baking, tea to the left of me, a cat to the right climbing on the keyboard, I have been thinking alot about what tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day truly means.
I mean...we all know about the pilgrims and the indians...I for one have learned alot of things about pilgrims & indians through the eyes and knowledge that only a first grader could have...Kolin has really taught me well this week.
We have handprint turkeys with "I am thankful for" quotes from all the kids, including Alona hanging from the wall in our kitchen, we have a huge bird in our fridge, a ton of food and treats....I bet right now my home is much like most of America tonight...full of food and thoughts of a great day tomorrow spent with the ones we love.
How many times in my life have I said grace at the dinner table, told what I was thankful for and thought "Oh yeah...pass the sweet potatoes" all within a minute. Lots and lots of times, that's how many.

WHOA....how things change so quickly the day your child is diagnosed with a terrible illness. Suddenly "thankful" has a whole new meaning.

And so...that is how it is in our little home.

I am thankful for a husband/soulmate who tries his best to understand my many moods and pre-menopausal craziness...my ups, my downs, my good days, my fat days, my I don't want to grow up days.

I am thankful for my six beautiful, perfect children. They are the reason why I was brought into this world...to be their Mom..the giver of their lives...the only one who can say "I gave you life and I can take that life away" and totally get away with it.

I am thankful for two precious grand-daughters. Alona who is my trusty sidekick and her big sister Alexes who became an Angel in Heaven on the day she was born here on Earth three years ago.

I am thankful for my extended family...we may be miles apart..we may be 30 minutes apart...you are still in my heart everyday.

I am thankful to have three best girlfriends here in Florida....who else but a girlfriend would schedule their child's birthday party at a bowling alley because that was something Kody could participate in, instead of having a to die for roller skating party?
Who else but a best girfriend will babysit a sibling and treat them exactly like one of their own with a touch of extra TLC when they are scared, lonely or homesick.

I am thankful for Kody's team of doctors, especially Dr. Pincus. As I said in an earlier journal entry...Dr. Pincus gave us Kody's life back three times in three years. He is our lifesaver at the times we feel like we are drowning.

I am thankful for my family of friends on the internet, especially all of you who we have met through Kody's site. You are there for us with love and support..with prayers, with tears and with joy. But most of all...to send chocolate and promises of a strong cup of coffee ASAP when I feel like I am teedering on the edge.
You have all shared a huge part of our lives with us, not to judge, not to critisize, but to take in every disappointment and every triumph. You've let me know it's OK to cry, scream, vent and you've even laughed at the times when my parenting skills could have used a little cleaning up.
You've all told me it's OK not to be normal and you've all told me what a great family we have...I agree! :0)

I am thankful for the simple things in life...a home, a man who works himself to the bone without a single complaint, Wal-Mart, a 12 year old car that still runs, Hershey bars {plain, no nuts}, coffee, fun times, silly jokes, purring kittens, and high speed internet. :0)

I am thankful for a man who loves to cook.

I am thankful for "The Kruppenbacher Family Annual Football Game" coming soon..as in tomorrow!

I am thankful for the hundreds of Caring Bridge families who have shared their lives, their children and their stories with us. Actually..I am more then thankful..I am honored.

Tomorrow as we sit down to feast....grace will be very different this year.
We will mourn for the familes who are facing an empty chair at the dinner table. We will be greiving for the pain that exists in their hearts. We will be praying for God's love to surround them and we will pray that their sweet children will somehow give them a sign that they are with them...a part of their soul will live on inside the hearts of many Mom's and Dad's forever.
We will give thanks once again to God for allowing us to have Kody with us for another Thanksgiving and pray that we have him for many, many more.
We will pray for peace on Earth...for sadness and badness to somehow be wiped off completely.

And then we will all being saying Kody's two favorite end of dinnertime prayer words....."DIG IN!!!!!" :0)

I'd also like to pray tonight for the person who thought they needed my daughter's wallet out of her purse more then she did as she put her two year old daughter in the Spiderman ride at Wal-Mart tonight. She is a single, working Mom...the little bit of cash she had till next payday could not have bought you more then a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread. I do hope you at least used it wisely. As mad as I want to be at you...maybe you really did need food, but all you had to do was ask...my daughter would have given it to you of her own free will...she is like that, you know.

Thank you tonight to Mrs. Ellen for the absolute BEAUTIFUL knitted afgan I recieved this morning...I am so in love with that blanket...so soft, so purple, so perfectly me! :0)

Also...Thank you's go out to Mrs. Lisa and her 6th grade class from Anchorage Alaska for the t-shirts for all three kids, the postcards and most of all the bear claw socks which Kody really, REALLY loves!!!!!!

Well guys and gals...my oven timer is about five minutes from beeping and my pies are smelling pretty darn good!!

May you all have a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving Day tomorrow. Eat...Eat...Eat!!!!

Love always...

Kim

Saturday, November 20, 2004 8:40 PM

~*~Tuesday Night~*~

Hey all...

WHOA...this afternoon Kody and I were going through a bunch of cards and things he got in the mail while he was in the hospital.
Knowing he wouldn't remember much, it was a great idea to look through his well wishes again.
Well..that's when we noticed an envelope that was never opened...
Well, imagine our surprise when Kody pulled out SIX PERSONALIZED AUTOGRAPHED PIX FROM BAM MARGERA AND CREW!!!!!!!

I am soooooooooo not kidding, Kody, Kyle and I were totally freaking out!!

Thank you so, so , sooooooooooo much Bam Margera, his parents, his brother and the crew of Viva La Bam and CKY.
Today you made Kody the most happiest and proudest boy on the planet...there are no words to describe how happy he has been, showing his pix off...checking out his CKY stickers...
You all are the absolute BEST!!!!!

~*~New Pictures Up~*~

Looks like Kody will be having some celebrity status this week...two local newspapers have contacted me today and would like to do a Thanksgiving special article about Leesburg, Florida's most thankful family.
I did the phone interview for one paper tonight, the photographer will be taking a picture for that article tomorrow morning and the other news reporter will be here on Thanksgiving morning to check out this family's craziness and interview all of us about the true meaning of Thanksgiving this year.

Unfortunetly, the first newspaper doesn't have an internet link, but I'll try to get a good scan of it.
But...luckily, the second paper will have a link. Not sure about pictures but at least the article will be there.

Thank you also to Lisa and Brian for all the Thanksgiving Day goodies...it was so sweet of you both to take the long drive out to our home...Thank You...Thank You...Thank You!!!!!!
May you both have as beautiful Thanksgiving as you have made for us.

OK...better jump off tonight!

Love you all...

~Kim~

*******************************************************

~*~Monday Afternoon~*~

Please say a prayer for these two little boys who are having a real rough time...

Matthew and Noah.

Thank you so much!!

Also..I just realized some of you may not understand what Kody is saying on his video clip {below} so here it is in Kody Bear's own words....

"See...Two weeks back on a bike.
Yup, after surgery...Crazy...Very Crazy!
But then again...it's Amazing!
A walking miracle.
Good-Bye!
OK...shut the camera off Mom"

Kody did go to school this morning...only to have the school call not 45 minutes later to tell me we needed a Dr's note before Kody could return. So, after leaving a voice mail at Shands to fax one over, I was told to come to school and pick Kody up, he couldn't stay without a note.
Needless to say he was very dissapointed. :0(
But....he was very happy with a lil' gift bag one of his classmates, Brady, gave him today. How sweet was that? :0)
Absolutely every child was so happy to have him back and although it didn't last long..he said he had alot of fun anyway.

Gotta run...that kid and those cats are keeping me hoppin' today!

Love,
Kim

********************************************************

~*~SUNDAY NIGHT~*~

Hi everyone...

I found out some very sad news this morning...our friend, Benjamin, has been put back on hospice.
Sadly, Benjamin's last option chemo, has not worked at all...his tumors are growing and spreading. Words cannot ecpress how sad and hurt we are today. :0(
Also...it appears the same horrible thing is happening to Trey.
I'd also like to ask for prayers for RachelJoy as her health has been pretty bad. Though RachelJoy does not have a website anymore...we are asking for you all to please pray for these three beautiful families tonight.

Kody had a pretty great day today but crashed somewhere around 2 o'clock. He finally woke up around 8 o'clock with a headache. I'm pretty sure he'll be fine though because he really wants to go to school for a couple of hours tomorrow.

OK...Everyone ready? Drumroll please...
May I introduce the latest and the greatest newly improved by the week...
Kody's latest Sunday afternoon video clip!

~*~Kody's New Wheels~*~

And this one that I just couldn't resist!! :0)

~*~Kolin's Love Song~*~

I've put up some new photos tonight..enjoy!!

OK..let me get some kiddo's ready for bed.

Till tomorrow...Have a GREAT day!

Love,
Kim

*******************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

A few words from the man himself....Kody Bear....>>>>

"I love you. Everybody, I hope you have a very good Thanksgiving. Good Bye everybody...LOVE YOU!!"

He is a man of few words, huh?? :0)

Physical therapy has been going pretty good this week, but Kody is being real challenged these past couple of times. He has been coming home with some real sore muscles...a good thing since those muscles haven't been used much these past weeks, but they sure are now! :0)
Though he is surpassing everyone's expectations...he still has some balancing issues to work on before I cut him loose on his board...he'll get there though and if I know Kody it will be well before Christmas gets here.
Yesterday was not a great day...even Kody himself said "I'm having a real off day" but today was better. He even played some soccer and baseball out in the yard with Kaysha, Kolin and Kyle. Tonight as I was making dinner I heard him yell out "Hey Mom, I'm running!!" Sweet words to hear, made me panic slightly though when I saw him run past teh kitchen window with Kaysha flying right behind him trying to keep up...it was pretty darn funny.

You know...Kody's really cool though, instead of getting aggrivated and frustrated when he can't easily do something he used to do, or when he falls...he laughs at himself and makes a joke. He never, ever feels sorry for himself, not ever.

So...this leads to tomorrow's video clip time!! Yes guys and gals it is Sunday once again..one week since we taped the Bear making his way around by himself...tomorrow is sure to bring alot of surprises, a few tears and I am sure...a whole lotta good laughs! :0)

Great news...I found this out last night.
You all know about The Tumbleweed Foundation. Well, some of you may know there is a huge event going on next month as Tumbleweed prepares to celebrate the holidays, Tumbleweed style. That includes making sure every Tumbleweed child and siblings gets a lil' something from Santa or a Hannaka treat.
There are plenty of children to adopt...families that are hard pressed into making dreams come true..but you my friends, can help with this. For Kody and in honor of how much he is kickin' cancers butt...won't you please adopt a family??
Every child really must count and as we say in our home "If one can't play...nobody plays". Words to live by, you know?
More great news...as organazation called The Siren Society, coming straight from California has decided to adopt Tumbleweed and has volunteered to help out by holding the very first ever "Toys for Tumbleweed". How freakin' cool is that???!!! :0)

You know, I can tell you all from experience that kids and siblings who deal with life and death situations in their lives...I mean, things that NO child should have on their minds, can be so, soooooooo unselfish.
Case in point....Kaysha "The Drama Queen" Kruppenbacher..13 years old, loves boys, phone calls, e-mails, boys, instant messaging, music, boys, singing, shopping, teaching herself guitar, clothes, trying on clothes, looking at clothes, boys, boys, boys...
OK, she's 13...you all get what I mean right?
I asked her what she really wanted for Christmas this year...now mind you, I never said "stay within fifty bucks girl!" so in her mind at that moment, heck the sky was the limit right?
She said simply "Nothing".
"Nothing....what do you mean nothing??"
"Mom...I mean nothing, really"
"Kaysha come on....your 13, your female..there are things you cannot live without or why have a life at all...I was 13 once, I know"
Coming straight from the most unselfish 13 year old I have ever met in my life...."Mom, I have my brother home, I can tell him I love him and he answers me, I can play with him, I can tease him and argue with him again...that's all I ever wanted".
And here I am...trying so hard not loose it as I handed her the JC Penny and Wal-Mart catalogs and said...through the tears, blurry vision and snotty nose "I absolutely LOVE you...now go circle a few things...please!!!!"

And here comes along Kolin....
"Kolin Baby...what can Santa bring you this year?"
I would love to tell you all what he said but that was days ago and he hasn't shutup yet. BUT.....he is thinking of Kody too and saying "And Kody can play with me with this...and that..and this..and that".
He is a hoot!! :0)

So..I bet your all thinking, what did Kody say?
Well..obviously Kody is hoping we win the lottery very soon because he thinks a Stretch Hummer and a real Orange County Chopper is in his near future! :0)

OK..OK..enough Christmas talk...we gotta get through Thanksgiving and before I go on another second I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my entire "K" family....
Thank You sooooooooo much to "Community United Methodist Church" for the great food box and gift card to Wal-Mart we recieved yesterday from Kody and Kolin's school...because of your kindness we now have a 20 pound Butterball in our fridge!! Thank you so much....I'll be picking up the rest of our fixins' on Monday. :0)
You all will never know how much we appreciate you thinking of us this Thanksgiving. God Bless you all!!!!!

I would also like to take the time to thank the three beautiful ladies who thought about us these past couple of weeks...because of you, we are in the process of working on a wheelchair ramp {for Kody's bad days}, rails in the bathtub for Kody's safety, and mending a well pump that decided now was a good time to croak on us.
May God bless all of you and your families 100 times fold. You are certainly Angels to us. :0)

On with the Thanksgiving talk....
I found this cool recipe for "Turkey Cookies"...these lil' cookies aer so darn cute and so darn easy to make...because of my lack of craeting in the kitchen skills..this is a good one for the kids and myself to contribute to Thanksgiving dessert. Check this out....

~*~Very Cute, Very Festive and oh so easy to put together a 7 year old could do it Turkey Cookies~*~

OK guys and gals...I have a sink full of dishes calling my name and a few kids begging for some attention...OK, beyond "wanting" attention..they are stuck like velcro to my back and not exactly making it easy to type.

Oh..I almost forgot...
Who makes Thanksgiving dinner around here?? That's an easy one...Daddy Bear does, start to finish....honest!!
Gals...he even cleans the pots and pans as he goes!!!! Reckon that one's a keeper, huh??
BUT...before you all go singing the praises of Daddy Bear...just know one thing...when dinners over and he's had his nap...he likes his WOMAN to serve him his pie and ice cream, in bed, in front of the TV, with the A/C crankin'.
Oops...my bad...yeppers...we still have the A/C on, sorry!! :0)

OK...gotta run!!!

Thank you for stopping by...hope the rest of your weekend is a GREAT one...make some memories, take some pictures, share a sweet treat with the one you love, or at least treat the one you love sweet. :0)

New pictures coming later on tonight.

Till tomorrow....love you all!!

Mommy Bear

Wednesday, November 17, 2004 10:05 AM

~*~Wednesday Night Update~*~

Hi again everyone....

Today's Dr. visit went really well!!
Kody is doing beyond anybody's expectations...YEAH! But..before I get into any more details....let me show you all this...

~*~Hi-Ho...Hi-Ho...Walking into my Doc's office I go!~*~

So...how cool was that??!!

Sorry though that clip was a little choppy...I guess some people {that would be me} shouldn't try walking and filming at the same time. :0)

One more thing....see that picture on top? Isn't that something?!
I like to think of it as....God created Kody....Karl and I gave him life...The man in that picture gave us that precious life back three times in almost three years.
Dr. Pincus is as much our "hero" as Kody himself is.

OK...about the appointment...
Kody still is having a hard time seeing..he see's very blurry and cannot turn his eyes downward just yet. But..this is a HUGE improvement since we were in the hospital when he couldn't move them much in any direction.
So...sometime next week he'll go back to see Dr. Levine, his eye dr.

His next MRI will be in about 3 or 4 weeks from today. With a whole lotta prayer...we hope to see even more shrinkage to his tumor. As explained...alot of times this happens, where after surgery the rest of the tumor just withers away and dies. That would be awesome...Kody without any tumor at all...my dream come true!
But...of course...we cannot predict the future or how that tumor will react. Young children often have no problems with this tumor...or little problem anyway. As they get older they do alot worse. Usually around 18 or so starts the "being older" cycle.
Nobody can predict what this tumor will do down the road and yes, the possiblity that it will take Kody's life someday is a very good one...but for now we know he is doing great and should things go wrong, we have a whole arsenal of ammunition to fight back with. The fight has only just begun, and as in true Kody style...he'll win....he is so like his Dad...doesn't like to lose and won't take "no" for an answer.
I guess being stubborn has it's advantages :0)

All in all though...Dr. Pincus rocked and Kody is better then ever. It will probably take several more months for him to be 100 percent again, but even Dr. P see's skating in his future soon enough.

We talked about Kody returning to school and he is leaving it up to us. First he needs to complete PT, which there was already talk that he'd be ready to graduate that soon and be dicharged. Plus we want to wait to see what Dr. Levine has to say, I mean school is great but if he can't see anything how will that go. However..I may just let him go for a couple/few hours at least for the socalization again. We'll see...I have a real hard time letting go. :0(

Tomorrow morning I am placing a call to the "film library" of Shands so I can get a copy of Kody's before and after surgery MRI. If there's a way to download it to this site, I sure will try so you all can get a better grip as to what I am talking about.

Are any of you looking for a very unique gift to give this holiday season? Well look no more because I have a great idea I think you will love!!
I know you all know Helen, who creates those awesome Blinkie Banners you see on so many sites.
Well..through the creativity of Helen and through the talents of many siblings of Caring Bridge kids {Kolin being one of them!!}...you can now purchase a 2005 Childhood Cancer Recognition Calender for yourself, a grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend, teacher, boss, just about anybody who is on your list.
The best part about these calenders is that the money from profits goes right back to our Caring Bridge children...those who may not have the funds to purchase "Kickin' Cancers Butt" gear. Helen has graciously set out to purchase them a gift also...isn't that sweet, and what the holidays are all about...giving.
I just can't say enough about Helen...she is one of our most favorite people in the world..a true friend and an inspiration to us all. Plus...she and Kolin share a birthday so they have a bond that is so cool and unbreakable. :0)

OK guys...I'm going to jump off of here tonight, it's late and Kody is up with a headache and not feeling real great.
Have a great night and Thank You for stopping by!!

Love,
Kim

***************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Today is the day Kody goes back for his post-op appointment. We should be leaving around 1 o'clock for his 2:30 appt., so I'll update again later on tonight with the news.
Last night I noticed his left eye starting to droop and we are praying that it was just because he overdid things and was tired. He didn't notice it though, which is a good thing.

I put up some new photos on his photo page...just a few from him pumpin' iron and working out yesterday. :0)

Two days ago while Daddy Bear was at work he heard a few cars and screeching brakes...then he heard someone yell out "There's a kitten in the road!". Well, Main Street is a real busy street in the later afternoon and Daddy Bear being Daddy Bear ran out into traffic to rescue a teeny, tiny little gray kitten with the most beautiful blue eyes.

OK...I bet some of you know where this story is going, right?

So...without any further explanation....let me introduce "Leonardo" to all of you!!

Cute!!!

Since Bam is mostly Kody's cat and Lola is Kaysha's..we gave this one to Kolin.
The name Leonardo?? Well, Kolin named him after one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!! :0)

OK guys and gals..let me get going and wake up my sleeping Bear...he sure has developed a love of sleeping these days!!

Love you all...

~Kim~

Sunday, November 14, 2004 10:55 PM

Monday Morning...

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP~*~

Kody's having a real sleepy day this morning. He's wobbly, so today's the day we'll be resting up.
Later Gators!!
~Kim~

**********************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Just a quick update tonight to let you know our day was AWESOME!!

Today was by far the best day yet for Kody and we decided to hang with our biker friends from Mr. Pubs this afternoon.
The kids had alot of fun shooting pool and Kody...well, the boy had just about every girl there hanging all over him!! Heck..he even helped the band sing Metallica's "Enter Sandman".
Lots of new pictures...I just don't know if I'll have them up tonight or tomorrow, so please check agin tomorrow if you don't see them tonight.

By late this afternoon though it was pretty obvious that Kody was whopped...tired...and losing coordination quickly...BUT....he had a great day and that's all that matters.
I'd like to say tomorrow will be a day of rest for him...but we all know Kody and there is a real good chance that won't ever happen.

Just incase you haven't seen yet...Kody's "into message" {under his picture of the day} has been updated...just trying some different things. :0)

OK...Here's what I know you have all been waiting for...the newest, most anticipated video clip of the week....drum roll please!
We call this one....

~*~4 to 6 months...Yeah right!!~*~

He is something else, isn't he?! :0)

Alrighty...a bigger update is coming soon but tonight is turning into morning faster then I can type this out so with that...I bid you all a great night and I'll talk to you all again tomorrow!!

Love, Kim

*****************************************************

~*~Saturday Night~*~

That's Kody's "Love Quilt" on top...I told you it was gorgeous!
The Yankee Bear picture is on the photo page tonight and oh yeah....one more thing...

Kody RAN about 10 steps today!!!!!!!!!

He and I were talking about Thanksgiving and what he loves the most and after him telling me "eating the drumstick" he said he is most looking forward to the "Kruppenbacher Annual Backyard Football Game".
I told him we better practice alot so he can run with the ball..
right then and there he got up out of the chair he was sitting in outside and RAN!!
He got about 10 paces when it dawned on me what he was doing and I let out a yelp, OK maybe a scream. :0)
Hmmmmm..maybe I should of just let him keep going?
Ahhhhh.....running today...skating in the very near future! :0)

Gotta love the spunk that boy has! :0)

One more thing..at PT today he was being made to work hard..lifting leg weights, really exercising his left arm and hand, practicing balancing on a thera. ball. When the work out was getting pretty tough, Kody told his therapist...
"I'm NOT a quitter...bring it on!"

God...I LOVE THAT BOY!!!!! :0)

Watch for Kody's newest video clip tomorrow coming to a Caring Bridge website near you...

Love, Kody's very proud Mom...

~Kim~

*******************************************************

Friday...Nov. 12, 2004

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I am so sorry for the lack of updates this week...call me a slacker! :0) Actually...you can call me exhausted...LOL...I think the "Whoa...this is tiring" mode has set in these past couple of days.
Anywho..enough of that....on to the Bear.

Tomorrow makes Day #3 for PT and OT. On Thursday he graduated to level 2 in his therapies...seems the exercises he did two days before that were too easy for him. He is working like a Bear to get back into shape and the difference week by week is amazing!
He isn't even complaining about his homework/exercises..well, not too much anyway.
Tomorrow we go back to therapy. He goes every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday morning.

I plan on taking another video clip of him walking on Sunday...which makes exactly one week from my first clip of him walking with Daddy Bear. I want to you to be able to see the difference one week can make.
But..until I get that clip taken I have another one just waiting for you all...this is from Kody Bear himself and it is sent with a whole lotta love...enjoy!

~*~From Kody...With Love~*~

Kody has been getting so much mail these days and, I would like to thank you all so much for the cards and the get well gifts Kody has been recieving everyday...little by little he is opening everything. His left hand is still pretty weak and his vision is still very blurry but he does love to open things and loves it even more when Karl and I read his cards to him...talk about good medicine...I can think of nothing better for him.
We have at least a ton of thank you notes to get out...we'll get there..slowly but surely...we love you all!!
Here's a story just so you can imagine for yourself how many times the mailman and the UPS man have been here over these past two weeks.

Yesterday Kolin was playing outside on the fort in the front yard when the UPS man pulled up..well, since this guy is so used to being here just about everyday, he handed the package over to Kolin who SIGNED FOR IT!! :0) Too funny...the UPS guy was like.."Here you go Buddy, sign here and bring it to your Mom". Kolin was sooo proud of himself!

I'd like to say a special Thank You to al the wonderful women and nurses at Ped-I-Care who sent Kody a box full of Blue Angels everything...gals...he LOVED it!! We are so sorry we missed you on Thursday...but home awaited and that's where we wanted to be more then anything.

Also...to Aunt Vikki, Uncle Phil, Phil, Jesse, Karyelle, Kaysha and Kolin for the NY Yankees Build-a-Bear...the picture on top just says it all...he LOVES that Bear so much! :0)

To things I'd like to mention tonight...

#1...Many of you know "Cam the Ham"...by now I am sure most of you know that the sweetheart of a woman, Ivy, who kept up Cameron's site passed away during open heart surgery. This is truly a shock to all of us...I for one had no idea she was ill.
Please pray for Cameron....he must be so confused and lost..Ivy was not only his babysitter but she was someone Cameron loved very much.

#2...It's that time of year again to purchase a gold childhood cancer ribbon for the Candlelighters Christmas tree which stands tall in Washington DC.
For a small donation you can buy a ribbon with your childs or Angels name on it and a small description on back.
This will be Kody's third ribbon...it always gets mailed back to us and we proudly display it on our own Christmas tree every year.

Also...while I'm on a roll...
Please, if you would every night, everyday say a special prayer for the familes so dear to us that have lost a child recently...there has been a very harsh and unfair wave of children, Cheyenne, Connor, Troy, Kara just to name a few.

I had gotten a form in the mail today which describes the name of Kody's surgery....
"Stereotactic guided craniotomy for interhemispheric transcallosal approach and microsurgical resection of brainstem tumor"
And to think...I thought it was only called a "craniotomy". Talk about a smack back into reality. :0)

Kody still has a long road ahead of him...whatever happens down the end of that road is not up to us, but I can tell you that inbetween now and the end of that road..Kody will fight with everything he has to beat the crap out of this tumor. Everyday with the strength and determination that only Kody could excell..he makes himself get out of bed each morning, he makes himself walk, eat with utensils, work a peg board, write and talk.

No...he is not 100 percent back to Kody yet...but he will, someday he will.
But honestly..if God decides this is as much of Kody as we get back.....we are so happy...so unbelievably happy!!
Yes...he sometimes still stutters and slurs his words, he tires easily and needs a wheelchair to go out in, he drops things and cannot throw a ball with his left hand, occasionally he still stumbles....
But...He still has that beautiful, goofy Kody Bear smile and he has not lost his great sense of humor!!
Still..in my heart and I know his Daddy feels the same way too...Kody will beat every disability he has now...he absolutley will come out the winner.
After all...it was predicted 4 to 6 months until he can walk again and....
I can't wait for Sunday to get here cuz I think all of you will be very pleasantly surprised!! :0)

Thank you all for coming back today to check on us...Have a great and relaxing weekend.
See you Sunday!!

Love you all..

Kim

Tuesday, November 9, 2004 11:00 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

When we left the hospital five days ago there was alot of talk about Kody not walking again for months...possibly four to six.
Everyday our whole family comes together at dinner and each night we take a turn saying grace...everyone of us has asked God to please let Kody get stronger..even Kolin never lets Kody out of his thoughts for long.
Today at about 5:30 PM...Kody walked UNASSISTED for the very first time since the morning of October 25th when he walked himself into the pre-op holding room.
How can I ever describe the joy in our home tonight...our prayers have been answered...our Bear is on his way to a full recovery! :0)

Now..let me tell you how this all came about.
Kody had a busy morning with his first day of PT and OT. To say the least the therapists were very impressed at his strength and determination. All things considered they worked his little legs and arms pretty hard and put us on a 3 day a week for at least two months schedule with "homework/exercises" {would you believe playing video games is considered therapy? It is!} to be done twice a day everyday. We were cautioned that because of the trauma to his brain...though his stregth is great..his coordination was not and that he should recover but it would take time and practice. He may need a walker...he may never fully recover all his skills.
When Kody was asked what he missed the most...what he really wanted to be able to do the most..his answer {no surprise here!} was "Ride my skateboard".
Well...Kody is a very determined boy and may I add...an easy bribe!
You see..yesterday I told him that when I can see him walk...alone...without falling, across a room into my arms...I would buy him the Bam Margera Audio skating sneakers he has been begging for, for about a year now.
Guess what? LOL...I see a trip to the skate store coming real soon!! :0)

We got home around 11:30 and Kody had some lunch and tried watching Shrek 2 for like the 4th time in two days but by 12:30 he couldn't keep his eyes open anymore and he asked to go take a nap. And nap he did...man that kid can sleep!

Around 5:30 I was in the kitchen making dinner when I heard some fumbling around on the monitor. Now, Kody knows not to get up himself...he can call and I'll hear him. I figured I better check on him anyway and it's a good thing because by the time I walked down to his room he was at the edge of the bed...he looked right at me and said "Good Morning Mom" and then he got up and walked the whole way to the door!!!
It was one of those moments where I knew what he was doing...yet I was kind of shocked, couldn't move and the whole time I'm thinking "Steady baby...easy...slow" My heart though, was ready to burst with pride!!! What a day...what a moment!
I wish you all could have seen his face...it was priceless...and he did walk right into my arms and gave me the biggest Bear Hug I have gotten in a long while.
I love that child so much!! :0)

More great news...We heard from Kody's Dr. who told us that his EEG results were normal and we could stop the Dilantin. {anti seizure med.} which is great because I have a feeling it is that medicine that is making him so tired all of the time. I mean...the kid is trying so hard to watch his Shrek movie and hasn't stayed awake for the whole thing yet..LOL!!
Tomorrow is the last day for steriods and I am really looking forward to see how much of the old Kody Bear we get back without drugs in him.

On thing I have noticed lately....and I really hope it's just one of those temporary side effects is that Kody holds his left hand kind of "crooked". It's hard to explain but his therapist told me to help his put it in the proper position whenever it happens. He doesn't notice himself doing it and I've beven seen his sleeping like that too.

Oh...I almost forgot, Kody goes back to Shands to see Dr. Pincus {his neuro-surgeon} on Wednesday..the 17th for his post-op appointment.
Kody and Dad have made a pact that Koldy will walk into that appointment. He might need his chair for the rest of the day but walking into Dr. Pincus office is going to be a classic Kody moment.
His next MRI should be about 2 to 3 weeks after that appointment. That is a very important MRI...it will tell us what the heck that tumor is up to if anything and what we need to do to knock it back down...or as Kody says "kick the crap out of it" {sorry...it's the NY in him still!}.

We'd like to say a big "Thank You...Thank You...Thank You" to Kelli...Kelli...Kelli for the awesome Dale Jr. teddy bear and cap that Kody recieved yesterday...the bear is right next to him as he sleeps and the hat hasn't left his head yet...HA!

Tomorrow I'll get his quilt pictures up, the ones I took yesterday just don't do it enough justice so tomorrow I'll get some really nice shots. It is just too beautiful a quilt not to be able to see every single square...all hand embroidered. I am really in awe of this quilt because honestly...I am the kind of person who can fix absolutely anything with duct tape, a staple gun and a can of WD-40. Sewing is something I never could do..if we need something sewed, I give it to Karl..he's the parent that always helped the girls with their home-ec. projects. I wish I had of taken pictures about 9 years ago when he stayed up till 3 AM hand sewing a puppy dog pillow for Karyelle when she was in the ninth grade. And ahhhh....no, she didn't stay up but she did score the highest grade in the class! :0)

Welp..I think that's about all that's new around here today.

Thank you all for coming back again and again to catch up on the crazies around here...there's alot of them!
I better get running cuz I know there is a warm body in my room awaiting my arrival....cute round butt....squirmy toes...snoring....snuggles and cuddles...
Yes folks...Kody has found his way into my bed again tonight! Married life may never be the same.

Love you all..

Kim

Sunday, November 7, 2004 9:30 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS TONIGHT~*~

~*~SUNDAY NIGHT~*~

Hello all...

Halloween...Kyle's birthday and Kody's homecoming all in one day....what does that make?
One heck of a fun day!!!!!

Let's go back to the morning...Kody woke up feeling well enough to attend Mass this morning and so many people {most we've never met} were so happy to see him back. I think Father John was the happiest...you should have seen him smile and gaze over at Kody who, with us, was sitting right in the front this morning.
When the kids left for Childrens Liturgy...Kolin took control of pushing Kody in his chair to the alter and then out the door. While they were in front of the alter with the other children and the catacists being blessed by Father John...Kolin, at the end of the blessing reached over Kody's shoulder {from the back of Kody's wheelchair} and took his own hands and made the sign of the cross on Kody...it was so sweet! I know Father John saw because he looked right over at me and smiled. :0)
When Mass was over we were walking out..Kolin was "at the wheels" of Kody again and he stopped suddenly before we were about to leave. So..I said "Come on Kolin..keep walking" and he said "Not yet Mom!". Well..the little stinker stopped at the holy water...dabbed his fingers into it and then once again...made the sign of the cross on his big brother.
It was the most precious thing I have ever seen. :0)

By the time Mass ended..we dropped Kolin and Kaysha off at CCD but Kody, though he said "Hi" to his classmates just wasn't up to anything else.
So....we brought him home and he asked to go to bed. :0(
He slept for hours until I finally woke him up to P-A-R-T-Y!!!!!!!

And PARTY he did!!!

Daddy Bear and Karyelle were in charge of cotton candy making and the kids were in charge of eating pure sugar for hours this afternoon.
Which made them real hyper and us ready to pull out what's left of the gray...but hey, they had fun, right?
A couple kids from the neighborhood showed up...they all took turns taking Kody for rides up and down the street...but for the most part it was a total Kyle/Kody day. Kyle was Kody's Buddy and there was nothing in the world that was going to come between that. :0)

Unfortunetly...I guess with one good day...sometimes a bad day will follow and Kody needed constant tending to today. He had alot of difficulty balancing and also alot of trouble speaking. But....happily...he still flashed us that winning, heart melting smile all day long and for that alone we are so very grateful.
You know...in my heart I know that mentally Kody is still 100 percent...it's just physically he needs so much help and work.

And although I am grateful because I still have him..because I can tell him how much I love him, even when he can only barely whisper the words back...it still tears me up so much to see him this way. To watch him stare at other kids running, skating, playing....to hear him struggle to get out a sentence...four little words "I love you Mommy"...to watch him work so hard to hold a can of soda or pull a chip out of a bag....Lord how I would take this stupid tumor from him in a heartbeat, even if it meant leaving him and the others without a Mommy...it's OK, he deserves so much more then this..he deserves a shot at a normal childhood and a long healthy and happy life.

It's so hard to imagine that only a few weeks ago he was so normal...how quickly things can change.
Today I sat in the sunshine watching Kyle push him up and down the street in his chair. Kyle was telling him something and Kody was belly laughing at whatever joke they were sharing....I kept trying to picture Kody jumping out of that chair and running, grabbing his board, catching some air, crashing, laughing, trying again.
I guess he is still doing that though...he gets up...he puts his best foot forward...sometimes he stumbles...sometimes he laughs...he always trys again...
Only for now he has someone who loves him very much holding his hand, keeping him steady and never letting him crash.
That little boy has alot of heart..he really does.

Kyle's belated 19th birthday was also a big hit tonight and tomorrow we have a very special picture planned so stayed tuned!!

Also..I still have to get the quilt picture up so that will be on here within the next day or so...it's beautiful, I can't wait for you all to see it.

OK guys and gals...I think I'll get an early night in tonight. Thank you for coming back to check in on us...

Love you all!!

~Kim~

***********************************************************************

Saturday, November 6, 2004

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WOW....

It has been an amazing couple of days back home!!!

I have to admit, this is a big adjustment and Kody has a long road ahead of him...but in true Kody style...he will NOT stay down for long!!
And so...before I go any further tonight..without further ado...may I introduce...

~*~Life is Tough...But Kody is Tougher~*~

Isn't he amazing??!! :0)

OK...so after a very big day of stretching those legs and doing the Daddy/Kody Bear work out our Bear ate, bathed and by 7:30 was sound asleep!! :0)

What else new here?? Well...after another huge insurance mix up...it took all day Friday to figure out where Kody will have his PT & OT. Turns out I need to bring him to Eustis, which is about a 40 minute drive from our home. His first day, in which he'll be evaluated is Tuesday at 10 AM.

Kody is still having a real hard time with his sight and we are starting to wonder if maybe he has lost a good part of his eyesight. We do know for sure he hasn't got his periferal vision back yet and when we walk him we have to be sure there is nothing he can trip on because though he is trying to get around..he still can't see well.

He's grip is getting better but when he tires it's easy to see that he has a hard time focusing and holding on to things. Same thing goes for his speech...the more tired he gets, the more difficult it is for him to talk.

He is spunky though...he has, actually never lost his wit and sense of humor.
Today when I was out food shopping {yep..I miss everything!} Dad woke him up to take a walk..but first Dad had one important thing to do and told Kody "one minute Dude"..just then Karyelle came home and heard on the monitor Kody say "Well..here goes nothing" and in a flash he was out of bed and walking himself to the bathroom. :0)
His excuse..."When ya gotta go...ya gotta go!".

I would like to say a very HUGE "Thank You" to Love Quilts for the beautiful quilt Kody received in the mail today...this quilt is absolutly gorgeous!!! It is all hand embroidered and personally made for Kody. The middle square even says "Life is Tough..But I'm tougher". Tomorrow I'll take a snapshot of Kody with it...you all will just not believe how incredible this quilt is and made with so much love.
Thank you again Love Quilts!!

Since we missed out on Halloween and Kyle's 19th birthday this past week we have some making up to do...soooooo tomorrow we are having a belated Halloween/Kyle's birthday and Kody's homecoming party all wrapped up into one.
Lots of candy, ice cream cake, even a cotton candy machine donated by Karyelle's boss from True Value Hardware. {she works there on the weekends}
Kody is soooo psyched for this.
While we were in the hospital he never cried..not once about anything, not the surgery, the stitches, the needles, med's..nothing...except for one thing.
Missing out on Trick-or-Treating. :0(
Well...we have alot of making up to do and tomorrow's the day.

So..with that , let me jump off of here and get some decorations put up so the Bear can wake up to his very own haunted house.

Thank you everyone for all the GB entries...your love and support means more to us then anything in the world and Kody, well he just thrives on the attention and the prayers. It is the perfect medicine for all of us.

Oh..before I forget...I came home to over 700 e-mails and am still trying to sift through them...if I haven't answered back yet, I will..it just may take a few days.

A couple of people had told me they were having a difficult time viewing the pictures I put on Kody's other update site...so, I put them up on here tonight. Hope you all can see them...even hibernating, he is beautiful!! :0)

OK..gotta run!

Love you all....

~Kim~

Sunday, October 24, 2004 11:56 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Thank you all so much for the GB entries and the prayers from all over the world!!

This weekend we did our best to spend as much time together as possible...there was so much to do to prepare but we still snuck in alot of time together.

I am going to use Kody's second site as a way to update until we are home again. This site is so much easier to update just incase I need someone from home to update for me or Norine, Angel Ashley's Mom has offered to update for me also.
So...this is the link to get there...

~*~KODY'S UPDATES~*~

Soooooooo.....I heard that tomorrow is official "Third Eye for Kody Day"!!!
Oh man...how funny is that??!! Well, I know for sure I'll be finding a band aid for myself and definelty I'll be slapping one of Dad too!!
So...get your markers ready everyone..color in your bloodshot eyes and slap that sticker/band aid anywhere on your body. :0)
I swear this is the funniest thing I have ever heard..and if you think I'm getting quite the kick out of it, you should see Kody!!

Today was such a cool day...I saw so much that made me appreciate my kids and my community so much. Let me start off with this morning at Mass.
Kody walked in on his own...but after a while when he was walking back from Childrens Liturgy, with Kolin wrapping his arm around him...Kody told me that he really couldn't stand or walk anymore, he was very unsteady.
So...Kaysha ran out to the car to get his chair and he sat down in it. Well...we were all supposed to turn to song 551 or something like that when Kolin took the song book...scooted his way over to the edge to be with Kody, and then knowing Kody couldn't see the words...Kolin reached over and shared the book with Kody...pointing his little fingers at every word so Kody could follow along.
It was the most sweetest brother moment I have ever seen.

Right after Mass ended Kody had a special sacrement of healing of the sick. This is Kody's third one and usually only a handful of people have ever stayed.
Today....there had to have been 200 maybe 250 people...all there for Kody.
It was so beautiful....I saw his teacher from last year in tears...so many people just crying for Kody. I also lost it...I couldn't help it. Here I am trying not to look around but when I saw the outpouring of love for my son and when I saw that even Father John was in tears...and when I realized that Kody was the only one NOT crying, I just broke down once again. :0(
SIGH...I'm not sure there is enough chocolate in the world for all this crying stuff. :0)

OK...I just had a 15 minute break here. I thought Kody was asleep but he walked out of his room crying and telling me "I can't do it Mom...I don't want to do it...please don't make me".
I don't know what else to tell him except we'll do this together...I won't leave him...we have to give it a try. Oh God...what do you say to a kid who really does not want to go through this but has to in order to save his life? What ever happened to a simple normal childhood when his biggest worry should be whether he gets on a baseball tean with his best friends?

I heard something the other day and it gave me a sense of peace. Somebody said "Somebody out there is ALWAYS praying for you". Judging from Kody's GB I believe that to be 100 percent true.
Still...this crazy part of me says "Do prayers really work..isn't our life already planned out long before we are concieved?" If that's the case...then does it matter how many prayers are said?
I am so sorry....I am an absolute downer tonight. :0(

On a brighter note...a couple of things Kody did today were pretty worthy of a few good laughs. :0)
Let's see..there was my shopping list this morning. I had to make sure there was enough groceries in the house while I was gone. Kody saw what I was doing and I said to him "Is there anything you'd like to add?"
BIG mistake with a kid on steriods. :0)
First he added a few things...then he took up a second page....finally I went from a shopping pad size paper to a whole looseleaf size paper. LOL...it was quite the list and tonight he partook in everything on it!! :0)
Somehow he seems to go into "panic mode" when you tell him "no food and drinks after midnight".

Hmmm..let's see..oh yes,
Let's talk wheelies...better yet, let's talk Wheelies on a Wheelchair". Yes..Kody Bear has got that down to a perfection. He is now in the process of figuring out how to make a chopper wheelchair complete with a wheelie bar.
Boys..you gotta love them!!

Now yesterday he had me take him to the mall, for what?? Well...a Bam Margera t-shirt and cap to wear tomorrow. He's been wearing that cap all weekend and the shirt is ready to be donned by the Bear first thing in the morning. He wanted it because of the simple fact that he thought Bam and he were tougher then tough...ready to take on anybody...and besides as Kody put it "Bam likes to get hurt on purpose like me Mom...how freaking cool is that???".

Tonight was the official "Viva La Bam Season Premire Party" in our house. At 10 PM tonight we all gathered around to watch "Viva La Bam"...Kody's most favorite show in the world...it ranks right up there with his other favorite show "American Chopper".
Kody made us popcorn...chilled some cokes and we laughed till it hurt!! It was so much fun and what memories are made of, right?

Speaking of Bam...Did any of you happen to see who signed Kody's GB the other morning?? Bam's MOM!!!!!!! Oh man, I wish you could have all seen Kody when I read that to him...he is still flying high on Cloud Nine over that!! I'll tell you, that one message from Bam's Mom, Dad, Bam and the whole Viva La Bam crew was the very best medicine for Kody...it truly lifted his spirits.
Thank you April Margera....Thank You!! There are no words that I know of to describe the joy I saw on Kody's face yesterday.
You are all the BEST!!

Well guys..that's it for tonight. Kody is still up and waiting for me to lay down with him. We have to be up in about four hours so I better see about getting a little sleep.

BTW..We have to be at the hospital at 6:30 AM. I still don't have a time for surgery but since he is a child and since the surgery is so lengthy, I am assuming he will be first. The first surgeries normally start at 8 o'clock.

I will make sure there is an update up on Kody's other site just as soon as I find out anything myself.

Thank you so much for the continued support you have given us through this past week. It has been a rough one but we WILL make it...

Just keep swimming....Just keep swimming...

Love you all....

Kim

Sunday, October 24, 2004 11:56 PM

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Still leaving these links/messages below....

~*~Kody and Daddy Biker Buds Forever~*~

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Kody's artwork raised over $500.00 for The American Cancer Society!!
YEAH...KODY!!!!!

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that little angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story	Dad's Page...Just the two of us	Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play	Kody's Revenge	Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg	Field Day...2003	My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003	Margo & Rodeo Drive	My first grade memories
First Holy Communion	Matthews Miles for a Cure	My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt	My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love	Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

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This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.

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Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Saturday October 23, 2004 12:40 AM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

As I sit here tonight reading through each and every GB entry and e-mail I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for one little boy.
Not in my wildest dreams did I ever think one child could make such a difference in the lives of so many.
Thank you...all of you!!

And now...the Kody Bear update I know you are all here for tonight.

On Monday morning...we won't have an exact time until Sunday night...Kody will be having what is called a {bear with me...I stink at spelling!} "craniotomy".
This is the more envasive surgery and it will last 4 to 8 hours.
His Surgeon and we choose this one because it will offer more hope for Kody's recovery and or amount of time he will have left here on Earth.
You all have no idea how hard it was for me to type out those last ten words. Never, ever did I think we would ever have to go there...still, we are facing a surgery so serious, so dangerous that the end results will be in God's hands only.

The surgery will go something like this..and I know I will probably leave something out because today I took in so much information...it was not easy.

Of course, Kody will be prepped for surgery with some "goofy juice" then he will be put to sleep. An I.V. will be started and also a cathader. A "halo" will be screwed into his head and his surgeon will cut away approx. a 2X4 inch piece of his skull. The cut will be in the back of his head towards the top. Dr. Pincus will be going through Kody's midbrain {the most sensitive and dangerous part of the brain} and will take a good sized piece of the tumor for pathology. Then and only if he feels it is safe Dr. P will try to debulk..or cut away as much of the tumor as he safely can without putting Kody at any risk at all.
If Dr. P feels it isn't safe...he will quickly get out of there.
When Kody's skull is closed again it will be held in place by two titanium plates that he'll have there forever. No problem getting in airports though...no alarms!! :0)

Kody will have to spend at least two days/nights in PICU and then at least 3 in a regular room if all goes well. So...it looks like if Kody stays as tough as he always has been..we will be home in about 5 or so days!!

OK..the side effects....
There is always the possibility of stroke..but is it small, very small, still it could happen.
What most likely will occur is that Kody will have some freaky eye movements..something he has already had in the past. We can live with that.
Also...his hearing may be effected for life....again, we are OK with that.
He may not be able to walk right...he may drop things. This will be temporary...lasting days, weeks maybe months. Nobody knows but it's OK!!
Will Kody come out the same silly, daredevil boy he went is? God I hope so.
Can the tumor grow back? Yes...but patholgy will tell us all about that.
Will we still need radiation...chemotherapy or a combination of both? Yes...absolutley....but again, we'll find out more and cross that bridge when we come to it.

Right now we are concerned out today, can we make it through today?
It's almost 12:00 AM right now...we've made it through another day so that's good...very good! :0)

I would be lying to you if I told you I am OK...in fact, I don't think I have ever been so terrified in my whole life.
When Kody was first diagnosed 2 years and 9 months ago we went into "numb mode"...numb mode is an awfully good place to be. This time the numbness lasted only moments and then the reality that Kody's life is in serious danger hit me hard...very hard.
I think last night was the worst so far...when everyone was asleep...as I read though e-mails suddenly it hit me...kind of like a punch to the stomach and a kick to the head at the same time. Have you ever felt fear so intense you couldn't breathe...like your heart has stopped?
Last night I broke, the tears, the fear, the unknown, the whole unfairness of it all just came to life and all I could think of was "I want to hold him and never let go". And so I did.....I climbed right into Kody's bed and snuggled right with him...totally engulfed in the scent of my own child....the softness of his skin...counting every breathe he took until I was able to finally stop crying and enjoy that moment of total bliss...of pure love for my boy...my beautiful baby boy.
Then and right then...he started talking in his sleep about Kaysha and the cats...he rolled over...sighed and cut loose the biggest fart you ever heard!!
It was so good to end the night laughing instead of crying. :0)
And I really slept great...me and Kody Bear all squished on a twin bed stealing blankets from each other.

Somebody asked me if Kody is aware of what is going on and he certainly is.
I don't know...maybe the steriods are making him have mood swings..maybe he is scared too but yesterday afternoon he had a meltdown of his own. After a little while he said to me "Mom..I don't want the surgery" and I asked "why?"
He wouldn't tell me and I had to say to him something I never thought I would..."Kody...you know without the surgery you will get very sick and never be able to ride that board again" and he said "I know".
I told him "I won't lose you now Kody..I can't lose you..you have to do this, you have got to fight" and in a very tired voice he said "I don't want to fight anymore".
Imagine that...Kody, not wanting a fight? No Way!!
Finally I was able to pull out of him what was on his mind. He was scared of being in pain.
Today at the Dr's he had his time to ask away anything that was on his mind and he asked what any child would..."Will it hurt?" "Will I wake up during the surgery?" "Will I have a big hole in my head?"
Everything was answered in total honesty and Kody left feeling alot better.
So much better in fact him and his Dad took a round band aid and drew a bloodshot eye on it and stuck it right on Kody's forehead. So the biggest joke of the day was Kody's "third eye". And he went around telling everyone and anyone that would listen "My other eye broke so I made this third eye...now I'm cured...who needs dr's!"

Well guys and gals...with that lil' chuckle I'm going to head on off to bed. Thank you so much for stopping by...Please keep the prayers coming!!

All my love...

Kim

Wednesday, October 20, 2004 11:00 PM

~*~THURSDAY AFTERNOON~*~

Hello all...

WOW...We are completely taken back by the GB entries....THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!

Our Bear seems to be responding to the Decadron this afternoon....his balance is slightly better though today I noticed his right foot is starting to drag and his right hand shakes uncontrollably.
More signs...I am sure. :0(

He does however..still have that BEAUTIFUL smile and his personality is still Hot...Hot...HOT!! :0)

I'd like to thank Leesburg Methodist Church "Opportunity Center" for donating a wheelchair for us to borrow until Kody is Kody once again and can walk on his own without stumbling.
Kody thinks he's pretty cool in it...he is however, requesting "spinners"!!

Also...THANK YOU so much Julie and Shannon from Ellensburg, WA for the wonderful Bear and balloon assortment that was waiting for us when we came home from picking Kolin up at school today....The Bear really loves his Bear...Thank you again!!

While we were at school Kody asked to be taken in to see his classmates and principal and his favorite janitor "Mr. Speedy" so he could tell them all "See ya later!!" No Good-Byes...just a promise to see ya later!

We are still numb and in a state of disbelief but we are dealing with this blow as best we can.
As we all know...when all else fails..when things go from bad to even worse..the one and only thing we can depend on and put all of our faith and hope in {besides all of you!!} is our religion.
So...that is exactly what we are doing.
Kody's life is in God's hands...it always has been...it always will be.
He has seen us this far....in our hearts..though it can be so hard sometimes to believe...He will see us through. We won't be alone.

Thank you again for supporting our family so much these past few days..like I said before we are overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we have received...this is what is keeping us going.
You are ALL the BEST!!

Also..before I leave....I'd like to say Thank You for all the personal e-mails I have gotten....I wish right now I had time to answer every one of them but PLEASE know that every single e-mail is being read.
Thank You!!!
I will answer..it may take a little bit..but I will answer them all.

OK..I better get going for now.

Love...
Kim

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY~*~

***********************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Please let me start out tonight by thanking all of you from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of love, the well wishes, the prayers and to those of you who have mentioned Kody on your own web sites...Thank you all so much!!

Our day was a long one and only went from bad to worse. :0(

To get right to the point...Kody will be having major brain surgery on Monday morning.

Now...let me back up and tell you why and how our day went.

As we were waiting for our turn at Dr. Pincus'...Dr. P happened to walk by our room on his way to another....he looked in, took one look at Kody and practically froze in his steps. He came right into the room immediatly and accessed Kody quickly {looking at his eye and having him attempt to walk} and told us right away what was going on was in fact tumor related.
He did another exam right after when it was our turn and ordered another MRI right away. After that we went across town to see his eye dr, Dr. Levine and then back to Dr. Pincus' office.

By the time we got back which was about 4 o'clock, Dr. Pincus had already consulted with other Dr's...Dr. Smith {onc.} being one of them to figure out what to do for Kody.

According to what they believe from the MRI Kody's tumor may have grwon slightly but what really bothers them, what the big problem is, is for some reason it {the tumor} has decided to do something {but nobody can tell us what} in his brain which has caused some pretty bad swelling around his brainstem which is the cause for the drooping eye and his balance problems which today have gotten alot worse then yesterday.
Actually...Kody's balance was so off today that he pretty much lost the ability to walk on his own....in able to get around the hospital Karl pretty much carried him. {no wheelchairs available..can you believe it?}

I asked if it was "normal" for things to happen so quickly...
No, not really but the thing is Kody's tumor is so rare, so unique that they {the dr's} don't know what to consider normal.

Anyway....when we got back to Dr. P's at the end of the day we were told the best option right now would be to do surgery to biopsy the tumor again so it can be sent out to the best of the best neuro-pathologist in the country and hopefully he will be able to tell us why this tumor is acting the way it is, what to expect and what can we possibly do, if anything to stop it.

As of tonight it hasn't been decided which surgery will be done...
The first one would be another stereotactic needle biopsy which Kody has already had. This means putting him to sleep and setting him up in a "halo"..going through the midbrain they would insert a huge needle and snip a very small piece of tumor out.

The second option is an "open surgery" where Kody's back of his skull would be opened allowing a bigger piece of tumor to be biopsied and also Dr. Pincus may be able to "debulk" or cut away some of the tumor.

The second option would probably be the best for Kody but...this comes with a huge but/price.

But...we won't know which surgery will be done until we go back Friday morning because Dr. Pincus is still undecided about which to do..because of the severity and because of the rarity of Kody's tumor...he was going to be on the phone alot between tonight and tomorrow getting opinions from other experts.

The first surgery may not give us a big enough piece of tumor for pathology to work with...putting him through brain surgery needlessly
and the second surgery has an over 10 percent rate that Kody will not wake up the same little boy that he went in as. Some serious side effects could occur that could last days, months, forever.

Also...even if debulking is possible...Dr. Pincus told us that only when he is in Kody's brain can he decide what would be too dangerous. If he goes in and see's a very angry tumor...he will without a doubt "close him up and get the hell out of there."

After surgery Kody will need to start on some kind of treatment...which may or may not work.
#1 being radiation...which would mean 6 weeks, everyday and Kody and I would have to live in Gainesville near Shands at this time because we live too far away to make the trip everyday.
This, without a doubt will be hard on all of us..but mostly Kolin. But, saving Kody's life is the goal here and so we will do whatever it takes.

#2...chemotherapy...but again, that hasn't been decided and nobody really knows if it will make a difference anyway. Plus, this comes with a whole mess of problems too.

So...as you can see we have some very big desisions to make over the next 24 hours...Please, please pray that we make the right ones.

I an tell you all this though...Kody remains in great spirits!!
He made us all laugh so much with his sillyness today....but, it is so obvious that Kody is "different" and it is breaking our hearts.

Only a week ago he was sailing on his skateboard...flying over ramps and landing perfectly.
Today...he cannot walk across a room unassisted.

He has lost almost all the sight in his droopy eye.

His speech is going too...he can still talk but it is "different"...kind of slurred.

As of tonight Kody has been put on Decadron....a steriod... in hopes that it will take some of that swelling away and therefore make some of his symptoms ease up for him.
I know alot of you know about Decadron and by tomorrow there will be a "feeding frenzy" going on around here!! :0)
This is though..a temporary fix as he cannot stay on steriods forever.

We asked what if we were to do nothing...could this go away..sadly the answer was "No".
To do nothing and wait and see would ultimetly mean death for Kody.

So....it looks like the real fight has finally begun. We knew it would happen sometime...but you know, when you see Kody so full of life everyday...I really got into the "it will never happen" mode. This was a shock...this was not supposed to ever happen..yet it did and so know we need to put on those boxing gloves and NOT let this beast of a tumor take over my childs life.

Today as I watched Karl with Kody...oh man, it just broke my heart...here he is holding his son {a very BIG son weighing in at 90 lbs today!} so gently and rubbing his head saying "I love you so much Kody..your my best friend, you know that Buddy...we're gonna be OK...Daddy will make sure everything is OK"
And Kody just looked up at him and said "I know Dad...I love you Dude". Then our baby just drifted off to sleep in his arms like he has been doing for days now.

I need this little boy in my life forever..I won't let cancer win...I won't!! Without Kody there is no me...he is my life, my world, my everything.

Please keep those prayer chains coming.

I will update more just as soon as I find out anything at all...

Until then...we love you all...thank you for checking in on us today!! :0)

BTW...Incase you have been having problems getting on Kody's Bravenet GB...it was down for a while today.
I will put up Kody's old CB's guestbook tonight too.

All my love...

Kim

Monday, October 18, 2004 10:45 AM

~*~TUESDAY NIGHT~*~

Thank you so much for all the GB entries and the prayers that have been said around the world for one very cool Kody Bear!! :0)

I don't really have concrete news until tomorrow...here, let me start from the beginning today.

As his ped. wanted, I got him to our local hospital's E.R.
Right away Kody's nurse asked me why we were there and not Shands. I told her his ped. requested we get here quickly.....so, because they have to do something, by law, to treat him, they did another Cat Scan.
They also ran chest x-rays becasue they didn't think his broncitis was responding to the ammoxicillin.

They told us that the Scan showed his shunt was working {duh!} and that he needed a stronger antibiotic for the broncitis.
I asked them..."OK, but what can you tell me about his eye?" and they said "Nothing..only Shands can help you with that".

Soooo...we got home and I called Dr. Pincus' office again and spoke to his nurse prac/assistant, Leeann who asked me quite a few questions...she seemed real concerned and told us to have Kody there at 10 AM tomorow morning with the Cat Scan results on CD Rom that he had today.

About 15 minutes after that call...Georgette from Dr. Smith's {onc.} office called and she seemed real worried also. I told her that I had just gotten off the phone with Dr. P's office and we had an appointment set up for 10. She was real happy about that as she was calling to make sure that we were seen at either office ASAP because of the severity of the whole situation.

So, basically we know nothing until we see his neuro-surgeon tomorrow morning. :0(

Kody...as always is taking this all in stride in his usual "Kody Style".
He had the nurses at the hospital today laughing so hard by calling his hospital bracelets "bling...bling", answering all his personal and medical questions with 100 percent accuracy and taping a bloody eyeball gumball {thank you to the guys in radiology} to his face so that when his big sister, Karyelle saw him come back to his room after his scans...he could scare her by telling her his eye fell out and he taped it back on. Then he ate them!! :0)

He also "escaped security" {his words!} and snuck out to make a vending machine trip...
Like I said...he is a riot and a half!! :0)

He is however, getting very frustrated and agitiated because of the sudden vision loss and seeing double. His coorination is real bad. He has tripped, walked into walls and bumped his head more times then I can count today.

But..about 30 minutes ago he made me almost have a heart attack....we were spending some quiet time in his room after his shower..and he said "Mom, I want to play you a love song"..
"Sweet" I 'm thinking...
No wait, this is Kody we're talking about remember??!!
He turns on and BLASTS his Linkin' Park CD and starts HEAD BANGING!!!
Yeah...I freaked and that head banging stuff didn't fly well tonight!!
He, on the other hand..thought it was pretty funny, not to mention pretty cool.
Man that kid can age me 10 years in 10 seconds!!

Thank you so much again for the outpouring of love that we have seen on Kody's site tonight.

Thank you Karyelle for hanging out with me today and watching Kody while I was at running errands and getting Kolin instead of going to see the President like you had planned for so long.

Thank you Kayara for jumping in, forgetting about work and making sure Kolin has someone to care for him after school tomorrow.

BIG Thank you's to Lyn and Justin for making Kody's day so happy yesterday when he got his pacakge of skater stickers and his "Fairmans" t-shirt!!
Fairman's is a skate shop in West Chester, PA where Kody's idol, Bam Margera shops at.

Please, if you could keep those prayers coming...we would just love the stuffins out of you all for it!!

I'll update tomorrow just as soon as I can...

Love,
Kim

**************************************************

~*~VERY URGENT PRAYERS NEEDED FOR KODY BEAR~*~

~*~TUESDAY MORNING~*~

Please..Please...Please keep Kody in your prayers today. :0(

Yesterday at school he called home twice complaining of headaches.
The nurse medicated him and he called back a third time to tell me he was seeing blurry.
The whole situation was very much downplayed and I had him go back to class...{Kody is notorious for making things up so he can come home}.

What I didn't know and what nobody told me was that he had been stumbling around most of the day..tripping, walking into walls.
And the worst part...his right eye was drooping badly.
After school, when I saw him is whan I got a good look at him and was shocked.....his whole right side of his face looked horrible.

If you all remember, his Onc. told us in July to watch for signs of facial drooping...that will tell us things are changing and not for the good.
It seems to be happening.

I called his Onc and left a message. I called the neuro-surgeons and left a message.
I called his ped. and he wants him seen in the E.R. right away....so, that is where we are headed right now.

I am not ready for this...it is happening too fast. He was fine...just fine yesterday morning at his follow up at the ped's and now this.
What is going on??

I will update just as soon as I can but I am begging you all to please pray that he will be OK.

Love,
Kim

*****************************************************

~*~Good Morning~*~

Our day started off pretty early today..Kody had to be back at the Dr's for a follow up at 8 this morning.
It went well...YEAH!!
His headaches are subsiding...he had two over the weekend but wouldn't take anything for them, preferring to lay down in a dark, quiet room with a cold pack.
Yesterday was the first day he really wanted to get up and play outside..it was a beautiful day too so that was great..fresh air and play makes for a real tired kid by the end of the day!!

Now...yesterday his balance was really way off, he tried to skate but took a hard fall on his elbow. That was it for skating yesterday. He actually preferred to just sit outside and hang out anyway.

Oh...He did try a game of baseball with Kaysha and Kolin {his running to the bases was soooo choppy} and a couple games of "red light green light" but...well, balancing again was tough so that didn't work out well. But...not wanting him to feel bad by going back to the beginning of the "red light green light" line...we all overlooked any wobbling he did and he won a game or two. :0)

Anyway....except for continuing the albuterol breathing treatments for his broncitis that is just starting to break up and the ammoxicillin which he needs a whole 10 days of...he is looking and feeling a million times better. His color is there again, his smile and most of all...his bratiness!! :0)

He is back in school as of 9 o'clock this morning...and I'll tell you, after spending over a week inside he couldn't wait to go back!!

Do you all remember last year when Kody painted a picture for the American Cancer Society's Cattle barrons Ball?
If you scroll down a bit you can still see the picture on this site. That picture was autioned off and was sold for over $500.00 towards cancer research.
Well....It's that time of year again and Kody's newest masterpiece is ready to be delivered to ACS tonight....hot off the press and previewed here on Kody's own web site you can see before anybody else, this years picture....

It's beautiful, isn't it??
OK....Let me take a minute to explain to you what he drew and his reasoning behind it.

The Cross and yellow ribbon represent God and childhood cancer.
The rainbow divides Heaven and Earth. Anything as beautiful as a rainbow could only be painted by God and his helper Angels. It tells us that they are always with us.
The Angel with the pink dress and purple wings you see is Kody's sweet and very much missed, Angel Ashley.
The word "HOPE" is on Earth and that is Kody standing on top of it waving to Angel Ashley.
"HOPE", of course tells us that there is always "HOPE" that a cure will be found for all of our beautiful children and Kody standing on top of it and not at the bottom is a great reflection, in Kody's eyes, that he WILL beat the cancer monster.

I am so proud of Kody..everything he does, when he puts his mind to it...always comes out so precious and with such deep meaning. :0)

I put two new pictures up on the photo page today.....they are at the bottom.

OK all...I better get going...lots of catching up and cleaning up to do from the weekend plus the coffee pot is calling my name!! :0)

Love you all.....

Kim

Saturday, October 16, 2004 2:00 PM

~*~SATURDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~

SIGH....Our Bear has been struck with another headache tonight. :0(
Maybe he just took on a little too much activity today...I sure do hope so.
In any case, he's been put to bed and hopefully the breathing treatment Dad gave him tonight will take that cough away so that he can rest.

You know..I had forgotten when I updated this afternoon that I had a question in Kody's GB about the kids middle names....
Well..here goes...

Karyelle Ann...{pronounced CAR-E-L....rhymes with Ariel from "The Little Mermaid"}
She got her name as a sort of "spin" on Karl's name. You see, Karyelle was the first girl born into the Kruppenbacher family in 175 and though most Dad's want a son first, Karl prayed everyday that he would have a girl, he wanted a daughter so bad.
Ann is my middle name so she got a little from the both of us.

Kayara Rose..{pronounced KAY-R-RA}
One night, while pregnant I had a very vivid dream that the baby was a girl and I named her Kayara. For some reason I even got up during the night and wrote her name down...exactly like you see it. Sure enough, a month or so later...Kayara was born.
Rose is the name Karl picked out in honor of his Mom.

Kyle James...
While pregnant with Kyle...I REALLY wanted to name him Damian...Karl wouldn't have it. Karl wanted to name him Wolfgang...I wouldn't have it.
Then Karl and I realized this would be our last baby {HA!} and we wouldn't want him to feel left out with the "K" names so Kyle it became, after Kyle Petty the race car driver.
James is in honor and memory of my little brother who passed away 36 years ago at the age of six.
To this day Kyle really wishes we would have stuck with Wolfgang...he swears it's the coolest name in the world. :0)

Kaysha Nicole...{pronouned just like it's spelled KAY-SHA}
Kaysha was a name I fiddled with and thought I was being so original..turns out I wasn't..there are alot more "Kaysha's" out there then I ever thought.
After I had thought of the name I called my sister, Vikki and asked her to spell it for me...and that's how Kaysha came to be.
Nicole...No reason whatsoever except I really loved the name. If she would have been a boy, her middle name would have been Nicolas.

Kody Jacob....
Quickly running out of "K" names we had to resort to using "C" names and converting them. :0)
Karyelle actually came up with the name Kody right in the beginning. At first I didn't like it because of the whole "Katie Lee/Cody" thing but after a while I ralized I loved the name, I started callinghim by it. So, Kody became Kody long before he was born.
Jacob is in honor and memory of my maternal grandfather who passed away when Kody was 5 months old. I can still remember him holding Kody in the hospital and calling him "Cowboy Kody".
By the way....Karl wanted to name this one Wolfgang too!

Kolin Ross...
Kolin's name is pronounced with a short "O".
"K" names that weren't already taken by other family members and people we didn't like were getting very, very rare once again. And so we went back to "C" names.
Would you believe we actually almost called him "Kwits"??!! {That's Quits with a "K"} :0)
Yeah...he was DEFINETLY our LAST!!
Anyway...not coming up with any names and being kind of preoccupied by raising five others at this point..we almost forgot to name him. {Don't laugh, it could happen}
Nothing we could come up with worked. Finally one day when Karl was in the shower, about 2 weeks from giving birth, I was watching TV and there was the the man we had always wished would become President, Colin Powell.
I loved it and ran into the bathroom and said "Hey...How about Colin with a "K" To which Karl yelled out "Yeah..thats fine...what happened to all the hot water??!!"
Ross is in honor and memory of my father. His name was Richard Ross...but loving anything unique, I opted for "Ross" which I think is a totally cool name.
I have to tell you all though....I sometimes wonder if we should have called this one "Little Karl" because this is a kid who completely attaches himself to his Daddy the second he comes home from work everyday.
Oh and by the way...Karl wanted to call this one Wolfgang too!! :0)

Well guys and gals..that about does it for the names in our home.

I'm gonna hop off here tonight, watch my Yankee's kick some baseball butt {I hope because Karyelle's watching it now and she doesn't sound very happy} and then go in and give my lil' Wolfgang #2 a kiss on his throbbing forehead.

Thanks for stopping by tonight and don't forget..the picture page has been updated...ENJOY!!!!!

Have a BOO-tiful weekend...

Love,
Kim

******************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Just a quick one for now...

Kody woke up feeling better, not 100 percent just yet but better then he has been in a week. :0)

So...we took this opportunity and this beautiful blue sky, sunshiney day to hit the Pumpkin Patch.
We had a GREAT time...it sure does feel good to be out and about and having some fun in the sun.

I've posted some pictures...ENJOY!!

Our Bear was even feeling good enough to go Halloween outfit shopping this morning....LOL....he is gonna be hysterical, but...you'll all just have to wait and see!
He's had this planned for a long time and believe it or not, he's not scary or gorey this year...
Much to my disappointment, of course!! :0(
Oh well, what can you do...kids, they have a mind of their own!

I'm outta here for now....lots of things to catch up on today and I have a ton of CB kids that I defintely need to catch up on. :0)

Catch you all later....

Love,
Kim

Thursday, October 14, 2004 3:50 PM

~*~FRIDAY...2:10 PM~*~

Hi Guys!

We're home....
And the news is GREAT!! :0)
After seeing Kody, Dr. Franks {Kody's ped.} arranged for him to have a Cat Scan. As luck would have it...a new place called "Lake Imaging" was opened 2 doors down from the Health center and they were willing to scan Kody right away.
The radiologist saw "small ventricles" and "No signs of any brain bleeds".

~*~Insert a BIG sigh of relief here~*~

So...What we are looking at is all viral and he just needs some more days of R&R in order to bounce back to the same old Kody Bear we all know and love.

Any signs of him getting worse over the weekend and he'll need to get to the E.R. right away...other then that Dr. Franks will see Kody Monday morning at 8 AM for a re-check. He won't be cleared to go back to school until he is deemed once again to be A-OK perfecto!

Thank you soooooooo much to everyone of you who prayed so hard for Kody Bear this morning!! :0)

I've added some pictures to the photo page...absolutely no "I don't feel well" pix today...just alot of Kody being Kody.
These are not new pictures and go back a couple of years so appropriatly I'm calling these "Oldies but Goodies".

Hopefully we'll get to that Pumpkin Patch after all this weekend and get some nice "Fall" themed pix...LOL..even with palm trees in the background!! :0)

Have a beautiful weekend everyone.....

Love, Kim

********************************************************

~*~FRIDAY MORNING.....9:55 AM~*~

Our Bear seems to be needing to do alot of hibernating today.
Sleeping...Sleeping all the time...this is so unlike Kody.
These damn {sorry!} stupid headaches just don't want to leave him alone.
I'm going to make this real quick because I really have to get him up and going so I can get him to his Dr. appointment this morning at 11:15.
Today is the first day, when I look at him...I am scared.
Please keep the Heavens flooded with "Bear Prayers"...he sure needs them.

In the mean time..I'm putting back up my favorite Skater Boy picture...I can't look at that sad face anymore.
I need, for myself, to see my Bear that way...not the way he looks today.
I think, if I can get 10 minutes, I'll put some old but favorite pix on the picture page too..at least until I can swap them out with some new ones.

I'll update later on...

~Kim~

**********************************************************

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Sorry to keep you all waiting without an update yesterday...but, look on the bright side...I'm here today!! :0)

Yesterday's neuro-psych testing went fairly well...by the time he was done being tested though, Kody came out looking bad...real bad. His head hurt and his skin felt real warm.
We got him in the car and he slept the whole way home. :0(

We should have a written report on the testing in about another week or so. We can do one of three things then...try to read and decifer it all ourselves...make an appointment to return and have the results explained to us or arrange a telephone conference call.
They explained to us that there will be a "recommendation" section...even if medication is recommended...they do not write out script's...
Which is fine by us because in turn, we will make an appointment with Dr. Smith {onc.} and discuss her views about the situation and see if she feels if stimulants would or could effect Kody's tumor into growing.
If so...then I guess we have a very, very long road ahead of us as far as making sure he gets the best education and resources possible.

Kody thought he could make it through a whole day of school today {even though he woke up with another headache}...and he tried, he really did but by late morning he was calling home asking for me to bring him some Motrin and by 1:30 he was home for the day....another headache just did him in.
Poor kid...he came home, stumbled to his bed and crashed.
All I wanted to do was stand there and cry...I mean how much more of this crazy non-normal life does he/we have to go through anyway?

Tomorrow morning is Kody's re-check at the ped's. If The Bear doesn't see his way into a quicky recovery...I am not looking forward to what tomorrow will bring. :0(

As for me? I'm getting better..a little at a time, I think maybe stress is just pulling down whatever chance I keep getting at getting better fast. Mentally and physically I am drained.
But...Gotta keep swimming, right?

I should be posting some new pictures soon...and I know "Cheezey" will be happy about that..LOL...you wouldn't believe how I had to bribe her to let me snap that picture!! :0)

This weekend, if all goes well....Kody is home and feeling fine and we can escape for an hour I'm bringing the kids to the "Great Pumpkin Patch" in Fruitland Park.
Lots of beautiful Fall colors....lots of pumpkins...lots of smiles...lots and lots of photo op's. :0)
It should be alot of fun!!

So..any guesses as to what Kody wants to be for Halloween this year?
Well...I can tell you that Kolin will be "Raphael" the red Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Kaysha will be herself...except she'll be herself all the way in The Big Apple!!
Yeppers...she has been doing sooooooooo good in school and trying to be soooooo good sharing a room with Karyelle that Karyelle has decided to treat the both of them to 4 days in New York!!
So...watch out because two "K" sisters are coming to take over Aunt Vikki and Uncle Kenny's home's in about two weeks!!

Now then...back to Kody's outfit...sorry, it's a secret...you'll just have to guess and wait!! LOL!!!!!!
Keep watching for our annual "haunted house" here real soon.

Well..I better get off of here for a while, you know those sad eyes Kody Bear has sometimes? Well, they are looking right at me right now.

Thank you all for stopping by....We Love You All!!!!!

~Kim~

Monday, October 11, 2004 9:30 AM

~*~TUESDAY NIGHT~*~

Hello again!
I just got home from LRMC Urgent Care...guess what??
Mom has got broncitis too!! :0)
Seriously...at around 4:30 - 5 o'clock today I honestly couldn't take it anymore.
So....Thanks Dad for coming home and holding down the fort...Thanks Karyelle for finding me and hanging out with me, it was fun...well as fun as it could be anyway!
OK...I just wanted to check in, I'm medicated, tired and ready for bed.
Till tomorrow....
Sleep Tight!!

~Kim~

*************************************************************

~*~TUESDAY AFTERNOON.....2:10 PM~*~

Finally, we're home!!
Kody has got an infected gland in his throat and broncitis.
He's medicated with antibiotics...let's hope this does the trick. His Dr. wants to see him back on Friday for a recheck whether he is feeling better or not. If he isn't getting any better then we'll have no choice but to admit him.
Right now he's laying on the couch...tired...headachey...backachey...but watching one of his favorite shows.."Punked".

His Dr. mentioned to me that Kody needs...and he stressed "Needs" to have the flu shot this year.
Unfortunetly since there was a huge recall on flu shots...there is none available at the health center.
My only choice is stand on line with him at Publix or Walgreens for about 4 to 6 hours and pray they don't run out.
Seems Florida is only getting 15,000 shots statewide.
SIGH...That is NOT enough. :0(
Is it just me or shouldn't they have "special needs people" take the shot first?

I see alot of Kody's fans have warmly welcomed Calvin into the Caring Bridge family and I thank you for that so much!!

As a Mom who's been there..done that...there is nothing in the world quite like being welcomed into this huge and most loving family.

Tomorrow we have to be at Shands at 9:30 AM for Kody's final neuro-psych. testing.
As much as I wish I could, I cannot cancel this appointment. Because of the storms this past month we've cancelled three..so tomorrow has to be a go.
Man, I wish that place was closer..it was everything I had today to get him the his local Dr.
Driving with a fever and when your head is totally 'clogged' just isn't fun. :0(
But...ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

And right now guys....
I GOTTA BE CHEERING MY YANKEES ON!!! :0)

GO YANKEES....GO YANKEES!!!!!

HEH...HEH...HEH....Talk to you all later!! :0)

Love,
Kim

******************************************************

~*~TUESDAY MORNING~*~

Wheezey {Kolin} and Cheezey {Kaysha} are back in school....not exactly willingly so we'll see how long they stay.
Sneezey {Kody} is still home with fevers that spike with a headache and then go away and then come back and then go away...it's the craziest thing I've ever seen.
So...He has a Dr's appointment set up here by home at 10:30 this morning.
I'll let you all know what's up with him as soon as we get back.

As for myself...well, all I can say on being 42 and having the flu is....

Later Gator!!

~Kim~

*************************************************
~*~Hello Everyone~*~

What a weekend...Oh Lord....what a weekend!

For the past 3 days we've had three sick kids, toss in one sick Mom and as of this morning minus one Daddy who is thinking he is not cut out for the housewife/Mom/nurse job he took on most of the weekend....he took off for work where whatever he does there today HAS to be better then being moaned on, coughed on and defiently better then being barfed on. LOL...Actually he left early...and he looked happy to go....I'm feeling a little slighted here, you know?

Tylenol and Motrin have been flying off the counter....and cough medicine is like gold here.
Food is gross....hot tea is great...temp's are on the rise....hot flashes...cold flashes...headaches...bodyaches...
Hey...isn't this where Florence Nightingale/Mary Poppins/Mrs. Doubtfire should be floating through my front door? :0)

You know...some people say the hurricanes are bringing viruses and such from other countries...last week I wouldn't have believed it but this week....true..very, very true! :0)

Anyway.....now you all know where we've been around here and this is why this will be my shortest update yet. HA...OK, you can stop clapping now. :0(

How many of you have enough room in your hearts to welcome a new member to our Caring Bridge family?
GREAT...that's exactly what I was hoping for!! :0)
Kody Bear and I would like to introduce our newest friend, Calvin.
Calvin was diagnosed with a brain tumor just this past June. He has gone through radiation treatments and is currently doing chemo. Calvin is definetly "Kickin' Cancers Butt" and we would love it if all Kody's fans would drop by his brand new site to say "Hi" and please, please send a whole lotta prayers Calvin's way.
BTW....How could you look into those big brown eyes and not melt?? I think Kody Bear's going to have some competition with the girls!! :0)

I'm going to leave this next part up as a friendly reminder to pop a birthday card for our buddy, Connor, in the mail.

~*~SATURDAY MORNING OCT. 9th~*~

Alot of you may have already heard that our sweet Buddy, Connor's scan results came back very bad.
Connor is now on hospice. :0(
I cannot even begin to imagine having to hear the news Rhonda and Eddie heard, let alone arrange a meeting with hospice for your only child. {Gosh, any child!}
Please continue to pray for this beautiful family, especially for Connor..the most bravest boy we have ever met.

Many of you may have heard about this...but for all of you who haven't, our Sweet Texas Rose, Cheyenne has started a "birthday card campaign" for Connor, as his birthday is at the end of the month.
Please...won't you send Connor some birthday wishes? Let's flood his mailbox with cheer as we flood the Heavens with prayer.

You can find Connor's mailing address on his website.
CONNOR

Thank you so much!!

OK guys and gals...I'm outta here...love you all!!!

~Kim~

Friday, October 8, 2004 10:30 PM

~*~SATURDAY EARLY AFTERNOON~*~

Looks like I spoke too soon....a little while ago a very icky looking Bear came up to me and said "I really don't feel well".
Looks like 102 degrees is going to be with us for a little while longer. :0(
Oh...and Kolin.....don't let out this little secret, but he just wanted a little attention and TLC this morning...seems he is fine and playing with his big bin of army men. :0)
Crazy kid even had me fooled. LOL!!

Right now Kody is in Karl and my bed with his Bam and trying to get some sleep...his head is pounding.

I put a few new pictures up a few minutes ago if you all want a look see...enjoy!!

Better go and cuddle with the Bear, he really needs it today. :0(

Love,
~Kim~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~SATURDAY MORNING PART 2~*~

This morning as I sat here pouring over Connor's photo page, Kody, who was over my shoulder asked me why I was so sad.
I told him the news and he said "Mom, don't cry...miracles can happen and you got to have HOPE" :0)
Have I ever mentioned how much I love that word, Hope??

BTW..I totally forgot to update on Kody...
Whatever crud/bug was in him last night has found it's way back out....he says he feels great and he definetly looks great today.
**SIGH**
Wish I could say the same for Kolin. :0)
Funny thing is when Kolin woke up feeling the same way Kody did last night I was soooooooooo happy!!
Yes, happy...I know, that is so crazy but when you are tossing and turning all night long worrying about the 'what if's'....
a simple thing like a brought home from school virus is the best thing that could ever happen.

So...with that, let me jump off of here and toss around somemore bubble gum flavored Motrin. :0)

~Kim~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

~*~SATURDAY MORNING~*~

Alot of you may have already heard that our sweet Buddy, Connor's scan results came back very bad.
Connor is now on hospice. :0(
I cannot even begin to imagine having to hear the news Rhonda and Eddie heard, let alone arrange a meeting with hospice for your only child. {Gosh, any child!}
Please continue to pray for this beautiful family, especially for Connor..the most bravest boy we have ever met.

Many of you may have heard about this...but for all of you who haven't, our Sweet Texas Rose, Cheyenne has started a "birthday card campaign" for Connor, as his birthday is at the end of the month.
Please...won't you send Connor some birthday wishes? Let's flood his mailbox with cheer as we flood the Heavens with prayer.

You can find Connor's mailing address on his website.
CONNOR

Thank you so much!!

~Kim~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

This evening Kody started complaining of a headache....soon after that he started running a fever. :0(
SIGH...when he went to bed around 9 tonight, his fever was up to 102 degrees.
I'm not in a total panic situation just yet....we'll wait a few hours or maybe into the morning and see if he needs a hospital trip.
Please...Please...Please pray that the Motrin kicks in so that the fever breaks and stays away, also that his headache subsides right along with the fever.

Thank you BullDawg for those cool posters Kody got today.....guess which one he liked best?
I'll give you a hint....it was not the truck!! :0) Seriously though, he really loved both of them and as soon as I can snap a picture I'll hang them right up in his room. I think he mentioned something about wanting the cheerleaders on his ceiling so it's the last thing he see's and the first thing he see's. LOL!!!
Man, I remember when I used to be the one he wanted to see first and last.....he is growing up too fast!! :0)

Not much else new here today....the kids just hung out and played all day, the weather was beautiful so every kid from everywhere popped out of the woodwork and ended up at our house today.
Unfortunetly, there seems to be another storm brewing out there who goes by the name of "Matthew".
Matthew, Dude....Stay Away!! Your friends Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne were not welcome guests and you won't be either.

Well guys and gals...I am exhausted tonight...long day and Kody's fever & headache has got me even more stressed out tonight. :0(

Thank you all so much for stopping by...have you noticed Kody's counter has gone way past 250,000 already? Can you believe it.....it just seems not long ago when we were at 1000 and I thought that was so cool.
Then at 10,000 hits we celebrated big time......now 250,000... that is so awesome...thank you so much to all of you who have made all those hits and all the prayers that came along with all those hits possible.

Have a beautiful weekend...Love you all...

~Kim~

Thursday, October 7, 2004 11:37 AM

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY~*~

***************************************

~*~THURSDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE~*~

Thank you Uncle Bulldawg for the cool "Bulldawg" t-shirts!!
This was such a great surprise to come home to after school today....Mom left the packages in the car and Kolin and I were tearing them open and putting them on as we drove home. :0)

Love, Kody Bear

********************

***Bulldawg...I have a very good feeling I won't be able to tear these t-shirts off of them all weekend. HA!!!***
~Kim~

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Sorry to keep you all waiting...Kody is MUCH BETTER!!!
I have a feeling it was just a bad case of his head falling down flat at night and his shunt not working properly.
Hopefully, I can find somebody, somewhere with a hospital type bed they would donate or or sell for extremely cheap.

This coming up Wednesday at 9:30 AM Kody will finish up his neuro-psych testing at Shands and approx. 2 weeks from then we'll get the results. I absolutly cannot wait....it has been real rough again trying to get him to memorize spelling and vocab. words, and don't even get me started with math. He has been kicking butt with Science though, he loves anything that can be "hands on" taught.

Ok guys and gals.the laundry is not going to get done by itself so I better jump off here for now. I'll update better later on tonight. :0)

Oh, BTW....the interview at Wal-Mart portrait studio never happened...they seemed very annoyed that I had Kody home sick with his headache the day that they called and couldn't jump and drive an hour each way for an interview.
Yes...I am upset and pretty blue about the whole thing but you know what...I couldn't have commited to 10 to 7 every single day anyway. We only have one vehicle, Kody & Kolin were starting to panic not having Mom at the end of the school day and weekends and we are so commited to all sitting down each night and having dinner together like a family...that was a worry. Plus...combine that with the promise that Karyelle would have to cook for them....HA.....didn't go over well. That is until she told them she'd call for pizza every night! :0)

I've decided to fill out Wally World's computer application and just take anything that will allow me to work while the kids are in school. Hopefully the photo lab.....or second choice...TOYS!!! Now that would be too much like fun!! :0)

Until then.....Just keep swimming....

Please if you all would say a prayer for our second oldest daughter, Kayara {Alona's Mommy}.
Without getting into too much detail until I ask her...she has been having alot of female medical problems for quite some time now. They are getting alot worse and the pain is severe.
Her gyn. has told her that he can no longer do anything to help her and he has sent her to Shands {Kody's hopsital}. It is at the point of being very serious.
She goes on October 18th and I'll be taking her.
Just so you all know...and I know I haven't mentioned this yet, but Kayara is also going through a divorce. She is commited to making it on her own, working way too many hours and sharing the responsibilty of raising Alona.
I see what she goes through everyday and it is breaking my heart...it really is.
But...like her little brother, Kayara is a strong breed...it's in her blood!! God will see her {and all of us with her} through this...we have to believe and have HOPE. {I love that word!!}

Love you all...Have a BEAUTIFUL day today!!

~Kim~

Sunday, October 3, 2004 10:00 PM

~*~TUESDAY MORNING UPDATE~*~

Today Kody woke up with a headache/monsterache that was pretty bad...it seemed the worst one he's had in a long while.
So......he's been hibernating today, medicated and feeling tired and wanting to sleep it off.
He was up for a while so we could get Dad and Kayara to work and started complaining of a sore throat....
I'm now wondering if maybe he is getting the onset of Kolin's strep that he had a week and a half ago.
SIGH....I seriously hope not because when the fever goes up...and the oral antibiotics do nothing...we get a mini vacation at Shands 4th floor.
Antibiotic cocktails and R&R for the Bear and lots of strong coffee and sleepless nights for Mom. :0)

And...if luck couldn't get worse, this morning, I finally recieved a phone call from Wal-Mart Portrait Studio to come in for my interview today. :0(

Just keep swimming...Just keep swimming......

~Kim~

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~*~MONDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~

First and foremost I would like to ask everybody who is checking on Kody today to please go over to Jophie's page and say a prayer for this sweet little boy.
After seven long weeks fighting for his life in the hospital...Jophie came home for only three days and sadly, is back in the hospital today.
Jophie is fighting so hard and Mom, Trina, is right there with his 24/7 although leaving her other special needs child, Jamie, is so difficult and so heartbreaking.
This whole family could use lots and lots of prayer.

Kody's appointment with his pediatric eye dr. could not have gone better!!
His eyesight is a perfect 20/20 in both eyes....no signs of swelling on or near the optic nerves and both his eyes are still lined up perfect!! :0)
Needless to say...it was another day of miracles and blessings for us and we thank you all as we could not have come back here tonight with such great news if it weren't for the outpouring of love and prayers Kody get's from all that love him so dearly.

At one point today, there were three Dr's all in Kody's exam room...every one of them totally and completely amazed at this child.
His eye Dr., whom he has seen exclusively for almost three years intruduced Kody to another Dr. as "Kody, who had a brain tumor"...LOL...When we corrected him by saying "HAS...not HAD a brain tumor"...Dr. Levine said "Oh...that's right, you know it's so hard thinking there is anything wrong with him because he always looks so healthy!"
The other two Dr's...well they just shook their heads in amazement at Kody Bear. :0)

~*~What do you think, a future eye doc maybe??~*~

We won't have to go back to have his eyes checked again till April!! YEAH!!

Now...We just have to get through his final neuro-psych. testing and God willing, no problems popping up, we'll be good to go for six whole months.

I know life holds no guarantees and things can change faster then you can blink an eye...but my heart says Kody is going to be with us for a long, long, long while.
Hearts always win, don't they?

Have a great night everyone...Love you all...

Love,

~Kim~

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~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TONIGHT~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Did you all happen to see "Extreme Home Makeover" tonight? All I can say is WOW...WOW...WOW!!! What a great show....what great families...I just LOVE that show so much!!

Today in the mail..OK, really yesterday in the mail {because we lost the mailbox key but thankfully found Bam and Lola playing with it!} Kody received the greatest package full of goodies sent from the sweetest and bravest boy ever...Ryan Brown.

Thank you soooooooo much Ryan...The gifts were perfect and kept Kody and Kolin busy for hours today blowing up balloons and scaring the heck out of Mom by popping them in her direction!! HA....Mom is so scared of balloons you wouldn't believe it!!

The best past of the whole package though was the special ribbon that was created in honor of Ryan and a reminder to us to pray for this beautiful little boy who sadly was diagnosed with a diffuse pontine glioma...and inoperable brainstem tumor.
Ryan...Sweetheart...We all love you so much....you are our "Special Hero" Buddy and yes, of course....you always have been and always will be in our prayers each and everyday. Thank you!!! :0)

Yesterday was alot of fun for the kids....Leesburg Cruisers held a car show at our local Wendy's and Kody somehow talked me into going last night. I am so glad I did because the kids had a great time....especially Kolin who, as you all know...loves things with engines!!
Kody, on the other hand...loves cars but looks at them from the outside. {paint jobs, spinners, etc...}
Guess we all know who is the mechanical one, huh?? :0)

Now Kaysha...she totally had a great time too...checking out BOYS!!! Sorry Dad, but the truth had to be told, you know??

Speaking of Kaysha...Kody has been giving her some skating lessons these days and I am proud to announce we have a new Sk8er Girl in our house.....

Kody is very proud of his sister...as a matter of fact he is so proud he had this to say on the subject today...

"Teaching Kaysha to skate is pretty fun...of course, it takes alot of patience on my part but it's pretty cool". :0)

Today we decided since it was an absolute beautiful day...not a chance of rain or flying debris of any kind we took a very well needed day off and hung out at Kaysha's school for a while so the boys {that includes Karl too} could fly their RC airplanes and ride their boards {that includes Karl too!}.

~*~See Photos~*~

They all had a great time...Kaysha stayed with Karyelle helping her unpack and officially move back in..they are bunking together, this ought to be fun!!

Anyway......Yeppers, they all had a great time...Kody was balancing perfectly...Kolin was a total clown....and Karl....Weeeeelllllll...Let's just say at one point Kody said "Hey Dad...wanna try my board?" and Dad said "No Kody..not right now"...Then Mom said "He can't do it....snicker"
Then...well, I bet you can all guess what happened next....
Dad rode a skateboard...Yes he sure did...downhill too!!!
Now mind you.....Dad hasn't been on a skateboard in twenty plus years and the last time he rode one I think they were made out of plywood and roller skate wheels!!
But...I am happy to say, HE DID IT and he even managed to jump off before he had to bounce and roll.

YOU ROCK DADDY'O!!!!!! :0)

You know, I had some heavy duty thinking to do today and I thought I'd share some thoughts with you all....

Quite a few people have asked me if I consider myself "lucky". Lucky because Kody is doing so well, despite the odds that were given against him right from day one of d-day {diagnoses day}.

Well....a couple of years ago I would have never thought we were "lucky"...as a matter of fact, you could say we were the most "unlucky" people in the world.

As any parent who is faced with tragic news regarding their child...when that day comes, when that hour/minute comes when you are being told the worst possible news you will ever receive...when your world crumbles around you and you feel like you can't breathe, like you are drowning...you feel and you think that you are the only one in the world who is going through this. The word "lucky" is the furthest thing in the world.

Lucky is winning the lottery....finding a ten dollar bill in the laundry...catching every green light on a day your running late...getting the last container of Chunky Monkey ice cream.

No....I don't feel lucky at all...in fact, what I feel is "Blessed".

Yes...blessed, because with that horrible news we received on Jan. 8. 2002 came with it a brand new appreciation of life.
I became a better mother, Karl a better father. Together we became closer, stronger, more in love, better able to handle whatever life throws at us.
Our children became better siblings...they grew up quickly and were able to take on responsibilities most adults would crash from stress taking on.
We all learned that life is too short to sweat the small stuff....memories are what life is made of...making them is our job...our legacy.

Kody has taught us about bravery and about strength. He taught us how to laugh and that it's OK to sometimes cry. He taught us that a "Bear Hug" is a quick cure all for a down day....

With everyday that Kody wakes up in the morning, jumps out of bed and says "I Love You" to all of us....with everyday that he can get up and play hard with his brothers and sisters...with everyday that he amazes us with his beauty and his silly way of getting out of his mischevious trouble making ways with the way he can raise his eyebrow...with everyday that his smile brightens up the darkest of days...

We have found a new family on Caring Bridge...friends that keep our spirits uplifted everyday. We laugh with you and you laugh with us...we cry with you and you cry for us...we grieve with you and we rejoice with you. How many people in the world can say they have friends from all over the world...friends we wouldn't give up for anything in the world {short of a cure for all of our children!}

We are indeed blessed.

Alrighty....it's that time of night where I need to seriously get some sleep...or beat Karl's Zuma score...or watch some TV...or read todays paper....or heck, maybe I'll just throw caution to the wind and roll the ole' man over and have us a snorefeast like only old married couples can. :0)

Take care everyone.....Thank you A Zillion times for coming back to check on us....for praying for our son...for being our friends!!

Oh...By the way....

By popular demand...I have included lots of Kody skating pictures on his photopage tonight.
A few weeks ago when I got curious about favorite pictures....skating won hands down and so tonight we've got all the skating photos you all can handle!! :0)

Love you all...

~Kim~

Friday, October 1, 2004 2:10 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TONIGHT~*~

~*~FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~

First I'd like to announce that Kody's big sister, Karyelle, is officially moved and back HOME once again!!
Thank you Daddy for working like crazy today getting that moving truck and loading her up.
I know it's only temporary till the winter when she makes that big move back to N.Y. but, for now....it's just like old times again...YEAH!!
As I type this she and Kaysha had a hankering for McD's shakes and are out cruising the drive thru line. :0)

OK...as promised...a little story about Kolin.
Yesterday as he helped Karyelle unload her truck he spotted a wrench, nothing special, just a wrench but to Kolion this was a super cool, one of a kind prize find and he HAD to have that wrench.
Kolin, as you all know....loves his Daddy and wants to be just like him one day and has a facination for tools of any kind. He loves to fix things, any kind of things...things with engines, things made of wood, play-doh things....and yes, I do rent him out on the weekends!! :0)
Anyway...he stuck that wrench in his pocket and it never left his side. He even took it to bed with him last night {and tonight!}, slipped it into his backpack this morning so he wouldn't be without it at school and just like Spongebob has his "best friend Plank"...Kolin now has his "Best Friend Wrench".
Right now he is holding onto "wrench" and is sound asleep, smiling. :0)

Kody had a great day at school today....he completed 5 days worth of homework in 2 days {even with 2 hurricane days they still had to complete 5 days worth}...I mean he really worked so hard so he could partake in Fun Friday. He passed his spelling test with an 80 and I have to tell you...he was so proud of himself, his ego was lifted waaaayyyyyy high today!!

After school the three of them wanted to skate, well after a few dozen tries I really had to get Kody off the board..his balance was off badly and he took two pretty nasty falls which cut his leg all up.
Would you believe the daredevil gave me a hard time about quitting for the day? Yeah....His excuse was "But Mom...chicks like scars!!" LOL!!!

Well, my girls are back with the shakes and I've got a strawberry one sitting right here calling my name...this is gonna be soooooo good!!

Till tomorrow...have a beautiful night!!

Love, Kim

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

OK...I am completely, totally convinced, some people were made to fling dead tree branches like itchy, leafy, red ant covered missles and some people were meant to stand around , look pretty and hand out drinks.
Guess which one I am? :0(

See that picture on top? Is that the coolest t-shirt ever??
Let me tell you some about our friend, Matthew from New Jersey.
One year before Kody, almost to the day...Matthew was diagnosed with a diffuse pontine glioma...the worst possible childhood brain tumor. On the day that Matthew was diagnosed, his Mom, Andrea {one of my very first internet friends!!} gave birth to Matthew's baby sister....imagine in one day being told one child was dying as another was being born.

Matthew was given very slim odds of surviving at all....
This was taken from Matthew's site and in his Dad's {John Passarella} own words....

"On February 5, 2001 Matthew underwent a seven-hour surgery during which the neurosurgeon was able to safely remove over half of Matthew's tumor. A few days after surgery we were told the final pathology report revealed Matthew had the lowest grade tumor possible—a pilocytic astrocytoma. With tears in his eyes, the doctor told us Matthew could plan on celebrating many birthdays to come."

Yes...Matthew is every meaning of the word "miracle" and every year for the past two....his Mom and Dad celebrate Matthew's birthday with the most greatest and unselfish gift of all...
And so....one year ago this past September Matthews Miles Walk for a Brain Tumor Cure was born.

This year, despite downpouring rain and harsh winds compliments of hurricane jeanne....Matthew's Miles raised $19,000 towards Brain Tumor Research!!!!
Combined with last years total...Matthew has raised $39,000 in two years {that's two walks!!} for our beautiful children!!

Yesterday when Kody wore his shirt to school he proudly explained to everybody about his "Bud Matthew" and the meaning behind the shirt.
We are very, very proud and happy to tell you all that Matthew is Fruitland Park Elementary School's most biggest celebrity!!

WAY TO GO MATTHEW!!!
Dude....You and your beautiful family are so amazing...we are honored to call you our friends. We believe with all our hearts that God has some very special plans for you....you alone will be absolutely 100 percent responsible for many happy tears that other parents will shed because they will be told that through research and the money you raised for it...that their child will LIVE!! :0)

Everybody...Kody's family, friends and faithful fans...Please, will you go over and give Matthew a huge hand of applause...he sure does deserve it, don't you think??!! :0)

Matthew's Site

OK...I'm going to run for a bit...Kody and Kolin will be out of school soon and I am looking forward to some "Bear Hugs".

Tonight I'll be updating the picture page and I just have to tell you all the cutest story about Kolin and his "best friend wrench"!! LOL..You won't want to miss that one! :0)

Love you all....

~Kim~

Wednesday, September 29, 2004 10:45 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Thank you all so much for the B-Day wishes today!!
Being 25 again is alot of fun...a little more tiring but it was a heck of a lot of fun tonight! :0)

We had a houseful...after about 5 o'clock all the kids were here and Alona too...Kayara brought Josh and WOW...did our house get loud!!

Thank you sooooo much Kayara for helping Karyelle with moving boxes...Karyelle is back home!!!
She and Kyle plan on moving back to NY this winter so she's back home to save some $$ for her move.
I think Kyle will be backing up and coming home next. I hope so because Kody REALLY wants him too.

Thank you Josh and Kyle for helping Dad with that tree...you all worked your butts off tonight.

Thank you Kody, Kolin, Kaysha and Alona for all the homemade presents...Alona for the picture card, Kody for the chopper picture, Kolin for the 5 cents {so cute!!} and Kaysha for decorating the whole kitchen while everybody else slept last night.
Mommy/Gramma loves you all so much!! :0)

Right now, while I am updating....a show on TLC is on called "Eye of the Hurricane". Did any of you all see it? It's a very graphic look at hurricane ivan and others. What they show is exactly what a hurricane looks like. It's a pretty intense show and gives a perfect view of what Florida has seen over this past month or so.
Thank God hurricane season is over in eight weeks.....I'll tell you this, I'll be celebrating big time!

We weren't able to make Kody's appointment for his second neuro-psych. testing today....I'll be getting a call tomorrow as to when we can reschedule...hopefully we won't have to keep postponing...the testing won't be accurate if it isn't done soon.

We are still on for Monday's opthomologist appoinment. Look's like, so far, we can make that one. Fingers and toes crossed LOL!!

Before I go tonight...let me just say "Thank You" to one very important person...

Hey Baby...
Thanks for fixing the water hose thing, thanks for fixing the well pump today, thanks for the cappachino, thanks for fixing the washing machine, thanks for fixing the vacumn {again!}, thanks for making me laugh, thanks for working so hard in the yard, thanks for the dinnertime prayer, thanks for singing the loudest, thanks for the cookie when nobody else was looking, but most of all THANKS for lovin' me all day long!! :0)

Love...Your bestest friend for 24 years, 8 months, and 19 days...
"Berley"

BTW...I know it sounds bad but I don't usually break that many things in one day, it was just...well, one of those days today. :0(

OK guys...time for me to get some sleep.

Thank you all so much for stopping back and checking up on Kody Bear a/k/a "The Bear with the Awesome Hair" {shhhhh....don't tell him I told you that!!}

Love you all.....

~Kim~

Tuesday, September 28, 2004 11:50 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS TODAY~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WE ARE HOME!!!!!!!!!!

And....We have ELECTRIC AND CABLE!!!!!!!!!! :0) :0)

I've added some new photos tonight but I'll update tomorrow...I am so tired!!

Thank you for checking up on us and for the continuing prayers that saw us through once again.

I haven't been able to check on most of my kids because today just has been so busy packing and unpacking and cleaning....there is so much more to do.

I did find out today that Heaven has a new little angel...Beautiful Angel Jordan, who fought for almost his whole two years here on Earth...
Sweet Dreams Baby Boy....Your Caring Bridge Family misses you so much already.

Until tomorrow,

Love you all.....

~Kim~

Saturday, September 25, 2004 1:15 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS TODAY~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I just wanted to let you all know real quick that hurricane jeanne, it seems has decided that Leesburg would be a great place to visit tomorrow afternoon.

Unfortunelty for jeanne...she isn't a wecome guest here so while she may want to join us for lunch and dinner tomorrow...we won't be home to join her.
Look's like late tomorrow morning we'll be going to stay at Kayara's again....so as soon as I can I will make sure an update is posted.

jeanne is a serious gonna be Cat. 4 storm....
frances, which hit us hard was estimated at 75 mph max winds...
jeanne is 105 - 115.

My feelings on this....Mother Nature has a serious PMS problem...she really should learn the joys of chocolate! :0)

And, speaking of PMS problems...I was in the Winn-Dixie stocking up {or attempting to anyway} and somebody tried to steal my TUNA!!!!!
HOW RUDE!!!!!!
No problem though.....HA...I took it back and in my cart that tuna stayed!
Nobody takes fish out of my family's face. :0)

Anywho...here's the lastest map I just grabbed of the internet a little while ago.

WFTV Weather Updates

When it comes down to the wire and I am able to call out for Chris and Vikki to help update...you can get to that update site by clicking below.

THE "K" FAMILY VERSUS JEANNE THE PMS QUEEN

OK...enough of the weather stuff...on to more happy news.

Is that the most cutest teddy bear you have ever seen up there on top?
Well that bear came all the way from Canada..Vancuver, Canada to be exact. Now, I don't know much about Canada...except of course that is is Banana Country, but I can bet that a "Skater Bear" from Canada that has "Ice" written on it's sweater instead of a bikini....well, it has got to be a bit.....ahhhh...chilly. No...wait, chilly is 70 degrees....OK, it gets downright freezin' cold up there!! :0)
Well...Our little Skater Bear comes from two of the most Cutie Pie lil' girls you ever want to lay your eyes on.

Chloe and Hannaka

Thank you sooooo much Chloe and Squeezy Cheeks Hannaka....Kody Bear LOVES his Skater Bear!!! You girls sure do know how to make a little boy happy!!

OK Guys....the packing isn't going to get done by itself...so let me run for now. I'm getting a few new pictures up today and I'll have some more up later that I took not long ago.

Oh..BTW....the last picture {if your looking at them this afternoon} is of Kolin, who has been a wheezing and coughing for a couple of days...Dad's got him on the nebulizer and that is a dinosaur mask he's got on. As cute as it was....it was just a tad too small so we had to switch to a regular hose kind of thing which had Karl and I laughing till it hurt when I sort of commented on how Kolin looked like "Cheech and Chong"!! Need I say more? :0)

OK....phones ringing, kids are starvin' and the packing need doing.

Later Gator!!

Love, Kim

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~*~FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~

This afternoon at about 2:30 I recieved the most greatest early birthday gift a Mom could ever hear....

Kody's MRI results from Wednesday reveal that his tumor is still STABLE!!!!

Thank you so, so , sooooooooo much for everyone who has set out to flood the Heavens with Kody Bear prayers this week....they were definelty heard!!

We are set to go back in six months...March 21 and at that appointment he'll have another MRI and see his neuro-oncologist, Dr. Smith.

As you can all imagine...there are hardly words to describe the joy in our home tonight!! :0)

These are his next upcoming appointments...

This Wednesday his second part of neuro-psych testing.

Monday, October 4th....an appointment with Dr. Levine, the neuro-opthomoligist. This is an appointment that Dr. Pincus requested to look at his optic nerves. It is still possible that he may have some swelling going on because of the shunt not working properly.
If you all remember...Kody's headaches stay away only if his head is propped up all night. Looking at his optic nerves will tell us exactly whats going on in there.

Welp...it looks like another hurricane is coming our way by late Saturday or early Sunday morning. SIGH....People in and around our town are just not happy campers...I mean everybody is literally on each others nerves, they are getting meaner and meaner by the minute. It's really sad..I mean how often do you hear of community's pitching in and coming together as one....unfortunetly....not here. And the worst part is after the storm..people get worse.
What's up with all this? Guess they never heard of the golden rule, huh? "Treat others as you want to be treated".
But then again...I guess who can blame people..we are only human and hurricane after hurricane...it really can wear you down. :0(
I would like to take this opportunity to "Thank" {NOT!!!!!} hurricane karl for giving hurricane jeanne a nice big push towards Florida.
HOW RUDE!!!!!!!!

Ok everyone...I better get this posted. I noticed Kody has has well over 1000 hits today...YEAH!!!!!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to check on, care for, love and pray for our baby..Kody Bear.

Love ya's!!!!

~Kim~

Friday, September 24, 2004 2:00 PM

~*~FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~

This afternoon at about 2:30 I recieved the most greatest early birthday gift a Mom could ever hear....

Kody's MRI results from Wednesday reveal that his tumor is still STABLE!!!!

Thank you so, so , sooooooooo much for everyone who has set out to flood the Heavens with Kody Bear prayers this week....they were definelty heard!!

We are set to go back in six months...March 21 and at that appointment he'll have another MRI and see his neuro-oncologist, Dr. Smith.

As you can all imagine...there are hardly words to describe the joy in our home tonight!! :0)

These are his next upcoming appointments...

This Wednesday his second part of neuro-psych testing.

Monday, October 4th....an appointment with Dr. Levine, the neuro-opthomoligist. This is an appointment that Dr. Pincus requested to look at his optic nerves. It is still possible that he may have some swelling going on because of the shunt not working properly.
If you all remember...Kody's headaches stay away only if his head is propped up all night. Looking at his optic nerves will tell us exactly whats going on in there.

Welp...it looks like another hurricane is coming our way by late Saturday or early Sunday morning. SIGH....People in and around our town are just not happy campers...I mean everybody is literally on each others nerves, they are getting meaner and meaner by the minute. It's really sad..I mean how often do you hear of community's pitching in and coming together as one....unfortunetly....not here. And the worst part is after the storm..people get worse.
What's up with all this? Guess they never heard of the golden rule, huh? "Treat others as you want to be treated".
But then again...I guess who can blame people..we are only human and hurricane after hurricane...it really can wear you down. :0(

I would like to take this opportunity to "Thank" {NOT!!!!!} hurricane karl for giving hurricane jeanne a nice big push towards Florida.
HOW RUDE!!!!!!!!

Ok everyone...I better get this posted. I noticed Kody has has well over 1000 hits today...YEAH!!!!!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to check on, care for, love and pray for our baby..Kody Bear.

Love ya's!!!!

~Kim~

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~*~NEW PHOTOS TODAY~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I am sooooo sorry to have keep you all worrying!!

So far we have no results...this waiting is killing me!!

Anyway, I called yesterday morning and yesterday afternoon....once already today and I should be calling again in about a half an hour.
Yesterday they said it was doubtful they were even read at all....I told them no way could I go all weekend without knowing and the said they understood...so we'll see. :0(

Now...I know that is not a good enough excuse for not updating but...well, see that cutie pie right on top with Kody? LOL.....She is the reason why I was very busy yesterday...I mean come on when that little stinker says "Come on Gramma...Let's go"...
This Gramma gets up and goes!!
Well...by 8:30 last night this Gramma who is no young chick anymore got up and went....right straight to bed!!
So...Thank you Alona Jane for making sure Gramma was pooped enough to get in a good night's sleep. Grammpa really appreciated it!! :0)

Other then that..I wish I had more news for you, I really, really hope by the end of today to be about to add a lil' update with some great news.

Oh...Speaking of great news...

Have you all heard the great news about Benjamin??
Well, let me tell you...if ever there was a true miracle child that could reduce you to happy tears with just one journal entry...you have got to check out what Benjamin's been up to lately.
Here's a little hint....
Benjamin has been kicked OFF Hospice!!!! Yes....you have read that right!!!! Please go over and applaude loudly this brave little man and his extraordinary family!!

OK..It's almost time for me to pack it up and get myself back over to the Elementary school to get on that pick up line...
Oh wait!! Speaking of Elementary School...the meeting with Kody's teacher went GREAT yesterday!!

Kody's homework is minimized so he won't be so easily frustated....10 spelling words instead of the full 20. Only doing the even numbered math sheet problems which cuts his work in half. Bringing his reading textbook home every night so either he could read it or I could read it to him..anything to keep refreshing his memory. He has got a problem with short term memory but could tell you exactly what happened 6 years ago in complete detail.
Last night Kody took out what was left in his folder of homework to do...did exactly what was expected and was sooooooooo proud of himself!!!

He told me he was so happy because he would be allowed to join in on "Fun Friday" at school. :0)
Seems that he was excluded because of not getting all his work done by Friday...which tore me up....I mean if I would have known about that I would have scheduled that meeting a very long time ago.

But I guess the bottom line is he is happy now and couldn't wait to get up and go to school today!! Which...I swear is a miracle in itself!! :0)

OK...I really better get going. I will update just as soon as I hear anything!!

Love you all.....

~Kim~

Wednesday, September 22, 2004 8:55 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TONIGHT~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Sorry to keep you all waiting tonight....I really wish I could give you the results of Kody's MRI tonight...but..SIGH...we don't have them yet. :0(

Let me explain...We had the MRI done this morning and then had a 2 hour break before we could see Dr. Pincus. We took Kody down the street to Shoney's for lunch and that's when my very good friend, Karrie...who was at my bank called me to say they were giving her a hard time depositing Karl's paycheck.
Can you believe it? Anyway, without his signature they wouldn't take it. And without his check in the bank today...well, I'd be playing basketball with some checks if you all know what I mean.
This is a bank we have used forever and they know us very well....heck I am there every week. And she was putting IN money, not taking out. Go figure???

Sooooo....we checked back in with Dr. Pincus who was already running behind schedule anyway, we couldn't stay another minute because of this stupid banking thing and we had to take off for home {70 miles away} to do the banking ourselves.

So, Dr. Pincus told us to call tomorrow for the results....hopefully we'll have them then.

You know...I have never, ever had to wait for Kody's MRI results so this is new territory to me. I absolutely feel for all those parents who have to wait because having the test is stressful enough...but the waiting is the worst, it really is.

Of all the things Kody has to go through.....seeing him in that MRI machine still tears me up everytime. It always reminds me of the very first one we had {when he was diagnosed} and I still remember seeing this huge loud machine and Kody's little workboot feet sticking out. He looked so small and so scared, still he never moved a muscle, even at the age of 6.
I guess it's just a sight no parent should ever have to see their child in.
Still...I have lots of faith that all those prayers that were given on behalf of Kody today were well heard and we WILL get the results that we crave so bad.

About the new picture on top.....
I snapped this photo right about halfway through his MRI. They stop halfway through to put the contrast into his vein. Kody knew I was there but his head is so snuggly wedged in there he really couldn't {and shouldn't!} move. He isn't asleep....actaully he was wide awake and listening to some tunes through a pair of earphones that not only protects his ears from the loud MRI noise...but it cranks out some music for him to listen to.
Next time..he's bringing his own CD because he told me it only played "Daddy's old school music!!" That would be "classic rock and roll" to you and me!! :0)

So....on to other news...

The manager at Shoney's restaurant remembered us coming in about a year ago..WOW...that was so cool!
And, the first thing he wanted to know was how Kody was doing. When there wasn't anything Kody wanted at the buffet bar for desert, right away the boy had a huge bowl of ice cream sitting right there in front of him.
But the best was yet to come...
Howard told us when we were ready to leave that there would be something waiting at the counter for Kody. And oh boy there was!! He gave Kody this awesome framed photo of hurricane frances covering the entire state of Florida and then some!!
This is certainly a keepsake as Kody can someday tell his own kids that he survived his first hurricane and her name was frances. Someday his kiddo's will be taking that picture into school for show and tell..I can see it coming!!

OK...I think that's about all for tonight. I am getting this done early tonight cuz I am headed to get some ZZZZZZ's very, very soon. :0)

Thank you for stopping by!!

Love you all.....

~Kim~

Tuesday, September 21, 2004 10:30 PM

~*~Kody's next MRI....September 22nd...9:30 AM~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Did you all see that very happy boy up top??

Well...those smiles today were brought to you by "BullDawg"...one of Kody's biggest, greatest and faithful fans!!

For a week or so now, Dad and I have known about a huge package coming in the mail for Kody....Kody knew too, but he had no idea how big and what was inside.
Well...this afternoon via UPS a 4 foot 8 inch by 2 foot box came in the mail!!

It was really supposed to be a surprise while Kody was in school...he did go to school today but by noon was home with a headache and feeling queasy. :0(
However...while he slept off his headache is when the package came.
BTW..sorry UPS Dude, but the next time a big sign on the front fence says "Beware of Dog"...you really should take it seriously!! :0) {Long story!!}
And...when Kody Bear woke up, he woke up to find a package almost as tall as he...and if you were all wondering...the measurments were exact because Kody being Kody couldn't help but take out Dad's tape measure and see for himself!!

I made him wait all day...I mean alllll day. First Kolin had to come home, then Kaysha, then we brought Kayara and Alona home...by that time Kody kept saying "Mom...isn't it time for Daddy to get home YET??!!"
Well....as soon as Dad was home...the phone already had BullDawg on it {Thank you Kolin for keeping BullDawg very amused with your stories!!} and Kody was ready to dig in.....
But...not too fast!!
First Dad had to handle the scissor part...Mom had to handle the camera part and BullDawg had to handle the being 750 plus miles away and hearing first hand on the phone part.

Well...the box was opened and packing peanuts were flying...bubble wrap was being torn and popped and torn and popped and in that box was a 4 foot replica of Kody's favorite NASCAR driver's car...Dale Earnhart Jr. {or as Kolin says "Dale Heart"}.
How cool is that??!!
Well...according to Kody Bear...."WAAAAYYYYYYY COOL DUDE!!!!!"

Thank you BullDawg for making Kody the happiest Bear in Florida today!! And...Thank you for making Kolin the happiest boy in Leesburg today as he played in that box and popped that bubble wrap for hours!! :0)

Tomorrow is the day...Kody's next MRI.
As always..we will go in cautiously optimistic...praying for the best but prepared for the worst.
In our hearts we truly believe that tomorrow's test will give us great results and we will be free and clear for the next six months when he'll have another and see his oncologist, Dr. Smith

Next Wednesday...the day I become 25 again {forever 25, right?} we'll be back at Shands for the second half of Kody's neuro-psych. testing..then back again a couple of weeks later to hear all the results.

This can't come too soon for us as Kody has been having such a terrible time keeping up with his peers in school. Homework time is really frustrating and it's getting worse and worse with each failing test.

I've set up and appointment with his teacher for 3:30 on Thursday...I really hope we can settle for once and for all that Kody really cannot keep up with the others and to expect him to do homework for hours every night where other kids it takes 20 - 30 minutes just isn't happening.
Last night after Kody's tears and my lack of patience...I had to give myself a "time-out". I went in and told Karl everything that was going on...had a good cry...took some deep cleansing breaths...sucked it up...brushed myself off and went back out to find Kody really tense and real upset.
I told him no more crying, no more being upset, I was going to talk to his teacher and we will settle this. I had him do 2 vocab. sentences instead of 6. 10 spelling words instead of 25. 6 math problems instead of 40 and a short book we read together {well, OK..I did the reading and he did the listening} instead of watching him struggle through a chapter book on his own.
When he was done....he went over to the computer...got an microsoft paint and typed in big beautiful blue letters "I Love You so much Mommy".

I thought I'd have to cry again..but instead I gave him a hug and told him "no worries...we will get through this together...you and I babe".
Then he gave me back a hug and said four words I'll never forget..."Your the best Mom". :0)

Well all....

It's about time for me to get some sleep, we are in for a long drive and a long day tomorrow.
Please...if you would flood the Heavens for Kody Bear prayers...anytime would be great...9:30 AM would be really, really great!!

Have a beautiful day.....

Love,

~Kim~

Sunday, September 19, 2004 2:30 PM

~*~Kody's next MRI....September 22nd...9:30 AM~*~

~*~Monday Night~*~

Really great day today!!

Kody received the most awesome ceramic Orange County Choppers gas tank bank!!
He was soooo excited when he opened that package and pulled that OCC bank out...all I heard was "WOW...WOW...WOW!!!!!!" ;0)
As you can see from the photo on top..he is one happy boy....
Thank you so much Mrs. Terry, "Angel Jalen's Am-Maw"
Kody loves you so much!! He really wanted to call you tonight but I misplaced your phone number. :0(
Please...Please e-mail me!!

I put some new pictures up tonight of most of us "K" Krew goofing around yesterday. Enjoy!!

Love,
Kim

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Bet your all wondering about all the new photos?? OK..maybe not all of you, maybe some of you are saying "Huh? What new photos?" Well, click away because after some heavy duty complaining from Dad about a serious lack of new pictures...I have updated the photo page.

We never made it out to the skatepark yesterday but instead had a fun couple of hours hanging out at a great place about a 7 minute drive from our home called "Venetian Gardens". There is so much beautiful scenery there, lots of wooden bridges to walk over, exotic birds, purty flowers and usually lots of gators floating around to see. Unfortunetly....we left a little to late in the morning and we didn't get to see any gators at all. :0(
Maybe next time!!
All was not lost though...I was able to capture a ton of great photos....it was so hard to decide which to put up, I mean I must have about 25 more, at least.

Afterwards, Kyle and Kayara came by while they were on their breaks from work. Both worked a double shift and it was pretty darn cool how their one hour breaks were both at the same time...and even cooler that Dad's day at work ended at the same time.
I took some pictures of us all just hanging out and having fun...but those I'll put up in a day or two when you all get bored of the newer ones. :0)

Now...how many of you think Kody is just too sweet and innocent??
NOT!!
Let me tell you a couple of Kody stories to prove my theory...

OK..first while at Venetain Gardens....

The cute "chasing the geese" picture.
Kaysha wasn't too keen on getting real close to the geese...on the other hand, Kody loved it. So, about 20 seconds after that picture was taken...Kody ran at full lightening speed towards two geese that were very close to Kaysha and they flew about one inch from her head making her let out a scream that was heard clear across Leesburg.
Which in turn made Kody laugh until he couldn't walk.

Story #2...Everybody that knows Kayara, knows she is petrified of lizards. Kody, on the other hand loves the little critters.
While outside having a chat with Kayara and myself, Kody catches a lizard and holds it a millameter next to her head. Well, at first she has no clue until she turned slightly and BAM...a lizard in her face.
Well, let's just say the scream Kayara let out was heard well into Orlando.
And Kody's laugh {and the rest of us too} made Kody almost have a little "wet pants accident" if you all know what I mean.

Unfortuntley I didn't capture any of this on film...I did however catch Kody with a lizard hanging from his earlobe. :0)

Last Wednesday was "Open House" at Kody and Kolin's Elementary school. They both did great...their teachers just love the stuffins' out of them!!
Now...this year Kolin has Mrs. Ritchen, who was Kody's first grade teacher and in our opinion one of the greatest teachers ever.
Mrs. Ritchen had told me a story that was just too good....

Seems, every morning without fail Kody walks Kolin right straight to his classroom, and every morning without fail Kody gives Kolin a peck on the cheek and a hug and says to him "OK Buddy...now remember to make good choices".
Every morning Kolin rolls his eyes and walks into the class before Kody turns around and leaves.
Well, this one morning in particular Kody didn't leave right away and instead choose to stick around to whisper in Mrs. Ritchen's ear....
"You know Mrs. Ritchen, sometimes the young ones just need a little reminding and encouragement to stay on the right track." :0)
Honestly....I really wonder if that was better coming out of Kolin's mouth...because if anything it really is the other way around!!
Mrs. Ritchen let me know that it took her about 20 minutes to stop laughing and compose herself that morning.

So...at church this morning...great news!!
Today was "Catacists Celebration Day" These great people who have hearts of gold and lots and lots of patience are our childrens CCD or Sunday school teachers. And today is their day!!
Right before Mass started one child and two teachers were choosen to walk up to the altar. The teachers were to be there in honor of all the teachers and the one child was choosen to lead them and carry the "gifts".
Guess who was the choosen one today?? Yeppers...Kody Bear himself!! And...as always our Mass was televised, so this was all caught on camera film.
I whispered to him when it was time..."Do a good job Baby" and off he went.
LOL...Well...I think somebody may have forgot {OK, I forgot} to tell him to "walk slow" and as soon as it was time...Kody took that basket of envelopes and made a mad dash down the isle leaving the two teachers wayyyyyyyyyy behind. :0)
You should have seen the look on his face {and Father Kent's} when he turned around expecting to see the two teachers next to him..and me without my camera.
It was kind of cute though I wonder if Mr. Lightening Legs will ever be choosen again. HA!!

After Mass and CCD we all came home and on the way...SIGH...Kody came down with another headache/monsterache. About 2 minutes after walking in the door he was sound asleep on the living room sofa for about 2 hours.
Happily.....he woke up not too long ago, feeling much better and is microwaving popcorn as I type.

Some of you have been wondering where your GB entries are? Well...they are there...well actually they are hanging in limbo for a little while.
Kody's GB is on a sort of lock down until the entries are previewed. I check them alot during the day so if you don't see yours right away, believe me by the next time you check, it will be there.

OK...it's that time again where one of my kids will be calling asking for a ride to work so I better rustle up some lunch for the younger ones so I can get out of here.

Remember if you will....Kody will be back at the hospital Wednesday for an MRI and an appointment with his neuro-surgeon. Please say a lil' prayer for him that all will stay stable and A-OK. Seeing that beast gone would be the best news in the world...but seeing it shrink would also be a reason to celebrate.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Love you all.....

~*~Kim~*~

Friday, September 17, 2004 1:40 PM

~*~Kody's next MRI....September 22nd...9:30 AM~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Hey everyone....welcome back again!!

First and foremoset...our love and prayers go to all who's lives were effected in anyway because of hurricane ivan this week.
As lucky as we were to escape this one...we have been watching the news and looking at the pictures, the devestation is unreal, like some crazy nightmare. Unfortunetly there is no waking up to this one and so we will continue to pray everyday, several times a day that all of our friends and even people whom we don't know can somehow regain the strength to rebuild their lives.

I wish you could all see Kody and Kolin everynight as we sit down to dinner...they always HAVE to be the ones to say grace...and other then thanking God for their food and their family...the only thing that is on their minds these days is the "people who are sad cuz they got ruined in hurricanes'. {Their words exactly} :0)

Well...according to the latest radar trackers...it's appears hurricane jeanne has turned more East and is headed straight for...yeah, you guessed it...Central Florida. And this should happen Tuesday night or Wednesday morning...yeah, you guessed it...Kody's next MRI apointment in at Shands. It's going to take a good long time before we can possibly make up all these missed appointments.
Then after that we have...would you believe "huricane karl" brewing and swirling out in the Atlantic. We'll have to keep an eye on that one, though I can tell you from experience...that one might be loud during the day but by 8 PM it'll be sound asleep forever. LOL!!!!!

Looks like this weekend should be real nice out...typical paradise weather so if all works out and we can swing it...I am seriously thinking of taking the kids to a skatepark in Tavares..a town about 25-30 minutes away. I am hoping to take some great pictures of Kody Bear doing his thing on wheels.

Speaking of pictures..I have a question.
As you all know, I feel like "Queen Mother" of picture taking and I was wondering...off al the pictures I have put up of Kody on his site, which one is your personal favorite?
How about of the kids together...does anything stick in your mind of being memorable?

Alot of the e-mails I get are on my Yahoo site...well, Yahoo for the past few days has been really weirding out on me. If I don't answer your e-mails right away it's only becasue everytime I reply or compose an e-mail, my computer keeps shutting down. It is the craziet thing....I've tried everything I know and have contacted Yahoo but haven't heard back yet.
Now, Kaysha's Yahoo e-mail account works just fine....so it's a mystery to me.

I promise, just as soon as I can I'll get back to all of you!! :0)

I'd like to thank "Just Cause"...your a true friend, thank you.

BullDawg.....You really make Kody's day right before school with the phone calls....it truly sets him in just the right mood. And..just so you know BullDawg...Kody walked around giving us all "BullDawg" {{HUGS}} this morning!! :0)
Sorry, I had to rush him off the phone this morning though...someone's Mama overslept by a half an hour this morning and we were all running way late.

Kayara....for making me laugh so much this week. Please don't worry too much about Kyle...maybe we can change his mind. HA!!

Karyelle...for the pineapple upside down cake and for the "heart to heart" last night. BTW....The cake is almost gone..hint!!

Well all, I better run off. I know there are probably 100 things I am forgetting to say but it's getting to be that time of day when I have to start the after school pick ups.

YAA-HOO...Their mine for the weekend!!!

Love you all...

~*~Kim~*~

Wednesday, September 15, 2004 3:00 PM

~*~Kody's next MRI....September 22nd...9:30 AM~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WOW...can you all believe another hurricane brewing out there? I think Tracy said it the best when she wrote "The sea needs some Alka-Seltzer". :0)
Our love and prayers go out to all of our friends who will be feeling the effects of ivan this week. Please let us know as soon as you can that you are all safe and sound..we worry!!

Kody had quite a day yesterday.....thank goodness today was much better.
Let's see....after dinner the three kids wanted to go bike riding. I wanted them to do their homework but you have to admit, bike riding sounded way more exciting so off they went.
I watched Kody for some time weeble and wobble and had a crazy feeling he was going down.....his balance was way, way off eysterday.
No sooner did I say "Let's put the bikes up" when Kody took a fall right on the side of his head...the shunt side. As always he was wearing a helmet but his head took quite a hit. He was pretty sore last night, a little sore this morning and at this moment is feeling fine and on his way to play outside till Kaysha gets home...then they all, I am sure will be off on the bikes and boards again.
Nothing...not bumped up heads, rain, hurricanes, any natural disaster at all, not even a stern "NO" from Mom keeps those kids out of trouble!! And you all thought they were so cute?? :0)

We'd like to say "Thank You" to Kaidrie and her beautiful family for the three hand held radios that the kids are just lovin' like crazy!! The warm wishes was so thoughtful...keep checking your mailbox Kaidrie...Kolin has taken a special liking to you and a "Kolin" original will be on it's way very soon!! :0)

So...how many of you knew that September is "Childhood Cancer Awareness" month? Raise your hand.
OK....COOL...or as we like to say in our house...."KEWL!!"
But for those who are new to this...let me direct you to a site where you can learn all about this very important month.
Meet Gooch and his Mom, Chris. We call her "Crazy Chris" around these parts...when you meet her, you'll know why.
Seriously folks...Chris makes our family look normal. LOL!! Love you Chris..BTW, we are up to TWO breathing treatments a day...life is good!!

Anyway..stop by and learn all about Childhood Cancer and the why's and how's this month's "awareness" has got to stop.

Thank you so much BullDawg for totally brightening Kody's morning with the wake up call...Kody absolutley ADORES you Dude. And he'd like me to send you, through the computer a big ole' Kody Bear {{{HUG}}}.

Would you beleive I am still waiting for our appointment for the neuro-psych testing part 2, to be re-scheduled? First they want the appt. close together, like within days for an accurate result and now we've been waiting 2 weeks. Sigh..I guess it'll happen when it happens, but right now the Bear is struggling in school bigtime and without those tests we have no idea where we stand as to how much damage tohis brain the hydrocephlus and tumor has done.
I have found that giving him silly clues helps alot....like for example one of his science facts: All of the frogs in the ecosystem are an example of a population.
So..the way Kody memorizes the answer when asked would be: All of the frogs in the ecosystem are an example of "Blank".

In Kody's mind he pictures frogs jumping all over making the "pop...pop...pop" sound and he knows the answer is "POPulation".
Pretty genius, huh?? :0)
This is a sure fire way to get Kody to pass his science tests. I haven't figured out spelling words yet..they are tough this year.

OK guys and gals..I am going to get this up quickly so I can go do some older kid pick ups and drop offs.

Take care...stay safe...have fun...make memories that last a lifetime!!

Love you all....

~*~Kim~*~

Sunday, September 12, 2004 9:30 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I really wanted to get this update up last night but time slipped by so fast...so here goes.

How we remember September 11, 2001....

On this very morning, about 30 to 45 minutes before the first tower was hit, Karyelle, Kyle, Kaysha, Kody, Kolin and myself were just returning home from a mini vacation in New York.
As a sort of tourist attraction our pilot dipped the wings over NYC to show all on board the Statue of Liberty. The Empire State Building, The Twin Towers and I remember clearly showing the kids and saying "Look!". How were we ever to know what would become of NY, our home state in just a few short moments?
The flight home was very different from the flight there...but it was pretty early in the morning and I just figured we were on a plane with a whole lot of non-morning people. But, the stewardessed weren't talking much either, and neither was the pilot. No problem, right...so the slept and Karyelle and I watched out our two window seats.

I remember us flying over the ocean instead of the land we flew over to get there. Didn't think much of it excpet that I really HATE bridges so flying over an ocean wasn't exactly my idea of fun either.

We landed a little over a half an hour early in Orlando and while the kids and I sat in Delta's terminal waiting for Karl to get there, we saw alot of signs that said "All Flights Cancelled", alot of stewardesses with their rolling luggage leaving in a hurry, men with some pretty impressive looking guns, and after as little while an almost empty Delta waiting area. Still, we had no clue...we were told nothing. Not thinking anything was possibly wrong in my mind I was thinking "Wonder why there are no flights out and man, they sure have beefed up security since I've flown last".

During this time Karl was on the Florida Turnpike, listening to the radio, on his way to get us. He was listening to 96.5, a classic rock station where the DJ's, Jim Bob and Billy joke about everything and anything. He heard all the talk of the plane crashing into the first tower but thought it was all a joke on the radio...a very sick joke but a joke nonetheless.
It was when he pulled into "Turkey Lake Rest Area" to use the men's room when he saw a bunch of people crowed around a big screen TV, women were crying, men were in total shock...he heard someone say "It was a plane coming from the East but nobody knows which one". That is when he felt a feeling much like a punch in the stomach. As he got closer to the screen he witnessed the second plane come crashing into the second tower and that's when he felt his heart stop...his life stop...and a scream that came from deep within "My whole family is on a plane right now!".

Nobody stopped him when he tore out of there...not even the toll booth collector when he flew through going at leat 100 mph. He made the 20 minute trip to the airport in about 8 minutes. He told me he never had prayed so hard in his life "God...please don't let my family be on those planes". His heart was racing so fast he thought he'd have a heart attack before he got there.

I remember sitting and watching for him and seeing him walk down the hallway....his face was darting back and forth, looking at everything. He was looking for us, any sign at all that we were still there.
I spotted him before he spotted us, he was about 50 feet away and looked so strange, like he was about to collapse or maybe just explode. I told the kids to sit tight, I'd be right back and walked up to him. I was nearly right on top of him when I called his name and he looked right at me with tears in his eyes and held on to me for dear life.
And here I am thinking...."Wow, he really missed us"...little did I know what was about to be told to me.

We grabbed the kids and their backpacks and left...we stopped very briefly by a TV monitor and I saw for myself the recaps of the planes...I felt like I couldn't move, like time was standing still, like this was a nightmare. Maybe I fell asleep on the way home, it had to be a dream..this couldn't be for real.
Yet...it was and it was then that Karl took me by the arm, Kody in his arms, Kolin in mine....Karyelle and Kyle holding onto Kaysha. I remember him saying "Kim, it wasn't an accident...terrorists...we have got to get out of here now".

We got into the glass train thing {anyone who's been to OIA knows what this is} and people were in a panic....people crying...nobody could get out on their cells. Just then my cell rang...nobody could believe it and everyone was so silent.
It was our daughter, Kayara, who was watching the whole thing on TV. Imagine waking up to this...and knowing all her siblings and Mom were on an airplane that very morning. When I answered "Hello"...all I heard was crying and "Mommy...Mommy??!!" What a relief...we were OK and we were with Daddy and coming home. As we about to hang up....that is exactly when the first tower came crashing down.

As we were leaving many airport security men and police were yelling at us {and others} to forget their belongings and get out now! We were about to run out and that's when we saw all our suitcases lined up perfectly in a row....as if they were put there just for us. We grabbed them and left.

On the drive home, all over every radio station, 9/11 was being broadcasted. On the drive home was when we found out about the Penn. plane crash and it's also when we heard that the Pentagon had just been hit.
God...this felt like the most awful dream you could ever imagine. The kind of dream you never shake...the kind that stays with you always and brings you down into a terrible depression.

We made it home safely.....back into our home, our saftly net. But as we watched TV...we couldn't help but think and pray for all those innocent lives that were robbed fromt he face of Earth forever. How many other families were coming home from vacation..how many children were asleep leaning on their parents shoulders, how many people were traveling alone....who faced this alone.
How many people who got up to go to work that day...just another day. The firemen and woman, the police, the volunteers who just jumped right in only to give up their own life so that another life may be spared. The familes who's loved ones never did come home that morning.....
For these people we pray...for every single life that was taken from us, for every single person who was affected in any way on that fateful day three years ago...we offer our love and our prayers. May you feel God's love and His strength and let it guide you to that one beautiful day when we will all be reunited once again. Where there is no hate, no war, no predugice, only love towards all human kind.

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Our weekend was a really good one.....

First from what I can understand, it appears hurricane ivan has made a turn towards the West. If it stays on that course, we will feel tropical storm winds and rain...but nothing like the Cat. 4 or 5 that was first predicted.
Still...it seems to be heading towards the Panhandle and we have many friends there...so please pray with us that they will be spared too.
Lynn...we are there for you girl!!!!!!!

We had gotten such a great phone call this weekend from none other then "BullDawg" himself!! How cool is that?? Well..it would have been alot cooler if I didn't nod off into sleepland this afternoon and miss the call!! :0) Don't know what happened but the last thing I remember was watching cartoons with Kolin...LOL!!
Anyway....Kody, Kaysha and Karl had a great chat and BullDawg...all afternoon we have been sitting here saying "What do you think is gonna be in that package??" I don't know which one of us is more excited so we will be calling you when it arrives and we are all here. Plus...I'll have that camera rolling!! :0)

Well guys and gals....I'm going to jump off of here tonight and see about getting somemore sleep...I have been a self-induced sleep depervation thing since I discovered the joys and addiction of "Zuma Deluxe"...a computer game. It's crazy how 1 AM can get here so fast when your having fun!!

~*~Kody's next MRI....Spetember 22nd...9:30 AM~*~

~*~New Pictures Up~*~

Love you all....

~*~Kim~*~

Sunday, September 12, 2004 9:30 PM

~*~Kim~*~

Tuesday, September 7, 2004 7:30 PM

~*~THURSDAY...1:00 PM~*~

Hello all....

I would like to start this journal today with the most biggest and warmest "Thank You"...complete with a huge cyber-hugger {go on, give yourself one and pretend it's me!} to every single one of you beautiful people who jumped to our defense concerning the message that was left in Kody's Caring Bridge guestbook on our ""K" Family Hurricane Update" site.

A few people who I'd like to extend a special "Thank You" too...

Members of our "K" family...you all know who you are and to protect your privacy I won't mention names but I thank your endless devotion and support of our family.

Christine...It was a pleasure speaking to you last night. We got a lot of things resolved and I believe this family is headed in the right direction despite the intention of the dirtbag who is trying so hard to throw a wrench in everything that means so much to us.

Billy...I want you to know and this is coming directly from me, you are family and we welcome you with open arms and an open heart. There is and always will be enough love in our family to go around. I do hope that you and Karyelle will get to meet over the weekend before she heads back home again.

BullDawg......Dude...some people come into our lives that leave a lasting impression in our hearts. When I picture you in my mind I see a very big, strong guy with a warm smile, a heart of gold and a tender spot for children. Especially little boys who dream of someday becoming just like you. One day, somehow, someway...I would love the chance to meet you...and I know one little stinker of a boy who would love to too!!
If you are ever near Florida....please let me know..we will make every effort to find you!! :0)

"Just Cause"....I don't know who you are but I would like to personally "Thank You" for standing up for us. I have a feeling the person in question won't be able to access Kody's GB as his IP's have all been blocked. So, unless he finds himself on another computer he won't read it. However, and I hope this is OK with you...I'd like to leave your message right here for him to read:

Kim... you don't know me but I have been reading Kody's page for months. He is an inspiration to me and my family as we struggle with our own family crisis.

This is directed to the low life that left the nasty message here for The K family. I now know you are a family member in Poughkeepsie NY with a shaded past of your own. I know about your cheating past and I wonder how much of it your wife knows about it? Hmmm.... maybe she would enjoy reading it here with the rest of the world. I truly hope to expose you as the low life dirtbag that you are. Leave this family alone and crawl back under your rock or I will persue this issue.

Karl, Kim and the rest of the K's you are in our prayers always. Please don't let this loser get you down.

Chris....Girl you are a GREAT friend!! Thank you for doing the upkeep on Kody's site while we were out of electricity and internet. I have a very good feeling you'll be doing it again by Monday!!
Also..sometime around 4 AM this morning Karl woke up with a very big THANKS CHRIS!! And Hun..I am in total agreement with him!! HEH..HEH!!

To everyone who took the time to personally e-mail me with so many kind words of support...Thank you....Thank You!!! We LOVE you ALL!!!!

Marty and Savannah...You both are true friends. Our "Angels"....I will carry your friendship in my heart always.

OK...so now on to another weather report.

It looks like hurricane ivan is about to knock what is left of Florida right off the map. I honestly don't see how we will re-coop from yet another hit..this one 4 times as strong. When will it ever end? I'll be updating more as it gets closer but I believe we should start feeling it here Monday and Tuesday AM at 2 o'clock should be the worst. If we can't find a way out of the state with all the kids and pets...we will most likely be back at Kayara's. Problem is, I don't know if her apartment will stand up to those kind of winds.

You know....sometimes in life, when things turn to crap....it's always good to have a sense of humor and laugh anyway. That's the way we do things around here. So...with that....you all have GOT to check this out, a letter to Ivan...sent to me and created by my wonderful and talented, not to mention very, very funny friend, Lori Strevels...who also makes those cool little skateboarding and my coffee lovers siggy that you see on our site and in many a guestbook.

Dear Ivan

LOL...well, now that you have all had a great laugh..I better get my butt moving and get some errands done around here! The kids are finally back in school today and I have a ton of things to get accomplished before they come stormin' {no pun inteded!!} through the door again. :0)

I put some new photos up of our "clean up" day...hope you all enjoy them!!

Love you all...

Kim

Hi everybody...
This is Kody's Dad,
I need to clear up a few things. First I want to thank everyone for thier prayers and thoughts during the last couple of weeks as most of Kody's regular fans know charley missed us but not by much we were lucky . frances on the other hand reeked havoc on our city compared to alot of our neighbors and some local business we did pretty good. Yes we have trees down in our yard, limbs all over the place the roof leaks but were all safe and healthy. We have home owners insurance but the hurricane deductable is crazy money and it would be cheaper for us to handle it ourselves besides we have so many biker brothers in so many trades here im not worried now. Second please everybody do not worry about Boomer. I guess I better explain, Boomer is a Leonburger he's a rare breed dog he can sleep outside in 20 below. He has two layers of fur, the outside long and thick, inside like ducks fluffy and oily. Boomer had complete access to our enclosed back porch but he choose to be outside in this storm. Same as he will not stay inside our house and I'm done replacing screen doors and window screens when he decides to make an exit in a hurry. ok third, I went to the pawn shop on Friday to pawn some specialty tools that I rarely use but are nice to have when you need them. The reason behind this is that if the power would have stayed off for any length of time checks, credit cards and atms are useless. Better safe than sorry. Example Eckards drugs opened yesterday morning with a sign that said cash only. I'll get my tools back Wed or Thursday when they open. OK forth, I have been married to my wife Kim for 24 years. she is "Mommy #1". I have 6 kids with both our names on their birth certificites. Yes I fathered a child before Kim and I ever met. I have seen him once, not my choice. Am I sad about that yes I am but I tried and he knows I did. Billy you know the # dude. Fifth I have never asked anybody on this site or any place for any kind of money funds or fundraisers. When we tell people of whats going on around here it's just to share it is not subtle hints for anybody to send us money. Neither Kim not myself have ever solicited any money from our sites. Kodys t-shirts are in income but it is so small that it is insignificant. At this point in time we are fine and we don't need anybody to do any fundraisers for our storm damages. Thank you Lynnie and Marty for your offers. OK #6...I am sorry for everybody that had to read the dirtbag guestbook entry on Kodys site. Please be aware that the person who is writing these entries needs to look in the mirror and take a good long look and see if you like what you see but of course you will. I will be up there in February, you better crawl back under your rock or you will find out what a tough guy I am. Not a joke, not a threat just a promise.

Hey everyone....

This is Kim...I'll add some new photos up later on and update sometime tomorow.

Love you all...

Kim

Thursday, September 2, 2004 11:50 PM

~*~FRIDAY UPDATE~*~

Please check with our update site from now on until the storm is over and we can get back to updating this site. It is so much easier to update the other site as compared to this one and we are soooooo busy around here preparing and getting ready to evacuate.
I just got a phone call telling me that we are under a mandatory evacuation by the end of today.
Wish us luck!!

~*~K FAMILY UPDATES~*~

Love,
Kim

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Thank you so much everyone for the 1000's of prayers we are receiving as we prepare ourselves for hurricane frances.

I don't know if you have all heard but frances is, as of this afternoon 57,000 square feet....the total span of it is bigger then the state of Texas.

The entire state of Florida is under a state of emergancy and those of us who do not live in a sturdy house will be boot scootin' it out of here by sometime tomorrow.
We still don't have a 100 percent positive plan yet but it looks like we may try to ride to Gainesville....to be by Kody's hospital...which is 70 miles North of us.
However...because the evacuation routes to Gainesville were bumber to bumper traffic all day and because there are absolutly no hotels available we just may stay at Kayara's apartment.

Which, may not be too bad after all as frances looks like she is turning slightly and the full brunt of her may be just below us. Still, we will be living through at least 80 mph winds and flooding rains...not to mention the tornados that will be popping up everywhere.
And the thing about hurricanes is that they can change direction at anytime....as hurricane charley taught us a few weeks ago. So, although she may be turning now, all that can change again an hour from now.

I know I probably should be panicking right about now but honestly I am pretty calm so far. You know things can change from bad to worse quickly and I may be a blundering idiot by tomorrow. :0)

Speaking of panicking.....Please Karyelle's co-workers....do me a big favor...

Stop making her a freaky freak half out of her mind full fledge worry wart!! HA...OK, just kidding....seriously yesterday she was, as Kaysha and I have renamed her, a Catagory 4 Worry Wart. She has been told if she gets up to be a Cat. 5 Worry Wart we may have to smack the stuffin's out of her!! :0)
Karyelle...we are NOT serious, we love you and all the junk food you brought over. Where we come from, every storm is deserving of a box or two of Entemanns Chocolate Lovers Donuts!!

Now then..like I mentioned yesterday...Aunt Vikki or Chris Russo {Mama Gooch to most of you} will be updating for us in the event I cannot get on-line.
Remember to bookmark or favorites bar our update site...

The "K" Family Updates Incase Of Ugly Weather Web Site

I have also {Thank You Mrs. Judy!!} put up on that site a weather tracking link so that if you don't see any updates you can click on Florida, scroll down to Leesburg and check the current weather at anytime night or day.

Now I know alot of you know I am one of those "picture taking crazed parents" and I have been trying to document some of what is going on in our town of Leesburg,
Soooooo.....be sure to check out our updates page as I attempt to get some pix up there of what the next few days will be like for us.

OK..enough of the weather!!

Kody had an OK day today....he made it through the whole day of school but by 4 o'clock it was pretty plain to see he was dropping. After picking up Dad from work and driving around like a lunatic in all the evacuation/shopping/gassing cars madness to find a "hock/pawn shop" that would take some of Karl's tools his headaches and fatigue was at full tilt once again.

I don't know if it is medical related or school and storm related becasue he did tell me that his school made the kids watch some pretty graphic films of hurricanes and he said some of the kids were so scared they were crying.

I am pretty shocked and pretty pissed too that his elementary school a/k/a a safe place away from any talk of bad stuff would show things like that to such young kids.

Isn't it the parents job to explain and comfort? Well.....Karl and I had alot of explaining to do and even more comforting and reassuring that we will protect him, the other kids, Alona, our pets, our home and each other with every ounce of strength we have and we promise that with all our hearts.

I really hope he felt better because he insisted on sleeping in our bed tonight, tucked in safely and snuggly next to Daddy. His head was still aching and I think his nerves were shot from all the thinking and worrying he has been doing today.

As much as I would love to climb in right next to him and hold him close all night....three is one too many in our bed....Kody is not a tiny kid anymore and he packs quite a kick in the middle of the night when you least expect it...and usually right in the ole' bladder when you REALLY don't expect it!! So, I think I'll just take Kolin's bed tonight because Kolin, in an attempt to be closer to Kody...took over Kody's bed.

In this crazy house..you never know where you will find yourself or anyone else in the morning!! :0)

Please pray for our Sweet little Texas Beauty, Cheyenne who is feeling very, very sick today and spent most of her day in the E.R. We gotta get this girl smiling again.....Kody fans? Are you up to the job?? Kody and I say "Let's Do It!!!!"

OK guys and gals...I am going to jump off of here tonight but before I do please say a special prayer for all of us who will be affected by the wrath of hurricane frances.

Dear God...
May all of our friends and family stay safe and have a safe and intact home when this is all through. Only you Lord can give us the miracle we need by making this storm turn and go away.

Thank you so much for stopping back on by to visit with us!!

Later Gator!!

Love,
Kim

Tuesday, August 31, 2004 11:00 PM

~*~WEDNESDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~

Today's neuro-testing went pretty well. It was a long day....about 6 hours worth of testing with a half an hour to take Kody out for some lunch...we cheated though and stretched 30 minutes into more like 45. :0)
They wanted us to come back tomorrow to complete {it takes two whole days} but since funds, Karl's job and the hurricane heading for us we decided best to wait until next week.
So we'll go back again next Wed. at 9 AM.
After that it takes about two weeks for us to come in and discuss all the results...which works out well since we will be there anyway for Kody's next MRI on Sept. 22nd.

I will update again tomorrow to let you all know where we will be during this hurricane....it seems it will come right up through Central Florida hitting Leesburg hard, real hard.
Of course...there is a chance, a very slim one that it will turn to sea.....that would be so sweet.

Either my sister, Vikki, will be updating or Chris...either way, I'l stay in contact with them barring the cell towers are still up and running.

Thank you so much Sandi for the phone call tonight and the offer of your home for shelter.
Your kindness and genorousity expand well beyond the clouds, the rainbows, the Heavens.
We love you!! :0)

~*~Some new photos up tonight~*~

Take care everyone...

Love,
Kim

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

As most of you probably already know, Florida is about to get hammered with yet another hurricane..."frances" is the name this time. According to the latest it looks like Central Florida will be taking a pretty good hit....and us being right in the path.
This hurricane is enormous...the last one, Charley was 7 miles wide. tonight on the news they said this one so far is 36 miles wide...that is a mother of a storm guys!!

I don't know what we will do as we live in a mobile home that was built in 1981. Not the place you want to be during that kind of a storm. Karl thinks we should just fill the tank up and drive and drive and drive until we know for sure we are out of danger.
Sounds good to me except once again...I am pretty scared to come back home to no home whatsoever.
Please pray that hurricane frances {on the great advice of one very sweet Juliana Banana we won't be capitalizing things we have no respect for...hurricanes don't respect us...ditto for it!! } blows itself out to sea and far away from civilization of any and all kind.
What Floridian's do not need right now is more destruction and more sadness.

And...a huge THANK YOU to Mrs. Ellen and Lori S. for inviting us into their homes!!
Ladies...you have no idea what your asking for!! :0)

As for us...
We are doing OK. Lots of stressful things going on these days that kind of have me down in the old dumps....but somehow I have to have faith they will work itself out and things will be fine...jeeeest fine!! :0)

Kody Bear is feeling much better then yesterday...rough night last night and he took some med's this morning, but ended up staying home with another morning headache. He complained some of his throat feeling scratchy...maybe allegies, maybe a virus, maybe anything at this point.

I wanted to put a more "perky" picture up of him but he just wasn't in the picture mood...tomorrow will be better, promise!!

Tomorrow we will be spending most of our day at Shands for Kody's neuro-psych testing. It should be a very long day as they tell us it takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours so plan on being there all day.
I have a very good feeling that Kody has ADD. If so, it runs in the family...Kyle being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 7. He did take Ritalin for a while but the side effects were so bad he begged me to take him off.
I wish I had never of put him on anything...as nobody knew what it would cause in 10 to 15 years and I can tell you that Kyle still feels the side effects of that dumb pill.

If Kody does have ADD or ADHD I am at a loss once again as to what the best plan would be. Definetly NOT Ritalin....I know there are many new drugs/stimulants but my major problem with that is...if they will stimulate his brain into working better what's not to say it will stimulate his tumor into growing.

Since there is virtually no research at all on his tumor...nobody knows. So do I take the chance and let him have it so he can concentrate in school or do I let him keep going the way he is right now...and know in my heart that he will struggle everyday of his life with simple things like adding, subtracting, reading and writing?
And that doesn't even include his impulsiveness....his fear of nothing at all...his daredevil antics.

If it weren't for that stupid tumor I would be more open to helping him through medication...but I don't know, I guess I am just a worry wart.

It's a tough call and not one I want to make without alot of thought. So....looks like tonight will be spent heavy in thought and prayer that we make the right desisions for our son.

Speaking of prayer...we have a little friend who is absolutely adorable!! Kaylyn Mei is a four year old Sweetheart who has relapsed with a brain tumor. She will be having surgery tomorrow. Please take a moment to pray that God guides her surgeons hands and that Kaylyn will be on the road to a speedy recovery in a snap.

I almost forgot to tell you all....this past Sunday Kody had, at our church, his second Sacrament of the Healing of the Sick. It was a simple yet very beautiful little ceremony and we definetly felt the Lord and all of Kody's Guardian Angels around us.
I would like to thank all of Kody's devoted fans at our church who stuck around after Mass to support Kody and us...love you all!!
Even Father Kent was so impressed with Kody's lil' crowd he had to ask Kody..."So Kody, how does it feel to have your own fanclub??!!"
And what did Kody say?? He said "What...I have a fanclub??!!" :0)

Well guys and gals....I hear some thunder in the distance which means lightening could be upon us at any moment so I am going to end this tonight and see about getting some sleep..we have to leave way early in the AM.

Thank you all for coming back again and again to check up on Kody.
I like to think that he will be one of those kids that someday changes the world...sometimes I can look into his eyes and see that.
Other times I can look into his eyes and see the boy he is and the man he will become.
Most of the time I can look into his eyes and see "Here Comes Trouble" written right in them!! :0)

Have a great night and an even greater day tomorrow....I leave you all with a little "Kody Bear-ism"...

"count your fingers, count your blessings, you can even count your toes....
But never try to count birds cuz they never stay in their rows!!"

GOOD NIGHT!!!!!

Love you all.....
~Kim~

Sunday, August 29, 2004 10:00 PM

~*~MONDAY...3:30 PM~*~

{{{SIGH}}}}....
Kody's headaches are becoming more frequent today and right now his temp. is going up. It's 100.5 right now which I know doesn't seem real high but when you have a kid with a foreign object in his head {his VP shunt}, temp's are always a concern for infection. Especially when nobody else in the home is sick.
I'm keeping a very close eye on him and will keep you all updated.

~*~Lord....Please heal my son~*~

Love,
Kim

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WHEW.....The weekend is over and we made it!!
Friday started off as a pretty miserable day for Kody. He woke up at 5 AM with another...you guessed..."Monster-Ache". Except this one was complete with....{EWWW}...throwing up bigtime. {sorry...I know that was maybe too much info.}.
This headache thing lasted on and off during the day...no fever but oh boy, was Kody ever tired all day.
Really..he slept on and off all day long. Everytime he woke up, he woke up with a headache.
So...I am pretty sure because there was no fever, we really have to figure out something better for him to sleep on. So far...everything we try, he squirms out of when he's sound asleep. This is a child that runs laps in his sleep so keeping him still just isn't an option.
A friend of our's today told us we could have their old lazyboy chair...and I took her up on it. They live pretty far away though so we will have to figure out where to get a truck and get to their home. Though....like I said, they are very, very good friends and I am sure as soon as Sue tell's Scotty why she is giving his lazyboy away....he will come right over with it.
And I'll tell you all why.....
Because Sue and Scotty are Kendra's Mom and Dad and like I told you...they are one of the best friends we could ever have and also because Sue had already planned on buying Scotty a brand new one.
The one they are giving us is a woman's size chair....Scotty is well over 6 feet!! :0)

Now, yesterday Kody had a pretty decent day but today another headache. This one I am sure is from too much "fun in the sun". However, he did go to bed around 9 with a mild fever so the best I can do is keep an eye and if it gets to be 101.5....it's Hi-Ho...Hi-Ho...off to the hospital we go for some R&R and some really stinky I.V. antibiotics.
Seriously....has anyone ever smelled those I.V. anti's.....I had the not so pleasant experience of accidently breaking one open one day {last year}....WHOA...the God awful smell was worse then any bathroom cleaner I have ever smelled. And the real kicker was I was allowing this to drip into my kids veins....UGH..gives me the williies just thinking about it.

Then again in all fairness...
It is school season again and with that comes all kinds of funky viruses. I am hoping it's just that and not some shunt infection thing going on. Not that there is ever a "good" time to vacation at Shands but seriously...this is NOT a good time.

Alot of you might have noticed that Lindsay's site is gone again.
Well...it's unbelievable that someone could be so sick to do such a thing but her site was hacked into and deleted for the third time.
So, instead of a CB site her Mom, Angela has set up another.
Lindsay's Place

Well....all our August birthdays are over....WAA-HOO!!
And now it's time to totally throw myself into helping Kody with his "Kickin' Cancers Butt" lemonade/cookie stand.
I have the letter I was waiting on and some free time {knock on wood here!} so it looks like we won't have to put this off anymore.

Wait....free time? Did someone say free time??
Ummm....yeah, after Wednesday's appointment at Shands for neuro-psych. testing, the appt. for the neuro-opthomologist and his next MRI and neuro-surgeon appt.
Toss in bed propping stratagies, school, homework, running here and there, laundry, meals, grocery storin', open houses {school}, 7000 phone calls, picking up toys, vacumning up small toys, feeding the ever growimg list of animals, herding in ducks who have found a cool way to "limbo" under the fence and onto the street and the ever present "Mommmmm....I dont feel good!!"
It shouldn't be too busy the next few weeks!! :0)

Keep those pictures coming please...we need all the BT kids and BT Angels we can get.

Thank you all so much for stopping by today. I'm going to jump off of here for now and see about getting some zzzzzzzzz's.
Karl Baby...get the coffee brewin'....your java juice drinking buddy is on her way!! :0)

Love you all.....
~Kim~

Wednesday, August 25, 2004 3:30 PM

~*~SATURDAY...12:12 PM~*~

Hi everyone...
Just wanted to throw a quick line to let you all know I will be updating later.
Crazy day so I have to make this quick.

Please...before I go any further take a moment or two to pray real hard for our sweetheart of a friend, Connor.
Connor's mom Rhonda as so many of you know...is one of all of ours greatest supporters here on Caring Bridge.
Now is the time she needs us the most...so please stop by and sign in with some wonderful words of encouragement.

A very special Thank You to Mrs. Julie for the package the kids recieved yesterday and the beautiful letter that had me crying and Karl telling everyone what an incredibly sweet woman you are.
My words or beautiful.oh no Julie..it is your words that were beyond beautiful...and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
BTW...I had the most relaxing shower ever this morning!!

BTW...The picture up top was taken yesterday....although Kody had one of his worst days yesterday with headaches, vomiting and lethargy...the skateboard/handboard really, really cheered him up!!

~*~Do you think Kolin was just a little happy??~*~

More Thank You's to Lori who made that cool siggy {Kody Xtreme} up on top of my journal.
She also made a bunch more..some for Kaysha, Kolin and myself too....
Lori...You are the BEST!!
We absolutley LOVE them and every one of them hit our personality right on the nail!! :0)

OK..I really have to run but I wil update tonight when all is quiet around here...

Love you all..till tonight...

~Kim~

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~*~HAPPY BIRTHDAY KOLIN~*~

WOW...my baby is seven years old today!! Kolin, I remember the day you were born...Daddy was leaving for work early in the morning and I was up all night with the craziest feeling that it was the day I was going to finally meet you. {Could it have been the 700 bathroom trips during the night??}
Anyway...Daddy woke me up to kiss me good-bye and I remember very clearly telling him "Don't go on any road jobs today"...you see, back then...we didn't have a cell phone so if Daddy wasn't at work I had no way to call him. Isn't that crazy, A life without cells...imagine that??
Well...Daddy went to work which was a pretty long drive and when he got there he told "Joe Boss"..."Sorry, No road jobs today...the baby's coming" and Joe Boss said to Daddy in his loudest Italian voice "GO HOME!!!!!" :0)
Yeppers...Daddy made it back in record time!! And it was a good thing too because Dude...you were KILLING me!! Sooooo...we called our midwife {kind of like a dr. only much, much gentler...except for one very important thing I didn't realize until it was way too late...THEY DON'T LIKE TO MOM'S DRUGS!!!!}
She told us to come in and we did...then she said..."Looking good you'll be meeting your new little boy today, go have some lunch and come back when you feel like you can't walk". OK, I thought...Can't walk...now that's something new to me.

So we went to the By-Pass Diner in Verplank, NY and ordered up some lunch. I should have known right then and there that I would never have another hot meal again because as soon as our food came...you wanted out bigtime!!
Well...Daddy not being one to ever miss a meal wasn't leaving just quite yet and so I sat there and waited for him to eat while my fists were turning pure white from gripping the side of the table, my teeth were grinding and the words I was mumbling under my breathe...Oh...Daddy felt some love that day!! Then Daddy kind of carried me {and Baby, I was very, very preggers..there was alot of me to carry!} to the car.

We walked back up the steps to the Dr's and she said "Oh...it's time!!" so then we walked all the way back downstairs across the street into the parking lot and finally drove to the hospital.
I remember telling the midwife telling me to walk somemore {so much for the not being able to walk anymore theory} and I have to tell you....it wasn't too bad...yet!!
A nurse finally tracked us down in the hallway and said "Mrs. K..would you like to come on back and have that baby now?" and Daddy said "Yeah...that's what we're here for and by the way...can you all pop this one before Jeapordy comes on??"
Crazy Daddy!!! Crazy Daddy got some new battle scars that day when mommy squeezed him just a little too hard! :0)

Well Baby Boy...we went back and not 10 minutes later I was holding the most beautiful, perfect screaming lil' puddin' pop I have ever layed eyes on.

And that was the day....August 25, 1997 that your Dad and I fell head over heels in love with you and vowed that six was FINALLY enough!!
Plus...Daddy was having a real hard time breathing with all those Mommy love squeezes going on...he just would have agreed to anything right then. :0)

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

We are back from the hospital and bring back with us some pretty good news!!

Kody's scans results came back that his ventricles were small...which means his shunt is working and there is no swelling going on in there.
On the other hand...since he is getting morning headaches and they subside when he is up and about...Dr. Pincus seems the think that while he is sleeping and laying flat the shunt could be malfuntioning or just not working at a horizontal angle. Which would make sense since if you are draining something...things drain downwards. {the path of least resistance} When he is asleep the CSF {cerebral spinal fluid} has no place to go and stays put in the ventricles thus pockets of fluid and swelling build up leading to heaches and clumsiness and the feeling of wanting to barf.
So..what we have to do is rig up a way on Kody's bed that his head is propped up all the time.
As we have had it...Kody sleeps on two, sometimes three pillows...but by the time he gets up in the AM, those pillows are on the floor and Kody is laying flat on the mattress.
I was talking to Norine last night and she really told me the same thing. Also, this is quite common with brain tumor kids..and as Dr. Pincus said...especially the BT kids with shunts...or anybody with a shunt really.
Norine gave me some really good ideas about bed/tv watching pillows and Karl even said maybe we could buy some kind of foam wedge to put inbetween his mattress and headboard.
So...this gives us something to work on and it has to be done right away.

As a procaution Dr. P wants Kody to see his neuro-opthomologist ASAP so that he {Dr. Levine} can take a picture and look for signs of optic nerve swelling. If you all remember it was an eye Dr. who found through looking into Kody's eyes the orginal dx. of optic nerve damage and brain swelling which quickly lead to the dx. of a brainstem tumor and hydrocephlus. Those little nerves can tell us a whole lot...sometimes I think even more then the Cat Scan can.

As for the inability to be able to concentrate, learn and his impulsive behavior...possibly ADD. Next week {Sept. 1st} he has an appointment with the neuro-psych. Dr. and we will find out alot more info about what exactly is going on in there on that day.

We still need to keep our Sept. 22nd appointment for Kody's MRI and see Dr. P again. After that, unless there is a problem...Kody will be seen for MRI follow ups with his neuro-oncologist, Dr. Smith.
Cat Scans and MRI's differ in that Cat Scans are basically looking at his ventricles and shunt. With MRI's..that is the test to look at the tumor itself. You can also see the ventricles on an MRI but why do that long, long test when a CT Scan will do.

Other then that...Dr. P absolutely LOVES the way Kody looks....so healthy!! And..he even thinks Kody's new "Bam Madgera"/Skater hair style is pretty cool too. Usually Kody will show up with the craziest hair styles and colors when he see's Dr. P...but one time I put chrome/silver hair dye in Kodys hair before an MRI...well..it messed up the whole test and I had to wash it out in the hospital bathroom with that nasty smelling hospital shampoo...silver flakes, who knew??
Well...since then we have been kind of easing Kody out of crazy colored hair at test appt's.

Hey...Have I ever told you that Kody's neuro-surgeon and his wife are very good friends and hang out alot with the Tony Hawk family?? Just a bit of trivia that convinced us right from day one that Pinky was the Dr. for us!! :0)

Guess who Kody talked to last night??
OK...can't guess..I'll tell you....
SK8ER GIRL LINDSAY!!!
They both must have been having a great conversation because everytime I tried to come in to his room...he shooed me right back out!!
He did tell me they talked about skating alot and the great pictures she has on her site and about her new puppies, Kody and Bear. Hmmmm..let's see, what else. Oh...I asked him what Lindsay sounded like and he said, with a big smile "Very Perky!!"
I see a very special freindship coming along here. Someday they both dream of meeting and skating at one of Lindsay's skate parks she has by where she lives.

I do have some new pictures to put up but probably won't get to them right away. Possibly tonight...oh heck, let me try and crunch some time and get them up now. If you don't see new ones anytime soon...check back, I promise they will be tehre by tonight. :0)

Well fellers and feller-ettes....I better get going. Lots to do so we can celebrate Kolin's b-day later this evening. Thank you soooo mcuh to all of you who have left Happy B-Day messages for him...he has been looking at them over and over an over.....
He is so happy!! :0)

Take care everyone....stay safe....keep smiling!!

Love you all....

~Kim~

Monday, August 23, 2004 1:40 PM

~*~TUESDAY UPDATE....10:00 AM~*~

We have the appointment for Kody's Cat Scan/Shunt Series w/Contrast at 8:15 tomorrow morning {Wednesday}. Then we'll see Dr. Pincus {neuro-surgeon} at 11:15.
I'll be sure to update again tomorrow.

Also...if you all could remember Kolin tomorrow...it is his 7th birthday...I just know he would love to see some Happy B-Day messages in the GB.
Any message that he see's with his name on it just really brightens up his whole day.
It just kind of stinks that I have to drag him out with us to the hospital all day...but we'll make it up to him tomorrow night with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cake made by his big sister, Karyelle and of course some laughing, singing, gifties and lots and lots of huggers.

I also would like to leave up a very urgent prayer request for our friend, Lindsay who has taken a horrible turn. Her headaches are getting worse and worse and the chemo. isn't touching her cancer. The Dr's say the cancer is filling up her chest pretty quickly.
We absolutely love this little girl to pieces...please pray that she recieves her miracle on Earth.

As always...we thank you!!

Love,
Kim

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WOW...Yesterday was such a great day...we celebrated, we partied, we had a surprise visitor, and Kody and Kolin had "Happy Birthday" sang to them by about 100 or so biker friends!!
I'm going to have to get that video clip up sometime today...it's pretty cool!!
Now...back to our day...

We Celebrated...with the most awesome bunch of people in the world.
Special "THANK YOUS" to...

Gator Rick a/k/a Mr. Pub for allowing us once again to celebrate in style and also for the GREAT food...you told us you were in charge of food and it was the absolute BEST!!

Crazy Marion and Mr. Bill for stepping right in when Kody came up with this great idea for his and Kolin's birthdays...for making this day happen and for always, always being there for us.

For Big Rob for keeping all the kids happy all day...especially Kody, whom I know in my heart you have an extra special spot for. Thank you for keeping the party rolling right along so that I could take a breather once in a while...for being brave enough to take over the pinata...that was a dangerous job Dude and you did great and for that totally unbelieveable circle lollipop thing/burnout. COOL...COOL...COOL...or as Kody says "SICK MAN!!!"

To each and everyone of you who showed up, putting your own life aside and sweating it out in the Florida heat just to have a chance to make two little's boys dreams come true. Friends for life...all of you. :0)

We Partied...in the most rowdy, crazy and fun Kody style ever.

We had a surprise visitor...from one of Mom's High School best friends, Mrs. Terry and her husband Carlos and son Carlos Jr.. What a surprise and shock it was to be sitting there scarfin' a burger, look up and BAM...a face I hadn't seen in 9 years or so! And can you all believe that we went to HS together back in New York and here we are together again in Florida...it's a small world!

Kody, of course...brought along that chopper of his and had gotten sooooo many compliments!! After cruisin' around and making every girl from 7 to 70 swoon he parked it....right up there with the big guys in his own designated "Bike Parking Only" space. {See photos}. LOL...if you look close enough you can also see his BAM board. That's Kody for you...if he's not on one, he's on the other!!

I took so many new pictures yesterday. It will take me a few days or so to show them all to you...they are really cool pictures though!!

When the party was ending and we were taking the decorations down...Kody grabbed a huge red balloon and said "Mom, follow me"..well off we went to release a balloon for Angel Ashley so that she could be a part of Kody's day too. It was so sweet, I swear I just had to shed a tear or two!!

Now then...I know you all know Kody Bear and of course you have already met KodyBear. Well now we would like to introduce to you all...Kody and Bear
And believe me...they are CUTE!! And, from what I hear...living up thier names. Kody Bear meaning HERE COMES TROUBLE!! :0)

I still haven't heard when we should bring Kody in for his Cat Scan. I called back again this morning...no call back yet. As soon as I find out anything, I'll leave a little update right up on top. He did wake up with another monster-ache this morning. But after getting up and moving around a bit...it went away enough for him to go to school.
Either he is just getting used to head pain or he has a very high tolerance for pain. I tend to think tolerance because headaches, for lack of a better word...suck!!

So....after being outside and having fun all day yesterday...we came home around 7:30 last night. It didn't take but maybe three seconds for the kids to ask to go outside and ride their bikes...which was cool since I envy anybody with that amount of energy cuz quite honestly...Dad and I were so ready to crash and burn!!
Well....maybe 45 minutes later I go out to collect them all up for baths and bedtime when Kody, who was riding like a bat out of !* did some crashin' and burnin' of his own.
Seems like the handle bars decided to flip forwards towards him which made him lose control which caused him to go airborne, somersault and flip head over heels onto the side of the street.
I ran like an even bigger bat out of !* to him.....and other then a few bangs and bruises he was just fine. {Thank God for helmets!!}. As a matter of fact the very first thing he said "Dude...That was a SICK crash!!!"
BTW...I never said he was a "normal" child. :0) :0)
Just so you all know...Dad fixed the handlebar problem first thing this morning!!

Well folks...I better get going so I can get this entry up before it's time to go start collecting kiddo's.
Thank you so much for stopping by!!!

Love you all.....

~Kim~

Saturday, August 21, 2004 Midnight

~*~SUNDAY NIGHT~*~

Hi everyone!!

Just thought I'd throw in a quick update tonight to let you all know we had a GREAT day celebrating Kody and Kolin's birthdays at Mr. Pubs.

I'll add a more detailed update tomorrow...until then, I put up some photos taken today.
There were sooo many good pix, it will take me a few days to get them all up!! :0)

Take care...

Love, Kim

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I'm typing this off line right now...our internet has been down since yesterday so there is no telling when this will be posted..but I figured, I can't surf CB sites or play Zuma Deluxe...the kids are busy wrecking the place...Karl's gone to work and my lazy teen Kaysha is still sound asleep {10:00 AM!!}...so what better time then start an update that won't get posted. :0)

I heard from Leeann {Dr. Pincus' nurse prac. and right hand woman} yesterday and given the amount of headaches Kody has had this past 9 days or so {six of them}...combined with that queasy-bo feeling....they are concerned enough to want to schedule him for a Cat Scan this week.
His next MRI is Sept. 22nd...but they didn't want to wait that long, and quite honestly...neither did we.
More things that seem to be changing are....his personality..he is getting very, very impulsive. He cannot concentrate on anything for longer then 2 minutes...especially schoolwork but also TV shows, drawing, writing....forget math work....absolutley everything math-wise he is getting wrong.
His balance has been way off...he actually spent his birthday watching everyone else skate while he sat out.
I have no idea if any of this means anything...but they are changes nonetheless.

Hopefully his shunt {the reason for the scan} is working properly...and on Sept. 1st at his Neuro-Psych testing they can give us more definate answers as to how much damage the tumor and hydrocephlus has caused and how we can work with and around it.
Well...let me run right now, Kody has a surprise idea for Kaysha that he thought of last night and I need to get him to Wally World to see if we can make that idea happen.

Hey.....We're back!!
I have just got to tell you all..this can't wait!!
OK..Last night Kody asked me if it was OK if he could spend his birthday Wal-Mart gift certificate he had gotten from his Village Fans and his cash he had gotten for his birthday on a BMX stunt bike.
Since jumping ramps with his OCC bike is a huge no...I figured, sure why not.
Lately the kids have all been riding and sharing their bikes with Kaysha who doesn't have one. Well...Thank you to Kody Bear...Kaysha is now the proud and very happy owner of her own bike!!
You see..last night Kody also asked me if he could spend his money on Kaysha...when I asked why, he said he wanted so badly to get her, her own bike. I thought that would be a great idea but figured....after Kody got the one he wanted...there wouldn't be enough $$ for another.
Well...Kody looked and looked...comparing prices and he himself found one that was alot more inexpensive then the others just so he would have enough to get Kaysha her's too....
You know...sometimes he drives me so crazy..sometimes they fight like cats and dogs...sometimes I swear, I could just walk out that door and get a one way Greyhound ticket anywhere....
And then all that just completely flies right out the window when I take a step back and see how absolutely unselfish and kind my Bear really is deep inside. I know I have said it before and I will say it again...he really does care for others way before he thinks of himself. Honestly..this isn't the first time he has done this. And again today, when Kolin was short a couple of dollars for his Ninja Turtle action figure...Kody LEAPED at the chance to hand him two dollars more. There was no way he was going to be stopped...and I let him, if only to make him feel about 6 feet tall in that store today!! :0)

Well guys and gals..I am going to jump off for now..I just checked and the internet is still down. I'm sure with this crazy house..there will be more news later!!
Guess I'll just keep adding as the day goes on. :0)

~*~11:47 PM~*~

WAA-HOO....We are back on-line again!!
I have no idea what the problem was but it had something to do with Comcast...anyway, teh great news is we are back on....the bad news is, it's almost midnight and I am sooooooooo outta here!!

We'll be at Mr. Pubs for Kody and Kolin's big birthday bash tomorrow...stay tuned for some fun stories and some crazy pictures. :0)

If I could just ask for prayers for Kody Bear....he had another monster-ache {headache} again today....please pray that tomorow will be better and he will stay headache free for his big day.

Also....for Kody's friend, Lindsay who is feeling the effects of some very harsh chemo. Please pray that everyday brings better health...she is such a cutie!! And....if you are reading this Lindsay....We ALL thank you sooooo much for the letters and drawings we got in the mail today!!
Expect some mail back....and this is from Kolin...."Lindsay..you are a professional artist!!" I can tell you this, Kolin was busy right away drawing a picture for you and Kody....well...your letter is hanging up right on his bedroom "Wall of Fame"!! :0)

Thank you all so much!!

OK...Time to get some sleep...

Love you all...

Wednesday, August 18th 2004

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TONIGHT~*~

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~*~HAPPY BIRTHDAY KODY BEAR~*~

Nine years ago today a chubby, nine and a half pound, blonde haired, squeezy cheeked baby boy came into our lives....
In his own unique way he decided to enter this world in a shower...we called him "Splash" for the longest time!!
There was never a baby more wanted and more loved then this little boy we named {with the help of big sister, Karyelle}, Kody Jacob.
It didn't take long at all until he earned the nickname "Kody Bear"...he was a mischevious little cuddler and "Bear" just seemed to fit.
Pretty soon "Kody Bear" changed to "Kody Get Down Off of There!!" and I knew it was time to go back to Bear again when his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Taylor asked him his whole name.
What did Kody say? He said Kody Kruppenbacher. When she asked him "But what is you whole name?"....he responded "Oh...my whole name is Kody GET DOWN OFF OF THERE Kruppenbacher".
LOL....Back to Kody Bear we went...well most of the time, I can still tell you all..."Get down off of there!!" is used alot around here with Kody.

He was Mommy's baby boy, Daddy's Little Man and Biker Buddy, he was totally spoiled and a fun lil' guy to have around according to his big sisters, he was big brother Kyle's best friend throughout all these years...even till this day.
He was a "babe magnet" or a "guy magnet" depending on which sibling he was hanging with that day.
He was the most protective and patient "big brother" to Kolin...even when he was threatening us with running away, at the age of two, when Kolin's crying got too loud.
He wanted so badly to be able to share a birthday with Kolin, who was due on Kody's birthday. Instead Kolin was born exactly one week later...two years and one week after Kody's day.
He could wrap himself around our finger in a heartbeat.....he could make us laugh till it hurt so easily.

He has taught us all so much about life...without even realizing it.
He has made us stronger...tighter...showed us how to love, respect and treat life one day at a time with joy and a lot of humor.

Kody...We love you so much Dude...words can never describe how much another birthday means to us. Yes..to you it is a chance to eat cake, play and get a few gifts.
To Mommy, Daddy, Karyelle, Kayara, Kyle, Kaysha and Kolin it is much more then that...you see, anyone can celebrate a birthday with cake and gifts. But how many kids can celebrate a birthday and say they recieved the greatest gift of all...the gift of life.
God had given us a beautiful gift nine years ago today...He gave us you.
And on this day...August 18th, 2004...that gift is still as beautiful as the first day I held you in my arms.
Your smile, your big brown eyes, your laughter, your innocence, your love of life and everything good in it...today we celebrate something we never thought we would see.
Our Kody Bear sitting in his "birthday chair" blowing out nine candles.
If you happen to see Mommy and Daddy with a tear or two in their eyes tonight...Baby...Please know that those are only tears of joy...for our beautiful, beautiful baby boy!!

Happy Birthday Kody Bear!!!

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Thank you for stopping by and celebrating this day with us!!

We have a HUGE "Thank You" to Mrs. Terry {Angel Jalen's Am-Maw} and Mrs. Mary for the most AWESOME b-day presents Kody recieved today!! I will be putting up a pic. tomorrow...wait till you all see this....Ahhhhhhh...it is soooo cool!!
And the most greatest thing is that Kody saw this gift on Sunday at Mr. Pubs and hinted how he would really love to have one because he thought it was that cool!!
OK...OK...I won't keep you till tomorrow...Kody's b-day present was a Orange County Chopper blanket......the pictures will just tell it all....you will love it too!!

Now then...if you all think we are in the partying mood today...you just have to check out Lindsay's site...she made Kody the most special "Birthday Celebration" of her own....and she did it all by herself!!
I have to tell you...this girl has a future in computer graphics....can you believe she is only 8??!!
Lindsay's Mom, Angela, and I have been e-mailing alot lately and are having the best time getting to know each other and share stories of our two skater kids.
They are pretty funny, Lindsay and Kody and they both share a great love of the movie "Grind". If anyone at all ever needs someone that can tell you every word of that movie or sing any song on it...Kody and Lindsay are your kids!!
OK...Now go...check out the party on Lindsay's page!! :0)

Alright...Now that your back...
Let's see...what happened around here today....Well, unfortunetly Kody woke up with another morning headache. Hours later and after the max dose of headache med. it finally let up.
This makes 5 morning headaches in a week. I put in a call to his Dr. at Shands to see if maybe he should be CT Scanned but they never called back. I am guessing they don't think it's a very urgent problem. I hope their right. :0(

Look what we got today!!

Our friend, Helen, made these for Kaysha and Kolin...aren't they great??!!
The kids absolutely LOVE them...I cannot even begin to tell you how happy having their own "blinkies" made them.
Click on each one to see where it takes you!!
And please...check out and take part in the competition going on at Cancer Fighters. {click on Kaysha's blinkie}.
I'll tell you some about it...
Do you know a kid who is busy kickin' cancers butt? Would you like them to win a t-shirt or other "kickin' items?? Well...from now till November 3rd...when you purchase an item from the "Cancer Fighters" store you can place a vote for any child you like.
This is a great way to support "Radio Lollipop", a hospital for sick children...and win a "T" for the bravest butt kicker you know!! :0)

Kolin and Kaysha both recommend very highly the organization that is on Kolin's banner...SuperSibs! means the world to them...as siblings of a child with cancer...SuperSibs recognizes they have feelings and needs too...and SuperSibs treats them to so much happy mail, little presents, T-Shirts, notes of love and encouragement.
I wish you all could see how happy they are when mail comes in for them. They even have a special drawer where they keep all thier treasured SuperSibs things.

Well guys and gals...I believe that is about all the news that's fit to print tonight...
Thank you so much to everyone for stopping by..Thank you so much to everyone who has sent Kody birthday cards in the mail and sent birthday wishes in his guestbook....

We love you all...And I really, really mean that!! :0)

~Kim~

Sunday, August 15, 2004 10:00 PM

~*~MONDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~

GREAT NEWS!!!!!

The moles are benign!!!

Dr. V told us that he wants to keep a good watch on them for anymore changes and that he may very likely need them removed....but not just yet.
So....Kody will go back in Feb. to have them looked at again.....
Isn't this the best news??!! We were so happy and you cannot believe what a relief it was to walk out of that office today.

Speaking of offices...remember when I told you all about the other dermatologist's office we went to about a week and a half, almost two weeks ago, and how is was absolutley discusting??
Well....this office we went to today was immaculate....friendly staff....a very caring Dr....It was definetly worth the two hour drive to get there!! :0)

Thank you for the prayers that we are positive brought us the good news we got today!

BTW...It dawned on my late last night that I forgot one very important and very sweet new friend...
May I introduce, Cutie Patootie Madie!

She is such a doll face with those squeezy cheeks we love so much around here!! {It's the Italian!!}

OK....better run and get the kiddo's to beddo's so Mama {that would be me} can stayed tuned for another exciting week of "Growing Up Gotti"...
Come on...ya gotta love a Mom who scarfs Hershey Bars in times of stress!! :0)
And besides...my night time TV buddy, Kaysha just so happens to think the boy Gotti's are Hot, Hot, HOT!! {Easy now Dad...don't get crazy on us...HEH...HEH!!}

More news tomorrow...our two newest projects..
Kaysha is starting her own "Hurricane Charley" drive to collect well needed supplies and toys for all our victims of that horrible storm that claimed so much for so many.
And project 2....Kody's lemonade stand will soon be a reality...the letter we have been waiting for should be here anyday now.

~*~TWO MORE DAYS AND OUR BEAR TURNS NINE~*~

Love you all....

~Kim~

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Last night, completely out of the blue the most beautiful rainbow appeared. It was huge, bright and the most gorgeous piece of artwork I have ever seen.
On the other side of the yard...the sky was bright, bright orange and blue...incredible!!
The kids and I just sort of stood there staring for a minute and that's when I realized..."Hey...the camera...I have GOT to get a picture of this!"...
***Insert Sigh Here***
Too late...within seconds rain clouds covered the rainbow. The memory of that rainbow and that God is still in control no matter what will follow us forever.

Today....despite heavy sadness all over Florida, because of Hurricane Charley, we went out and celebrated...the occasion was called "A Celebration of Life" and the life we were celebrating was our friend, Kendra's.
Alot of you may still remember our friends, Scotty and Sue who's 23 year old daughter was in a horrific car accident last April. She was in coma for three weeks and for weeks after that still could not remember her Dad.
She fought with all her might and today was her day...though Kendra still requires 24 hour care and is not 100 percent herself yet...she, Mom and Dad are doing a remarkable job...Kendra will be OK..she is a true fighter and the reason why there were smiles today instead of tears.

If you have a minute or two...stop by Kody's photo page to meet Kendra and family...and a few other pic's that are kind of amusing too!! :0)

Tomorrow we are headed out to Tampa for Kody's appointment with the dermatologist. We should be there around 2 o'clock. I will absolutely update when we get home...or tomorrow night at the latest.

This Wednesday is Kody Bear's 9th birthday...I still can't believe we are able to celebrate another birthday, he is amazing, isn't he?
Since Kolin's 7th birthday is exactly a week later {he shares a birthday with Helen from "Kickin' Cancers Butt" stores and her cool personalized banners, how cool is that?}...We are celebrating in a big way at Mr. Pubs in Belleview, FL.
Lots of bikes, burn outs, loud music, rowdy guys and gals....absolutely everything that is important in Kody's life!!
All he asked me for was a chance to celebrate with his biker buddies..and he will get his wish!!
If any of you are local and out and about...the party starts at 3 o'clock on Sunday, August 22nd and EVERYONE is welcome....
Remember.....No Presents for either of the boys....just lots and lots of hugs, happiness and fun!!
Times like these are so important to Kody and to all of us...it gives us a breather from the medical world...it really does wonders to get us to take our minds off anything having to do with brain tumors, ugly moles, shunts and headaches {monster-aches to Kody}.
So.....Be there is you can!!!
BTW...You will probably find Kody and Kolin hitting anyone up for pool table quarters and hitting the pool tables! :0)

Oh....the picture on top.....isn't it awesome??!!
That is the picture I was telling you all about a few weeks ago..the one that came out so sweet that the photographer at Wal-Mart submitted it into a photo contest Wal-Mart has every few months or so.
That would be so great if Kody was the winner and everytime anyone visited Wally World photo studio...the Bear's pic. was hanging there.
I've put some more of the kids photos from that day on the photo page...they are all so beautiful!!

I'll be putting up so new friends on our drop down list tonight...but just so you know who they are, I'll add them here too.
These kids are the greatest and we are so honored to have the chance to get to know them. :0)

Lindsay...This is Sk8er Girl Lindsay's new site.
Georgia
Jordan
Dinah
Victoria
Haley...You all have GOT to hear this girl sing!!

I hope you all have a great time getting to know them...they are all sweethearts!!

Well ya'all {sorry Vik!!}....I better get going for tonight...thank you so much for stopping by. I'll be back on tomorrow after our appoinment.

With a whole lotta love...

~Kim~

Saturday, August 14, 2004 1:00 PM

~*~UPDATE...1:40 PM~*~

Oh no...Just when I thought all was safe...we are getting tornados popping up very close to our home. The weather is turning very ugly, very fast again.
Karl is trying to make it home from work...it is just me and the three kids home right now.
Alerts and alarms are going off like crazy.
Please keep the prayers a comin'!!!

I'll leave our other site up for a while longer, just incase.

Kruppenbacher Family Updates

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WE ARE HOME AND WE ARE FINE!!!!

Oh wow...what a day yesterday...

First I'd like to take this opportunity to THANK YOU all so much for the endless prayers that went out to us of us...not just our family, Katia's, Luke D's and many others but for all Floridians in general.
Our prayers go out to the families in Punta Gorda and up to and through Orlando, Cassleberry {Mrs. Ellen whom we love around here!!} and Daytona Beach.
Especially Punta Gorda who went through the worst of the storm and is absolutely devestated. Much destruction and many casulaties and missing persons.

THANK YOU to my sister, Vikki who took over helping me with updating {even through her own tears and worries} you all {she did great didn't she??} and also to Chris Russo who was willing to take over and help Vikki with updating at a moments notice {isn't she the best too??}.

Recaps of our day goes like this...

We were packed up and bringing everything over to Kayara's apartment in the morning. Between bottled water, canned food, pillows, blankets, clothes, flashlights and other supplies and only one small car trunk and three kids this was at least a two trip job.
The Red Cross Disaster truck was going up and down neighborhoods, including ours yelling at everyone through megaphones to evacuate quickly...as the storm was now turning into a Catagory 4. {Cat. 5 being the worst}.
I couldn't find Kyle {our oldest son} and Karyelle {our oldest daughter} was at work until noon.
The kids and I drove to Karl's job {where he was} to pick up what was left of the bagged ice and then I went to Kyle's to try and find him. I did find him and he was about to leave for work...at that time the alarms on every radio station were telling everyone that at least 5 tornadoes were popping up locally...I pleaded and pretty much DEMANDED Kyle forget work and pack up a bag and head to his sisters. I got Kayara on the phone and she let him have it too....he really wanted to stay alone at his place. Our biggest concern was we wanted us ALL together as a family so there would be no finding lost kids the next day.
OK..so he agrees and says he is headed to the cemetary first to get all the flowers and angels off of Baby Alexes' grave. {Kayara's first daughter} and then he would meet us at Kayara's apt.
I picked up Karl from work, dropped him off at home to finish up getting ready, dropped another load of things off at Kayara's and that's when my friend, Karrie called me to tell me that they were predicting a full Cat. 5 by 9 PM.
OK...this was the worst news possible as Kayara's apt. is on the top floor and now we weren't safe there either.

During this time the skies were black..I mean the most eeire looking black I have ever seen and then it started to rain.
The kids were upset...we were scrambling to get everything back out of Kayara's apt., pack up Alona's things, Karyelle was already there and she was a great help too.
By this time Kaysha was crying so hard that she ended up throwing up...and Kody, my poor Kody Bear...he was hysterical. I have nver seen a person become so uncontrollably hysterical as I saw him yesterday...he stood out in the rain in the parking lot of the apt. and cried and screamed "Mommy...I don't want to die..I am not ready to die!!"
It was awful...no words can possible describe the fear in his eyes.
Finally..I think it was Karyelle who dragged him back upstairs and I heard her say "Kody...Ashley WILL take care of you Baby...you have got to believe that she and Grammpa Hughie and Pop-Pop will protect us".

We were about to head to the Melborne/Orando area to look for shelter...when Karl called to tell us that he had found us a place to stay in Fruitland Park. I super great woman, Sarah from our local Auto Parts store was willing to open her home to us...all 10 of us {including Kyle's friend and room mate, Josh}.
Her home is poured cement and safe.

We got as much done and we could and I left to get Karl and see our home, our pets and everything we own for the very last time.

We met back up at Kayara's and Kyle pulled up at the same time...one last quick check {it was pouring rain, windy and still very black out} and off we were to find Sarah's house.
I still don't remember much of that ride...we were all so scared..I do think I rememeber telling Karl to slow down once or twice!! :0)

We got there...unpacked everything again and waited.
About an hour, maybe an hour and a half later...the news channels started showing something not predicted by anyone.
This Hurricane was now a Cat. 5 and it was turning East....straight towards Orando.
I heard on the news this morning they are calling this the "I-4 Storm" because it traveled straight up Interstate 4 {the most busiest, crowded road in Orlando} and it was indeed hitting them headon with 145 mile an hour winds.
The most horible part of this was...East of us was NOT supposed to be hit....they were not prepared and all the people evacuating from the South {Tampa area} were in Orlando...I mean the hotels were booked solid. Heck, the hotels in Leesburg were booked solid..I tried calling every one and got told "no vacancy" everytime.

About a half hour later...when we realized we were most likely safe to go home....we were supposed to get some rain and maybe 40 MPH winds...if anything, we could head back to Kayara's and we'd have been OK.

We got home around dinnertime..I made everyone dinner and as we watched the news...would you believe it was turning back to Leesburg??
All we could think of was "Oh great..did we move too fast?"
Then...it moved back East again...it was so weird..I mean nobody could predict was was going to happen next with this thing.

I have to say....I can only believe in my heart that the amount of prayers going out for Kody had to have had something to do with this chain of weird events.
It was our home that was supposed to be leveled..our lives here that were in serious danger..
And, in all honesty...I have never, ever in my life been so happy to walk through my front door and see my non-mansion of a home!! :0)
Stained rugs...toys on the floor...sticky grape jelly counters...unmade beds...all these things mean nothing, absolutely nothing to me anymore.
We walked away with our lives...we have a roof over our heads...we have all of us and we have all of you...
And that is the only thing that really matters.

Thank You God...Thank You Angel Ashley...Thank You Grammpa Hughie...Thank You Pop-Pop and Babci...Thank You Karl's Nana too!!!!

Now..on to some Kody news...

Right now he is feeling fine..much more calm..much more happy. Though I am not letting him watch the news today...there are so many graphic scenes...I know he can't handle that right now.
He did wake up with another morning "monster-ache" and that had us a bit worried..it will be his 4th this week.
But...happily, his Maxalt {headache med.} kicked in after a while and he woke up again feeling great and feeling hungry!! :0)
Oh, and did I mention he is terrorizing his sister, Kaysha terribly??!!

Well..I better go get this update up, I believe we have had close to 2000 hits over the past couple of days and I imagine alot of you are nail biting worried and waiting for an update.

Looks like we are about to get hit with a storm...black skies, thunder and it is raining like mad. Great..I can hear sirens outside, you know I will never take these sounds for granted again. :0(

BTW...according to this morning news there is a Tropical Depression coming up to Florida in about five days. By the time it hits Florida it should have Hurricane status. And the line of it's path? Would you believe straight up Central Florida??!!

Thank you all so much for stopping by everyday...Please know that if anyone of Kody's fans have been effected by Hurricane Charley and TS Bonnie..you and your familes are in our prayers always.

With love...

~Kim~

Monday, August 9, 2004 10:15 PM

~*~THURSDAY....11:30 AM~*~

Hello everyone!!

I just need to say a few things this morning before I get really busy around here trying to pack bags, collect important papers, med's, clear the yard, cover the pool, all the things basically that are important in a storm.
It looks like we are in the direct line of Hurricane Charley and it should be hitting Central Florida about 10 PM Friday night. As if our luck would have it..Leesburg and Fruitland Park will be the worst hit here. That ulgy old orange line cuts right in the middle of the two..Leesburg our home and Fruitland Park, the next town over {literally a 1/2 mile away} where the boys go to school.
And if our luck couldn't get worse...we live in a 1981 mobile home....not the place you want to be in a hurricane/tornado.

In the event something happens and the only computer I can get to is not my own...I had set up another Kody web site that is alot more user friendly....this one here we are on now takes me about an hour for a quick update....lot's of copying and pasting...something I don't mind but it would be difficult if I wasn't on my own computer and on my own time.
So...if you haven't heard from us in a few days because of the weather, please go to Kody's Story Page 2 for updates....
BTW...this is the page we'll use for extended hospital visits also...so that Karl can help update without my stressing that he has "Oops...deleted Kody's site"!!

KODY'S UPDATES PART TWO

Now...on to a little Kody news...

Today has not been one of his better days...waking up with a headache which I thought was pretty much gone by the time we left for school..unfortunelty an hour after school started his headache came back worse and he threw up {sorry!!}.
So...right now he has his pain medicine in him and he is attempting to rest so hopefully he can rid himself of that monster-ache {that's what he calls them!!}
.
He did manage is pretty big smile though when I brought in the mail and he saw he had a package!! A birthday present from Mrs. Marty that he convinced me he really should open today...LOL!!
And...in that package was the COOLEST Orange County Chopper T-Shirt with Paul Sr. on a chopper and an equally really COOL OCC cap...
Thank you sooooo much Mrs. Marty!!!!
I'll have to see if I can snap a picture of him sleeping with that cap on....it is so sweet!!

Well Kody fans...I really must be getting off of here...I have so much to do...it's kind of overwhelming.

Oh...Kody's new appointment for the Dermatologist is Monday afternoon at 2:15. They called me to say the offices were officially being closed...and also I found out that school's are closed too tomorow.

Please...I would like to ask all of you to please pray very hard for all of us everywhere who will be effected by the devestation of Storms Bonnie and Charley.
In all my years of living here I have yet to see Florida get hit with two storms right on top of the other. The lightening and tornadoes are predicted to be extremely vicious and unforgiving.

To all our friends out there...

God Bless You All.

With love...

~Kim~

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~*~WEDNESDAY 3:30 PM~*~

Hi All...

In light of Hurricane Charley which should be pounding us at full force by Friday, it looks like we'll be cancelling Kody's dermatology appointment. :0(
They say we could reschedule for sometime next week...the appt. would have to be double booked which means an all day thing, but at least he will be seen.

Great news!!
I got the phone call today from Elizabeth from Dr. Smith's {onc} at Shands and she is mailing me off the necessary paperwork to get Kody's lemonade stand dream a reality!!
As soon as the weather permits that project will have my full attention...we are so excited and really, really cannot wait to take the plunge!!
Plus...as a bonus, we will be meeting Mrs. Elizabeth in person at Shands next month when Kody goes in for him MRI and visit with Dr. Pincus.

I do have a few prayer requests sent to me this past day or so and I'll get them up tonight because right now the thunder is really starting to kick up and it won't be long till the lightening does too.

I better run for now and shut this computer down till the storm subsides..

Thanks for checking in!!

~Kim~

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Is that one happy Yankee up there?!! :0)

A very BIG "Thank You" to Kody's Uncle Peter from NY and the New York Yankees...especially Derek Jeter for making the wishes of Kody, a true NY Yankee fan since birth, come true!!

Today in the mail Kody got a birthday present, I'll call it an "early" birthday present because there was no way Kody was going to last another nine days of waiting....and in that package sent from Uncle Peter K. was an official NY Yankee #2 jersey signed especially for Kody from none other then "The Man" himself....our personal favorite Yankee in this house {esp. with the girls!!} Derek Jeter!!!!
Also...Derek also signed one of Kody's prayer cards/bookmarks...take a look see at the photo page!!

As you can all imagine....he hasn't let go of that jersey yet today...since 3:15 when he walked through the front door from school this afternoon...he has been admiring, staring, showing off and bringing that jersey EVERYWHERE!!! {Pete...I promise it won't get dirty....really!!}
I promised him he could bring it to Tampa for the doc appointment on Friday and I'd take it into school for show and tell next week then it is going to be framed behind glass with the bookmark..that is IF I can pry it out of Kody's hands...or back!! :0)

WOW...What a great day..I cannot even begin to tell you how happy this gift has made Kody and how much it means to all of us to see him so happy and so proud...
THANK YOU AGAIN PETE AND THE NEW YORK YANKEES!!!

Well guys and gals..as I promised you all last night I'd let you all know if something exciting happens around here and true to my word...it did!! See...in hours things change like crazy in this insane house of ours! :0)

I better get going....that alarm clock of mine I call "Karlieo" {Karl} likes to ring my bells very, very early...so I better run and try my best to play catch up on some sleep tonight!!

Thank you all so much for stopping by to check up on Kody...you all mean the absolute world to us...Until tomorrow...

Love you all......

~Kim~

Sunday, August 8, 2004 10:10 PM CDT

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Hope you all had a great weekend....our's was pretty decent, rainy most of the day today but a real good day nonetheless.

Thanks sooooooo much for all the well wishes about those pesky headaches....they are GONE!!!

I put some new photos up yesterday...Kody was completely into skating...his balance was at 100 percent so he decided to drag me out to the street {as if I really minded!!} and snap a few pix...as you can see, he was a daredevil!
Crazy thing is...I don't worry about him, I really don't...he knows when he is right on target and those days he is so active. He has been skating since he was about 5 I believe, so seriously....though I used to be the kind of Mom who stands by on guard ready to leap and catch...now I just stand back watch and snap pictures....LOL..like any good skating groupie would!! :0)

Tomorrow sometime I'll be adding a bunch of new friends to Kody's drop down list....I'll let you all know who they are, I know they would love to have some new visitors...and since Kody's fans are the coolest around...I know I'll find you there!!

Also...tomorrow I really need to place a call to Shands to find out why the big holdup on that letter I am waiting to be faxed so we can jump in and get this lemonade stand for rare BT research up and going...it can't happen without that letter and believe me...research that has the potential to save any of our childrens life is a top #1 priority thing for us.

Well this has got to be my shortest journal entry ever...but I have to tell you...I am really beat up tired tonight!!

So...until something exciting happens around here {give it 24 hours...things are always changing!!} I think I'm going to go grace the Dude I married with an early bedtime tonight. :0)

Love you all......
~Kim~

Friday, August 6, 2004 10:45 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I'm am so sorry to be making you all worry.....this update was long overdue, I know. :0(

No excuses really except I've had this nasty migraine since Wednesday morning and it really shows no signs of letting up. Even Excedrin isn't touching this one and that is really weird cuz Excedrin for Migraines is some really great stuff.

Anyway...enough of that....

Kody's dermatology appointment on Wednesday...

Well...we drove there...through some dirt back roads...and ended up somewhere around the Ocala National Forest....drove through nothing, and I mean nothing for miles and miles only to find out we were on the right road but the wrong side of it {should have made a right instead of a left..TY Mapquest}.
Found the place...walked in, took one look at it...I looked at Karl, Karl looked at me..and we both looked at Kody who was backing himself right on out of there.
Without going in to gross detail...I would not have taken my dog to be seen there...it was that bad.
Well...Karl said "What do you want to do?" and I told him "Get out of here now"....
Sooooo.....out we went!!

Right away I called his CMS case worker/nurse and told her what we saw...who in turn called the head person at Ped-I-Care, who by some weird coincidence had the head person of investigating these offices they send us to walk in on the phone conversation and by the time I got home I received a phone call to tell me that she {the head investigator} was on her way to that dermatology office for a surprise check.

Now...that being that, Shands {Kody's hospital...where we wanted to go all along} denied our request for him to be seen there because "they only see adults". No amount of pleading was going to change there mind...why would they make it easy right?

So...Yesterday I found out from Kody's case worker/nurse, Diedra...that the closet place we can get him into be seen was out in Tampa...near All Childrens Hospital {if that sounds familier it is because that is the hospital that Katia spent 11 months at}.
We figure it's a two hour drive, at least. But...happily he will be seen...and so his next appointment is on Friday the 13th...My lucky day!! {LOL....I also love black cats, scary movies and Halloween!!} at 8 AM...we need to be there at 7:45 for the paperwork trail.

The first day of school went....oh...lets say it was a disaster!!

All day I had this nagging feeling that something was wrong...like the boys were having a bad day. That feeling just sat there and wouldn't go away. I swear, I paced the floors at home all day...headache getting totally worse and then I left an hour early to pick them up...no reason really except I figured I'd be first on the pick up line and we'd be out of there alot faster...plus I just wanted to be near them, you know?
Well...school let out at 3 PM..as it has for all the six years I have lived here. About 10 minutes of watching kids leave....Kolin finally shows up. Then 15 minutes passes and no Kody. The adults in charge are yelling out his name and telling me to move up that they would find him.
Twenty minutes passes and no Kody and I am getting really steamed...25 minutes of promises to find him and some woman who works there who kept coming to the car about 10 times saying "What is your boys name?" comes up to me again and says "Just get out of the car and look for him yourself"....
Uhhh...OK, there are kids, 100's of them everywhere, cars everywhere...people yelling, walking in front of cars, really no place safe to park...but I was furious and so I pulled up even further {out of Kody's sight even if he was out there} and took Kolin and we looked through about 350 - 400 kids and no Kody!!
So...I walk down to his classroom where I find him and all his classmates...
Seems the teacher didn't know what time school ended and didn't dismiss them.
Geez lady...didn't all the noise in the hallways clue you in? How about the fact that you've been a Lake Cty. teacher for years and they have always been dismissed at 3 o'clock.
Anyway....I get the boys in the car and ask them how their day was.
The very first thing Kody says was "It sucked"...Ohhhh great, I was right!!
He said he was hollered at for bringing in a 24 count box of crayons instead of 16 count one. {my mistake, Kolin was suposed to get the 24}
And...though I packed him a lunch, he had to wait on line with all the kids buying lunch {even though he had nothing to buy} and by the time he got to a table...his teacher was hollering "Pack up it's time to go to class"
So...he unpacked his lunchbox in the car and ate at 3:30 ish...
Now imagine...he had breakfast at 7 AM..and went 8 1/2 hours without food or drink, and in the Florida heat & humidity...I still can't believe he didn't work himself into a giant sized headache.
It was so hard to see him sitting there so miserable...that is just not Kody, I mean that kid finds humor in everything.

Kolin said his day was OK but he teacher told him that when he was at school she was his Mom!
Yeah...OK...well #1: I clearly remember all 9 lbs. 1 1/2 oz. of him and do believe I have earned the right to not be replaced in the Mom dept.
And #2...if she wants to play Mom then it's serously time to cough up some of that school supply money...

I said to them "Guys...If I can get you back into your old school {which I realize we should have never listened to rumors and left in the first place} do you want to go back"....
I don't think I need to say much more when I can tell you that both boys were welcomed back "home" at Fruitland Park Elementary yesterday afternoon with lots of hugs all round and started their first day of school part 2 this morning...and they both got the teachers they wanted the most!!
Kody's being Mrs. Miller..who was Lake Cty's "teacher of the year" last year.
And Kolin got "Mrs. Ritchen" who was Kody's first grade teacher and in my opinion...the most loving and wondeful woman in the world!! And..her husband {Captain Play Doh} who stops by to see the kids is absolutley the funniest, sweetest man ever!!
Plus...Mrs. Ritchen's Mom and Dad stop by for fun projects like rocket launching during the year and that always bring great times, lots of memories and smiles that last a lifetime.
Kody still talks with so much love and happiness about those days. :0)

I'll tell you...when we drove into FPE's parking lot yesterday...it was really like we were "home" and all that weight I was carrying on my shoulders all day just lifted right off.
The boys are so happy, they love school again...and that is really what matters the most!! :0)

Well guys and gals..I'd like to thank you all for being so patient waiting on this update and I am sorry to do this but I am going to really have to cut this short tonight because this headache is just a cross between throbbing badly and being drilled with a hot power drill in the head. :0(
It is really killing me tonight so I better get off this now.

I promise I will be catching up with my e-mails...if you have mailed me...I haven't read any in a couple, maybe a few days...but I definetly will tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a day for catching up on friends. Ahhh...that's if Kody, Kolin and Kaysha will give up the computer for a while tomorrow!!

Love you all......
~Kim~

Monday, August 2, 2004 11:40 AM

~*~TUESDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE~*~

Although it isn't posted on her site just yet...it appears that Celeste has become our newest little Angel.
Celeste...you fought so hard Baby and defyed everything that every Dr. told us about you. You are truly a fighter and a "HERO" in all our eyes and hearts.
Fly free Sweetie, run with the Angels!!

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~*~TUESDAY MORNING UPDATE~*~

The race is on!! We should be hitting TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND HITS today!!!!
Keep an eye on the counter and let Kody know if you are the one!!
THANK YOU...THANK YOU

~*~MONDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~

As I am sure many of you already know....we lost Alex yesterday. Alex was and will always be Kody's inspiration as he attempts to start his own lemonade stand. As you can imagine, this news hit Kody very hard today...it hit all of us very hard.
Alex...you touched the hearts of so many and in viewing your guestbook tonight...the love from so many people around the world was overwhelming. You accomplished much more in your 8 years of life here on Earth then most adults will never come close to.
Sweet Dreams Little One...We hope with all our hearts that you will be setting up another lemonade stand in Heaven and we really hope that Jesus and all his Angels bring lots and lots of change!!
Your dream will be met...although you will oversee it from Heaven...Know that your dream to meet One Million Dollars will become a reality.

If you all would like to see a CNN article about Alex...please click.... here.

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

It's Monday morning and Monday's can be dreary as all heck....but we have got the perfect solution to the Monday Morning Blues...
Please, stop by Cheyenne's house today and check out Daddy Roy the newest, most coolest "Mohawk Man" on the Caring Bridge curcuit {or is that circus??}!! {see Cheyenne's picture page}.
And please don't forget to tell him Kody Bear the original Mohawk Man sent you all...this is just too funny and if it doesn't get you in a great mood...heck, nothing will!! :0)

I called DCF about the kids medical insurance mess first thing this morning and got a voice mail that said "someone will call you back in 24 hours" to which I sure did leave a message to which according to Karl will "either really piss someone off or really get their attention" and found another number that said "to talk to someone right away call...". I called that number over and over this morning and no answer.
Sooooooo...not being one to back off, decided "hey..let's take this to the top" and I called Florida's Governor, Jeb Bush {George's bro} and spoke to some very nice women who are working on this as we speak.
Moral of this story...Do not mess with my childrens health cuz Mama Bear tends to get very unpretty. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!! :0) :0)

Dermatology appointment {for those nasty moles on Kody's back} as far as I know is still on for Wednesday morning @ 10:30.

Well..that's about it for right now...gotta go have some play-doh lunch lovingly made by Kolin. He is sweet!!

Be back on later.

Parents of Brain Tumor children..Please don't forget to e-mail photos of your children and Angels for Kody's "Childrens Rare Brain Tumor Research" lemonade stand coming soon!!
We'd like to create a huge collage of all Kody's friend's pictures to make it really personal...your childrens beautiful faces can help us raise money for a CURE!!!!
E-mail pix to~

kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

I've only gotten THREE pictures so far.....HINT....HINT...HINT!! ;0)

Love you all......
~Kim~

Saturday, July 31, 2004 8:55 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

OK...I have to admit...I really, really thought I wouldn't be too keen on kittens...but I have to admit it...
Those little furrballs are so cute...and sooooo funny!!
I would have never imagined a couple of cheap cat toys would cause so much belly laughing in this family!!
I really owe that to my sister, Vikki....loved cats all her life, has owned cats forever...
She told me to get them some toys and watch. So I did, thinking...hey their cats...what do they know about toys?
Oh man..was I wrong! Even Dad...a lifelong non-cat person is having a good time watching the lunitics at play. Oh...and Dad is also the FIRST person every morning to say..."Look what your cat's did last night"...pointing to knocked down pictures, the fallen vacumn, my important never ending paper pile all over the floor.
It'll get better, right?

Kolin has been fighting another ear infection...the second in two weeks and in the same ear even with the ear tubes and today Kody has been at war with two headaches..one really, really painful and the other..not too bad, but a headache nonetheless.
Thank God for that wild man cat of his, "Bam Magera Kruppenbacher"...who somehow "sensed" Kody wasn't feeling well and settled down long enough to crawl in bed with him and take a nap. It was so sweet and just now I realized...why didn't I take a picture? DUH!!!

For all of you who have been e-mailing me...please have patience with me...I haven't had much time to check my mail and answer. Seems that I have so many projects going on...

Hmmmm, let's see...well first of all school...and how it is starting in 5 days and how I have a trillion supplies to still get, sneakers that fit, clothes without stains and Kody needs about 10 new combs {the boy loves his hair!!}!!
As you all heard from me last week...I put the boys in a Charter School about 25 minutes from our home. Well, last week I found out that both boys were accepted into a brand new elem. school about 4 minutes from our home. This is where I originally wanted the boys to go but when I filled out the paperwork in May I was told since there were so many requests for children to transfer...there would be a huge waiting list and only one child per family would be accepted.
Well..how could I split up the boys? I couldn't and so that explains the Charter School.
We are beyond happy that they will go to the new Leesburg Elementary..but since I aleady registered them for CS...and had their records sent there...what a pain to have to re-register and have records sent again.
Even more of a pain to fight with the uniform comp. to get my $$ back to cancel my order...which wouldn't have been ready for 6 weeks anyway, so I have no idea why the big problem.
And Wal-Mart may be losing patience with me as I return a few bags of school supplies only to go and buy different supplies for a different school. {This week makes the third trip}
But anyway...enough said, they are in the school of our choice and that's what really matters...plus I am 4 minutes away from them incase of headaches, accidents, whatever.

I am still working on the lemonade stand project and that is going too painfully slow for me! {Can you tell I am a total go-getter freak?} Right now I am waiting on a letter to be faxed to us with the programs official name {well, I already know what it is but I need it on letterhead from Shands} and what the funds will be used for {rare brain tumor research in children}. This will help us with donations from local businesses and with checks.

I am also in the process..for about a week now of writing personal letters to 11 different head honchos about getting Kody's {and about a couple thousand other kids} health insurance HMO to be more patient/parent/dr/case worker friendly. Right now it is a total nightmare, too much red tape, way too much waiting for services and I was sort of the choosen one to make things happen....

Which leads me to my next obstical and source of my latest migraine...
.
Today in the mail I recieve a letter from Floida's Dept. of Children and Families to inform me that Kaysha, Kolin and KODY no longer have health insurance!!
Yes...you heard that right.
Seems they say they sent me an application/survey to fill out in June and because I didn't fill it out the kids have been dropped from Florida Healthy Kids and Kody from Childrens Medical Services and Ped-I-Care {the HMO people}.
See...the thing is though...Something that important I would have filled out immediatly and mailed back the next day. I never got their stupid application/survey. And just like that they take the kids health benefits away.
Which leads to our next problem...
Kody's appointment at the dermatologist to look at his moles is this Wednesday. And so we may just have to cancel. Wonderful....just wonderful!

Well...you can bet the farm that first thing Monday morning there will be one hot Mama {uh...no not that kind of hot Mama!} on the phone with DCF...Oh, they have not heard the last of me and I can promise you....they WILL remember me for a lonnnnnnng time comin'!! :0)

If I can somehow manage to get health ins. back....Kody's neuro-psych. visit is on September 1st. We have been waiting for this appoinment to be approved for over a year. His school IEP and everything that he needs help in to stay afloat in school this year depends on this appointment.

Then he is scheduled for his MRI and visit with Dr. Pincus on September 22nd.

Let's see..what else?

Oh....the Wal-Mart portrait studio job. I got a call back from them two nights ago....
Your all not going to believe this...the girl on the phone was so impressed with what our photographer from last week told her about me {thank you again Kimberley..the kids really miss you girl!} that she wanted to hire me and train me as the manager for the Leesburg store's Portrait Studio. A dream for me...really..but one big problem.
The job would require I am there from 10 AM to 8 PM everyday.
SIGH....not very workable with school schedules, tons of dr. appointments these next two months...and combine that with three kids who are used to having Mom when they need her...picking them up from school...being with them. I'd be dropping them off at school in the morning and coming home right before bedtime. {this can't be good for a marraige either, could it?}
The kids are going to need a ride to and from school everyday as there is no buses yet. {Not that I think I would put them on one anyway...I've seen the way they fly}
Plus..we are down to one form of transportation in our family.....well..let's just say it is not the right time for me.
But...this also comes with good news...
She {Donna} said that if I wanted to I could call her back at the end of September when she hires a ton of people for the Holidays...which would give me a very flexible schedule and if I wanted to after the Holidays...if they need one...the manager job.
See...good things do come to those who wait. :0)

Well....I am so sorry for babbling on and on tonight!!

I better run though for now because....SIGH....Kody just got a piece of cookie stuck in his throat and choked {he's OK!!} and he has that look like headache #3 is soon to arrive.
Does it ever end?? :0)

Parents of Brain Tumor children..Please don't forget to e-mail photos of your children and Angels for Kody's "Childrens Rare Brain Tumor Research" lemonade stand coming soon!!
We'd like to create a huge collage of all Kody's friend's pictures to make it really personal...your childrens beautiful faces can help us raise money for a CURE!!!!
E-mail pix to~

kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

I've only gotten ONE picture so far.....HINT....HINT...HINT!! ;0)

Have a great weekend!!
Love you all......
~Kim~

Thursday, July 29, 2004 11:15 PM

~*~FRIDAY MORNING UPDATE~*~

Heaven has gained another beautiful Angel.....as you look up to the sky today wave to Angel Grant. I am sure you will see him jumping from cloud to cloud laughing and acting silly as all three year olds do!!

Grant...Your Caring Bridge family misses you so much Sweetie...till we see you again in Heaven..Love you Baby!!

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~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TONIGHT~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Where to start...hmmm, let's see..I think I'll call this journal...

~*~Mom's mind turns to mush as kids finally break her with visions of fluffy, purring cute kittens dancing in their heads~*~

OK....I've never been a cat person, never really trusted them...I've always have loved having big, loud obnoxious dogs around though {thus we have an 180 pound Boomer in our family}.
But yesterday...something very crazy took ahold of me. No wait..this goes back to a little more then a week ago when we were introduced to Kody Bear's namesake...Kody Bear! A really cute little kitten who now lives in Elliott's household.

I guess the kid's have been keeping a really good eye on this and decided to spring something on me out of the blue....
And so, as I sat quietly having my morning coffee yesterday....Kaysha, who never, I mean never reads the newspaper picks it up and wouldn't you just know it...finds an ad for "free 10 week old kittens"...
"Moooommmmm...oh...pullllleeeeze...can we have one, please, please, I will do ANYTHING you want??!!"
Enter...a very sleepy eyed Kody and Kolin..."What's going on?"
"Kittens you guys...don't you want a cute kitten to love and hold and play with" says Kaysha.
"YES...PLEASE...Oh Mom..PLEASE...we will massage your back, paint your nails, leave you alone when your playing Zuma Deluxe forever..PULLLLEEEEZE???!!!"

SIGH..."Well, OK but only if the ad is local" says a "yeah you guys I got you now cuz there is never anything advertised local in our town" Mom.

And so I take a look and darn if I didn't eat my words...yeppers....about three miles away a/k/a "local". DAMN!!
So..I call and yes they have three cute lil' black kitten left.
Shoot...how in the world do I break this to your Dad kids??"
And their answer..."Just be real nice to him and cook him something" {they had a good point}

OK..fast forward to the ride to the adopt a kitten home and the whole way there I am saying "Just one kitten..I mean it...any fights, arguments, anything and we leave with no cat at all"
And so we get there...right away Kaysha picks up the most prissiest, girlie girl kitten you will ever see and LOVES it! Kody picks up a mischevious, trouble makin' hyper spaz kitten and LOVES it!!
Kolin...well, he couldn't care less as long as we were leaving with something!
And me? Well..I was torn between a kitten who reminded me of me and one that reminded me of Karl...LOL!! :0)

And so when all was said and done...may I introduced to you...the newest members of our getting' more and more crowded everyday family...
Lola and Bam :0)

Let me tell you all about the new photo on top tonight...
Kody and Kolin got two new soldier teddy bears in the mail yesterday!! See the cool ties on the bears heads? Well...if you all remember..Kody, Kolin and Kaysha were in charge of testing these cool head ties for our troops overseas. They actually tested two types...cool ties {which you can wrap around your head or neck or in Kody's case...bike handlebars} and cool heads which you pop into your helmet when you are out in the heat.
And the winning "coolie" goes to...."Cool Ties" won hands down as the favorite of all three kids.
And so...we would like to thank you from the bottom of our Big Bear hearts Mrs. Kathy for making them {the teddy bears} and personalizing them with the boys names and Mrs. Ellen for sending them out with lots and lots of love and #50 sunblock {same kind our soldiers use!!}...
THANK YOU...THANK YOU!!!!!!

Today the kids and I had a really fun day spent out in The Villages with our adopted Gramma Carolyn...
I mean it when I say WE HAD A BLAST!!!!!!

For starters...Gramma Carolyn rented us a golf cart so that we all would have something cool to putt around in and explore...I have never driven one and I have to tell you...
I was bad to the bone baby....Yeah.I was born to ride a golf cart...I looked good...people were waving at me...I was waving back...
I think it was Kaysha who pointed out I kept leaving the blinkers one which were beeping like a son of a gun and so I guess maybe, just maybe I may have embarrassed myself just a little and that's explains all the waves..
Not waves like "Hello fellow golf carter"...but more like "Hey stupid..turn your blinker off!"

Oh heck..we had fun though...going on bridges, through tunnels, down narrow roads, 4 wheelin' them carts though some dirt roads and then would you believe we happened upon something I have never seen in my life...a heard of buffalo {just like the kind on the Pizza Hut buffalo wing commercial and BYW...they had no wings that I could see!}.
And...get this..those buffalo looked just like our dog!!
So..we got out and snapped a few pix which you all can check out on the photo page.

Then we ate some pizza...ahhhh...Pauley's, you gotta love them..the only pizza I have ever had in Florida that comes close to a real New York pizza!!

We went golfing....yeppers..really, we went golfing! Now that is something I have never, ever tried and honestly..after digging some major holes in that finely manicured grass..I doubt I will ever try again...But..
The kids LOVED every minute of it!!
And Kody, after a quick 5 minute mini lesson given to him by a very nice gentleman who was most likely so tired of seeing him hit nothing and laughing about it...
started swinging like a pro and splashing them in the pond everytime...he's got a great swing!
Kaysha was Kaysha...gently swinging as to not ruin her nail polish or appear silly to any cute boy that might be watching. She did manage to hit a few pretty nice ones though!
Kolin...oh how do I describe Kolin...hyterical comes to mind and what also comes to mind is the Adam Sandler movie "Happy Gilmore"...need I say any more?

We ended the day with lots of ice cream, messy, sticky ice cream and thats when Kolin spotted "his" water fountain....and, I am so sorry but I was so busy laughing I didn't take a picture as he leaned over and fell in! Try to imagine :0)

Lots of pretty amusing photos on the photo page...enjoy!!

Parents of Brain Tumor children..Please don't forget to e-mail photos of your children and Angels for Kody's "Childrens Rare Brain Tumor Research" lemonade stand coming soon!!
We'd like to create a huge collage of al Kody's friend's pictures to make it really personal...your childrens beautiful faces can help us raise money for a CURE!!!!
E-mail pix to~
kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

OK guys..Now I know there was something else I wanted to tell you all tonight but darned if I can remember...soooooooo
Till tomorrow or the next day when I swap out some more photos with kitten ones...because the kids are driving be nuts to take some and I haven't yet..

A big..huge...Good-Night to you all!!

Love ya...Love ya...Love ya!!!
~Kim~

Tuesday, July 27, 2004 10:25 AM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Well..it's almost official...the happiest day on Caring Bridge is just about upon us....

KATIA IS GOING HOME!!!!!!!

Get those yellow balloons and Celebrate Good Times Come On!!!!

Heyyyyyy....I have to thank you all soooooo much for helping to take down "Jessica Thomas'" site...now that you all know what to look for...please just be aware and stay alert. Anything suspicious, please just let me know. No doubt, she'll be back...like a nasty bad habit she always returns. Ahhhhh...but enough of that, on to better news,

It's that time again for Kody to break out the art supplies and design The American Cancer Society's newest piece of artwork ala Kody Style. The supplies should be delivered very soon and Kody is free to create. Remember last years artwork raised over $500.00 for cancer research? We hope to top that this year! For last years picture...scroll down a bit...you'll find it eventually!! :0)

What else is new? Oh......WOW...this is so cool!! I have been chatting with Michelle Lear {Colton's Mom..link on drop-down} who goes to Shands and has the exact same Dr's we do. Well...Dr. Pincus {Kody's neuro-surgeon} and Dr. Smith {Kody's neuro-oncologist} have started a new program to research RARE brian tumors in children. Kody's and Colton's being on top of the list...these two boys are miracles and I stress miracles because their cases are so darn rare and they are doing so darn great!!

Well..when I told Kody about what his Dr's are doing his little mind started brain storming like crazy and in loving memory of his Angel Ashley and in honor to all his BT pals and to thank Dr. Pincus and Dr. Smith for all their hard work devoted to children....

Next weekend {fingers, toes and anything else keep crossed here!} Kody will be opening up a lemonade and sugar cookie stand right in our front yard. Absolutely everything that he raises will go right straight to Dr. Pincus from Kody in the hopes that through Dr. P's and Dr. S's research a child..or two or three {at the very least!} will live long, healthy lives!!

Now I know there is alot of work I have to do for this...phone calls, gathering supplies, making signs, newspaper articles.....alot of work...we have to do it right as I am sure there are plenty of laws and the very last thing we need is some crazy, noisey neighbor trying to shut him down. But with lots of prayers and a lil' sprinkle of good luck tossed in I believe we can make this happen...and Kody is pysched beyond belief!!
Now...here's where you can help {HA...come on, you knew this was coming!!}...in order to make this a more personal thing {tug at those heart strings baby!} we would love if you all BT parents out there would e-mail us a photo of your child and we will print it out on our side...all photos will be made into a huge collage with the wording "Would you buy a cup of lemonade to save our life?"...or something like that, not 100 percent positive if that's what it will say...any suggestions....send them on!!

Please send those pix to: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Also..any suggestions on actually making this work {we are jumping into water without knowing how to backstroke here!!} please throw me an e-mail...thank you!!

Also...
As I mentioned before, Kody will be having a big biker bash birthday party {rough and rowdy, just how he like to party!} on Aug. 22nd at Mr. Pubs...Kody has requested...NO PRESENTS PLEASE!! And I mean it this comes from Kody Bear the Man himself....Spend your money on "The Childrens Brain Tumor Program" and help me save my friends!!
Have I ever mentioned how darn proud I am of him?? And....Kaysha is completely totally getting in to this idea too...spending her last days of summer vacation designing signs, thinking up ideas...
Have I ever told you all how proud I am of her too??!! :0) {Love you Lola!!...insert wink here}

How many of you have noticed that we have a new cutie friend...no, let me rephrase that..a new Cutie Pie Sk8er Girl Friend??? Well...let me introduce Kody's {OK..not just Kody's...all of ours!!} super cool...this girl rocks...boy skaters watch out cuz this girl is GOOD....new friend...

SK8ER GURL LINDSAY

Stop by and say "Hi"...don't forget to mention Kody sent you and watch the magic begin...Kody is totally amazed by Lindsay's skating....if there was ever a way to jump into his heart...toss in one cute girl, a skateboard and a grinding rail...LOL!!!

Well guys...I hate to cut this short but I've got a very hungry Bear in the house and I have to run and break out the Jimmy Dean sausage bisquits!!

Thank you for checking up on us...the endless prayers and good wishes..the GB entries which we LOVE!!!
Now go on and give someone a hug...OK..mabe not a stranger...hug a kid, hug your better half, hug a dog, hug a cat, heck...hug a tree...but as Kody Bear likes to point out...
"Do Not...I repeat Do Not...Hug a BEE!!!!"

Love you all.....

~Kim~

Saturday, July 24, 2004 11:00 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Hey....did you all hear the hottest news on Caring Bridge??

KATIA IS GOING HOME!!!!!!!

If all goes well...and I know it will...she is breaking out of the hospital after 11 months and on her way back to Home Sweet Home on July 27th!!
Isn't that just the best news ever?? You Rock BabyBug!!!!

We finally had those picture retakes done today {remember the first set got ruined by the butthead photographer}...the camera was broken yesterday but you know how people say "all good things come to those who wait"?
Well..I am sooooooo glad we did because we ended up with the most craziest and awesome photographer....
Kimberley...if you are reading this girl..Thank you so much again for making our day!!
The kids relaxed, laughed and totally had fun with the whole sitting.
The pix won't be in until August 13th so, I'm really sorry but you'll have to wait until then...I could send you a slide show, if you want to preview them just send me an e-mail and I'll get them to you.
Kody decided this time he wanted his individual picture done with his treasured Bam Mangera skateboard he had gotten as a gift from The Tumbleweed Foundation {link below...keep scrolling}. Well...your all not going to believe this but his photo came out so nice, sooooo cool....I mean Kody's style just shines through in this picture...
Anyway...he was picked to be sent off for a photo competition that Wal-Mart does every so often. I signed release forms and we are just thrilled that Kody made his mark again...it would be great if he won, it really would!! :0)

And....another plus thing happened today...It looks like I just may be training and working for Wal-Mart portrait studios sometime in the near future...WAA-HOO!!!!
Let's just hope that Wal-Mart has a very good sense of humor when it comes to kids who need dropping off, picking up, and of course the never ending trips to the dr's, hospitals and headache filled sick days. {Kody's...not mine..LOL!!}
Karl thinks I am nuts...and he may be right but hey, you never know...right?
Or...maybe I'll stick to the volunteering at school thing til I can get a paid job there...
But...you know, I LOVE photography...it is my dream job...my hobby...heck, I think I might actualy be good at it considering all the practice I get with my three youngest everyday.
Well...we'll see, I am a firm believer in "If it's meant to happen..it will".

Is it just me or do kids seem to be getting the 12 days till school starts and let's see how crazy we can make Mom until she threatens us with running away? {Mom...not the kids}
Maybe it's just mine but they are totally on each others nerves all day long...seriously from the minute they wake up till the second they are asleep....one thing after another. I know I should be thankful, grateful and I am but Oh My God...they need to be back in school so I can retain some of the sanity I think I might have left.
Crazy thing is......20 minutes after they are gone and I start to feel a little bit of freedom...I start missing them again. :0)
Crazier thing is 10 minutes after they are back home...I am counting the hours till the school bell rings again!! :0) :0)

As some of you may know...Kody Bear's 9th birthday is coming up real soon...August 18th.
Our really great friend, Gator Rick from Mr. Pubs is throwing Kody a big ole' birthday bash on Aug. 22nd, complete with a band, fun things to do, lots of burger and hot dog flipping, and best of all..the one and only thing Kody wants.....to party with his biker friends!!
Remember the story a bunch of months back...just after Ashley had passed when Kody said to me he wanted "I can't believe I lived to be nine" written on his b-day cake? Incase you haven't heard the story....I'll leave you with a little recap of that journal entry in Feb. 2004...

"On a funnier note...this afternoon after picking up the two boys from school..we made a quick detour to the grocery store, in the pouring rain for the country ribs that Dad was craving.
Thank goodness we love that man!!!
So....driving back home on Highway 27 in the rain {which isn't pretty!} Kody says "Hey Mom, do you want to know what I want written on my birthday cake this year" and so I said "What's that Kody?" and he says very seriously "I want it to say I can't belive I lived to be nine"....OK, so there I am thinking "OK, this is whats wrong...Oh God...he is thinking about dying...now what do I say"....sooooo, I say "Why do you want that?" and without skipping a beat he says.....
"Because as many times as you've said Kody I'm gonna kill ya..I figure I'm lucky to be alive that long!"
Well...I don't think I've ever laughed as hard as I did right there in that mid-day traffic....I'll tell you, I had tears coming down which made Kody start belly laughing like a little nut which made Kolin burst out laughing.....I had to seriously pull the car over...
And would you just believe my luck..I pulled right into a Payless Shoe Store where they were having a Buy One Get One for Half Off SALE!!!!!
WAA-HOO....
Thank God for crazy, silly kids!!!!!!"

So...in addition to a whole lotta choppers on Kody's cake...as requested he will have "I can't believe I lived to be nine" written on there too!! :0)

Just a note to let you all know something and then I will drop it because honestly this person is not worth my time but I know alot of you might be new to Caring Bridge so it's always good to be aware of the phoneys. Guys...it looks as if Jessica Thomas has escaped from the loonie bin again and has created herself yet another Caring Bridge site.
Please friends...don't fall prey to this wacko...we are sure the photos on there are not even her. She is in fact a 50ish year old woman with a whole ton of problems...mental and criminal being amongst the tops. She and her Mom are well known in the CB circuit...often stealing diseases, making a mockery out of legit sites, leaving inappropriate messages in GB's and stalking childrens sites. This time she has actually had the b***s to make herself an Amazon wishlist for all her adoring fans. SIGH...this person just never learns.
I'm sure when some of the people she has burned find out she will, as always in her style delete this site too.

Thanks for stopping by...hey, did you see we are almost up to 200,000 hits? OH YEAH...Two Hundred Thousand Hits Baby..it's gonna be time to PARTY on Kody's site!!
Love you all...

~Kim~

Thursday, July 22, 2004 11:15 PM

~*~FRIDAY UPDATE~*~

I am absolutley heartbroken to have to let you all know that we lost Isaac today.
He fought so very hard and was comforted in the loving arms of his Mom and Dad as he made his way to the Heavens.
Isaac...Beautiful Boy...we you will be greatly missed by your Caring Bridge family.

~Kim~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

The first thing I would like to share tonight is some totally AWESOME news....
Our oldest daughter, Karyelle is still in REMISSION!!!!! Her latest tests taken last week showed NO CANCER CELLS!!!!
{insert a very happy dance here!!}
She will repeat her tests in another 3 to 4 months and then she'll be cleared for a 6 month wait. Pretty cool, huh?? This coming September makes one whole year cancer free...what a great feeling!! :0)

The second very cool news is...

TAA-DAA...Kody and Kolin are, as of this morning, the newest, proudest and most excited students of "The Learning Curve" which is Leesburg's very first free Charter School.
I took the kids there this morning to check it out and fill out the application papers...what we saw was so awesome...one classroom per grade {this year they have grades K through 3...next year 4th and 5th will be added}, one teacher and one assistant in every class. Class size is 18 kids max. Each classroom has their own kitchen...a nurse on campus all day...a mini amusement park for a playground...a petting zoo...a gymnasium set up with a trampoline, lots of other cool stuff and a gymnastics coach in addition to a PE teacher. The list could go on and on and we didn't even get a chance to see it all.
Tomorrow night at 7 is Open House. This get's even better...I'll be starting out as a volunteer and evenually into a paid position. So, I'll get the best of both world's...an income and a chance to be around the kid's all day.
I don't know how we could have possibly fell into something so great...see, the boys old school was taking on the students of a couple of schools that had closed down. The classes were crowded enough last year and this year is supposed to be something like 38 kids per class...one teacher, no assistant. The school fired them all last year.
Twelve of the schools best teachers left for other schools and I've had this nagging, horrible feeling that Kody would slide downhill fast this year.
This past Monday I had gotten a notice/flyer in the mail telling about this new school and figured it was too good to be true...well, I called...they invited us there and if you all can believe this...we actually had some good luck for a change!!
One downfall is Kody is not too keen on wearing a uniform...but he'll get over it.
Kolin wanted to stay today and said he wanted to start school today!! Tonight at dinner Kody was telling Karl how he couldn't wait to go to school. This is incredible because Kody has never, ever been the kind of kid who looks forward to school..he'd stay home every day if I let him.

Now...if only I could get Kaysha out of Carver Middle School I'd be sooooo happy!! :0)

My good internet friend, Ellen was doing some web research last night and sent me the most fasinating site. This site is about three very inportant people...A little boy named Colton, and two special Dr's.,Dr. Pincus and Dr. Smith. If those names look familier to you it's because they are Kody's neurosurgeon and oncologist.
We have always had great feelings for Dr. Pincus and his abilities as an amazing neurosurgen...and this really confirms our story...read on....

Touched By An Angel

And here is another article about Dr. P....

Save One Child

BTW....Colton's Mom, Michelle and I have been talking via e-mail..and we are planning on meeting someday soon. It really is a small world, isn't it?

We also have a new friend and would love it if you all might go pop on over and welcome someone new to our Caring Bridge family....Gerri is a young Mom who is bravely fighting a "Malignant Thymona". I know she and her family could use lots of prayers...don't forget to tell her Kody Bear sent you!! :0)

Gerri's Site

Another very special family to us has some exciting news and I want soooo bad to share it with you all...

Laura V., who is a die hard Kody Bear fan lost her son Brian in 2002 to a brain tumor. Laura has worked very, very hard on a most beautiful loving tribute to her handsome Angel son, Brain. You can find the link to Brian's Foundation on the drop down menu up top. Anyway..she and her husband were at The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's "Ride For Kids" in Il. this past weekend....Not only did Brian's foundation raise $5,000.00 which sent two BT survivor's to College...but they also are now the proud winners of a BRAND NEW MOTORCYCLE which they won in a raffle!!! What luck, huh??!!

So...all in all I believe this run raised over $400,000.00 for brain tumor research for children...our children!!

Oh...and they also met Norine and Al...Angel Ashley's Mom and Dad...who also rode in memory of their little girl. Isn't that awesome??

Our "Run For Kids" here in Florida is coming up on November 7th...and we found out that it isn't too far away so we will definetly be there...showing all the guys and gals who come out to help these kids...exactly who they are helping. I know Kody is one child that they will never forget.

Well..I better boot scoot my butt on off of here for now. Tomorrow morning is picture retake day at Wal-Mart...I had the kids pictures done and the $#!*&#! that took them a couple of weeks ago could not have been more rude. When I went to pick them up on Monday...every single one of them was ruined...and the people at the portrait studio are pretty sure they were ruined on purpose.
Sooooo...they are getting them taken again tomorrow. SIGH...Kody and Kolin are not looking forward to the primping and fussing again...they really are not!!

The Blue Angels picture on top is one of them...in the actual photo you can see the wall at the studio in the picture....so what I did was take the picture home anyway {they gave me all the 8X10's for free} and cropped it so I could put it up. At least the girl who I talked to on Monday was totally understanding and real upset about this whole mess...so she gave me all the 8X10's for free and is personally doing the kids pix over again tomorrow.

BTW....the girl who ruined the pictures in the first place?
Well...can you say "YOUR FIRED!!" :0) :0)

Take care everyone....

Love you all....
~Kim~

Monday, July 19, 2004 11:45 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

We had the appointment with the neuro-oncologist today and WHOA it was a long day!!

While we were there we met the oncologist, Dr. Amy Smith, her assistant, two nurses and a social worker.
I was really pleased with the appointment...everyone was very plesant and extremely concerned and helpful. We talked in depth about the uniqueness of Kody's tumor and Dr. Smith had actually been discussing Kody with Dr. Pincus {Kody's neuro-surgeon} for quite some time...the latest being this morning, so she already knew quite a bit about his history.
We asked a ton of questions and I have so much new information to try and soak up and rememeber but all in all I would say the day went real well.
First of all, Dr. Smith is pretty certain that Kody has had this tumor since in-utero. It has, thus far acted like a low grade, slow growing glioma {tumor}. It took 6 years to show it's ugly head...but, luckily it hasn't been too ugly yet.
We showed her the moles on Kody's back and she agreed right away he needs to be seen and was very happy when we told her an appoinment was already set up for 8/4.
We talked about the nevus Kody was born with on his back and the link so many BT children have with moles. Though she had never heard of the brain tumor theory and moles she was very intersted and even told her assistant to write it down because it really was worthy of some research.
In Kody's case...his nevus is right next to the spine. Alot of times kids with spinal bifida have these. Possibly Kody's nevus was the start of his tumor..a cell deep beneath could have...and I have to say could have because we have no proof...just a hunch...traveled up his spine and up the brainstem and housed itself on top of his stem and that is where it stayed and multiplyed.
I know this sounds incredable...and believe me I am still shaking my head over this...but, you know...it does make sense to me.
Though the brainstem is the worst place in the brain to have a tumor...we can, at the very least, be thankful that his tumor traveled all the way to the top instead of planting itself in the middle. Had that of been...we would for sure of lost Kody a long time ago.

Will the tumor stay slow growing and low grade forever?
We sure do hope so but as always we have to "hope for the best and prepare for the worst".

Treatments won't be an option yet. Look at that face up there...would you mess with that? :0)
Seriously...he wouldn't benefit from chemotherapy yet. It would make him sick and bring on a ton of other problems he doesn't need right now.
However..we were told to look for changes and the changes being a facial droop on one side and weakness on the opposite side of his body. Both are definate signs that something not good is going on in there.
At that point we will be trying chemotherapy.
Radiation was discussed and that, we have decided will not happen. Dr. Smith firmly believes that radiating him will cause more tumors to grow in his brain and we don't want that, ever.

Kody goes back for an MRI and a visit with Dr. Pincus on Sept. 22nd...after that he will be followed with his normal MRI's but instead be seen at oncology. They are very kid oriantated and of course, Dr. Smith has constant contact with Dr. Pincus so I am trusting there will be no lack of communication.

What does the future hold for Kody?
Well...Nobody knows. We pray to be making plans for his High School graduation in 2014...but since it was told to us again today that nobody knows enough or really anything about the way this tumor will act...the best we can do is wait and watch and above all...let him be a boy!!
Well...all things considered..that sounds great to me!!
Still...in my heart, I see Kody growing up to become an awesome man and of course, a Blue Angel jet pilot. And in his free time, I am sure you'll find him jetting to NY and helping out with some choppers at OCC. Hey..I'm his Mom and my dreams for him will always be big! :0)

We met a new friend today, not even 2 minutes after being there. A new family who's little boy, Austin was just diagnosed with a brain tumor and operated on, on July 1st.
They don't have a CB site yet but I gave them the info. and I am hoping that Austin will have his very own site soon.
Jennifer..if your reading this..e-mail me girl, I'll get you started!! :0)
They absolutely thought our "Kickin' Cancers Butt" shirts were cool and one thing lead to another...we have alot in common.

OK...before I fly off tonight cuz it really is getting late....let me all tell you a Kody Bear Funny...

We were chatting with the social worker at oncology today and she and Kody were talking...Kody was telling her all about Ashley a/k/a "The one that he adores!!" and then the conversation went to wishes. She asked Kody if he had made a wish yet and I guess Kody didn't really understand she was talking about Make-A-Wish because no sooner did she ask when Kody said "Yes, I made a wish about an hour ago...to get the heck out of here so I can go get some skateboarding in!!"
Oh man...was I ever turning six shades of red!!

I am sure there is plenty more things I could be telling you tonight that would have you all bent over sideways laughing but I have to save a little something for my next update, don't I??
I told you it was a long day!!

Hope you all enjoy the new pictures today...have a restful night and a great day today....

Love you all....
~Kim~

Friday, July 16, 2004 11:58 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

First..some good news...

I had gotten a call today from Amy, the referral specialist at Leesburg Comm. Health Center, this is where Kody see's his new pediatrician. She has set Kody up with an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist in Silver Springs which is in Ocala...about a 45 minute drive from here. This is a much quicker trip then taking him to Shands...and they are all affiliated, so it works out.
His appointment is for August 4th at 10:30 AM.
I have a really good feeling in my heart today that Kody will be A-OK. I just have to keep that faith going strong.
Please...keep those prayers a comin'....we really appreciate them as we KNOW that they are the main reason why Kody amazes us all with his ability to overcome absolutely everything thrown his way.
Man...I wish I could be more like him!! :0)

We are still on to see the oncologist this Monday morning at 9 AM. I'll definetly let her know about these moles...at the very least, she really should know. I don't know if she can do anything till he see's the dermatologist but maybe she knows something we don't, right?

I had to run Kolin to the dr's this afternoon....he'd ben complaining of an earache since yesterday. Would you believe even with the tubes he still managed to get another infection? This one though, is an outer ear infection...still, a concern for his Dr. and I was told Kolin needs to see an ENT right away.
Which..BTW..I told him about last weeks drama with Kolin's ENT and he referred me to another in our own hometown. I called today, figuring with my luck they would say "we don't take Kolin's insurance"....well, my day got even better when they said "Yes..we take it". YEAH!!! So, Kolin goes to see this new ENT next Wednesday at 8:45 AM.
After just one dose of his antibiotic and childrens bubble gum Motrin he felt alot better. Still real tender to the touch...but he was in a much better mood.

So....what did we do for fun today?? HA...Glad you asked!!
As you'll see in the photo album...it was a perfect day for a water balloon fight!!
They had a blast...and the fun did not stop this afternoon...oh no way....read on...

Tonight after dinner the kids convinced me to let them ride their bikes and skateboard on the street...it was still light out and I figured, OK, what the heck.
I stayed out there with them to make sure there were no mishaps with the neighborhood brats. And..everything was going well...Kody would fly up his ramp and back off on his Bam Mangera skateboard {given to him by the Tumbleweed Foundation}...then he'd take off on his chopper {thank you again and again Uncle Kenny!}, then he and Kaysha would take turns, he and Kolin would take turns on Kolin's bike and before you knew it, Kaysha left for a bit and when she came back...she came back with a whole lotta water balloons to torture her brothers with. After all...revenge is sweet!!

Well...they were pretty funny...OK, they were really funny and totally getting in to the whole bust a balloon on Kody's head thing. He loved this and don't ever let him tell you he didn't!!
I made the lethal mistake of laughing hard...which made Kody break out a few balloons of his own...BTW, he broke them right over me!!
Of course...seeing me sopping wet like some drowned rat got Kaysha and Kolin's evil little minds thinking and they were off to the outside faucet armed with balloons...lots and lots of water balloons...ones that looked like grenades, cherry bombs and my personal favorite..the tie dye girlie ones.
I tried to get away..I really did and hearing an...ahem..older Mom squeal like a pig and run like a kid made a few of our...ahem...wayyy older neighbors come out and shake their heads...most likely thinking "those damn crazy yankees!!"

Soooo...picture this....Mom trying to get away by riding Kodys OCC chopper bike up the street. I really, seriously thought maybe I could pull this off...till I heard Kody's voice from behind saying "Hey Mom...you have to come back sometime!!!"
Let's just say my pedaling was no match for three really energitic kids and they soaked me to the bone. :0)
Then...it kind of drifted back into the yard...where the little *# found buckets and while I was trying to get something, anything to get them back with...
What should my wandering mind appear....but three kids...one bucket...five balloons and a garden hose pointed right at my rear!!

I finally gave up and so did they when they chased me up the pool deck and we all jumped in clothes and all!!

You know..I haven't had fun like that in a real, real, real long time!! :0)

Seeing Kody fly tonight on his BAM skateboard really got me thinking tonight about the beautiful people who made Kody's ultimate wish of owning a real Bam Mangera skateboard a reality for him...none other then "The Tumbleweed Foundation".
For some of you who haven't had the chance to stop by Tumbleweed for a visit...today would make a great time!!
Let me explain a little about them....
Tumbleweed was created in loving memory of a very beautiful, special little girl who's name is Angel Julia Levy. Like Kody, Julia fought a war against a brainstem tumor that she finally did win. Though...Julia had to leave her Earthly body to win that fight...I believe with all my heart she is the winner, happily playing, skipping and dancing amongst the clouds. Painting rainbows in the sky and sending butterflies to her family as her own little personal "Hello".
Tumbleweed features children and every month there is a new batch of beautiful, special children...some who are fighting cancer...some who are fighting other disabilites. All heros...all amongst the bravest of the brave.
Tumbleweed sends out small packages of happy mail and gifts and also grants small wishes to these children...to name a few...
Kody's skateboard...RachelJoy's camping vacation this past week and Angel Maxie's GameCube which is now enjoyed so much by his brother, Robert.
Please, take some time to stop by and see the wonderful things they do. Add your child too...I promise you, you will be so glad you did...this is an awesome foundation and it is run by some very awesome women that someday I pray I will have the honor of meeting. Especially Mary and Judy, Angel Julia's Mom. The work they put into Tumbleweed is so obviously driven by the love of a sweet little Angel named Julia.
I still have a link on Kody's site with Julia's picture on it...just scoll down a bit.

Well guys and gals...it's almost midnight and I am ready to hit the sack...

Thank you so much for stopping by...have a great weekend!!

Tuesday, July 13, 2004 2:00 PM

~*~THURSDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~

I am absolutely heartbroken to say that we lost two year old Katherine this afternoon.

I still haven't heard a word about the appointment with the dermatologist. Although I called twice today I had gotten no response.
I'll keep trying tomorrow and let you all know when I hear anything.
We are still shocked and not wanting to believe that the big "C" could be thrown back at us...
Please, Please keep the Heavens flooded with prayer for Kody Bear.
Thank you....
Have a peaceful night.

~Kim~

~*~WEDNESDAY UPDATE.....3:00 PM~*~

When life throws you lemons...
Suck em' down....Pucker Up....And SPIT!!!!!

We took Kody to his pediatrician, Dr. Franks this morning.
Unfortunetly...my over-active mind wasn't imagining anything.

Kody's "moles" are indeed very suspicious looking. They seem to have the classic look of, and I hate to say this word, but....melanoma a/k/a skin cancer.

How could this happen? I have no idea. We douse our kid's in sunblock especially made for children every single day. We try our best to keep them out of the hottest part of the days sunshine. Kody always wears a t-shirt when he plays outside. Heck, if anything...Kolin is the one who never, ever wears shirts of any kind.

As I type this, arrangements are being made to get a referral going fast to a dermatologist at Shands. Thank God because there is no other hospital we would rather go as all Kody's Dr's are at Shands. But...as I've told you all before..our problems with Ped-I-Care continue and God only knows when the red tape will be cut so we can get him there.

I am stunned..shocked...numb.

Is life so cruel that Kody will win the fight with brain cancer only to have another cancer thrown at him?
It doesn't seem possible...It really doesn't seem real.

I better get going before I have another break down....I promised the kids they could make their own bedroom posters, so today, after the Dr's visit we went to Wally World and picked up some poster paint and poster board. They are so excited....simple things are the things that all of us love the best.
I'll snap a picture or two of the finished projects.

Love you all.....

~Kim~

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY

YAA-HOO...My camera is back to working again!!

Welp...as you can see from the picture on top...Kody's sense of tumor...or is that HUMOR is still going strong!! LOL!!!

Let's see...what's new around here??
Well...tomorrow I'll be taking Kody to the Dr's for a quick look at some moles that I have been keeping track of that are on his back. They have been popping up and one inparticular has been growing in size and shape. Plus...they seem now to be slightly raised and are brown with a black dot in the middle. They just don't look like the ones that the other kids have...which I always have called "beauty marks". Just to be on the safe side...his Dr. will have a look see tomorrow. Please pray that it is nothing but my over-active mind. :0)

I'd like to mention two new children...well one new and one not so new but has a new CB web-site.

First...Cody with a "C" has a new site..you can all visit him there now. You'll all know his old site as "forcody.org".
Cody's Site

And also Justyn..who is a sweet and very handsome 6 year old. Justyn was in a horrific ATV accident on July 11th, so his site is brand new. He is in the ICU as we speak fighting for his life. Please, if you could all stop by and offer some encouragement and prayers as he fights for his life and of course, for his family and sister who was also in the accident...but Thank God was able to walk away.
Justyn

Oh....and please let's not forget Katherine as she slips out of her Earthly body and into her brand new, beautiful, healthy Heavenly body.

I'll also be adding some new friends to our drop down menus...most likely tonight since right now I have a few big eyed, sad looking faces staring at me wondering when the rain will stop so they can cannonball there way into backyard pool bliss.

I'd like to mention a very big THANK YOU to our friend, Ellen...who after hearing about Kody's problems with headaches and heat...sent us a huge package of a product called "Cool Ties/Cool Heads". What these are is a gel filled fabric shaped like a bandanna that you would wear around your head or neck and the gel keps you cool. There are also round ones to put in the kids helmets when they are out riding their bikes.
Now..the very cool thing about these are is that Ellen send these out to our troops to keep them cool and it is Kody and Kolin's official job to report back to Mrs. Ellen and let her know how well they work and which ones work the best.
Right now...since the package came a few minutes ago..I have two very excited soldiers standing at attention just waiting for their big job.
Hmmmm....somebody has got to tell them they have to be put in the freezer for a while!! :0)
That's OK because Mrs. Ellen also sent them a big bag of lifesavers...and they are just as excited about that too!! LOL!!!

Can you believe 3 more weeks and school starts again??
I'M READY...I'M READY!!!!!!!!
But....Kolin is not..he says he has a "fear of school supplies"!!
He seriously let out a yell and ran for his life when we stumbled upon the "backpack rack" last night a Wal-Mart. Unfortunetly for Kolin...he ran right into the womens bra section without realizing it right away and when he did...he let out an even bigger yell!! {why does he remind me so much of the kid from Home Alone??}

Kaysha is ready, willing and able to get out of this house and back to her friends...and Kody...

Well...Kody wants to stay home and be home schooled....I don't think so!! But....as we all know Kody so well....he is beyond thrilled to walk into Wal-Mart and check out all the new school supplies...because Kody is so like his Mom and has this love of PENS AND HIGHLIGHTERS!!!!!
WAA-HOO...we love our pens and highlighters and there is nothing in the world like the smell of a new box of crayons!!
Top that off with a new notepad and Kody is in Heaven Baby!!

Alright guys and gals...the sun is shining once again, I have got to go try and pull Kody away from his favorite movie of the week "Grind" and toss my hyper kids into the pool to burn off some energy.

Thank you for stopping back in to check on the crazy adventures of this wayyyyy crazy family...love you all!!

Don't forget to scroll down a bit and check up on the Quilting Angels E-Bay fundraiser...there are some seriously talented kids out there who's pictures are realy bringing in the bucks...check them out and get some bidding done! :0)

~*~SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~

I've got some very exciting news for all you natural born shoppers out there...

Quilting Angels....those wonderful and talented women who stitch till all hours of the day and night creating those beautiful quilts you see on so many sites...remember Kody's "100 Wishes Quilt"? The one that ended up being more like a "270 Wishes Quilt"??!! :0)
Anyway....QA is having a fundraiser on e-bay. We were asked to have our children make a drawing and submit it to QA...you all remember Kody's picture.....him and Angel Ashley on a chopper?? {Incase you haven't seen it, it is on the journal history page and also the link below for e-bay}
Well...they are up and ready to be bidded on...so get those e-bay accounts fired up gals and guys....I've taken a look at the artwork and the pictures are PRECIOUS!!!!

~*~QUILTING ANGELS E-BAY FUNDRAISER~*~

Just so you know...all money raised is going to Quilting Angels so that they may keep on quilting and keep our children wrapped up in lots of love and hugs.
Thank you so much!!!!!

Love, Kim

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Saturday, July 10th 2004 ~ 12:20 AM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Please pray tonight for these beautiful children.....

Nathaniel who was admitted into the ICU as his liver is failing and he is slipping into coma. I had gotten a personal e-mail from his Mom, Vickie, and sadly, it appears without a miracle, Nathaniel will only hold on a few more days.

Katherine, who is an adorable two year old baby who has been fighting a brain tumor for one year. Katherine is growing her Angel Wings a bit more everyday. Please pray for Katherine's miracle on Earth and also please pray for her big brother, Nathaniel who is having a very difficult time dealing with the fact that he may be losing his little sister.

Connor, as many of you know has been bravely battling Rhabdomyosarcoma. His parents, in fact did learn that there was an increase in mass size as compared to the MRI taken before his final round of chemo. Connor has surprised us all in the past with his unbelieveable will to fight...and with prayer, I know he can win this once again! You go Buddy!!!!!!

Angel Ashley's big brother and sister, Al and Andrea could use some cheering up. Sadly...quite often, after our babies pass....their sites are not visited nearly enough. This leaves siblings feeling very alone as they try to grieve in their own way. Please, if you could all visit them and leave a GB message for them so they can still have something to look forward to...we would really love you for it! Especially Kody...Ashley was {and still is!} the love of his life....."The one that he adored". He would really love it if Ashley and her family were never, ever forgotten.
By the way...I talked to Norine tonight {thank you for calling Norine!!} and they are headed off to the NASCAR race tomorrow....NASCAR was one of Ashley's favorite pastimes...as she and her Daddy would watch the races together. As you can imagine...going to the race without Ashley is very bittersweet...she really should be there to cheer on her favorite driver...Dale Jr. {Kody's favorite too!!!} So....look for them, they will be the ones waving at us from the first turn...first row. Great seats!!! :0)

Everything here is pretty good....

It's been really, really hot so it is getting tougher and tougher to convince Kody to stay inside once in a while..he is an all outside, all day kind of kid. The thing is....since he had gotten that shunt last year...he has a heck of a time with the heat. It really plays on his head and makes it pound. He seriously thinks if he just stays underwater swimming he will stay cool...but honestly, I mean how long can you stay underwater??!! :0)

No new pictures yet {sorry!}...but my camera dock and Kodak software are still making me pull out hair by the handfull.

So...I've been telling Kody how his sister friend, Cheyenne has been driving her Daddy nuts by announcing every night that it is "Family Fun Night".....which to Cheyenne means lots and lots of board game playing.
Well...I myself feel Roy's pain...believe me I do...because I am a board game hater too {sorry to all of you who are board game lovers...like my WONDERFUL but very CRAZY sister, Vikki!!}
Anyway...Kody thinks that ANYTHING Cheyenne does is cool anyway and now he announces at around 9 - 10 o'clock PM that it is......
Yep, you guessed it...."Family Fun Night"!
And so....he and Kolin both made me sit and play Candy Land over and over and over and over.....
BTY....I did not win a single game and a word of advice for anyone who should ever play with Kolin.....be careful, be very, very careful. Enough said.

I had tried so hard to talk them into "Family Fun Night Watching Movies/eating popcorn/relaxing on the couch".....SIGH...it didn't happen. Maybe tomorrow??

Oh....after the Candy Land game was put away Kody gave me a big old Bear hug and said "Mommy...I love nights like this".....awwwwww!!!! :0)
Now the big question on my mind tonight is....Did he really mean that or is he preparing me for another night of.....AHHHHHH....BOARD GAMES!!!!

Well guys...I hate to leave so quick but I think finally Kolin is asleep...so I am going to jump off for now...wish you all a really good night...and go catch some ZZZZZ's myself.
Roll over Baby....Mama's on her way!

Have a wonderful weekend....and don't forget to watch the race and wave to those crazy Carro's! :0)

Love always....

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

I'd like to still leave this up for a while more...let's see if we can make the wish of one special little boy come true...

~*~Fisher~*~ who has got a new postcard collection going on..so far he is up to 125 cards. Won't you please send him one from your hometown so he can see all his friends from all over the world.

Still leaving these links/messages below....

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~*~Kody and Daddy Biker Buds Forever~*~

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Kody Bear...Live and in living color!!
Click HERE

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Here's a little story about a boy any parent would be proud of. I had gotten this message in Kody's guestbook and right away just had to check this kid out.
This is about a boy named Rob who is skateboarding to raise funds for cancer reasearch. Rob lost his own Mom to cancer and was so affected by her death that he wanted to something real drastic to raise awareness and money for a cure.
Rob's skating journey has already began...and you can view each day in his daily journal from his site.
Rob is skating from L.A., California across the continent and North up to Newmarket, Ontario. He will be skating across the Rockies, the Appelachians and through the Mojave Desert.
Doesn't this sound like something my own son, Kyle would do?? :0)
Anyway....check out his site....he may be passing through your own hometown...and if we can in any way, get to Jacksonville we will be high fiving Rob like crazy!!
Skate 4 Cancer

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Kody is a featured child on The Tumbleweed Foundation this month...click on the logo below...

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

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Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Quilting Angels is having a huge fundraiser going on..please stop by, this is a great chance to win an actual Quilting Agels beautiful quilt!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

Kody's artwork raised over $500.00 for The American Cancer Society!!
YEAH...KODY!!!!!

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that little angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

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PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story	Dad's Page...Just the two of us	Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play	Kody's Revenge	Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg	Field Day...2003	My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003	Margo & Rodeo Drive	My first grade memories
First Holy Communion	Matthews Miles for a Cure	My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt	My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love	Kolin's World

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

One picture can say one thousand words

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Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Wednesday, July 7, 2004 11:40 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WOW...what a past couple of days....whew, I am so glad they are almost over.

Where to start.....OK, let's see...thank you to "Kody's Fans" from the Villages, Florida for the village money which he spent on tickets for all of us to see the movie Spiderman 2. Great movie....if any of you have little boys....this movie is well worth it. And, by the way...if you have not so little girls.....
let's just say Tobie Maguire...no shirt...need I say more. Kaysha was in 7th heaven!!

Directly after the movie as I was trying to collect the garbage that only three hungry kids can make into a tiny popcorn bag....well, speaking of bag...this bag in front of us looks right at me and says "Those kids of yours kicked us the whole time!"....then she ran off as I was yelling back "Well lady if those little *!* grandchildren of yours weren't throwing candy at them the whole time...." I guess you all get the picture, there is always someone out there that is miserable.

So...we leave and head over to Burger King where Kolin swears that he will not survive another day without a Spiderman toy and a chance at winning $25,000 with his "spidey senses".
So..off we go...and does Kolin have good Spidey Senses?? YES...HE SURE DOES!!!
We won a FREE medium milkshake!!!!
YAA-HOOEY...who is better then us??

As we were about to walk ou the door anyway, Dad calls and says..."Watch the weather on your drive..it is bad in Leesburg".
Well...bad wasn't the word...holy macaroni!! I looked south toward Leesburg and the skies were black and the lightening was bad...reall bad and all I can think of is "Oh great, I left the pool pump running and the computer plugged in".
We drive, pick up Dad from work and head home, fast. UGH...SIGH...Double UGH!!!
Not fast enough!!
As soon as we walked in the door...Dad unplugged the pool, I unplugged the computer...the lightening hit too close, the lights went out, the kids let out a scream {so much for tough boys!!}....
The lights came back on and I found Kolin velcroed to one leg and Kody stuck like glue on the other.
In any case...our beautiful bedroom TV....TOAST!!
Our computer...Semi TOAST!!
Hmmmm...the TV, I doubt is replacable although Comcast is coming over to check out how and why the strike went through the cable box without harm and then hit the TV.
The computer...well...we had lost internet connection and thought "Well..Comcast must be down". SO we waited and waited and waited.
Now..in this house...we LOVE our computer and waiting for interent to come back on is not easy..it is a major stressor alright...I mean really...my kids...I have to check my kids, my e-mails...how will I ever laugh without Mrs. Judy's e-mails??!!
I waited till about 10 PM and called Comcast who said..."No, there is no internet problem in your area". And so after an hour and half...it was decided my cable...something that starts with an "en" was dead. Nothing to do but go to Office Depot in the AM and buy another. OK, no problem.
SO...I went, I purchased, I plugged in and SURPRISE..no internet.
I called Comcast back and got disconnected..called again and was told "Looks like you need a new modem"...
So...I pack up the kids and head out to Comcast..picked up a new modem, came home, plugged it in and....SURPRISE..no internet.

Finally I call back, get someone with a few braincells left who says..."your modems fine....it look like you have a fried network card".
So...we make another OD trip....find us a network card and me being "Nervous Nellie" says to her man..."Call someone and have it professionally installed..this is my computer we are talking about here!!"
And Karl..being "Take Charge Karl at all Times"....says "I am not spending money on something I can do myself" and so he takes apart the computer and I stay right over his shoulder biting my nails down to nothing untill he finally says "Kim..go away".
Well...Lookey Here....I am back on the computer..we have internet once again!!!!!!
Good job Dad....OK...OK....I will say it....
"You are the MAN".

OK...fast forward to this afternoon....
Kolin has a follow up appointment with his ENT which is about 30 miles away. Karl was supposed to go but got bogged down with work and so I decided no problem, I can find this place alone. {btw....his dr. had moved from the place he used to be located at}.
Now...keep in mind..I cannot find my way out of a paper bag and bravely and without trying to pee myself I am agreeing to all this "I'll be alright" stuff.
OK...I tell Kody he is going with me and he has a royal tizzy fit..and storms into his bedroom. I leave him there and forget all about him till I realize it is getting late and we have to go...NOW!!
So..I yell out "Kody, Kolin let's go!" and out comes Kody bouncing down the hallway in nothing but his b-day suit and a pair of boxers.
Yes folks..in all of Kody's great wisdom he actually thought if he got undressed I would leave him home!!
Do you all remember the incident a few months ago when he told me he wanted "I can't believe I lived to be nine" written on his next b-day cake?? Well..times like this...that is the reason why.

I get tehm in the car and do the drive...and we made it just fine and I am happy and I'm thinking..."OK, everything is going great". We get up to the office and wait twenty minutes and the receptionist says "Mrs. K can I see you"...and so I walk over with Kolin's insurance card and my co-pay in hand.....
and she says "We don't take Kolin's insurance anymore...you'll have to leave".
My jaw dropped...The whole place got real quiet and I was treading on some very big anger problems. So..I took a deep breath and said "Are you trying to tell me the dr. will not see Kolin at all today?" and she says "Yes..that's right you need to leave and ask your PCP what to do."
BAM....I lost it!!
It got slightly ugly so I won't really get in to it...but let's leave it at I made a lasting impression.
Then..the boys and I drove home in....big surprise...another stinkin' lightening storm. Gotta love Florida in the summer!! :0)

So...after a quick trip to the grocery store and a few cookie bribes with the boys and a small lecture on "Mommy really lost it...don't ever act like I did...I shouldn't have said that...balh, blah, blah...maybe we shouldn't tell Daddy...yadda, yadda"....
What did my boys say? Well..through chocolate chip covered mouths "Mom...you were so cool!!!"
LOL....you gotta love those boys! :0)

OK....so now this takes us to "Thank God I am not a drinker cuz I would have been bindging today"

Part one....this happened before we left for the dr's....

I came across a pretty impressive sized rool of wrapping paper and in an effort to get Kody out of my face for 10 minutes I handed it to him and said "Here...go practice wrapping". And Kody, with a Grinch Like evil smile...took it and took off.
Exactly 10 minutes or less later I hear the distinct sound of Kaysha except her voice was real muffled and it kind of sounded like "Help!!".
I found Kody standing outside the bathroom belly laughing...and when I walked in I found Kaysha wrapped up with wrapping paper an duct tape, taped to a childs size chair sitting in the bathtub.
And Kody...after I chased him down could only yell..."Mom...You TOLD me to practice wrapping....OWWWW!"

:0) And you all thought they were so cute??!! :0)

Part two...this happened after the dr's and the last trip to Office Depot...

Karl and I come home and find a ranson note next to the computer and it said
"If you ever want to see your son, Kody again...leave $2..00 on Kody's bed. Love, your daughter, Kaysha"
Karl looked at me....I looked at him and all I could say was "Well..how bad do you want him??"
Luckily Kody has a decent Dad who pulled $2.00 out of him pocket and said "Give it to her". I went in and said "Show me the boy first" and that's where I found Kody...hiding and cowering under his desk...I handed Kaysha the $2.00...pulled Kody out of there and right away he got up, walked up to Kaysha and said "Where's my half?" and she very willingly and lovingly handed him a single...then they high five...had a good laugh and I still cannot believe we were duped like that.

A few "Thank You's" go out tonight to Mrs. Terry {Angel Jalen's Am-Maw} for the beautiful box full of gifts!! The kids are beyond themselves happy with the new OCC wallets...Kaysha's very cool Jansport backpack and I wish you all could have seen there faces when they each pulled out $10.00!!! It was priceless!!
Also..thank you from myself for the body spray {yum!}, candles and the fridge magnets....We love everything soooo much!!!!!

To Mrs. Mary for Kody's black OCC doo-rag...he LOVES it and hasn't taken it off yet....plus he has gotten compliments on it everywhere he goes...thank you so much!!

To Mrs. Suzi and the Tumbleweed Foundation for Kody's name bracelet...how cool is that?? I will be taking a picture and posting it within the next day or so. {my camera connection still isn't working right}

To SuperSIbs....for Kaysha and Kolin's brand new super cool "Super Sibs" t-shirts!! I cannot even tell you how overjoyed Kolin and Kaysha are whenever they receive anything form the Super SIb's...and like Kolin says "I really am a Super Sib!!"
Pictures to follow...soon as the camera connection to the computer is fixed.

To Ms. Trina...for the Kody Spiderman gif that is right on top of my journal...Ms. Trina, you really know your way into Kody's heart!!

To Mrs. Judy, Mrs. Sherry and the Catch an Angel Foundation...Your gift to our family brought tears to my eyes...you are always there for us, how do you know when we need you the most is beyond me...you are our Angels sent from above. We love you Mrs. Judy!!!!!

Let me just leave you with one more "Kody Story" before I go tonight...

This one was on the night of July 4th...as we were watching Dad shoot some fireworks Kody came over and said to me "Mom...someday when I am grown up my dream is to be able to have the biggest firework show in the world....so that all the children who are stuck in the hospital tonight can all enjoy a fireworks show...I know that will make them very happy".
Awww...see, he can be sweet....sometimes!!! :0)

Good night..we love you ALL!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, July 4, 2004 11:40 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Hope your 4th was a good one today!! Our's was pretty darn great!!
Let's see...we went to Kyle's new home for a cook out where Kody met two new friends...Cody with a "C" and a cutie named Daisy...see picture page!!
We had one very, very scary moment when out of nowhere lightening came down and struck a tree at the house next door..these houses are so close though, I mean you could literally spit a watermelon seed and hit the front door. Anyway...I had just walked inside to pry Kolin of a video game so we could leave and that's when it hit...so I never saw it but I heard it....man, I went tearing outside {Kody was still out there}...that poor kid, he didn't know whether to freeze or run for the door. He was looking around for his Dad or me...I think I was the first one he saw because he came running over and said "Mom...I felt that in my feet...and the ground shook and can we go home PLEASE!!!"
Poor guy...he still hates lightening storms and that bolt was a very rude awaking for him..and most of the people there too..I heard a few screams. Can't say it was the girls cuz it sure sounded like some guys to me...LOL!!!

Other then that..the day was great and I have to say Kyle is a pretty good cook! And, considering alot more people showed up then he had planned...he held tough and cooked for everybody...and I can tell you all this, my son rules at chicken wings!!

Tonight...we had a firework show in our backyard and so I shall dedicate this day to Dad and call the new photos I put up tonight...
"Give a man gun power and a firework show you will have!!"
Good job Dad...even better then last year.

Sorry...but I had no time at all today to check up on so many of our kids...so I won't have any updates on them until tomorrow.
But..I can tell you all this...we have a birthday coming up tomorrow {July 5th} for Michael and another one coming up on July 7th for RachelJoy.
I am sure the very best present of all would be some "Happy Birthday's" in their guestbooks...so please go on over and tell them Kody Bear sent you there on their big day.

Well guys..I better jump off tonight, Kolin my night owl has just made his 25th trip out here to see what I am doing and tell me about the 100's of different noises he hears...so I better go get him off to bed.
You'd think he's sleep in every morning...NOT!! He is up with the birds..or in our house, the ducks!!

Till tomorrow..have a great night everyone!!!

Thursday, July 1, 2004 11:50 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

It's been crazy here..no surpirse!! First, Kody wakes up at 4 AM with another headache...ahhhh...days like these!! So, I tuck him into our bed, toss Dad out and let him sleep it off. Funny thing is, he is hating taking any med's so bad now that he waits and waits and waits until he really needs it. On the flip side...Dad and I can't go back to sleep because of the "what if's" flowing through our heads...and so, it started out as a lonnnnnng day and it pretty much ended as a lonnnnnng day too.

By the way.....6 hours later when he finally woke up...he was fine, hungry and ready to start his day. Gotta love him!!

Then...as I was running around taking care of a few errands....I just about lost all of "drive" in my car. { I still have D2 and 1st though!} Then the windows get stuck down...then the a/c starts acting up. Oh man...when it rains it pours, doesn't it?? And...throughout all this I am thinking...."We are supposed to go to Orlando to meet the Zello family {Benji's link on drop down} on Tuesday." SIGH.....double SIGH.....triple SIGH...this is the third time we are trying to meet...the first two Kody ended up admitted into the hospital, now this. Well...at least we can be thankful we are not in the hosp. this time, right?

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting a new family through Kody's GB. This family is amazing....ultra awesome and I can tell you all this..I will never, ever complain about being tired at the end of the day again!! Check these guys out and see for yourself....
Jophie and Jamie's Site

Many of you may have gotten the same e-mail as I did...those of you all with quilts from the "Quilting Angels". {scroll down for link} They are planning on having a huge fundraiser and had asked the kids to draw a picture...anything, even a few marks on a piece of paper would be precious. They are then framing them and they will be up for sale. I'm not sure if it's a bidding thing or what. I don't have all the details just yet but will update when I do.

Anyway..Kody drew a great picture...though it took forever to get him to sit still long enough to do it...he did it in his own time {a day before the deadline!}...and his picture is beautiful!! Take a look see for yourself...I'll explain it also as told by Kody Bear himself...

This is a picture of Kody and Angel Ashley on a chopper. Ashley has a golden halo and Kody has a spiked mohawk. On top is the sky, a cloud and Heaven. The yellow light is God bringing Ashley down from Heaven so she could ride with Kody, just like he promised her they would.

:0) See, I told you it was precious!! :0)

Welp....I am going to jump off of here quick tonight. Just incase I don't get a chance to update again tomorrow....I'm planning on it but you never know around here what will happen next. And I know I have forgotten at least a half dozen things I meant to say.

Have yourselves a very Happy and Safe 4th of July!! Whether you are going out to see fireworks or staying home and having your own show {like us!!}...be careful...stay safe...we love you all!!!!!

~Kim~

Monday, June 28, 2004 11:25 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Sorry about the little delay in updates...whew...those kids of mine are keeping me hopping these past couple of days!!

Not too much to update on Kody today...he is kickin' butt as usual!! He's really been into swimming and riding his chopper...but with the Florida heat...well, it makes him tire so easily. No problem though...usually you can find him playing X-Box in the A/C. Today you can find him watching some movie called "Blue Crush", it's been on TV all day long. If I am not mistaken...he has watched it three times today..and...WOW...just my luck, it's on again all day tomorrow too. :0)
I know some of you already know this movie..but for those who don't...well, it's about bikini clad surfer girls and Kody Bear has been in some sort of staring trance all day. Man...they grow up so fast!! LOL!!!

I'd like to give a few shout outs today to some very special people....

The first one is to a beautiful little girl, Katherine. Sadly, Katherine's tumor {diffuse pontine glioma}has taken a horrible turn and it seems that treatment options just may have run out for her. This little sweetheart is an absolute doll...please stop by her site...you will be so happy you did.

Secondly...we would like to extend a very big THANK YOU to the very special people who helped us to be able to get all Karl's med's. They were extremely expensive and we were going to do without and hold our breath, cross our fingers, knock on wood and pray an awful lot...but we were blessed beyond belief and I am happy to say that slowly but surely, Kody's Daddy is on the mend!! And if you all thought he was a family man before all this scary medical stuff...you should see him now. It's like he simply cannot get enough of his babies..and his "baby"...if ya'all know what I mean!! :0)

Thirdly...A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Kody's {and all the other "K" kids} Grammpa and Karl's Dad who lives in New York. May your day be a wonderful one!!

Forth...If you have any means to do so..please stop by our friend, Elliott's site. He and his Mom, Cindy.{.who is one of CB's most favorite Mom's and a great support system to so many of us!!!} are participating in a fundraiser for the leukemia/lymphoma foundation. Please help them meet their goal of $1,000.00. Your donation could be the one that finds a cure for all these precious children!!! This is the link that would take you straight to the donation site..or you could send Cindy a check to her home.
Elliott's Leukemia Fundraiser

Fifth...Miss Cheyenne..I am happy to report has made it through her surgery to have her port inserted with flying colors. She was released to go back to the hotel her and her parents are staying at and will return tomorrow morning as an inpatient to start some very serious and toxic chemotherapy. Cheyenne has, what is probably the most worst type brainstem tumor {diffuse pontine glioma}..and this really could be their last shot. We are all so close to Cheyenne in our home..especially Kody, after meeting her..she has truly become one of our "kids" and Kody's "sister" too.

Sixth....Our buddy, Benjamin, who was sent home on hospice, has started showing signs and symptoms that things are starting to progress inside. Please pray that he stays stable alot longer...and that ultimately...his healing will be here on Earth.

Well guys and gals...I am going to cut this kind of short tonight, it's getting way late and I am getting way tired.
BTW...before I go...if anyone would like to purchase a shirt from Kody's newest store "Life is Tough...But I'm Tougher" {scroll up to top of journal for link}...Please know that sayings can be put on different t-shirts or personal touches can be added. Cafe Shops don't really leave much room to show everything..so keep in mind, if you see a shirt..but want a saying that is on a different shirt, it can be arranged with no problems at all.

OK..better get going...LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!

Have a Happy and Memory making kind of day!!

Love and Hugs,
~Kim~

Friday, June 25, 2004 11:00 PM

~*~Saturday Night Update~*~

Kody's Shop Part 2 is ready for it's Grand Opening Debut!!!
Click on the T-Shirt image above the blue arrows on top of the journal.
Thank you and have a sweet night!!!!!!!

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I may have to make this a quick one tonight...Kody Bear has gotten himself another headache...not monster sized just yet...so keep all fingers and toes crossed it's just a passing thing. It's really been creeping up all day but finally go to the "YOWCH" point. I know, Youch is not a word but hey, it's what he says. :0)
Right now he's watching "Austin Powers" with the other kids...yep, you read that right...he is watching Austin Powers...he laughing though and that's what really counts, right? Come on...it's a funny movie!!

Today was a pretty chilled out kind of day...what can you really do when one doesn't feel up to much anyway>

But yesterday....that was a day to remember!!

OK...I can't keep you waiting too long so here goes....we were invited by the kids adopted Gramma Carolyn to a whole day of pizza..at where else, Kody's favorite restaurant...Pauley's Pizza...then bumper bowling...then ice cream and finally some penny throwing and wish making in the fountain.
The day was definetly one I will never forget and rates right up there with our best summer day so far!!
So..how did the bowling go? Well..you are speaking to the world's most UN-athletic family in the world and so it went a little like this...Kaysha did well...however since she decided that 2 AM was a good time to go to bed the night before..it was all she could do to thow a 6 pound ball.
Kody did terrific and I can only describe his bowling style as "Fred Flinstone" a/k/a "Twinkletoes". He threw the perfect zig zag ball...and managed to knock down a few...a very few.
I did pretty good....I may have broke 40 or so. Don't laugh please...my ego was crushed enough yesterday by....
Gramma Carolyn who swears she hasn't bowled since she was a kid...HA...she kicked all our butts!!!
And so that leaves us with Kolin..my sweet, crazy Kolin. Kolin, who kept us laughing so hard it was very hard to concentrate...Kolin who made Kody laugh so hard he almost didn't make it to the bathroom a few times...Kolin..who's bowling style/technique I cannot possibly put in to words and so as a little entertainment treat tonight...may I present....

~*~Kolin...The Mad Man Bowling Dude~*~

OK...now that I have you back I only have nine words for you...
How would you like to live with him everyday??????

I almost have Kody's new shop part 2 ready...check back by the weekend...it is going to be very cool, baby!!
Ummm, sorry...that darn Austin Powers movie is playing in the same room.

Please remember all our CB friends in your prayers tonight. There are so many but a few that come to mind tonight are...
Cheyenne as she and her family mentally prepare themselves for Cheyenne's port surgery and the oncoming chemo. that awaits to fight her beast of a brain tumor.

Also...Colin who is back in the hospital and fighting complications from medulloblastoma.

Juliana Banana who not only has the funniest web page you will ever see but is also in the hospital fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia, as is Gooch. You gotta love Gooch's family...they make us look normal!!

~*~Note to Chris...HA...got you back Buddy!!!!!!!~*~

Celeste, who is battling the same inoperable brain tumor as Cheyenne. Please pray that she will pull through this latest setback she has been having.

Rayanne who was sent home on hospice. Please pray that the Protocel she is now taking will shrink her tumor so that hospice will not be needed.

The Pohl Family who's Mom, Suz is about the most strongest woman I have ever had the pleasure of meeting via CB.

Connor who as we all know recently relapsed...Mom, Rhonda needs prayers as well as Connor. Pray that Connor will be healed on Earth.

Benjamin that he continues to have pain free days and fun memories as he slowly prepares to grow his wings.

Forgive me if I have missed anyone..I'm just thinking off the top of my head.

Aw geez...Kaysha is screaming..I have to run and kill a spider....BRB....
Oh Lord...it is a huge one, better run!!!

Thank you all for stopping by....have a wonderful and safe weekend!!

~Kim~
~*~NEW PHOTOS TODAY~*~

Wednesday, June 23, 2004 11:00 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Before I say one word tonight..please...please stop by Cheyenne's site. So much sadness and so much stress has left one of our most favorite CB Dad's feeling very down these days.
A few words of encouragement I know can go a long, long way. Just so you know...Cheyenne's tumor is growing, leaving the left side of her face partally paralyzed. The next course of chemotherapy treatment will be vigorous and will be leaving her in the hospital for a while.
Mom and Dad {Roy and Donna} are busy figuring out where to get another apartment for their stay {the hospital is quite far away}, plus a whole list of other worries.
But above all that...what they need most is prayers for their Sweet Cheyenne.

Another beautiful little girl is Celeste. Celeste has the same type brain tumor as Cheyenne {diffuse pontine glioma} and has taken a horrible turn for the worst. Please remember this precious little girl in your prayers.

Last night was such a great night...I had the honor and the pleasure of talking to one of the most beautiful women I have ever "met".
I know alot of you know "Mrs. Judy" from www.catchanangel.com. You all might even know her as the lady who created our childrens "Heros" page and Kody and Angel Ashley's "Wedding Page". {scroll down if you haven't seen it yet}
Mrs. Judy has been one of my most biggest supporters and a place where, though a click of a mouse, I could always find encouragement and a kind heart. Mrs. Judy has her own little Angel daughter, Jenn and has the most beautiful web site dedicated to her...also, even more beautiful pages where you can even meet more of her family.
I have to tell you...that was one welcome phone call....and the crazy thing was just before the phone rang...I was washing the dinner dishes and thinking of...none other then Mrs. Judy herself!!! Isn't that something??

I also, unfortunetly missed a phone call from Terry, Angel Jalen's "Am-Maw". Mrs. Terry I PROMISE you we will have our time to sit down with a cup of coffee..a few cookies and a nice long chat!! I am really looking forward to that day!! :0)

Things around here today were not too bad...Karl's feeling a bit better everyday. His breathing med's are starting to really kick in and it really helps especially with the Florida humidity...and him having to work all day outdoors, breathing in car fumes and no a/c.
It looks like he won't be able to see any of his Dr's for follow ups...because we haven't insurance...but, well..we just have to say our prayers and keep the faith that he will continue to get better and better.
Just keep swimming, right?

Kody had a pretty good day today...and he spent most of it swimming like the fish he is!
He had a couple of those choking on food episodes today...but oddly enough, this time it was on liquidy foods and not the hard, chewy stuff like meat. Hopefully, it is because maybe he was drinking too fast...sometimes he does that, or he blows bubbles or he makes these slurpy noises because he knows it drives Kolin nuts. A big part of me does not want to believe that his tumor could possibly have grew/moved/whatever and is interferring with his gag reflex.
Another part of me tells me it could very well be possible...so, I'll just keep a watch on it and next month I'll mention it to his Dr. and see what they have to say. It doesn't seem to bother him...my greatest fear is that the liquid will drop down into his lungs while he is choking.

Our appointment with the pediatric neuro-oncologist is still on for July 19th.

Great News...
Kody's Store part 2 will be opened by the weekend....lots of cool t-shirts...featuring the "Life is Tough...But I am Tougher" T.
We figured...not every child has cancer but every child and adult that is fighting a war of their own is definetly worthy of being Tougher then Life itself...so little and big guys and gals...this T-shirt is for you...>>>

This shirt and many others coming soon to a Kody Bear store near you!!
~*~Cindy...Hun...Please don't be mad at me...I know you are a natural born shopper like myself!!~*~

Let's see...oh I know, the picture on top! :0)
The new doo...or shall we say "Reggae Bear"!!
Actually this all started when Kody watched the movie "Biodome" quite a while ago. {remember that one??}. Anyway..he thinks Doyle is totally the coolest and wanted his hair in dreads just like him. He had been bugging me like crazy for at least a few months now and I won't give in only because I knew it would ruin his hair so yesterday, after being bugged again I figured there is only one way I am gonna shut this kid up...so I compromised and twisted his hair into some harmless braids instead.
Kody loved it...Kolin loved it...Kaysha loved it...Dad almost had a heart attack!
So...I took them out at night for his bath..but then I had three kids sitting here bugging me for braids...so, last night we had a hair braiding marathon and you can see on the photo page how that all came about.
I kind of think they look real cute!!

OK everyone, I am about to jump off of here so I can go resize those photos and get them up. Thank you so much for stopping by...Love you all!!

I'll leave the "He's My Son" lyrics up a bit longer...

Later Gator!!

~Kim~

HE'S MY SON
by Mark Schultz

I'm down on my knees again tonight
I'm hope'n this prayer will turn out right
See, there is a boy that needs your help
I've done all that I can do myself
His mother is tired
I'm sure you can understand
Each night as he sleeps
She goes in to hold his hand
And she tries
Not to cry
As the tears fill her eyes

Can you hear me
Am I getting through tonight
Can you see him
Can you make him feel all right
If you can hear me
Let me take his place some how
See, he's not just anyone, he's my son

Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he'd like to be
I try to be strong and see him through
But God, who he needs right now is you
Let him grow old
Live life without this fear
What would I be
Living without him here
He's so tired
And he's scared
Let him know that your there

Can you hear me
Am I getting thru tonight
Can you see him
Can you make him feel alright
If you can hear me
Let me take his place some how
See, he's not just anyone, he's my son.

Monday, June 21, 2004 10:00 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WOW...see that picture up on top??
Uncle Kenny and Aunt Lori came through big time this morning when Kody Bear woke up to a huge surprise...a framed {thank you so much Lori!!} autographed poster of the OCC crew!!
Man...Kody has been hugging and staring at that poster all day.....now you may think after watching the Discovery Channel all day marathon of American Chopper yesterday, he might have had his fill....no way, not Kody, he really loves those guys!!
I seriously don't know who had a better time watching all those episodes yesterday, Kody, Dad, Me or Karyelle!
Especially those shows featuring Mikey who is Kody absolute favorite. The guy is just too funny...they all would fit right into our family!!

Our Fathers Day was great...we were all just so happy that we weren't celebrating in a hospital. The kiddo's were so happy passing out bear cub hugs and showering Daddy Bear with lots of love and even a few presents. Not much...but you know, it was the handmade drawing that Kolin worked on that was the most sweetest. There is nothing like getting a picture from your child that can reduce you to tears faster!!
Oh...and Dad really loved the "My brave son is busy kickin' cancers butt" t-shirt...they are going to look great when we show up for our next appointment at Shands..Dad in his and Kody in his..what a team!!

Later in the afternoon we went to our sweet lil' grand-daughters b-day party...she turned two!!
I can tell you...that party and spending time with Alona did so much to lift Karl's spirits..he is so completely in love with that little girl!!

I know alot of you have seen the lyrics to "He's My Son" by Mark Schultz written in many web sites. tonight I am adding on Kody's site the actual song....so turn up your speakers and grab a box of tissues.
The lyrics alone are so beautiful but there is nothing that can prepare you to hear the actual song, sung. It is heartwrenching...amazing and beautiful all at the same time. And I believe it truly does reflect the emotions every Daddy has for their ill child.
These are the words if you'd like to follow along.....

HE's MY SON
by Mark Schultz

I'm down on my knees again tonight
I'm hope'n this prayer will turn out right
See, there is a boy that needs your help
I've done all that I can do myself
His mother is tired
I'm sure you can understand
Each night as he sleeps
She goes in to hold his hand
And she tries
Not to cry
As the tears fill her eyes

Can you hear me
Am I getting through tonight
Can you see him
Can you make him feel all right
If you can hear me
Let me take his place some how
See, he's not just anyone, he's my son

Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he'd like to be
I try to be strong and see him through
But God, who he needs right now is you
Let him grow old
Live life without this fear
What would I be
Living without him here
He's so tired
And he's scared
Let him know that you there

Can you hear me
Am I getting thru tonight
Can you see him
Can you make him feel alright
If you can hear me
Let me take his place some how
See, he's not just anyone, he's my son.

Before I go, I'd like to leave you with this little Kody story...

Today was a very bittersweet day for us. Although in our family, we have so many blessings...so many things to be thankful for..family and friends being two of them.
Three years ago today Karl and I became grandparents to a beautiful baby girl named Alexes Rose.
Sadly...we were not meant to be Grandparents for very long. As we were at the hospital waiting for her birth, holding each other up as we knew already that our grand-daughter would only live moments, counting the minutes wishing she would arrive...yet dreading when she would arrive.
About 8:30 PM, at 22 weeks...1 lb 8 oz., Alexes Rose was born "sleeping". In our eyes, there was never a more precious baby anywhere. She was perfect...long fingers, the "Kruppenbacher" nose...and the sweetest, smallest lips you have ever seen.
Karl and I held her soon after her birth...we rocked her gently, we told her how much we loved her, we kissed her sweet face and then we gave her back to God.

I can only think a a few days in my life when I thought the world was crumbling down around me...that was one of them.
Burying our grand-daughter in a white casket that was small enough to put a childs baby doll in broke our heart in a way that they will never heal from that kind of pain.

Every year on her "birthday" we always leave a balloon at her grave. Visiting her used to be so difficult and all of us has spent alot of time showering her tiny plot with our tears...but it has gotten better. Yes, we still cry...it is still sad...but we know that Alexes is waiting for us to one day welcome us to our eternal home. This leaves us all not sad, not scared, but very excited for the day we are reunited.
Kody, inparticular has a special place in his heart for Alexes..and always throws a kiss whenever we drive by.
And so this morning Kody asked to go with me to put out a balloon.
Kody always says a prayer while we are there..well, I don't know if it would be considered a "prayer"...but he always "talks" to Alexes. And he always kisses the ground where she lay.
This morning we tied our balloon on and I asked Kody if he's like to say a prayer and he said "No..you can do the prayer today Mom". So I did and then he said "Mom...I'd like to sing Happy Birthday, do you think it would be OK?"
"Absolutely!" is what I told him....and so there we were...singing "Happy Birthday to Alexes" just as loud as could be.
Maybe we got quite a few stares from passerby's...we didn't care. We were living for the moment and at that moment the innocence of one child came shining through like a beam of warm sunshine as he kneeled down and sang for a baby...a baby that watches over him from above and waits for all of us to make our grand entrance into Heaven someday.
And before we left to go home....Kody bent down and kissed the ground where she lay.

By the way....Alona Jane was born almost a year to the day of her big sister Alexes. God really does grant miracles, doesn't He?

I thank you all for stopping by...I've put on some new photos today...I hope you all enjoy them as much as we enjoyed making them!!!

~*~Father's Day...2004~*~

~*~SUNDAY...UPDATE~*~

I am absolutely heartbroken to have to tell you all that our little friend, Ian, passed away just a little after 6 o'clock this morning.

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

First of all I'd like to say a very big...
"HAPPY FATHER'S DAY"
To every Daddy, Grand-Daddy, Step-Dad, Foster Dad, Dad of an Angel....
To every man who has ever loved and felt the love of a child...whether you are or are not that childs biological father...
To every Dad fighting for our freedom in the military...
To every Single Dad raising his children alone...
To every hard working Dad who goes to work everyday without a single compliant...
To Uncles, cousins, friends, neighbors and anyone who is a role model to all children...
To all of our Dad's in our Caring Bridge family...
This day is yours....from all of us, to all of you....God Bless You All...Happy Father's Day...ENJOY!!!!!!!

We are so happy and truly blessed in our home this Father's Day...
As he promised all of us,
Daddy Bear is back home with his little cubs where he belongs and where he has been very, very missed!!
You would think though with as much hospital experience we have we would realize by now that "You can go home today", in hospital lingo means "You can go home sometime today, whenever the dr. shows up to discharge you, on a Saturday...oh in about 7 hours...give or take a few more hours".
And so our saga finally ended at 3:00 PM today when Dad tore off the bracelets, hopped on the elevator {he never did wait for the volunteer with the wheelchair}, and beat feet out of there.
And this is what he looked like upon release...

He goes back to the dr's...he has three of them now, in two weeks.
More Cat Scans will tell us if he will need to have surgery and that will mean taking out the abcessed parts of the intestines. :0(

Between Karl's appt's and Kody's Oncologist and Kolin's ENT and the kids dentist...July is looking to be an incredibly busy month.
The dr's told him...no work, take it easy for another week....not my man, he is planning on being at work at 9 AM Monday morning.
Can't keep that one down for long!
Sad as it is...he really doesn't have much of a choice....he went to fill his antibiotic script's....WHOA....let's just say that didn't happen. He didn't even dare ask how much the breathing med's would be.
I really have got to get together a quickie yard sale.

Anyway....enough of that...

Before I scoot out I'd like to leave you with a little something that I know will make alot of you Dad's of daughters out there laugh. We love this and I have no idea why I am posting it on Dad's Day...just fitting I suppose cuz it really does remind me of Karl!!
BTW...I have a couple of adult daughters that can confirm Rule #6...LOL....been there, done that as they say!

~*~Dad's Rules for His Daughter's Boyfriend~*~

Rule One: If you pull into my driveway and honk, you'd better be delivering a package, because you're sure not picking anything up.

Rule Two: You do not touch my daughter in front of me. You may glance at her, so long as you do not peer at anything below her neck. If you cannot keep your hand's off my daughter's body, I will remove them.

Rule Three: I am aware that it is considered fashionable for boys of your age to wear their trousers so loosely that they appear to be falling off their hips. Please don't take this as an insult, but you and your friends are complete idiots. Still, I want to be fair and opened minded about this issue, so I propose this compromise: You may come to the door with your underwear showing and your pants ten sizes too big, and I will not object. However, in order to ensure that your clothes do not, in fact come off during the course of your date with my daughter, I will take my electric nail gun and fasten your trousers securely in place to your waist.

Rule Four: I'm sure you've been told that in today's world, sex without a "barrier method" of some kind can kill you. Let me elaborate, when it comes to sex, I am the barrier, and I will kill you.

Rule Five: It is usually understood that in order for us to get to know each other, we should talk about sports, politics, and other issues of the day. Please do not do this. The only information I require from you is an indication of when you expect to have my daughter safely back at my house, and the only word I need from you on this subject is: "early."

Rule Six: I have no doubt that you are a popular fellow, with opportunities to date other girls. This is fine with me as long as it is okay with my daughter. Otherwise, once you have gone out with my little girl, you will continue to date no one else but her until she is finished with you. If you make her cry, I will make you cry.

Rule Seven: As you stand in the front hallway, waiting for my daughter to appear, and more than an hour goes by, do not sigh and fidget. If you want to be on time you should not be dating. My daughter is putting on her makeup, a process that can take longer than painting the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead of just standing there, why don't you do something useful, like changing the oil in my car?

Rule Eight: The following places are not appropriate for a date with my daughter: Places where there are beds, sofas, or anything softer than a wooden stool. Places where there is darkness. Places where there is dancing, holding hands, or happiness. Places where the ambient temperature is warm enough to introduce my daughter to wear shorts, tank tops, midriff t-shirts, or anything other than overalls, a sweater, and a goose down parka - zipped up to her throat. Movies with a romantic or sexual theme are to be avoided; movies with feature chain saws are okay. Hockey games are okay. Old folks homes are better.

Rule Nine: Do not lie to me. I may appear to be a potbellied, balding, middle-aged, dimwitted has-been, but on issues relating to my daughter, I am the all-knowing, merciless God of your universe. If I ask where you are going and with whom, you have one chance to tell me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I have a shotgun, a shovel, and five acres behind the house. Do not trifle with me.

Rule Ten: Be afraid, be very afraid. It takes very little for me to mistake the sound of your car in the driveway for a chopper coming over a rice paddy near Hanoi. When my Agent Orange starts acting up, the voices in my head frequently tell me to clean the guns as I wait for you to bring my daughter home. As soon as you pull into my driveway, you should exit the car with both hands in plain sight. Speak the perimeter password, announce in a clear voice that you have brought my daughter home safely and early, then return to your car. - there is no need for you to come inside. The camouflaged face at the window is mine.

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as Roy and Donna {her Mom & Dad} found out yesterday that her tumor is growing.
But..the fight rages on and DPG will not...we repeat NOT win this time!!

Ok guys...I'm outta here tonight...
Thank you so much for stopping by and checking in on us...we love you all more then you will ever know.

"Daddy Bear...Mama Bear is on her way...make some room cuz I have been missing you big time!!"

Have a great day everyone...
Just keep swimming...Just keep swimming....

Thursday, June 17, 2004 9:30 AM

~*~FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE...11:05 PM~*~

We have got a Daddy Bear on his way home tomorrow!!!!!!

White blood cell counts are back to normal...temp. is still low grade, but maybe that is just a normal temp. because other then a bit of pain still...he is feeling and looking a trillion times better.
His words to me tonight..."Kim, I am NOT going to be here for Father's Day....even if I have to lie my way out!"
Crazy..Crazy Man of Mine!!

Today I had to go to, yes, you guessed it..the happiest place on Earth...Wally World! {come on..you know those little senior citizen door greeters are too cute!!}.
Anyway...Kolin had spotted this teeny, tiny..I mean super small Dr's kit hanging on a shelf. And...normally something like that wouldn't even give him a second thought but today...he HAD to have that Dr. kit. So...joking with him I said "Do you have 48 cents?" and he said "No"....
Me: "Well, how are you going to buy it Dude?"
Kolin: "Mom...you can make me work my butt off at home..I'll make dinner, take out the garbage, anything..I NEED that!!"
Me: "OK..it's a deal..you make dinner...I get you the kit"

*****Note....He never did make dinner...I think I was duped by a 6 year old.*****

Well...we get home...put stuff away...get ready to see Dad at the hospital and Kolin grabs that kit on his way out the door.
Now..you all have to know something about Kolin...we pat him down everytime we go out because for some reason...he HAS to be carrying something with him always...there always has to be something in his pocket.
So..I stopped to remind him..
"Kolin...no toys in the car, remember? We're only going to be in the car for 10 minutes"
And Kolin said "Mom...I have to take this..I am going to fix Daddy today. And when I do...he will be able to come home"
Well...how could I say no..yep, that's right..I couldn't.
So..we get to the hospital...and Kolin goes to work..with Kody right with him telling him to do things this way and that..and Kolin saying "Kody I KNOW!!!"
So...anyway...that pretty much sums up the picture on top...I don't know if Dad felt any better afterwords..but it sure did restore my faith in one lil' 6 year old who not only has a heart of gold...but who truly, way down deep in his heart..believes that he cured his Daddy.

And..according to what the Dr's tell us...Daddy is on the mend. He'll need to manage this thing forever..but he is going to be OK.
Fingers croosed...toes crossed that the fevers will stay away...the pain will keep away..and that Daddy Bear will be cut loose tomorrow sometime.

Kody...on the other hand today..had the nurses in stitches when he was talking about "capping off" IV's, different gadge needles, and side effects of different antibiotics.
Sometimes I swear he is an adult in a childs body!! :0)

Well...I am going to jump off of here tonight...I think I just may be able to sleep OK tonight.
Well..that is if Kody the blanket theif doesn't keep doing the "one good roll gets the blankets" routine.
You know..if I was smart, I'd just walk out the door and go sleep in his bed tonight!!

Thank you again for the encouragment not to give up...the prayers which made all the difference in the world..and the GB entries that make all of us smile.
Especialy Kody who all day says "Welp..this person said this...and that person has this to say...and can you believe it..that person said that!!"
A couple of days ago..he even said "Ummm...do I know all these people...I mean, how do they know so much about us Mom??"
Oh Bear of mine...if you only knew all the little secrets I share about you!! LOL...and one day you will and am I ever in for it!!

"Just Keep Swimming...Just Keep Swimming"

Good night everyone....
Love, Kim

~*~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TONIGHT~*~*~

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~*~UPDATE...3:15 PM~*~

WAA-HOO...Thank you to everybody that has been flooding the gates of Heaven with prayer!!!
Karl's white blood cell count is starting to come down....he is finally responding to the antibiotics!!!!
They have finally about a half an hour ago put him on a liquid diet...the Cat Scan was cancelled because it is a bit too soon to do another.
His surgeon says he is doing remarkably well and added that he "must have a lot of people praying for him"!!
He is now getting another round of antibiotics and more pain med's.
Unfortunelty though...surgery is still not of of the question so we will just keep praying that it doesn't happen becuase it will mean him getting a part of his intestines cut out and quite a bit of recovery time.
I know you all know Karl well enough by now to know that he does NOT like being still and especially doesn't like being cooped up in a hospital.

That's about all I know for sure right now..stay tuned for another exciting episode of "Our Life is a Soap Opera" coming to you on the CB Network soon!!
Till tonight...Thank You and God Bless you ALL!!!!!!!!!

Love, Kim

May I take this opportunity here to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to our most greatest Mr. Pubs family for stepping right in and helping out....
Words cannot describe how much we love you ALL so much...you are by far the GREATEST!!!!!!!!!

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Things are pretty much unchanged from yesterday. Karl is still pretty miserable, in pain and pretty darn hungry too...no food or drink in three days Man cannot live by IV alone!! :0)
I took the kids to see Daddy yesterday...we only stayed about an hour because Dad's pain med's hadn't kicked in and he was a little..well, cranky..LOL..so I figured we would leave and try again another time.

He had his blood drawn at 6 this morning and they are planning another CT Scan so they can make the final decision as to when and if they are going to do that surgery.
I guess we'll find out about the white blood cell count this morning too.

The kids are doing OK...they just really miss having their Dad home and I cannot get used to the idea of setting up only one coffee cup, watching Good Morning America alone, and sleeping with Kody and Kolin is an adventure every night...Kolin runs in his sleep and Kody is the ultimate blanket thief!!
Kaysha has been doing an excellent job watching over the boys while I am gone..she is growing up so fast. And I know I'm her Mom and all...but isn't she just BEAUTIFUL in that picture on top?? She is absolutley just blooming into a beauty....watch out boys out there...her Daddy and big brother, Kyle, carries a big Louisville Slugger!! :0)
Kayara, Traivs and Kyle have been taking turns on their lunch breaks to check on them throughout the day and Karyelle has been spending her nights here so I can go to the hospital and spend some quiet time just Karl and I...wait did I say "quiet time"...DUH..this is a hospital..there is no quiet time!! :0)
This morning I am fighting a monster of a migraine so I won't be on here too long. I guess things are starting to catch up big time...so I took the last two Excedrin in the house.and watch out Eckerds because I'll be back to buy some more in bulk. LOL!!!!

I have a question form Kayara, who called me last night while I was with Karl...
OK..she is the daughter who just had the surgery for endreo., anyway..she was having more severe pain and went back to the Dr. yesterday. He thought maybe the endreo. had come back but instead found "non- maliganat fibroid tumors" this time. He didn't elaborate on it too much...just said to her "You'll need a shot of Nuprin {sp??} once a month for three months before we can do surgery."...oh, at the mere cost of $400.00 per shot...and she hasn't any insurance either.
She asked him what fibriod tumors are, what they do, how dangerous they are? And his answer..."Ask your Mom to ask her friends...I am sure they will know all about it".
Soooo....here I am asking any of you wonderful gals who have had these pesky lil' fibroids to maybe throw her a line or two about them. You can e-mail me at kodysmom1995@yahoo.com or kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com and I'll make sure to forward it directly to her.....plus we talk several times a day so I can always read them to her if she is at work.
BTW...all the messages and mail about the endreo. were right on target and helped us all so much understand.

Please keep our Sweet Texas Rose Cheyenne in your prayers today as she as another MRI for her beast of a tumor, diffuse pontine glioma. Cheyenne has been having left facial paralysis. Her last MRI recently showed changes in her tumor. Let's pray that this one shows a stable tumor and that the protocel and chemo. together are working to shrink and dissolve this tumor forever.

Also for Ian who is struggling with pain as he grows his Angel Wings.

And for Benjamin who has been told he will be going to Heaven soon. Benjamin is only six years old..and is handling things so well...this boy is absolutley amazing!! We pray that he keeps having good, pain free days and that ultimetley...He will be granted a miracle on Earth.

Well..that's about all the news that's fit to print this morning...I better run, rid me of this headache, and get myself looking good...well, good enough for a dude in a hospital bed...LOL...and then get my butt back to the hosp.
Then..come home, make lunch, get to the store, mow the lawn, clean the pool, get back to the hospital, come home, make dinner....you know, it's gonna be a real busy day today!! :0).

Thank you for checking in...and thank you ALL sooooooo much for the e-mails. I will reply to each and every one...I have just been out of my mind busy these past few days but please know that I have read them all..and I will get back to you..
Thank you for taking the time to personally mail me...you have no idea how much it means to me when someone takes the time to write whether it is a e-mail or a GB note...
Oh..and in my absence...Kody and Kaysha have been really, really great at keeping up with the GB..they LOVE reading all those messages!!

Have a great day everyone...
Just keep swimming...Just keep swimming....

Love, Kim

Monday, June 14, 2004 10:30 PM

~*~WEDNESDAY UPDATE...9:00 AM~*~

White blood cell count still going up, not responding to antibiotics and he is not leaving the hospital.
I need to get off here and get my act together so I can get up there...
Thank you so much for all the prayers, GB entries and big THANK YOU's to Nessa and Stephanie for the correct name of this disease!!
"diverticulitus"

Love you all!!!

~Kim~

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~*~TUESDAY UPDATE...11:30 PM~*~

{{SIGH}}....Where do I begin??
It has been a very, very long day today....
First off all...Kody and the other kids are FINE!!
However, it is their Daddy who needs prayers tonight.
Last week I had mentioned that Karl was pretty sick...more sick then I had ever seen him in my life. We thought for sure it was food poisoning and he figured after a week or so he'd be back to normal.
Well..he has been attempting so hard to make it to work everyday but the pain he has been having in the lower abdomen has been getting worse and worse everyday.
Yesterday he couldn't drive himself home from work and this morning I had to drive him in...still, he tried getting to work anyway. {crazy man!!}
At around 10:30 this morning he called home and told me he "had enough of trying to be a tough guy...he needed medical help quick"...
So...leaving Kaysha in charge until Kayara could get here on her lunch break and Kyle could get here during his break, and finally Karyelle got here after work to spend the night...
Ahhh..wait, I'm getting off track...sorry! :0(
Anyway, I rushed over to his job to see him barely walking out to the car...I got him to the ER at Leesburg Regional Medical Center and that is where I have just spent the past 11 1/2 hours.
Seems he didn't have food poisoning after all...what he does have is a severe absyss {sp??}and twisting in and on the entire colon. There is a name for it...it starts with a "D" and for the life of me..I am so tired I cannot even remember what it is.
Also...his white blood cell count are at least double as to what is considered normal.
He has been admitted and if the antibiotics they have been giving him today have no effect he will be facing some serious surgery tomorrow.
Please..if you could...and I know there are so many families out there with worse problems...but please, I am asking tonight if you could all send some prayers up to God to make him better....to get him home....we have NEVER been without him.
The kids are confused and upset...their comfortable little routine with Daddy has been broken.
And myself....I wish I could say I am OK but honestly...it was so damn hard seeing my big strong, tougher then nails man that I love laying there with tubes and machinery all over him, in such excruciating pain. God...it was so sad.
He is my "Rock" and our childrens "Hero"..how could he have fallen so hard without warning?
Please pray that things will get better for us...for Karl.
And please pray that we won't spiral down this dark hole of bills because as so many of us know...one missed paycheck can mean doom for a family just barely making ends meet.
Not that I wouldn't pick up a job somewhere...I hope you all know I would in a heartbeat..but the three kids still need tending too...and well..we have quite a few hospital & dr. appointments this coming month...
OK..I got to stop....I am so sorry!!

Anyway...right now I have the two boys waiting in my bed for Mommy to come in and go to sleep with them, they don't want to be alone and neither do I...
Right now, there is nothing I want more {except for Karl to be home}..then the snuggle up and hug my babies...I need that so bad.

Thank you so much for hearing me out tonight..I am so sorry, I wish I could be my normal perky self...but tonight, I am broken and just really, really sad. I suppose there is no other way to explain...

Love...Kim

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~*~HAPPY SECOND BIRTHDAY ALONA~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Our grand-daughter is two today!!! WOW...it seems like just last week she was a tiny pink little squiggly baby and now....she is known around here as "Miss Diva"!!
Here comes the two's...Kayara, I hope your ready girl!!

I have some great news about our friend, Kendra {the girl who was in the horrific car accident}. She is HOME!!!! Within the past 5 or 6 days she has improved so much...finally recognizing her Dad and trying her best to escape the hospital. She was starting to be known as "the walker" and had to have a special bracelet on just to let everyone know when she got too far..LOL!!! That girl is definetly a fighter!!
She talks in a whisper, and stutters her words...but step by step she will be there 100 percent very soon.
Kendra is a very lucky girl...with the love of her parents and family...she was able to overcome an accident that in all honesty, should have been fatal. God was defiently looking after her when the guy in the pick-up decided that he was runing late and slammed into her car on the interstate, going about 70 to 80 MPH.
And the prayers that you all have been sending have helped greatly in bringing her back to her family and ultimately..back home.
You all should be soooo proud of yourselves....now, get up off that seat and give yourselves a great big hand!!
On behalf of Kendra's family and our family...Thank you very, very much!!

Time is getting short for the "Friends of Caedan" Relay-for-Life....get your photos in soon!! As long as Lori has them by 12 noon on June 25th, they will be included in their tent. {see above}

Not too much going on around here tonight..and right now Kody really wants me to watch the OCC guys on TV...so, I am going to end this real soon and give my Bear some well deserved atention.

I'd like to still leave this up for a while more...let's see if we can make the wishes of two little boys come true...

~*~Fisher~*~ who has got a new postcard collection going on..so far he is up to 75 cards. Won't you please send him one from your hometown so he can see all his friends from all over the world.

~*~Michael~*~ who will be 4 years old on July 5th. Sadly, this will most likely..if his Dr's are correct, be his very last one on Earth. Please, let's make this one a very special and cheerful one for this cutie pie so that he may forget, if just for a day the tumor inside his sweet head and the pain that it has been causing him.
Here's his home address if you'd like to send him a card or small gift...

Michael Dornauer
241 Sycamore Road
Elkton, MD 21921

Thank you all for stopping back again....Till tomorrow...
Have a great night...gotta go catch up on Orange County Choppers!!

New photos up today..enjoy!!

Saturday, June 12th 12:30 AM
~*~Sunday...10:00 PM~*~

Normally I wouldn't give this person a minutes worth of attention because honestly, she is not worth it...but some of you may be new to Caring Bridge and may not know who "Jessica Thomas" is.
Jessica Thomas is Caring Bridges worst enemy....a fake, a phoney. She prys on our sickest children, befriending them and their trusting parents and luring them into her twisted web. She will link to their site hoping to seem legit..however, Caring Bridge knows all about her and NOTHING she does is on the up and up.
Well folks..it looks like Jessica has escaped from the looney bin she resides in and had created herself yet another fake site.
Not to worry though..she has been caught, but before her site get's deleted...some of you may want to take a look. Especailly those whom I already know have been burned by her....

CarrieAnn a/k/a "Jessica Thomas"

Till tomorrow...I wish you all a very happy and restful night...

Kim

~*~Saturday...10:05 PM~*~

Some of you may have seen this following message on other children's sites and I am asking all of our Cancer Hero's...this includes anyone who is currently kickin' cancers butt, has beat cancer's butt and of course, our never to be forgotten Angel Friends who really did beat cancer's butt, to e-mail a photo ASAP...read on please....>>>

"Caedan Gallagher was a 9 year old boy who lost his valiant fight with ALL in 2002.
The "Friends of Caedan" Relay for LIfe team is hoping to decorate their team tent with pictures of people whose lives have been touched by cancer...fighters, survivors, angels, etc.
We are hoping that our tribute tent will have 720 pictures covering it...one picture for each minute of the 12 hour fundraising relay. Please help us with this awesome, inspiring endeavor. Pictures can be emailed to thewightmans@aol.com just be sure to include "Relay Pic" in the subject line. The Relay for Life is on June 25th so we would need the pictures before then. Thanks again."

BTW..I had gotten an e-mail from Lori today and as long as the photo is on her computer by 12 o'clock noon on June 25th, it WILL be included as they are leaving for Relay-for-Life and setting their tent up at 3 o'clock PM.

Thank you to everyone who will help to make this awesome event a huge success!!

~Kim~

~*~HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY KARYELLE~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Finally...A great day around our parts!!
You know how alot of folks will say {about the bully problem}..."What goes around comes around" and cool sayings like that?
Well....How True...How True!!!!

Let me let you all in on a little story about one very hot and humid Florida day...5 ugly, sweaty, hot, miserable street rats a/k/a bullies walking around in the hotter then H**L sunshine and 3 chilled out kids happily splashing and keeping cool in their backyard {but in full view from the street} 27 foot round swimming pool...HAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Well..let me tell you...If I had a camera handy...I could have shown you all the best pictures...talk about a few jaws hanging low...talk about dagger stares...talk about "NAH..NAH..NAH...NAH...NAH..Your hot and we're not!!!"
Welp...I think you all get the picture. And the motto of this weeks lesson as I have tried to instill in three little minds....
"Evil never wins".
I know...sounds familer to all you familes with little boys.....hmmm, it sounds familer to me too...I think Buzz Lightyear said it. I could be wrong but I know for sure one of Kolin's superheros has said it before.

That Kody Bear of mine...he is so cool sometimes. Around 3 o'clock or so we came in from the pool when it started sprinking a little and he was OK with that. Any excuse to grab some snacks is a good thing to Kody. :0) About 45 minutes, maybe an hour later he says "Can we go back in"...but..I told him "Net yet, I have to get dinner started" so he says "Oh...OK...I'm going to watch TV in my room"....
well..15 minutes later Dad comes rolling down the street and the deal was tonight..He and Kody were going to have a little race down the street...Dad on his bike and Kody on his chopper. {They did this last night and it was so cool..but...again, no camera handy for me.}
Well..I went to get the Bear and the Bear was OUT COLD!!!!
A little sunshine, a little water play, a little food and I had on my hands one totally pooped out Pup! :0)
He got up long enough to eat dinner.and oh man, did he eat!! Then he went back in the pool for another hour or so then he casually came inside, snuck an ice cream sandwich and brushed his teeth and fell back to sleep again. I went to check on him because as we all know...a quiet Bear is a Bear in trouble...and he said "Mom...Can a person have TOO much fun cuz I am TIRED!!!"

Kody Bear...I know someday you'll be reading this on your own...and I can tell you this Pal...
"Everyday that you wake up and play and hug me and tell me you love me more...is a perfect day to me...so no way can we ever have too much fun...but...we'll have Fun, Fun, Fun till your Daddy takes the "toothbrush" away!!"
OK...a little explanation...
Kody heard that Beach Boys song on a commercial the other day and started singing "And she'll have fun, fun, fun till her Daddy takes her toothbrush away"...
He made us laugh so hard..and so now it's a little Kody/Mom joke.

Another song flub funny...and he was sooo serious about this one...
Do you all remember "Give me the beat boys and save my soul..I'm gonna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away" {OK, I think thats how it goes}
Well...Kody's very serious rendition of that song went a little like this...
"Give me the BEACH BOYS....."
HEE...HEE..He is gonna have a cow if he ever finds out I am telling you all this!!

Oh...about the bike race...weather permiting, it's on for tomorrow...may the better {or faster} man win. And Dad, if your reading this and I know you are so where's my coffee??? Ahem..anyway, don't be too hard on him, OK..I mean he can only pedal those little legs so fast.

Now, on to some serious stuff...

During this weekend I'll be updating my pull down list of friends, we have gotten much, much more and I'll be putting them up probably tomorrow night.

Prayer requests....

~*~Connor~*~ as he continues to fight the cancer beast over again. His scans showed even more growth..if the tumors cannot be slowed down or be
made stable with two more rounds of chemo., nothing more can be done. If however, the chemo does do it's job..Connor will be facing some very extreme and difficult surgery. And the surgery will be the only thing that may save his life. BTW..Connor does not know about the surgery yet, so please...don't mention anything. If he has the surgery, thats when his parents will tell him.

~*~Celeste~*~ As she and her family are at the beach trying to have some family memory time, Celeste has started experiencing some pretty horrible symptoms of her brain tumor.

~*~Tracy~*~ who we all know as "Katia's Mommy" as she fights some very painful neck and back pain she thinks may mostly be brought on by stress. However, an underlying medical problem could be responsible...please pray that the pain goes away or she can see a Dr. who can help.

~*~Ian~*~ as he is fighting so hard the pain which comes with his cancer and for him Mom who is having such a hard time right now because of Ian's pain, stress and the whole horrible situation they are living in general.

~*~Christal~*~ as she faces another brain surgery on June 15th because of relapse and more tumors found.

~*~Baby Howard~*~ How would you like to fall in love today? Well...visit baby Howard and I can promise you that it will be love at first sight!! This site is brand new and it is about a little baby boy born a bit to early. He just had a shunt put in yesterday for hydrocephlus {same thing Kody has} and is having a very hard time getting off the ventilater/breathing machine.

And here is a special request for two very special little boys that we just love to pieces!!

~*~Fisher~*~ who has got a new postcard collection going on..so far he is up to 75 cards. Won't you please send him one from your hometown so he can see all his friends from all over the world.

~*~Michael~*~ who will be 4 years old on July 5th. Sadly, this will most likely..if his Dr's are correct, be his very last one on Earth. Please, let's make this one a very special and cheerful one for this cutie pie so that he may forget, if just for a day the tumor inside his sweet head and the pain that it has been causing him.
Here's his home address if you'd like to send him a card or small gift...

Michael Dornauer
241 Sycamore Road
Elkton, MD 21921

Has any of you visited Helen's "Busy Kickin' Cancers Butt" site lately?? Well..if you haven't, let me be the first to tell you...Helen has craeted some very, very cool t-shirts and tank tops!!! These are us proud parents of "Brave sons/daughters who are busy kickin' cancers butt".
Mom's...these are going to make GREAT Father's Day gifts...Kody already has some big plans and I don't want to ruin them incase "you know who" is reading this but oh..."You Know Who" is going to be soooooo surprised this year!! shhhhhhhhhhh!!!!
Just click on that link above my journal entry to get there...

And speaking of stores and shopping {oh I do love that word!!}...
Kody's little store is going to be featuring some very cool shirts very soon.
I won't ruin a good surprise but let's just say Kody has a big hand in the newest design..and since it is a universal t-shirt..anyone fighting the "C" word and anyone who has that "Kody-Tude" will be wearing these T-s...as a matter of fact...oncology clinics from all over the country will never be the same again cuz our kids {yours and mine} are gonna be on a roll with their very own designer duds from Kody Bear.

Well guys and gals..I have just realized that the journal entry I have started on a Friday has now turned into Saturday and this Mom has got to get some sleep!!

Have a terrific weekend everyone..we will be thinking of you and sending you plenty of sunshine and happiness your way!!

Love you all.....

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 11:25 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I have got to tell you all first thing...I am sooooooo sorry for the mini-meltdown yesterday!! Just one more word on the subject and I'll stop.

If I ever win the lottery...I am so out of this neighborhood and fast!! It was never like this when we moved here almost six years ago...it was quiet and it was safe. But now we have too many familes moving in with apparently no parental skills whatsoever. We have kids at home alone, all day, free to roam the streets day and night and there are no parents home, not a one.
When they are home {the parents}..where are they? Inside kicking back the cold ones, sitting in front of the TV.
I am not making this up...your kids have told mine many times.
Now, I know parents need to work but HELLO these kids are 13 years and younger...they need supervision and they need day camp, sitters, something other then harrassing the neighborhood kids. And..I know if they happen to read this they will say "Yeah, then you pay for it Kim" well..to them...
These are not my kids and I won't pay for it...my kids are at home, with me all day long. I know where they are, I know who they are with. I play with them, feed them, talk with them, laugh with them, entertain them and have fun with them every day. They have friends over, they have playdates away from home...I know who their friends are and I know when they are away from home they are being supervised by a responsible parent.
When was the last time you actually took yours kids outside and played with them? Have you ever riden bikes with them..it's fun, lots of fun. I have never seen you BBQ on the weekends but I do see the pizza delivery truck at your door 4 times a week.

I am not a perfect parent...I am far from a perfect person but I do know this...the more time you spend with your children while they are young...the more benefits they will reap from having a loving parent who is there for them. Ask any one of my older children who are adults and on their own...they are caring and responsible. They are making their way in a harsh world and they are succeeding at doing it themselves.

Sure...if I worked outside the home we could have an awesome SUV instead of a 10 year old Ford Taurus. We could have a real house instead of a mobile home. We could go places, take vacations and see the world. What we do is spend time together...splashing in the pool on a hot Sunday, grilling hot dogs in our backyard, we spend family time everyday...and when Dad get's home at the end of every day, we all sit down at the dining room table and we eat dinner together everynight without fail.
This is nothing new...anyone of our older children can tell you what time we eat and if they are hungry what time to be sitting at the table...grab a paper plate and a fork because absolutely nothing we do is classy...we are ultra casual and we love it. We are family...we are good friends...we are what we are...what you see is what you get and we are not ashamed at all.

I guess what I am aiming at here after watching my kids get the "F" word thrown at them again and again today by your "perfect never do anything wrong kids", I have had to listen as Kody get's teased again and again by your "not my child" kids...While you were home tonight did you happen to see your "perfect kids" surround our fence and threaten my six year old with a beating? Anyway...well, how do I put this nicely...
OK...I have seen baboons with better parenting skills then you all...get a life...admit your kids are a problem and DO something about it because I can tell you this...
It won't be mine who ends up in jail or pregnant. Think about it.

On to better things and the reason why you are all here tonight...

The life and times of one "Kody Bear"...

Well...He is still making us laugh till it hurts with all the dances and the songs he learned at camp! He is definetly a ham and I have got to capture the moment on video clip...if anything it will make a great video for "America's Most Funniest Videos" :0)
For a boy that didn't sleep much at camp..he is full of never ending evergy. I asked him today if he EVER gets tired from running around the yard and as he buzzed by he yelled "No...Never!!!!!!" But I can tell you this, at the end of the day...he is the FIRST one to fall asleep....or "recharge" as we call it around here.

I don't remember if I told you all this but his neuro-oncologist appointment was changed again for hopefully the last time....it's now officially on for July 19th at 9 o'clock. This new appointment was made by me so that Karyelle would be able to hang with Kaysha and Kolin while we take Kody. We need to give this appointment our full attention and that wouldn't be real possible with three, "he's looking at me, she touched me" kids in tow.

Next MRI and neurosurgeon visit is September 22nd...I know that's a long way's away but I figured while it's on my mind I'll mention it.

Now then....for all you lovely people from the South...then you all know what Publix is {a grocery store}.
Well...I know the Publix here in Leesburg is doing a huge fundraiser for The Childrens Miracle Network at Shands hospital in Gainesville and as you all may know, this is Kody's hospital with what we believe are the best team of Dr's we have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Oops..that's with the exeption of Dr. Woorley who was the eye dr. who originally realized something was very wrong with Kody and he was also the dr. who lead us straight to Shands and Dr. Pincus.
Anyway...you can donate at the register $1.00 to $15.00 {I think??}...you just buy a paper balloon, sign your name and it gets hung up in the window...kind of like the March of Dimes paper sneakers.
Kody has got quite a few hanging in our Publix window...I had been giving him a dollar or two for a candy bar and he has ben buying his paper Shands balloons instead of a treat everytime.
What's kind of amusing is that Kody HATES going food shopping and he LOVES candy but he puts up with shopping so he can buy his $1.00 balloon.
Not to worry though...I always slip him and the other two a candy bar and surprise them when we get home...:0)
Every dollar counts and the children of Shands Hospital will be the ones to benefit from everyone's kindness and genorosity. And...as much as we love Kody's Dr.s...Shands pediatric floor could really, really use some cheering up. It's depressing enough being there...but the walls...well, there really isn't much there. The playroom is only open two hours a day and the videos are old...really old. For a perfect example...The Backstreet Boys concert video and Wrestlemania tapes from 10 years ago. I would love to hope that with the money the 4th floor can get a total make-over...that would be so cool!

Before I kick myself off of here tonight I know many of you already know that Connor Hunley had his pelvis MRI today..it was done to compare it to his scan of one month ago. I haven't heard anything yet as to the results but I am praying like mad that "No news is good news"...please say a prayer for this sweet, strong and brave boy..he has been through too much and he needs a miracle.

Many CB parents have been telling me {and I've been reading on their sites} about a little problem with the mysterious disappearing journal entries. OK...I have to admit, this is not a little problem, it is a big major pain in the neck, stress building, heart pounding, nerve damaging problem, especially after typing out a long entry and having it end up missing, never to return.
I have learned this lesson the hard way myself and after beating my head upside the wall a few times and screaming like a drunken sailor, here is my bit of really great advice.
Go to "Wordpad"...journal away all you like and save it. Put in in a folder that you create and call it whatever you like..mine is called "Kim's Journals".
When you are done {this is particualry great when you have constant interruptions..just keep clicking save as}...highlight the whole thing, copy it and paste it in as a new journal entry.
If you lose it...it is still there in your folder...just paste it again.
Want to make a new journal entry? Delete what you last wrote and go for it again.
Before you hit the "preview journal entry" button, copy one more time and then click. That way if you have to go back to make changes and your entry disappears...paste it in and it will reappear again.
This is a simple and really good way to save alot of money on Excedrin.

OK guys....
Thank you soooooooo very much for listening to me rant and rave about our neighborhood craziness these past couple days...I seriously didn't mean to get so crazy mad but...Well, in the heat of the moment I was just pounding on the keyboard....looking at Kolin....pounding some more...looking at Kody...pounding even more and I guess I lost my head and my sanity..what's left of it anyway!! :0)

Have a peaceful night and a really fun-filled day tomorrow!!

~*~God Speed President Reagan~*~

Tuesday, June 8, 2004 11:13 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

My Bear is Home...My Bear is Home...WAA-HOO....YAH-HOO...My Bear is HOME!!!

It is unbeliveable how "complete" I feel again, we are all going to sleep sooooo good tonight!!

As you can see by that photo on top, Kody is now the proud owner of a Orange County Choppers Stingray and he has been cruising the street all afternoon into evening, he is definetley one very happy camper/biker/little boy/bear. :0)
I wish I had a camera on me as we walked through Wal-Mart today with that bike...all eyes were on him, a few dropped jaws here and there, lots of "cool bike dude" and I think maybe even a tear or two from a big Harley guy as Kody wore his blue bandana and white Boggy Creek/R.O.C.K. Camp {Reaching Out to Cancer Kids..."R.O.C.K., A Place Where Kids With Cancer Can Just Be Kids...that's the logo on the shirt} T-Shirt and proudly wheeled his chopper through the store and out the door.
If ever there was a little boy who could pull together a bunch of strangers to stand still briefly for a moment and awe over the true meaning of bravery Kody Bear was it today. I would have loved to have seen what would happen if we could pull ALL our brave kids together to strut their stuff through the store...LOL..they sure would bring the house down!!

So...tonight the three kids were outside riding their bikes and hanging out together...around 7 o'clock. Well...Kolin decides about 5 minutes later he had enough and squatted down on the side of the street by our mailbox to play in some wet sand & dirt. Kaysha was standing next to him and Kody was on the other side of the street, about 10 feet away.
Anyway...one of the neighborhood brats {is bastard an OK word to use here?} decides to take his moped out on the street...now, mind you..this is one of the kids who likes to think he is terrorizing Kody when they are outside together...Kody is 8 and this kid, Matt is 13 or 14 and twice Kody's size. Kody...well, he takes no crap if you all know what I mean. And..he will protect fearcely his brother and sister.
Well, there is Matt trying his best to scare them when he get's close to Kolin, wayyyy to close and RUNS OVER HIS WRIST!!! Which, in turn because Kolin is so small, when the moped made contact with him caused him to flip and come landing down on the back of his head. Thank God he was still wearing his helmet because that one little thing saved his head from being split open.
Kody goes running over and goes after Matt...and I mean Kody was looking for blood at this point and Matt goes running back into his house like the cry baby he is.
Kaysha, Kolin and Kody come tearing in the house screaming "Kolin got run over by Matt's moped" and me...being not too bright sometimes, see's that Kolin is standing on his own two feet and not even crying...but he was mad...Kolin was seathing, vein popping mad and quickly I figure he's OK and I go running outside like a bat out of H**L and see Matt's sister and the other neighborhood brat we had some problems with a couple of weeks back walking quickly in to the house and I start my ranting...HA...yes, I got crazy, not a very pretty site but anyway. I never did get an answer from them..just some blank stares and I say "Forget it, your useless, I'm calling the Sherriff."
The Sherriff shows up, we talk..the kids talk...and then he talks to Matt and family...who, BTW....couldn't even come out to see if Kolin was alright but says the the Sherriff..."Well, why didn't the parents come over and talk to us?" MORONS!!!
Well..at the end of this little saga...the Sherrif comes back to our house and says "Well, according to the other family...Matt was riding his moped down the middle of the street and saw Kody and was so scared that he went and rode on the other side of the street where Kolin was and when Kody came across the street Matt accidently rode too close to Kolin but there was never any contact made. Lies, lies, lies...that's all I have to say on the subject.
So..then the Sherriff says "Well, you know...in talking to Kody I can see he is somewhat of a spitfire". OK, so I cannot disagree with that...because #1...he is 200 percent all boy and yes, he is a spitfire like his Dad {and me too I guess!!} But, like I tried to explain...If you had three to four, 13 and 14 year old boys telling you everyday that they are "going to F**K you up"...well, that just might make you a "spitfire" too. I also tried {key word here..tried} to explain about Kody's medical problems and a punch from one of these little criminal boys could mean death to Kody...
Well, to make a long story short..I was pretty much blown off.
So..does Matt still have the moped?...Yes
Did he get a ticket?...No
Will he still be allowed to ride on the street whenever he wants?...Yes.
And Kolin...what does he get...a very achy back and wrist...a Sherriff who doesn't believe he was hit by the moped and a family across the street who thinks they got away with hurting a 6 year old.
I am pissed and with that I can honestly say once again...Thank God he was wearing that helmet, even though it was hot out and even though he wasn't even riding a bike...just playing in the dirt for a few minutes, he kept it on and that saved us a mad dash trip by ambulance to the E.R.

OK..enough of that....
Kody and camping...He had a GREAT time and never even missed us, not even for a minute. He was kept very busy..hmmmm, let's see...
He made 9 new friends and two "best friends"...he learned how to eat with his face {lovely..he tried this one at home tonight!}, painted a live cow, slow danced with a goat {don't ask}, chased a hog, passed his swimming test with ease, swam like a fish, was in a talent show {free-styling..whatever that is but I think it has something to do with rapping}, was on stage for every mornings session of "morning aerobics {which is the funniest thing you will ever see}, horseback riding, made a cool wooden race car, burned himself in woodshop, baked cookies, had a food fight, got washed off with an open fire hydrant, amazed everyone by knowing every single word to "Build me up Buttercup" and "That's Amore", and lots and lots more...but I'll have to ask him in the morning because right now...he is passed out cold!!!
He has been soooo tired all day but there was no way he was going to miss out on a minute of bike riding...LOL!!
Oh...BTW...he took three showers!!!!! And two swims in the pool plus one fire hydrant makes a total of six god cleanings and he hardly stunk at all on the way home.

Well guys..I am going to get some new pictures up in a little while {one of Kolin so you can see for yourselves}...and then I've got to jump off of here because Kolin has gotten up about four times within a half hour and says his back is hurting him. He is going to be sore for a few days and to make sure all really is OK, I'll call his Dr. in the morning and bring him in for a look see. :0(

Have a super terrific, really cool night and an even better day tomorrow!!!

Oh..before I go...an update on Dad..
We have been trying to narrow this all down and it started a couple of hours after we ate at a Chinese buffet bar Sunday night...he was down on oysters and I had mussels. That was about the only thing we had that was different from each other so, this is kind of leaning us towards we thing food poisoning.
{{SIGH}}...Does it ever end??

Oh..and Kody's "Busy Kickin' Cancers Butt" t-shirt was a HUGE hit with everyone!! I even had a nurse chase us down as we were leaving to ask where he could get one. Isn't it so cool that Kody will be known as the "Poster Boy" for Kickin' Cancers Butt!! :0)
Don't forget...you can your t-shirt too...just click on Kody's "Kickin' Cancers Butt" logo up top and it will take you there. The shirts are excellent quality {it has to be to stand up to Kody Bear}, the colors don't fade...even when bleached and the shirts are true to size. Stop by..pick up one, you'll be soooo happy you did. And while your there anyway...say a big Hello to Helen {link in drop down box} because she is the talented lady who created these "attention getting" t-shirts. She also creates those personal "blinkie banners" you see on so many sites these days.
And if your anything like Kody and myself...well, I have to admit...we LOVE the shock value!! :0)

Monday, June 7, 2004 10:40 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Ten Hours...Fifty Minutes...29 Seconds And Kody Bear is HOME!!!!!

LOL....yuppers, I am just a little excited! :0)

To make the time pass by quick today...Kaysha and I decied it would be a great day to rearrange four bedrooms. Now Kody is in Kyle's old room, Kolin get's Karyelle's old room, Kaysha gets Kody and Kolin's room and Kaysha's old room {since there is no a/c in it} is now the storage room...thereby freeing up my closet with assorted pack rat stuff and the never ending holiday things that take up way, way too much space.

So...about 3/4 of the way through all this mess...Kaysha turned green and ran for her life towards the bathroom...where she has spent most of her afternoon today.
Seems that Dad {poor Dad, he is one sick pup today} woke up with a severe stomach flu...I mean, here is a guy that is never sick and this has got him down.
Anyway...looks like Kaysha got a dose of it, only not as bad.
As for Dad...I am at the point tonight of saying to myself "Be a good wife and call an ambulance" but he would freak so I am just sitting here tonight wishing he would "Be a good husband and willingly get into the car and let me drive him there".
{{{SIGH}}}....I pray this all passes and tomorrow he wakes up just fine. :0(

Meanwhile, it looks like I'll be taking the drive to Boggy Creek myself. Kyle took the morning off from work to be here to watch over the other two kids.

Not much else going on here...Kyle moved out officially yesterday {see photo page}. Geez...I have just FINALLY gotten over Karyelle leaving and BAM I just sucker punched by another one.
These kids are killing me.

Oh...Speaking of Karyelle..she is going back to NY on a mini vacation the first two weeks of September...checking out jobs and what not and she is seriously thinking of moving back there in Feb.
I may need to be medicated for that move.

So..some of you may be wondering how our Second Honeymoon a/k/a We Got Rid of the Kids for One Night went...
Well, here's a little recap...
We went out to eat, we came home, we went to bed, we watched a movie, we slept, we woke up and Karl whined for hours "where are my kids" until I couldn't stand it anymore and I went and picked them up.
Talk about SOMEBODY having "empty nest syndrome". Then Kyle moved out that afternoon...Poor guy...he want not doing well on the emotional side yesterday.

Well guys..moving furniture all day is definetly letting me feel it right about now and I have a very early day tomorrow....
GOTTA GET THE BEAR!!!!

So, I'm going to jump off tonight and I will for sure update tomorrow when we get home and after Kody Bear get's his BIKE!!!!
Thank you once again to everyone who jumped right in and made that happen so fast....he is going to be one happy camper tomorrow..and truth be told, so am I!!!! :0)

Have a wonderful, restful night and I'll be talking to you again tomorrow....

Saturday, June 5, 2004 12:00 PM

~*~New Photos Up This Morning...Real, Real Early Monday Morning~*~

Update coming up tomorrow...sleep tight everyone!!

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I hate to start this off today with bad news but sadly, we lost Miranda Rae this morning around breakfast time.
God...I hate waking up to news like this. :0(
Please, if you would stop by Angel Miranda's site...I don't know how many of you have followed her story but her Dad really pours his heart out in every journal entry...he is truly one dedicated and loving Daddy.

I spoke to, Kimmie, Kody's camp counselor this morning and she tells me he is doing fantastic and having a GREAT time!! She is so impressed by his willingness to kind of help out and guide all the new campers this year..LOL..he is a "take-charge" kind of guy!!

So...I did wait 2 whole days before I called to check up on him...and yesterday's phone conversation went something like this....

Me: Hi this is Kim, Kody's Mom...blah...blah..blah...checking on him...blah...blah...I miss him so much...blah..blah..I tried to wait as long as I could to call...blah..blah..blah...."

Camp BC: HIYA KODY'S MOM!!! {all perky and stuff!}...yes we know Kody very well and we rememeber you too...actually we had a few bets going on that you would call yesterday.

Me: Well..you know, I wanted to wait and well I tried to wait and well you know...I just COULDN'T wait..."

Camp BC: Well we here at Camp Boggy Creek are very proud of you for going a whole almost 48 hours!! We will be sure to have his counselor call you back..and BTW..I have seen him and he is very happy and having lots of fun!

Me: Lots of fun? Very Happy? WITHOUT me his is doing all this??? OK..would you tell him I love him, I miss him, I can't wait for him to be home?

Camp BC: OK Mrs. Kody's Mom...we will tell him you said "HI"....we wouldn't want him getting homesick now would we??

Me: You mean he's not?? :0( I'll really try not to call again.

Camp BC: Call anytime you want...Ok Bye Now!!

And so my conversation ended untill today when his counselor called to tell me how wonderful things are going.

It's not too late {I think} to send him mail...if you'd like to, here's his address....

Kody Kruppenbacher, Green 2
30500 Brantley Branch Road
Eustis, Florida 32736

Even if it happens to get there late, it will be forwarded back home to him anyway.

So..guess who get's to have an 18 hour second honeymoon?? Yuppers, Karl and I are!!
Kayara and Travis are taking Kolin and Kaysha tonight and we get a whole night and a few hours tomorrow morning without kids!!!!
So, what are our plans?? {get your mind out of the gutter...HA!!}...
Dinner without spilled milk, a night-time swim without fighting, whining and beach balls flung at our heads, TV shows that don't include "The Cartoon Network" or "The Disney Channel", a whole cookie jar full of pecan sandies, and a full nights sleep with only two in our bed...WAA-HOO..what in the world is better then that??!!

Hey...want to see something pretty darn cool?? Check out these photos...

The guys from Orange County Choppers meets Crazy Uncle Kenny

I've got a couple of sweet photos of Kolin and Kaysha sending their balloons to Angel Jalen. I'll get them up today...I just have to take some time to down size them before I can get them up. The kids had alot of fun releasing them to Heaven..two got stuck in a tree for a few minutes before a breeze swept them back up but the "baby duck yellow" one shot right up...kind of as if grabbed by Jalen himself...it was so cool to watch!!

Well guys..let me bounce off of here for a while.

Have a wonderful and very safe weekend...

~*~2 days...21 hours...30 minutes...18 seconds till Kody gets home!!!~*~

Wednesday, June 2, 2004 10:55 PM

~*~Thursday...Mini Update...1:15 PM~*~

I just got of the phone with Uncle Kenny who is back at OCC getting some more autographs and dropping off a picture of Kody from yesterday with a Thank You note...Come on Guys and Gals..let's all say "Crazy Uncle Kenny...You are THE MAN!!"
He had a conversation with Pauley Jr. who says to Kody.."HI KODY!!!" and Pauley Sr. who is getting to be a pretty big Kody Fan himself...he is autographing Kody's photo so there is no doubt that our Bear is talking to the real deal Dude!!

Kody can get mail while is is away at camp..for anyone that would like to send a postcard, jot a note, draw a picture....here's the addy...

Kody Kruppenbacher, Green 2
The Boggy Creek Gang Camp
30500 Brantley Branch Road
Eustis, Florida 32736

The oncologist's office called and needs to reschedule Kody's appointment from June 14th to July 12th...actually, that's works out better for us too.

About Kayara's eye/vision loss..another girl came in with the same problem, she had surgery within the same week as Kayara...they are thinking is because of the anesthesia. I don't know if they had the same anesthesiologist so I assume there is going to be some kind of investigation going on.

Balloon release for Angel Jalen today at 3:08 PM...please help us in flooding the Heavens with a rainbow of colors from all over the world.

Sadly, another child is earning her Angel Wings as we speak...please stop by and visit Miranda Rae's site and offer her and her very loving parents support and prayer.

As always...we thank you ALL for your love and continued support for all our families!!

Thank you Gramma Carolyn for the "Village Money"...Kolin and Kaysha are really going to enjoy it by going to see Shrek 2 this afternoon!!

Have a beautiful day all....

Luv, Kim

4 days...20 hours and 15 minutes till my Baby comes home!!!!!

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

WOW...what an amzing day today was!!!!!

Let's see...
I'll start with that photo on top....

That is Kody Bear chatting with Pauley Sr. from Orange County Choppers!!!! Cool, isn't it??!!
OK..OK..I know alot of you {especially the gals!!} are wondering..."How in the world did Kody get a phone call from Pauley, Sr.?"... Well....Kody just so happens to have a very awesome Uncle Kenny {Karl's brother} from New York who lives about 15-20 from OCC and took some time today to make a trip there with the intentions of getting an autographed poster.
That, it turns out wasn't going to be so easy as they were filming today and there were at least 30 or so people gathered around outside wanting the same thing.
After a chat with Pauley, Jr's girlfriend and telling her about Kody...she told Uncle Kenny to wait around...and so he did for 90 minutes.
That's when both Pauley's came out and they were happy to sign a poster for Kody...but wait, it get's better...
As Pauley Sr. and his wife were making their way towards their Hummer to grab some lunch {this was so cool cuz I was talking to Ken at the time and could hear everything} ...Kenny stepped up and asked Pauley if he would talk with his 8 year old nephew from Florida who has cancer and is a HUGE fan of the show...
Well...this man took it upon himself to stop everything to get on the phone and chat with Kody for a good 5 minutes!!
Kody's face just lit up....he was just bouncing with excitement and I heard him say "Holy Moley I am talking to Pauley Sr...you are so cool man, I love your bikes and your show!!"

What was so great was that we were just about to walk out the door to leave for Boggy Creek when we go the call...the timing could not have been better.
Well..needless to say the whole ride to Boggy Creek all Kody talked about was "How cool Uncle Kenny is and how cool Pauley Sr. is" and he even said "I am so STOKED!!!!"
Not sure here what exactly "stoked" is but it sounds really, really great!! :0)

From what I understand Kenny is going back tomorrow, if it doesn't rain, and see if he can get the autographs of Mikey {Kody's favorite!}, Vinny and Cody.
Both Pauley's signed today....and that is one poster Kody will treasure forever!!

Oh...Kody asked/recommended they make a "Navy Blue Angels Bike"...but, unfortunetly there will be no more military bikes...however, as luck would have it...check this out...
An OCC Cancer Awareness Chopper! Now tell me, how cool is that??!!

We owe a HUGE, REALLY HUGE "Thank You" to Uncle Kenny for all he's done for Kody today but also to Uncle Kenny and Aunt Lori for making it posible for Kody's dream bike wishes to come true...WE LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Also...we have two beautiful and wonderful Angels, Leesa and Marty who are huge "Kody fans" and Marty's sweet grand-daughter, Savannah who have taken it upon themselves to not only help out with Kody's dream bike but to also make sure that Kolin get's his dream bike too...and that Kaysha also get's included in some spoiling too....
WE LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!

There are no words that could describe the happiness in our home...seeing our children so happy makes us feel like we have won the lottery.

Though we may not be wealthy people...we are the "richest" people in the world because we have the most wonderful family and friends ever. No amount of money could ever buy that...without all of you, there wouldn't be any of us.
There is no way we could have ever made it this far in our journey with Kody without the love and support of all of you....the e-mails I get daily telling me that "I" have touched someone through Kody's Story give me the inspiration to keep on journaling...through the good times and the not so good times, I can always open up Kody's site and see an unending supply of love.
I Thank You ALL for this!!

OK...Now on to....

"How I Survived Dropping My Baby Off At Camp" a/k/a "I Begged, Pleaded, and Bribed...But It Got Me Nowhere...Kody Bear is now a Camping Bear"

Well...like I mentioned before..the whole trip there was centered around Uncle Kenny and OCC...not even highering the radio {Yes Karl, I know...you don't "hire" a radio...you "raise" the volume}...I couldn't get a word in edgewise and I suppose that was OK...because it wouldn't have helped my "PUHLEEZE STAY HOME" cause anyway.

We pulled up and there they were...The Boggy Creek Cheerleaders....clapping and waving and dancing and carrying on and then they saw it was Kody and they broke out into a very cool rendition of K-O-D-Y...which was sang to the tune of Y-M-C-A.
This got Kody and myself laughing pretty hard....
Which BTW was kind of on the dangerous side because of the long ride and the real big bottle of water I "Just HAD to have".

OK..so the whisk Kody away and Dad and I park the car and then we get whisked away, to pick up Kody, by a very perky dude on a golf cart...I swear this is Karl's favorite part!! {ahem..the golf cart ride...hehehe}
We check in to "The Patch" {the mini-clinic},...have his picture {mug shot} taken...get his med's and updates set up..pick up a goody bag, water bottle, t-shirt...Dad finds the snack baskets {good ole' Dad you can always depend on him to find the food}...and we are off to the "Panther Path" to go find his cabin and fellow camper buddies a/ka partners in crime.
We get to his cabin with no problem...he picks a bed, tosses his stuff on it and says "Bye Mom..Bye Dad"...
YEAH RIGHT...Not so fast Dude!!
So..I tryed, I mean I really tryed to convince him it wasn't to late to change his mind...
But...Kody has a mind of his own, and I am not included in it this week.
So...Dad and I head out for another golf cart ride..this one in the "limo" of all carts which I thought "Hey..this one has to be a smooth ride, right?" {think bladder problems here}...NOT..but we'll get to that in a minute.

We are about to leave and who do we find but Kody's friend Lacie from Georgia..fellow BT survivor and they even share the same wonderful Dr at Shands.
Well..thinking there may not be another opportuntity to get a photo...Karl drags Kody back out of his cabin for a picture...
well the two of them hugged and it was soooo awesome!! And, Lacie being the good big sister and all promised me she would keep a good eye on him and report to me any flirting he did.

OK...So...Kody heads back to his cabin and the cart with his backpack shows up...he grabs it and heads for the door...never looking back.

Now...about that golf cart ride...new cart, seats six, looks smooth, I am figuring..."That water is about to make me have a bladder buster..this could work"...
Oh...as luck would have it..it was smooth, while it was on the pavement but our perky driver "Thank you soooo very much camp counselor Cody".decides, let's take a short cut and four wheeling we went...
By the time we got to the car I was "dancing" alright!! :0)

So..that was pretty much our day...to see it recapped in photos just click on to the photo page and have a look see of your very own.

I miss him..I miss him alot tonight...he's been away for eight and a half hours BUT....
In 5 days...9 hours and 35 minutes...
He'll be home again!!!!

Before I sign off tonight I'd like to ask a favor.
As so many of you know...tomorow marks Angel Jalen's one year anniversary in Heaven.
We would love it if you would remember Jalen by stopping by his site....Jalen's "Am-Maw" is a very big supporter and friend to all of us..and I know they could use some kind words.
We will be sending off a balloon in Jalen's Memory...Kody won't be here but I know Kaysha and Kolin would love to release a balloon...pictures soon to follow.

Well guys...I am going to scoot out of here tonight..time for this Mom to catch up on some sleep...

Thank you for stopping in...have a GREAT day tomorrow!!!!

Tuesday, June 1, 2004 1:15 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

First of all...thank you so much for the support and kind words about Kody's "dream bike"....I am happy to say because of the love and genorousity of a couple of beautiful people {I won't mention names yet until I ask permission}...Kody's bike will be waiting for him by the time he arrives home from Boggy Creek Camp next Tuesday!!
I honestly shed some happy tears about this news...I found out two days ago.
Now...if anyone would like a preview, please just click below....

Kody's Dream Bike

I don't think the picture does it justice...this bike is wayyyy cool!! It's also designed by one of Kody's most favorite group of men in the world..."The Orange County Choppers Crew"..
As you can imagine....Kody Bear is a HUGE fan of the show..and really thinks Mikey is the coolest...LOL!!
One word of advice from Kody {and in his own words} to OCC...."Make a Navy Blue Angels bike Man!!!!!"

Next picture of the bike you will all see is Kody himself cruising the streets on it!!
Really...he has the page up on our "favorites" bar and stares at it every 5 to 10 minutes...and if you were to walk through the door...he'd have you right there next to him so he could show you every single little detail...boys, you just gotta love them!!

OK...on to more Kody news....
Well...unfortunetly, he woke up with a pounding headache this morning.....I medicated him and he seemed to be a bit better but when I checked on him an hour or so ago {because he was quiet, and if you know Kody....quiet is never a good sign...LOL!!}....
Anyway....he is sleeping and seems to just be wanting to hibernate his whole day away.
I am praying it's just the weather {it is very, very hot here} and nothing else because a sleeping Kody usually is not a good thing.
We don't take his battery pack out at night for nothing, you know. :0)

I was hoping to get some pictures today....but so far, no...but we'll see, he may be up to it later on.

Boggy Creek Camp starts tomorrow afternoon...we will most likely be leaving after lunchtime....and my Bear will be gone for 6 days. I don't know how much I'll have to update on him as they don't let us frantic Mom's call and talk to them...they do this to avoid homesickness...which is a good thing for some kids but Kody proved last year....he is definetly NOT one to miss home. :0(

I was wondering...would it still be OK for me to update an whine a little??!!

OK..let me give you all a quick update on Kayara before I jump off this thing...
Yesterday would you believe she woke up without vision in one of her eyes!! She said it looked like as if you stared directly into the sun...with the dark spots. And her pupil was so big and wouldn't come back down to normal like the other eye.
Her Dr. opened his office yesterday and had her come in...he put some drops in and it returned to normal..but today he is referring her to an eye Dr. and wants a CAT Scan done by the end of the day.
He doesn't think it has anything to do with the endreo. and/or surgery because it was caught pretty early but better to be safe then sorry.

Oh...let me ask one more question....this would be a question for BT parents...
Lately, every so once in a while Kody has a difficult time swallowing food. Not soft, slidey things like ice cream and pop's..more like meat, sandwiches...things like that.
What he does is he chews and chews and tries to swallow....then he puts up his finger as if to say "wait, let me try again" then he tries again. It usually goes down but with effort.
I know alot of kids do this when they don't want to eat something..but you see Kody is a "carnivor"...he LOVES meat!!! So...that surprised me and I believe he isn't faking it because he doesn't want to eat...but he really is having, once in a while, a hard time getting the food down.
I was just wondering..is this normal? Has it happened to anybody else?

OK...Kody's up and about so let me jump off and see if he's OK.

Have a great day everyone!!!!!!

~*~Kody Bear Mini Update~*~

He feels better and is starving....YEAH!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, May 29, 2004 11:15 PM

Monday Night...May 31st

~*~HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY~*~

Thank you so much Mrs. Judy for the beautiful Memorial Day Tribute Page.
So much love went into this page...for our "Heros"...our children.

Thank you also to everyone who corrected me with the "endometriosis" mix-up...if you thought I messed up the spelling pretty badly...you should have heard me try and say it!!! :0)

Sorry to cut this short tonight....I'll be updating more tomorrow and also adding some new pictures.

Have a very great and restful night!!

Love, Kim

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Thank you so much to everyone who has been praying for and asking about our daughter, Kayara. Here's the update on her...
She is home...she's hurting alot, cut and stitched in three places...but she will be OK...we hope.
The diagnosis was something called...bear with me, I know I am going to mess this one up...
endreosimosis. And...what it is, is that her uterine lining was falling off and attaching itself onto other vital organs....which, as you can imagine is a very dangerous and potentally fatal thing to have happen.
Thankfully, it was caught fairly early...so she should be OK. However, it is not 100 percent guaranteed and it may happen again. Only time will tell so we will just keep praying that she will be healed.
As far as having any more children {she is 21 and has an almost two year old daughter}...that looks extremely bleak.
So..we will be thankful to God that she does have a very healthy, chubby and beautiful little girl, Alona Jane. {our sweetheart grand-daughter}

The stress of having another thing happen to one of our children is really starting to show...I try to be happy for the others but they know something is wrong. Mommy is having a real, real hard time smiling these days.
I know things will get better...when you are at the bottom, there is only one way to go and that is up, right?
Just like Dora from "Finding Nemo" says {and I thank Angel Jakie Bear for teaching me this very important life lesson}..."Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...."

I have two prayers requests...one is for
Colin who has relapsed with medullablastoma.
The other is for Miranda who has relapsed with luekemia.
Please keep these two beautiful children and their families in your prayers today and always.

Oh...here's a little happy/silly story which happened to Kody and me today...

So..here we are at the happiest place on Earth...Wally World a/k/a Wal-Mart...which was not only happy...but happy with ALOT of customers on a busy Memorial Day weekend stocking up on burgers, hot dogs, charcoal and beer.
To be honest with you...I wish I was one of those beer swiggin' people today...LOL..just kidding!!
Anyway...I went to get my very necessary "Oil of Olay just keep me young looking forever cream" and Kody...who HATES the make-up section almost as much as he hates the womens bra section begs me to let him check out some bikes.
Well...the bike section is directly across from the make-up section and so I figure..what the heck, let him go.
Well...I found what I needed and kind of browsed around looking at some other cool stuff...a few minutes later I leave to go find Kody Bear.
Well...I found him...I found him sitting on top of the most awesome, coolest bicycle I have ever seen. Well..he must have thought the same thing because he was just sitting there with the biggest smile and the kind of eyes that all guys have when they set them for the first time on their first love...{not a woman..but more like first car/bike/all big boy toys in general}.
So I said "Oh Kody...how cool is that?" and he says "Mom...thank God you came back...some rich people with a huge purse with money hanging out of it wanted to buy it but they said let's finish shopping then we'll come back for it"....
So I said "No, you've got to be kidding" and Kody says "I am SERIOUS!!!" {and you should have seen his face, he was serious!!}
So then he says "So...I sat on it and I wouldn't move and the whole time I was saying to myself 'Come on Mom..hurry, please'"
Well...whatever got the better of me..and I still don't know...maybe it was flashbacks of MRI machines, hospitals, veins that wouldn't cooperate, tears, missing home, headaches and being teased about his "bump" {his shunt}....
Then I got to thinking of something I read in the newspaper a few days ago about local elementary school kids Kody's age being interviewed about what they would be doing this sumer and they happily said "vacations, beaches, theme parks, etc..."
Then I thought to myself..."well, he does have Boggy Creek {cancer kids camp}...and then he has oncologists, more MRI's, more pokes, and God only knows what else..this isn't a normal summer and what the heck..it is only a bicycle"
Sooooooo....
I said to Kody "What are you waiting for...we have got to get this bike to the Lay-a-Way department right now!!"
If I could have bottled the look on his face right then and there I would have....big brown eyes, a huge beautiful smile, the biggest hug I have ever gotten and I even think I saw a teeny tear when he said "Mommy...I love you so much...thank you!!"
I wish you all could have seen how proud he was walking that bike through Wal-Mart to the Lay-a-Way dept.!!
I wish you all could have seen how proud I was walking with my son who was wearing his "Busy Kickin' Cancers Butt" t-shirt and "Survivor" bandana proudly.

I don't know how long it will take me to pay it off...but somehow, someway, to give him a half a chance at a "normal" summer...I'll figure something out. :0)
I have to...I'm his Mom...his "Hero"..the do-er of everything good....
But in all actuality....
Kody is the "HERO"...the do-er of everything good in my life.

Well guys and gals...I am going to cut this short tonight and try to catch up on some sleep.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend..eat lots, relax lots and please, please be very careful if you are out driving!!

Thank you all for coming back to visit...And to all our Veterans...THANK YOU...We love you all!!!

Thursday, May 27, 2004 10:45 PM

~*~Thursday~*~

Summer Vacation...Day #2...
I'm still alive, just missing alot of hair.

Kids are bouncing off the walls...the weather is HOT..the house is becoming smaller by the minute..
Against all parental advisory's...I am off to pick up "Scary Movie 3"...what the heck, it's worth a shot and an hour of silence, right??!!

I'll update tonight when the kiddo's are asleep....ahhhhhhh, asleep...how beautiful that word is!! :0)

Have a great day everyone!!

~Kim~

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~*~Hello Everyone~*~

And here it is, as promised.....
The Update

We are at the end of summer vacation day 2...the kids haven't stopped for a second and Mom is heavily into drinking mass amounts of coffee with southern butter pecan creamer....
I figure...a girls gotta have a little something to look forward to everyday, right?

We heard from our friend, Scotty tonight. You all remember Scotty...Dad of Kendra who was in the car accident last month.
Well...Kendra is doing better...little by little and baby steps later, she is continuing to remember more and get healthier. She even gave her Dad a kiss the other day....they are not sure yet if she fully understands that's her Daddy...but, she will soon...I just know she will.
We understand there is a HUGE poker run planned for her in the coming months and that ought to be about a big a blowout bash as Kody's poker run was a year and a half ago. Karl is leaving tomorrow night after work for Mr. Pubs to help with the details and planning.

So...I am trying to get Kody to learn to do his own hair everyday, so when he's at Boggy Creek next week it won't be hanging down in his eyes like a sheepdog. His hair is getting so long now he can actually ponytail it {like Dad}..which was his final "hair goal". Well, the problem is {LOL} instead of getting that low manly tail, he is hiking it up a bit too high {see photo page, graduation cake pic} and looks something like a "Suma Wrestler".
Now...imagine this if you will....
Kody "Suma's" his hair, hikes his boxers up into a wedgie and when Dad walks into the room, yells "SUMA WAR" and butts Dad hard with his belly.
Yeah...OK, not exactly what Dad expected on a just ate a platter of food for dinner stomach.
Well...you know what they say about the look on his face....PRICELESS!! :0)
And me without a camera handy..can you believe my bad luck??

So....within the next week or so...my baby....OK, he is not a baby anymore, he is now a man. Anyway....our son, Kyle {18 years old} is flying the coop and moving out.
He and a couple of the people he works with are renting a real nice house in Fruitland Park {the next town over and where the boys go to school}
I guess I have to let him fly...but trust me, I am NOT letting him go willingly or without guilt...LOL!! Kody and Kyle are very, very close.....and I kind of thought Kody would be crushed but actually....Kody has got big plans on taking over Kyle's bedroom and claiming it as his own. Which would be the first time ever that Kody and Kolin have been separated.
Kolin, on the other hand..is not too happy about Kody leaving him.
Poor Kyle, his room isn't even empty yet and Kody is moving his stuff in!

Before I leave you all tonight I'd like to ask a HUGE favor of you all....
Our daughter, Kayara, who had that mishap in the ER a couple of months ago {mis-diagnosis of appendixitis}...the one with the never ending cyst problem is going in for emergancy surgery tomorrow morning. She was originally scheduled for surgery on June 23rd but her Dr. called this morning to say he is not comfortable waiting and wants this done immediately. He feels something bad is going on in there so he is opening her and putting in a tiny video camera and having a look see.
Seems like she is having some major uterus problems and the lining is growing off of the uterus. There is a name for this, I just can't remember what it is.
Please keep Kayara in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow....I'll update just as soon as I find out anything.

Well guys and gals....I'm about ready to boogie here...it's getting late and would you believe my three night owls are still up watching movies??!! :0)

Have a wonderful night and a really, really wonderful day tomorrow!!

~*~Tuesday~*~

~*~Thursday~*~

Summer Vacation...Day #2...
I'm still alive, just missing alot of hair.

Kids are bouncing off the walls...the weather is HOT..the house is becoming smaller by the minute..
Against all parental advisory's...I am off to pick up "Scary Movie 3"...what the heck, it's worth a shot and an hour of silence, right??!!

I'll update tonight when the kiddo's are asleep....ahhhhhhh, asleep...how beautiful that word is!! :0)

Have a great day everyone!!

~Kim~

~*~Tuesday~*~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

It's Tuesday...and you know what that means??? Well, at exactly 3:05 PM.....

SCHOOL IS OUT FOR SUMMER!!!!!!

I know three very excited kids that will be bouncing off the walls today...LOL!!

As in our families tradition...the song on Kody's site today is....get ready for this...like I said it's a family tradition since our oldest kids {23 & 21} were Kolin and Kody's age..

Alice Cooper's...."School's Out For Summer"

OK...I may just owe you all an explaination here...yuppers....it's a tradition in our home forever that on the last day of school...when the last kid gets home, we BLAST...and I mean BLAST "School's Out for Summer"!!
The kids love it and get this...they actually for three whole minutes, think their parents are pretty cool....HA!!
OK...OK..so you all must know by now, we are no "Ozzie and Harriet" kind of family...I'd actually lean more towards "Ozzy and Sharon"...but hey, we love each other, we have fun...lots of it...and that's all that really matters, right?

Now..on to the "Field Day" adventures of Kody and Kolin....
Let's start with Kody.....>>>>>

FIrst thing....painted handprints on a nice white wall....Kody's legacy will live on forever at Fruitland Park Elementary School...and it will live on as a big blue handprint. {see above photo}.
Next...water fight with the opposing second grade class..did they win, I'm not sure but they were pretty darn wet. Did he dry quick? Yes he did...it was 92 degrees today!!
Next....dancing to silly songs...defiently NOT Kody's favorite event and one he would have rather lived without...still, I did catch him if just for a brief moment attempt the "Chicken Dance"...before he realized he had an all girl audiance...and then he promptly straightened up and went into complete "cool mode".
Next...Thank goodness..a true "boy sport"..Tug-of-War. Yes folks...he tugged, he pulled, he grunted and he near busted a gut...did they win??
No..they did not..but, they had fun!!!!!
Next...the 100 meter dash...did Kody run? Nope he didn't...{he is big, he is brave.....but Kody is no runner!!}. He cheered though....loudly, very, very loudly!! Guys..his lungs are fantastic!!
Next event....popsicle eating and hanging with friends...
I am proud to say he excelled in this event!!
Lastly...throw a wet sponge at the principal...did he do it?
YES HE DID!!!!!
Right smack in the ole' kisser!!

And that about describes Kodys Field Day event....now on to Kolin....

First event..throw the wet sponge at the principal..did he do it...
YES HE DID!!!! What is with these kids and "principal torture"???
Next....Kolin's shot at leaving his legacy a/k/a the big purple print!!
Next...popsicle eating and he did great..all day long he carried around that red, sticky popsicle face in pride.
Next...Tug-of-War...Kolin's style....he pulled, he talked to the kid next to him, he laughed, he tugged more, he belly laughed...and that's when he fell....then what did he do after that??....Why of course, he BELLY LAUGHED SOME MORE!!!
That boy has got an awesome sense of humor and an incredible laugh :0)
OK...next...water fight!!! He got his water cup ready...he thought carefully as to who made him mad the most this year and who was gonna be the victim of his first attack..he thought some more....he is friends with EVERYBODY...sooooo....he just ran when the whistle blew and threw water on everybody including himself!! I did mention it was 92 degrees at 10:00 AM...he is smart, isn't he??
Next....50 meter dash...something like the 100 meter dash only downsized I suppose for kids with shorter legs.
Did he run? Yes, he sure did...he ran as fast as his lil' legs would take him, he looked back, he was in the lead...his sneaker flew off and then.....he BELLY LAUGHED AGAIN!!!! So much for a blue ribbon...his laughter was all the ribbon I will ever need!!
Next....dancing to silly songs....does he take after his "too cool" brother?
NO HE DOES NOT!!!! :0)
He chicken danced, he hokey pokeyed, he twirled, touched his toes, shook his booty and he barked to "Who Let the Dogs Out"...
And the best part.he didn't care who saw him...he was having way to much fun!!

Welp, that about does it for this years Field Day...and yes, it was as fun as it sounded!! :0)

For a visual of some of Monday's events...click right on to the photo page.

Let's see...what else is new?
Oh..I know...that STUPID Tylenol contest...seems that now they are NOT set up for public voting and so the judges at the Tylenol company will make all the decisions as to who wins. Makes me want to keep using Motrin..lasts longer and tastes better anyway.
Anyway...supposely they will decide after June 15th...which may also be a bunch of hooey since they lied about the deadline of April 15th and then May 1st and then May15th....
{{SIGH}}...I guess I'll just sit back, wait and see.

Kody Bear will be leaving us on June 2nd...and he'll be back on June 8th...
It's that time of year again...Boggy Creek Camp!!!!
Great news for Kody...bad news for all of you who will hear me whine and sulk for six straight days.
Seriously though...Boggy Creek is definetly the Country Club of Camping. I know this because we went to Family Weekend last November. And..not only is is very sweet for us adults but where else can you send your precious child knowing darn well they will not be taking a shower, changing their clothes, or combing their hair for six days....honestly, it is a little boys dream.
A little word of advice for all the news parents sending their kids this year...bring car air freshener for the trip home...trust me, you'll need it.
Ever smelled a boy who's gone fishing everyday for six days and hasn't touched a bar of soap.
Some more useful advice....
don't even think of spending $200.00 on new matching outfits and toiletries....they won't get worn and they won't get used. Enough said :0)

Well guys...I had better get off this thing, it's getting late and I believe I have talked your ears off again!!

Have a great day everyone...have fun, make memories....can you really get enough of those??!!

In the words of Kolin at the start of Field Day..."Mom...I'm so glad your here..these ARE my childhood memories you know!!"
CUTE!!!!!!! :0) :0) :0)

Friday, May 21, 2004 10:10 PM

~*~Update...12:20 AM~*~

It absolutely breaks my heart to have to tell you all that 7 year old Benjamin, who had recently relapsed with medulloblastoma...was found to have a second tumor deep in his brain and even more tumors throughout his spine.
He is now home in hospice....
Please pray for this beautiful little boy and his very loving family. They just don't deserve this...nobody does. :0(

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Drum roll please.....

And the First Place Award for Fruitland Park Elementary School's 2004 Flight School/Build Your Own Airplane Contest......
~*~Kody Bear Kruppenbacher~*~

Not only did Kody's plane fly the furthest {great piloting Kody!!}...but he also won the school's record for having the largest homemade airplane.
In Kody's own words..."The record was two desks long...mine was three!!"

Kolin's Kindergarten graduation was so sweet and so special today....his teacher made a point when Kolin went up for his "diploma"..to tell everyone about Kolin...and in Mrs. Montgomery's words...
"Kolin has a natural and special way of caring so much for others. He just knows, inside when someone is hurting and he will go to them and always with his warm and wonderful ways...encourage them to laugh again.
Kolin has a brother who is very sick and Kolin tells me everyday how much he loves his big brother and how he helps Mom take care of him when he is feeling bad.
I do hope this virtue stays with Kolin forever...I love this little boy so much and he is going to be a GREAT first grader!!"
I have got to tell you...I don't think there was a dry eye in the class...especially my own best friend who had to pull out the Kleenex...LOL!!
I don't know if you all know this but this year was Kolin's second year of Kindergarten...you see, he struggled so bad last year, and though he made the first grade requirements last year...in our hearts we knew he would have struggled through first grade...so we thought about it carefully and decided to give him the extra year. This by far was the BEST decision we ever made...he just opened up and blossomed this year and is at the top of his class.
Last year at this time he was barely writing his own name and could only read three letter words...
This year...not only can he write his first, middle and last name..but he can do it in cursive and he is reading first grade chapter books!!
I'll get some pictures put up tonight..I am so proud of Kolin!!

Kaysha has been going back to school again..she started back this Tuesday...everything, Thank God is going great. She has two more days of exams {which she has been kicking butt on} and then school's out for summer....

Kody and Kolin have Field Day on Monday....those two boys are beyond excited about Field Day....and Kody has been practicing like crazy for his all time favorite event...
Tug-of-War!!! The great thing about being Kody, who happens to also be the biggest kid in second grade, is he gets to be the "Anchor"...which is definetly his favorite place to be on the Tug-of-War line.

Have you all visited Helen's Cafe Shop?? It sure looks like it is taking off in leaps and bounds...please, take a look if you haven't yet...just click on the picture of Kody up on top of my journal and it will take you right there. And shop....please shop..there are so many cool "Kickin' Cancers Butt" t-shirts and other things...for all of you who are fighting the "C" monster with an attitude.

Well guys...I am going to cut this short tonight...
I've got some things that still need price tagging for tomorrow's yard sale my daughter and I are having...then off to slumber city for me.

Thank you all for stopping by and checking in....please tonight before you go to bed...take a moment and say a little prayer for our super, wonderful, really good friend...Kody's sister in Texas... Cheyenne who has been having some problems with the side effects of radiation. Please...would you say a prayer that her Dad and Mom will find a Dr. that can give them some great advice and some great news as how to get those pesky side effects to go away forever.
As always...we thank you so much for taking the time to not only care for and pray for Kody...but for keeping his friends in your prayers too.

Good night all!!!!

Wednesday, May 19, 2004 11:00 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

GREAT NEWS TODAY!!!!!

Dr. Levine, Kody's eye dr. tells us that Kody is doing WONDERFUL!!!!!
His eye that I thought was starting to turn upwards is actually perfect...what is happening is that we see an "opstical illusion"...when Kody had the surgery on his right eye last September...the muscles were cut, realigned and tightened. The eyelid needed to be tightened just a bit more because in time it will loosen up. So, since that lid is still a teeny bit tight, it seems as if the other eye doesn't line up right when actually it is, not only, lined up perfect but his vision is perfect too!!
It has even improved within the past six months...
We are on Cloud Nine over this news today!!!!
Way to go Kody Bear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
About the double vision Kody has once in a while...well, that is tumor related and it's just something that we'll put up with...it doesn't really bother him and when it happens he is so uneffected by it that he doesn't even mention it. I only know he still has double vision because I'll ask him ever so often and he'll say "Yeah...but don't worry, I'm fine".
He is such a fighter, isn't he? 0)

How about that new picture on top?? Is that about the coolest?? I have been mentioning Helen Hudspith's new store...and that t-shirt you see on Kody is just one of the few very cool items there.
It is definetly for anybody {children, babies, teens or adults} who is "Kickin' Cancers Butt" with an attitude...much like Kody Bear....LOL!!
I will leave the link below if you would like to browse around...
"Fighting Cancer with an Attitude"
Helen's Caring Bridge Site
Hero Banners for your Child

Helen...you are the BEST girl!!

Thank you to everyone who has been visiting our newest friend, Heidi. I know she and her family appreciate the messages they have been receiving from all of you....thank you so much!!

I still cannot believe the Tylenol Be a Simply Star contest isn't working....I started wondering if it was a hoax or something...but I kind of figured, why would a huge company like Tylenol do such a thing? I don't know what's going on but tomorrow I'll get on the phone with them again and tell them I have a few thousand irrate Kody Bear fans wanting to know when they can vote. That ought to get them! :0)

Kody's neuro/oncologist appointment is on for June 14th...9:00 AM.
We were talking to Dr. Levine about this today...and he knows exactly who Dr. Smith {onc.} is and says she is sooooooo great...we will love her. She is brand new..the first neuro/onc. Shands has ever had and best of all..she is very conservative/doesn't jump in to things...much like us.
I have a feeling we will get along just great.

Welp....four more days of school and we are home for the summer.....WAA-HOO!!!
Now...seriously, that wasn't sarcastic...I am one of those carzy Mom's who really loves having the kids home for the summer...maybe because there is so much less running around and stress...we really love to just hang out and play, swim, picnic, and everyone's favorite part of summer....cleaning closets when it rains!!
OK...so maybe that is NOT Kaysha, Kody and Kolin's favorite part of summer...but I kinda like it....hehehehe!!
Some people like to "Spring Clean"..I like to "Summer Clean"...besides I get really, REALLY antsy when Kody is away at Boggy Creek Camp...as some of you might remember, last year I remodeled a bathroom and whined alot....who knows what this year will bring. :0)

Kolin is having his big Kindergarten graduation this Friday...I swear I will cry like a baby when I see my baby get his...{sniff}...{snort}...diploma!!

So....in honor of my kids graduating the 7th grade, the 2nd grade and Kindergarten...I've choosen what I think is the sweetest song ever for my babies...and of course, your graduating babies too {no matter if they are graduating pre-school to college}...."Forever Young" by Rod Stewart....
who by the way, Karl swears I had a crush on in my younger days...but I really don't think I did...OK, maybe I did a little..but not alot...OK...I did OK, I admit it!!

I have put up some new pictures on the photo page tonight...enjoy them...we had a blast creating them today....
In one, Kody is holding a huge bright green airplane....let me explain that one.

Kody had an end of the year project to do...something that he thought was the COOLEST project ever...he got to make his own airplane and tomorrow his whole class will bring in their planes and compete in "Flight School"...the plane that flies the furthest wins.
So..this was Kody's idea...tape two pieces of poster board together and fold it into a huge paper jet...believe it or not, it actually worked.
Anyway...Let's hope Kody has a good arm cuz when Dad threw it, it went across the whole yard...{an acre}...
when Kody threw it...about 16 and a half feet. I think we may need to get Dad to school tomorrow!!
Anyway...on Kody's request..I tried to "flame out" his plane...and as you can see, Kody is very proud of the end result...he really can't wait for school tomorrow!!

Now...let me explain another one..
Who says men can have nicer/longer hair then women?????!!!!! {GRRRRRRRRRRRRR} You'll see what I mean when you click on.

Well guys..I would love to stay and chat all night....really, I am not kidding..I LOVE to talk!! But..I have got to get that song up and attempt to get some sleep.

I'll leave the "Why Us?" poem up for a bit longer...thank you for all the compliments I have received on it. It was sent to me from Cindy, Elliott's Mom. It is a pretty powerful and beautiful piece, isn't it?

Alright guys..have a great night and an even greater day tomorrow!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Why Us?

Most women become a mother by accident, some by
choice, a few by habit.
Did you ever wonder how mother of children with
cancer are chosen?
Somehow, I visualize God hovering over the earth
selecting his instruments for propagtion with great care
and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs his
angels to make notes in a giant ledger...
"Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint Mathew"
"Forest, Marjorie, daughter, patron saint Cecilia"
Rutledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint Gerald. He's
used to profanity"
Finally, he passes a name to an angel and says, "Give
her a child with cancer."
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so
happy."
"Exactly, smiled God. "Could I give a child with cancer
a mother who does not know laughter? That would be
cruel."
"But does she have patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will
drown in a sea of self pity and despair. Once the shock
and the resentment wears off, she will handle it"
"I watched her today," said God. "She has that feeling of
self-independence that is so rare and necessary in a
mother, You see, the child I'm going give to her has its
own world. She has to make it live in her world and
that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you," said
the angel.
"No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect, she has
just enough selfishness.
The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't seperate herself from the child
occasionally, she'll, never survive.
Yes, here is a women I will bless with a child less than
perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be
envied. She will never take anything her child does for
granted. She will never consider a step ordinary."
"I will permit her to see clearly the things I
see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice...and alow her to rise
above them."
"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, his
pen poised in mid air.
God smiles and says "A mirror will sufice."

Tuesday, May 18, 2004 10:30 PM

I know this is a little late for Mother's Day but I had gotten this from Cindy, who is Elliott's {link is in drop down box} mom and I knew I just HAD to get this up.....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Why Us?

Most women become a mother by accident, some by
choice, a few by habit.
Did you ever wonder how mother of children with
cancer are chosen?
Somehow, I visualize God hovering over the earth
selecting his instruments for propagtion with great care
and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs his
angels to make notes in a giant ledger...
"Armstrong, Beth, son, patron saint Mathew"
"Forest, Marjorie, daughter, patron saint Cecilia"
Rutledge, Carrie, twins, patron saint Gerald. He's
used to profanity"
Finally, he passes a name to an angel and says, "Give
her a child with cancer."
The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so
happy."
"Exactly, smiled God. "Could I give a child with cancer
a mother who does not know laughter? That would be
cruel."
"But does she have patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience or she will
drown in a sea of self pity and despair. Once the shock
and the resentment wears off, she will handle it"
"I watched her today," said God. "She has that feeling of
self-independence that is so rare and necessary in a
mother, You see, the child I'm going give to her has its
own world. She has to make it live in her world and
that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you," said
the angel.
"No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect, she has
just enough selfishness.
The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't seperate herself from the child
occasionally, she'll, never survive.
Yes, here is a women I will bless with a child less than
perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be
envied. She will never take anything her child does for
granted. She will never consider a step ordinary."
"I will permit her to see clearly the things I
see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice...and alow her to rise
above them."
"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, his
pen poised in mid air.
God smiles and says "A mirror will sufice."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~We are off to Shands tomorrow morning for the eye dr. and we FINALLY got the appointment for the oncologist...
June 14th at 9:00 AM~*~

Have a great day!!
Luv, Kim

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Monday, May 17, 2004 1:45 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

For everyone who has been wondering..."How the heck do we get on that Tylenol Be a Star contest...."
Whew..I know, I still can't believe it isn't working...but...I just got off the phone with the company and they assured me it would be up by late this afternoon or tomorrow morning at the very latest....
Soooooo...the Kody Be a Simply Star Contest is on....PLEASE vote everyday as many times as they will let you!!
The link is still below but as soon as I know it is up and running I'll put it here at the top of my journal entry.

Our appointment with Kody's neuro/eye Dr. is on Wednesday...please, if you could all say a lil' ole Kody Bear Prayer that we will leave there and be able to come home and report good news to you all...that would be so great, so cool, so spectacular...soooo, everything good!!

No word on the oncologist appt. yet, so I called Kody's CMS worker as directed and am waiting for a call back. She told me to let her know if I never get a call from the onc. office so she can play pit bull and get things rolling right along.
Just so you all know though...we are just going to met Dr. Smith {the oncologist} and discuss the rareness of Kody's tumor and options for the future if ever needed .We {Karl and I} are in complete 100 percent agreement that there will be no chemo. or radiation at this time. Especially the radiation part. Nothing against modern medicine because it has certainly saved Kody's life...but as far as we can tell, Kody remains pretty much symptom free and other then a few learning disabilities and minor symptoms relating to his eyes and/or tumor...he acts so normal...and that's the way we want it to stay until the day {if ever that day even comes} that his tumor is takes a turn for the worse..and we have no choice.
Maybe I am in denial..maybe I am not...I don't know. I do know one thing though....I just want my son to live a very long, happy, healthy and forfilling lfe. I want him to experience school, proms, cars, girls, college, forfilling his dream of becoming that jet fighter pilot {or maybe comedianne as Dad says!}, love, marriage, holding his own child, teaching his own son {or daughter} how to ride a skateboard and motorcycle and feeling the joy of holding his own grandbaby...another generation...another "mini Kody Bear" :0)
I know medicine has a part in all of this...but I also know a greater source has an even bigger part. Your prayers for Kody have brought him to where he is today...and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt...they will continue to see his through the rough times and on to a beautiful life.

I have met a new friend today..and I'd love you all to meet her too...
Heidi is a young Mom who has recently found out she has a rare lung disease. I am so sure she would love to meet you all...and bring some prayers and cheer...she has been through alot recently, just got out of the hospital and is in need of a lung transplant.
Stop by...you love her!! As always, in advance...we thank you all so much!!

Well guys...it's about time for me to get on out of here...the boys need to be picked up from school...but before that I am sure my friend Karrie is gonna drag me kickin' and screamin' on yet another one of her "healthy power walks"....oh, I can feel the whining starting already...from me!!

Before I go though...please pray for another one of my friend's {Teresa}....who's daughter, Kayla, who is going into the 5th grade..but is super tiny {about the size of Kolin}. Anyway...she was at a friends house on Friday after school...the two girls were running in the yard with the family dog running behind them when Kayla stopped..but the dog didn't. Well, Kayla went flying up and backwards and landed on her neck on top of a privacy fence.
Kayla has a broken, in two, coller bone...she is hurting so bad. I know they were seeing the othapedic {sp?} surgeon today so in a short while at school I'll get an update.
~*~Kayla Update~*~
{{SIGH}}...The orthapedic's here in Leesburg will not take her insurance and Kayla's parents have to wait until tomorrow at 1 PM to see a dr. at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Women and Children in Orlando....good dr's but a heck of a long drive to have to keep taking back and forth.:0(

OK...I'm now late...darn...
Gotta run!!!!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I would love to tell you all about our friend Helen who has opened a shop with items such as t-shirts, postcards, etc...
Her shop is so COOl....really, really cool because it is for anyone who is fighting cancer with attitude!! {much like Kody LOL}. She has so kindly offered to give to Kody's fund 5f the sales from her items. Please stop by..you may find something you really like!!
"Fighting Cancer with an Attitude"

BTW...Helen is also the wonderful and talented girl who makes all the blinkie banners you may see on so many sites...you can see Kody's up above..and if you would like one, PLEASE feel free to drop her a line...I am sure she would love to create one for your childs site too.

Saturday, May 15th

Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday Kody's shunt...
Happy First Birthday to you!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 13, 2004 10:30 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Just a quick update tonight...

Has everyone seen Katia's newest News video clip? This is by far the BEST one yet...and let me tell you, Katia is soooooo adorable {you can hear her sweet little voice!!}...and Tracy and Myron sound exactly like I thought they would...what an amazing family, aren't they?

We got another little one who is in need of a few prayers and a few guestbook entries...if any one is up for the challenge!!
RachelJoy is having a rough time and, according to Mom {Stephanie} she is cheered up so much by her GB entries.

Thank you so much for the prayers for "Our Bravest Trooper", Connor. Mom, Rhonda has personally told me that she is so appreciative of all the prayers and messages for Connor. Yesterday, at 2 PM the prayers were definetly felt and Connor was surrounded by them as his parents and Dr's told him his cancer has returned for the third time.
And so the fight starts once again....please keep praying.

A BIG "Thank You" to Debbie Nagy from three VERY HAPPY kids!!!!!
Kaysha, Kody and Kolin got your package today and they are beyond happy...especailly Kaysha and I thank you so much for cheering her up and truly putting a smile back on her face...she loves EVERYTHING...and Kody and Kolin...they are in motorcycle Heaven!! Would you believe they actually took their motorcycles to bed with them tonight?
Please check back tomorrow as I'll be updating pictures.....and while I'm thinking of it, let me see if I can snap one of them sleeping with their new toys....shhhh, don't tell!!

We still don't have that appoinment with the neuro-oncologist. If I still don't hear anything by Monday..I was told by Kody's CMS worker to call her back and she will play pit bull for us. Thank God...because between phone calls to Schools, Board of Education Safety Dept, and Dr's...and am definetly telephoned out.

Speaking of schools...Kaysha is still home...the bully is still in school and the schools principal is in West Palm Beach...UGH!!! The last I heard..we will NOT be reimbursed the money for Kaysha's hair and instead of moving the guilty party out of classes...they want to move Kaysha instead.
Soooo..we have a meeting Monday morning at 9 AM where I already know...nothing will EVER happen to the brat that put all that bonding glue in her hair...and I'll just tell them, I will hand deliver Kaysha for her exams, wait around, and then drive her home. And...not only that...but Kaysha will not be in the same room taking her exam as the bully. I'll make sure of that.

The appointment with Kody's new pediatrician went very, very well...looks like we have got a keeper!!
The funny thing was he {the Dr.} walks into the room...looks at Kody, looks at me, looks at Kody's chart, looks at Kody again, looks at the chart again, looks at me and says "Is this Kody?"..so I said "Sure is" and he sits down {jaw to the ground} and says "Oh, I am so sorry...it's just that I expected to walk in and see this very sick child"....LOL!!!!
Anyway...Dr. Franks is very cool and Kody likes him alot...so that's what counts. He is aware that all Kody's special needs are strickly taken care of at Shands...and the best part...Dr. Franks is ready and willing at a moments notice to write us a referral for any Dr. we need or want to see.
What else can you ask for?

I would love to tell you all about our friend Helen who has opened a shop with items such as t-shirts, postcards, etc...
Her shop is so COOl....really, really cool because it is for anyone who is fighting cancer with attitude!! {much like Kody LOL}. She has so kindly offered to give to Kody's fund 5f the sales from her items. Please stop by..you may find something you really like!!
"Fighting Cancer with an Attitude"

BTW...Helen is also the wonderful and talented girl who makes all the blinkie banners you may see on so many sites...you can see Kody's up above..and if you would like one, PLEASE feel free to drop her a line...I am sure she would love to create one for your childs site too.

Well guys...it's getting late and it has been a loooooong day around here {too much to even type right now}...so I am going to say my "good-nights" and I will be talking to you all again real soon.

Watch for some new pictures tomorrow...Kody hasn't been much in the picture taking mood lately..but tomorrow he promises he will pose with his new very cool t-shirt sent to him by "Mrs. Debbie". :0)

Have a beautiful day.....

Saturday, May 15th

Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday Kody's shunt...
Happy First Birthday to you!!!!!!!!

Thursday, May 13, 2004 10:30 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Just a quick update tonight...

Has everyone seen Katia's newest News video clip? This is by far the BEST one yet...and let me tell you, Katia is soooooo adorable {you can hear her sweet little voice!!}...and Tracy and Myron sound exactly like I thought they would...what an amazing family, aren't they?

We got another little one who is in need of a few prayers and a few guestbook entries...if any one is up for the challenge!!
RachelJoy is having a rough time and, according to Mom {Stephanie} she is cheered up so much by her GB entries.

Thank you so much for the prayers for "Our Bravest Trooper", Connor. Mom, Rhonda has personally told me that she is so appreciative of all the prayers and messages for Connor. Yesterday, at 2 PM the prayers were definetly felt and Connor was surrounded by them as his parents and Dr's told him his cancer has returned for the third time.
And so the fight starts once again....please keep praying.

A BIG "Thank You" to Debbie Nagy from three VERY HAPPY kids!!!!!
Kaysha, Kody and Kolin got your package today and they are beyond happy...especailly Kaysha and I thank you so much for cheering her up and truly putting a smile back on her face...she loves EVERYTHING...and Kody and Kolin...they are in motorcycle Heaven!! Would you believe they actually took their motorcycles to bed with them tonight?
Please check back tomorrow as I'll be updating pictures.....and while I'm thinking of it, let me see if I can snap one of them sleeping with their new toys....shhhh, don't tell!!

We still don't have that appoinment with the neuro-oncologist. If I still don't hear anything by Monday..I was told by Kody's CMS worker to call her back and she will play pit bull for us. Thank God...because between phone calls to Schools, Board of Education Safety Dept, and Dr's...and am definetly telephoned out.

Speaking of schools...Kaysha is still home...the bully is still in school and the schools principal is in West Palm Beach...UGH!!! The last I heard..we will NOT be reimbursed the money for Kaysha's hair and instead of moving the guilty party out of classes...they want to move Kaysha instead.
Soooo..we have a meeting Monday morning at 9 AM where I already know...nothing will EVER happen to the brat that put all that bonding glue in her hair...and I'll just tell them, I will hand deliver Kaysha for her exams, wait around, and then drive her home. And...not only that...but Kaysha will not be in the same room taking her exam as the bully. I'll make sure of that.

The appointment with Kody's new pediatrician went very, very well...looks like we have got a keeper!!
The funny thing was he {the Dr.} walks into the room...looks at Kody, looks at me, looks at Kody's chart, looks at Kody again, looks at the chart again, looks at me and says "Is this Kody?"..so I said "Sure is" and he sits down {jaw to the ground} and says "Oh, I am so sorry...it's just that I expected to walk in and see this very sick child"....LOL!!!!
Anyway...Dr. Franks is very cool and Kody likes him alot...so that's what counts. He is aware that all Kody's special needs are strickly taken care of at Shands...and the best part...Dr. Franks is ready and willing at a moments notice to write us a referral for any Dr. we need or want to see.
What else can you ask for?

I would love to tell you all about our friend Helen who has opened a shop with items such as t-shirts, postcards, etc...
Her shop is so COOl....really, really cool because it is for anyone who is fighting cancer with attitude!! {much like Kody LOL}. She has so kindly offered to give to Kody's fund 5f the sales from her items. Please stop by..you may find something you really like!!
"Fighting Cancer with an Attitude"

BTW...Helen is also the wonderful and talented girl who makes all the blinkie banners you may see on so many sites...you can see Kody's up above..and if you would like one, PLEASE feel free to drop her a line...I am sure she would love to create one for your childs site too.

Well guys...it's getting late and it has been a loooooong day around here {too much to even type right now}...so I am going to say my "good-nights" and I will be talking to you all again real soon.

Watch for some new pictures tomorrow...Kody hasn't been much in the picture taking mood lately..but tomorrow he promises he will pose with his new very cool t-shirt sent to him by "Mrs. Debbie". :0)

Have a beautiful day.....

Monday, May 10, 2004 11:00 PM

~*~Hey everyone~*~

We hope your Mother's Day was a good one...mine, I have to say was GREAT!!!

Hmmmm, let's see....my day....well, it started around 8:30 {early, I know!} with two little boys {Kaysha does NOT do mornings} and one big Daddy saying "HAPPY MOMMY'S DAY BEAUTIFUL!!"
Lucky for me Kody and Kolin see beauty in Mommy even in the AM and Dad...well, just between us...I will NEVER let that man renew his eyeglasses script..LOL!! :0)
Oh...and they came bearing the all important java juice/coffee..Oh Yeah baby!

OK...let's see, presents...well, you see that photo on top? That was Kody's...a beautiful corsage and a beautiful framed thumbprint picture {look how he spelled "Happy Mothers Day"} made in school. Kolin's present was a beautiful flower picture with a poem on the backside about what he loves about Mommy. It made me cry!! I'll have to get a picture up...it is so cute! You know, I'll get it on the photo page tonight or tomorrow morning...so check there.

Breakfast...you know, breakfast is so important..it really sets your day..and my day was set that's for sure. Thankfully I married a man who can and loves to cook...especially for others. Really, come to our home anytime, anyday...if he is here you will leave full...if I'm here, we eat out.
OK..breakfast...waffles, crispy bacon, fresh strawberries and whipped cream...and of course, lots more coffee. It was sooooooooo good, and the best part...he called the kids in the kitchen for their breakfast and I didn't have to share....heheheheh!!

We basically relaxed all day...watched movies {The Birdcage...funny!!!} and in the afternon the kids and I decided to take a trip to the schools track so they could skateboard and I could walk laps. {hey, after a breakfast like that..I had to!}. Of course, I, the photo queen forgot the camera and so I missed some really cool shots of Kody skating off a cement hill, on to the track and weaving in and out of some orange cones. {Sorry Dad, did I forget to mention that yesterday?}.
So...next time, which will probably be this coming weekend.

Dinner...we didn't go out, I really didn't want to. So...Dad made my favorite chicken which I kind of hinted about three weeks ago and I can't believe he actually remembered. Anywho...the chicken was marinated in Dales marinating sauce {or something like that}, cooked on the grill and darned if it was the best chicken I ever had. Plus some yellow squash grilled on the BBQ and I was once again in hog heaven.

Welp, that pretty much somes up our day because after all that food, I mean really what else is there to do...CRASH!!!!

What else is new..well, Kaysha did not go back to school today as hoped for. Seems the principal whom promised me she would be there today to make sure things go smooth and uneventful forgot her promise and took of for parts unknown. Leaving her staff in the fog as to what was going on with "the bully" who is still attending school so instead of having anything go wrong...we kept her home again. And guess what, we'll keep her home again and again until we all feel safe leaving her there...if ever.

Speaking of bullies...this evening as I was making dinner and Karl was checking on his CB kids, Kaysha and Kody who were playing in the front yard on the fort comes running in saying a neighborhood kid {girl} was throwing rocks at Kody's head. {Does it ever stop?}. Now...this kid is a year younger then Kaysha, knows all about Kody but she decides to throw rocks at his head anyway....even after being told to stop it by Kaysha and another neighborhood kid...so what does the brat say "I want to see how close I can get to his head". Well....let's just say this was NOT flying well with Dad {who already had a couple coors lite in him!} and he went flying outside. Well, by then the kid runs into the neighbors house which was no problem because Daddy'O has patience and can wait and so he did and as soon as she came out he swooped in.
I think it's safe to say we will NOT have a repeat of that, ever.
You know what's crazy about all that? This is the same kid who missed the bus last week and calls me to ask me to bring her to school. Kaysha wasn't going and I had no other reason to be there but me being me...I said "OK".
Then she throws rocks at Kodys head. Unbelievable, I know.

Guess what I found out today?
All Kody's referrals went through and ALL his dr appointments have been APPROVED!!!!
So...next Wednesday we will be at his eye dr. at Shands and I am still waiting for the oncologist appointment which I should be getting a call about anyday.
Tomorrow afternoon Kody is going to see his new pediatricain {the one from Hawaii} so we can do the "meet and greet" thing.
I am beyond happy that at least that is starting to go right..plus it helps for me to finally figure out the system.

I would love to tell you all about our friend Helen who has opened a shop with items such as t-shirts, postcards, etc...
Her shop is so COOL....really, really cool because it is for anyone who is fighting cancer with attitude!! {much like Kody LOL}. She has so kindly offered to give to Kody's fund 5f the sales from her items. Please stop by..you may find something you really like!!
"Fighting Cancer with an Attitude"

BTW...Helen is also the wonderful and talented girl who makes all the blinkie banners you may see on so many sites...you can see Kody's up above..and if you would like one, PLEASE feel free to drop her a line...I am sure she would love to create one for your childs site too.

News for May.....

On May 15th starts the voting for Tylenol's Simply be a Star. Please vote for Kody...you can vote everyday and the child with the most votes wins a $1,000.00 scholarship and one year of having his mug on the bottle of Tylenols Simply Cough or Simply Stuffy. The link is below and as it get's closer to the 15th I'll have the link splashed on top of my journal entries in big, bright letters!! :0)

May 19th...Kody's visit to see Dr. Levine, his neuro-ophomologist {sp?}....so we can find out why he is doing the "flippy eye" thing again. Not always, just sometimes.

May 25th...last day of school!!
I know this isn't breaking news...but Kody and Krew are pretty thrilled about it.

Well guys....it's getting late but before I go tonight I'd like to ask you all to say a prayer for these four beautiful children and their families...

Angel Maddie who passed away..much to all our surprise this past Thursday.
Connor Hunley who has indeed relapsed.
Benjamin who has also relapsed with Medullablastoma {brain tumor}.
Cheyenne who had a very important appointment with her nuerologist/oncologist today...On April 14th Cheyenne's aprents found out the devestating news that Chey's tumor {Diffuse Pontine Glioma} was changing/activity in it. They are there today to find out what they are going to do now.

Thank you all everyone...for always being so faithful not only to our family but for all Kody's friends {Angels and those still on Earth}...for your support, encouragment and for the way so many of you make us laugh till it hurts!!!

Have a great day!!!!!!! :0)

Saturday, May 8, 2004 10:35 PM

~*~HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY~*~

From all of us....to ALL Mom's, Grandma's, Step-Mom's....and to everyone who has....

Given birth...given birth and selflessly given that child to another woman...and the women who adopt them...
All of you who have gotten up in the middle of the night just to place your hand upon your sleeping child...
Mom's who have stayed up late to complete a science project...
Mom's who juggle double strollers and snugglies, night time feeding and night time accidents...
Mom's who wear 10 year old shoes and buy your baby Nikes...
New Mom's who wear the look of fatigue so well...
Veteran Mom's who give great {and usable!} advice...
Mom's who bake cupcakes and the Mom's who buy them pre-made...
Working Mom's...
Stay-at Home {and hard working!] Mom's...
Mom's who balance checkbooks, bills and car pool schedules...
Mom's who cheer the loudest at baseball and soccer games...
Mom's who know every dance move in their little girls recital...
Mom's who swear no girl will ever be good enough for their boy...
Mom's who protect their young like a mama bear...
Mom's who swear they know why some animals eat their young {LOL}...
Mom's who are not afraid of frogs and worms...
Mom's who freak when frogs and worms get within 6 feet of them...
Mom's who have worn lollipops in their hair, while driving down an Interstate doing 75 {or so!}...
Mom's who cook healthy dinners, from at least 4 major food groups every night...
Mom's who have Pizza Hut on speed dial {on their home AND cell phones!}...
Mom's who create beautiful handmade cards...
Mom's who e-card beautifully...
Mom's who know every inch of their child, every size, every favorite color, animal, etc.....but could not tell you where the oil goes in their car...
Mom's who not only know where the oil goes but can pump gas too...
Mom's who have gone gray teaching teen's to drive...
Mom's who get grayer when their teen's do get their licence and take off for the first time alone...
Mom's who keep 4 bottles of their favorite color hair dye under the bathroom sink {just incase the color get's discontinued}...
Mom's that can sing the words to Blue's Clue's, Dora, Britney and Eminem...
Mom's of our brave soldiers...
Mom's who hold their child's hand when the pokes go in...
Mom's who hold puke buckets and can eat a sandwich at the same time...
Mom's who keep EMLA in their purse where lipstick is supposed to go...
Mom's who go to sleep crying, unsure of the future...
Mom's who dream of the HOPE of a new tomorrow...
Mom's who live at home...
Mom's who live at a hospital...
Mom's who bring balloons to their child's grave and of course...
All the Mom's who cry right along with them....
Though they may be miles away, may never meet, may never even talk in person....
To all the BEAUTIFUL Mom's with BEAUTIFUL hearts.....
We wish you the most wonderful Mother's Day ever.

To all the Mom's who have Angels in Heaven instead of Angels on Earth...You are all so particulary special to us. though Mother's Day may be bittersweet...you will always be a Mommy....now and forever.

I have included tonight a few things I thought you would love...
OK...the first is Kody's Loving Tribute to Mother's Day...this is for ALL of you!!!

~*~HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY...LOVE, KODY~*~

And here is a poem written by Kaysha..13 years old....

Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to you
You know that we love you
So Happy Mother's Day
And know that it's your day
We will give Daddy all the gray!!

These I got in an e-mail..I thought they were too good to keep to myself!!

You Know Your a Mom When...
1. You count the sprinkles on each kid's cupcake to make sure they're equal.
2. You find yourself cutting your husbands' sandwiches into cute shapes.
3. You can't bear to give away baby clothes - it's so final.
4. You hear your mother's voice coming out of your mouth when you say, "NOT in your good clothes!"
5. You stop criticizing the way your mother raised you.
6. You hire a sitter because you have't been out with your husband in ages, then spend half the night checking on the kids.
7. You say at least once a day, "I'm not cut out for this job", but you know you wouldn't trade it for anything.
Real Mothers
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried playdough doesn't come out of shag carpet.
Real Mothers sometimes ask "why me?" and get their answer when a little voice says, "because I love you best."
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade. . .
It is marked by the progression of Mama to Mommy to Mother.
- Author Unknown.

Please keep these familes in your prayers as this Mother's Day has to be by far the toughest....

Angel Maddie who passed away..much to all our surprise this past Thursday.
Connor Hunley who has indeed relapsed.
Benjamin who has also relapsed with Medullablastoma {brain tumor}.

Please pray for these precious children and their families.

The song I put on Kody's page today is called "How Do I Live Without You" by Leanne Rimes...it is one of my favorite "Kody Bear" songs...the reason why is the memory behind it. This is the very first song that Kody actually asked me to dance with him...and is was at an outdoor concert, in public, in front of 100's of people. He wasn't embarrassed at all...and I remember my heart just bursting with love for my son. I think if you listen to the words...you can see why. :0)

Shout outs tonight go to.....

Uncle Kenny....for working like crazy to get Kody's drop down menu in ABC order...Thank You Uncle Kenny!!!!
BTW...sorry girls...he is happily spoken for!!

Everyone who has sent messages for Kaysha...the smiles have been endless lately...all because of the wonderful compliments!!

ALL my Mommy/Gramma and "Am-Maw" friends....be spoiled today...you ALL deserve it!!

My children..Karyelle, Kayara, Kyle, Kaysha, Kody and Kolin for making me the Mom that I am...not perfect...but awfully fun to have around!! :0)

My husband, Karl...for making me a Mom {should I have said that????}

My daughter, Kayara...for making me the "Am-Maw" of two beautiful girls...Angel Alexes and my "Puddin" Alona Jane.

Thank you so much for stopping by...Have a BEAUTIFUL weekend...make memories...take lots of pictures!!!

OK..that's all for now...Karl, I know your reading this....and know it's morning time....so Baby...get the coffee going...I'll be in bed waiting!!!

Thursday, May 6, 2004 9:40 PM

~*~May 2nd - May 9th is National Brain Tumor Awareness Week~*~

~*~Friday Night Update Again~*~

I just can't believe I am going to say this...but I just found out that our friend, Connor Hunley has relapsed.

~*~Friday Night...Update~*~

I am so saddened to let you all know that 14 year old Maddie passed away last night, Thursday, May 6th at 6:30 PM.

Kody's headaches have gone away and he made it through school with no problem at all...YEAH!!

OK..now the crazy part of the day...
Tonight, after dinner, after the kitchen was cleaned, after Karl and I hung out in our bedroom munching on some pecan sandies {please don't rat me out to my fellow diet friends} and talking about how soon he would HAVE to sleep overnight in Kody's fort with the boys because he had promised them, after thinking maybe I would have a few more precious minutes of peace to read my tabloids {yes, I'm addicted to the Enquirer} and answer some e-mails, I hear this voice....Kody's voice coming from outside and he said "Mom...{laughing}, I don't think Kolin and I can possibly get any dirtier".
I think all mom's of little boys are all shaking their heads right now and saying "Oh No"....
I won't get into any icky detail, I will just let the photos on the picture page speak for themselves.
It's true....
Girls are from Venus...
And boys are from Mars!
{Mars must be a really dirty planet!!}

Till tomorrow....
~*~Good Night All~*~

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

~*~Hello All~*~

Thank you all so much to EVERYONE who has left Kaysha such kind words of support and cheer....whether through Kody's GB or through e-mail..I have to tell you, all those words have brought back so much of her self esteem you just wouldn't believe it!!
Thank you so much...I really wish I could reach out and {{{HUG}}} every single one of you!!!!!
I really mean it this year when I say...I can't wait for school to be out...May 25th is the kids last day here..and we are looking so forward to home time, swimming, chillin' out, bowling on Tuesdays and sleeping late....YEAH!!!!
So far things with the school are going painfully slow and one sided....the other kids side, not ours. The school expects to see Kaysha back on Monday morning...but Kaysha is having nightmares about it and honestly, so am I.
In any case...I'll leave Kaysha's link up a little while longer incase there is anyone who hasn't seen it yet. She really does love her new hair...at least that's going great. So...for the brat who decided that she was going to destroy Kaysha's hair....well, thank you...she is even more beautiful now then she ever was....LOL..funny how things work out, isn't it?

~*~Kaysha's New Doo~*~

On a sad...very sad note tonight, I received an e-mail from a very special family who just found out that their little boy Benjamin has relapsed. Benjamin had surgery two years ago to remove his brain tumor and has been doing awesome. During a routine MRI the dr's have told them that a new tumor has grown on the original spot on his brain...and so the fight begins once again.
This was a shock to Benjamin's family as he had no symptoms at all...and so they were really expecting to see a clean MRI.
Please stop by if you would to brighten Benjamin's day...he will be having brain surgery again next week. Don't forget to tell him Kody Bear sent you!!

And now the latest on Kendra...We heard from Mom and Dad who went to the hospital last night.
Kendra is still the same....no better but no worse either. She still doesn't recognize her Dad and is still fighting very hard. Please keep praying for this beautiful girl...pray that she recovers from the critical injuries she sustained from the car wreck and please pray that she will very soon recognize her Daddy once again.

And now...a little Kody Bear news....
Today started a little on the rough side....yes, you guessed it....those pesky headaches came back again.
But....by late this afternoon he was back to being the same old Kody Bear we all know and love. I have a very, very good feeling it may have something to do with the weather, sinus and migraines. He really takes after his Mom about the migraine part.
Of course...always in the back of my mind is the "Please God don't let anything be happening in his head"...I guess for the reast of his long, long life...it will be my first thought everytime something doesn't feel right up there.

I still haven't heard a word about the oncologist visit...actually I haven't heard a word as to whether his eye dr. visit on May 19th is approved yet.
I did get in the mail all the hard copies of all the referrals I needed...so let's hope the papers get pushed and he is able to get to his dr. visits ASAP.

I'm adding a few new friends to our pull down menu..since I still haven't found the time to alphabetize them...the new ones will be towards the bottom. There should be about eight or nine new children who I bet would love a visit....like they say in the Girl Scouts...
"Make new friends and keep the old...One is silver and the other is gold".
WOW....it's been YEARS since I have heard that...I can't believe I remembered it!!

Well..that's about all that's new here....I think I'll try to catch the last part of "Friends", then the season finale of "ER"....LOL.it's gona be a long night!!

Love you all....till tomorrow....

Later Gator!!!!!

Monday, May 3, 2004 11:11 PM

~*~UPDATE...TUESDAY, MAY 4th 10:40 PM

Thank you so much for all the GB messages and e-mails about our daughter, Kaysha.
As of today, the school continues to give us a difficult time.
The bully deny's everything. Kaysha will remain at home for the rest of the school year where she will be safe. I'll pick her work up everyday...we will NOT rest until this bully is properly taken care of.
I have put up some pictures...so you can all see the before and afters of Kaysha's new hair.
Remember...Kaysha used to have long, silky, light brown hair that matches the color of her eyes perfectly.
Love...Kim

~*~*~Kaysha's New Doo~*~*~

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

~*~The Villages Daily Sun Newspaper Article...April 28, 2004~*~

~*~May 2nd - May 9th is National Brain Tumor Awareness Week~*~

~*~Hello All~*~

Yesterday at Mr. Pub's Family Fun Day was soooooooo much fun!!! The weather turned out beautiful, we saw so many friends, the band of 13 to 15 year old boys ROCKED!!! Oh man, I cannot even begin to tell you how talented these kids are!!
Their logo..."Same DIfference Classic rock with a 21st century attitude". Check out their web site and see for yourself...
Same Difference

OK..the new picture on top....those two beautiful people Kody and Kolin are standing with are Kendra's Mom and Dad and our good friends, Susie and Scotty.
You may remember my asking you all for prayers for Kendra who was in a horrific car accident about two weeks ago. Here is the update straight from Mom and Dad themselves.....
First of all they would like to say a big THANK YOU for all the prayers!!! Prayers are an amazing thing and the update is Kendra has started waking up from her coma. As of now, she is very confused, can squeeze hands, really can't talk yet, is fighting to get her trac and restaints off, can recognize Mom but unfortunetly hasn't recognized her Dad yet. We have faith that she will soon though!!
She doesn't, Thank God, remember the accident.
The brain damage...well, they just don't know about that yet.
Susie and Scotty are trying to get her transferred, just as soon as she is stable, to Shands {Kody's Hospital} where they have a great rehab. program.
With prayers and hope Kendra will walk again and go on to live a wonderful life...gotta keep the faith.

I put a bunch of new photos up tonight...they came out great, so please enjoy them as much as we enjoyed making them!! :0)

You may notice that Kaysha isn't in any of them...well, that's because she ended up not going. Looooong story so I will try to make it short and sweet.

She told us yesterday she wasn't feeling good and wanted to stay home. I thought this was kind of odd because I knew she was looking forward to going, but, I told her OK...and had Karyelle come over and stay with her until Kyle came home from work.
Saturday night Kaysha told me she needed to talk to me and when we sat down she said she was having some problems with her hair...so, I am thinking "Whew..cool, it's just her hair she is having problems with" {Little did I know what was to come...}. She said it was "knotty/tangly" and so I told her how to put some conditioner and detangler in it and comb it all out...easy right? Not!
Sunday...she wore a bandanda..she never mentioned her hair again and I never thought to ask if she solved to tangle problem. Today she goes to school and on the way to the car I notice her hair is put up with a scrunchie...but looked VERY matted. I told her when she got home that I was going to have to work on that hair since she wasn't doing a good enough job herself.
This afternoon I walked down the street to the bus stop to meet her off the bus and as we were walking down the street I saw, what I can only describe as the most discusting, matted down hair I have ever seen. We came home and she showered, conditioned and then I got to work with the detangler spray.
Well....her hair, I mean the entire whole back of her skull was one enormous, massive matted down blob...and I freaked. I mean, even if she didn't brush her hair for a week, this is not even possible.
OK...so, everyone who knows me knows that I am an absolute hair fanatic...and this was too much...I just couldn't come up with a reason why her hair looked like this and so I combed and pulled and did nothing except rip a huge amount of hair.
Finally Karl came in and says "What are you doing to her hair" and so I said "Go show him Kaysha"....
Now Dad is freakin' upset...Oh man was he mad and he said "Kaysha how did this happen?". Well, Kaysha kept saying she didn't know...but it was so obvious she was trying to hide something....it looked like she had a bucket of glue/cement dumped on her.
After a good 15 minutes she finally got started crying her eyes out and admitted that she had been being bullyed in school...and Friday morning this girl {who is in her homeroom and every class all day} put something in her hair..the girl sits behind Kaysha.
Kaysha went to the homeroom teacher and said "Angel just put something in my hair" and the teacher told her to sit down, that she'd take care of it...which, by the way...she never did!! This school..well, they wouldn't even let her call home.
So...anyway, it turns out that she didn't want to say anything because this girl {who has a rap sheet a mile long}..has scared her so much that Kaysha was afraid even to tell us!
Well...I took a ton of pictures and called the Police...we went there and filled out a report...and YES, we ARE pressing charges!!!
It seems that Kaysha is not the only girl who has been bullyed...there have been others, one beaten so bad she was hospitalized. There are other incidents with this girls family...which are bad, very, very bad and I won't post them here...but they are bad.
Well...I will NOT take my child being bullyed...being afraid to go to school..and I will, mark my words, be this kids worst nightmare..I WILL NOT back down until justice is served.
I am mad..really. mad that she went through this afraid, I'm pissed {sorry} that nothing was done at school and I am completely broken hearted that she most likely will lose most of her beautiful long, silky hair. I have put vegatable oil on it tonight...hoping that it will break down some of that glue. Tomorrow morning we are going to see our friend, and the best hair stylist in Leesburg, Tonia.
I won't send Kaysha back to school....they can get her a tutor, I will home school her..but believe me, she will not be going back to Carver Middle School.
I am praying that maybe some of her hair can be saved...but, I am not holding my breathe because as I said..it is badly damaged.

Well..I said I would make it short and sweet..I didn't did I?

Kody is doing great...a bit on the bratty side this morning...but, great nonetheless...he and I had a bit of a "power struggle", can you guess who won?? LOL!!!

Other then that....all goes well here.

OK...I better get going, it's late and I need some serious shut eye!!

Thank you all for stopping by.....

Monday, May 3, 2004 11:11 PM

~*~UPDATE...TUESDAY, MAY 4th 10:40 PM

Thank you so much for all the GB messages and e-mails about our daughter, Kaysha.
As of today, the school continues to give us a difficult time.
The bully deny's everything. Kaysha will remain at home for the rest of the school year where she will be safe. I'll pick her work up everyday...we will NOT rest until this bully is properly taken care of.
I have put up some pictures...so you can all see the before and afters of Kaysha's new hair.
Remember...Kaysha used to have long, silky, light brown hair that matches the color of her eyes perfectly.
Love...Kim

~*~*~Kaysha's New Doo~*~*~

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

~*~The Villages Daily Sun Newspaper Article...April 28, 2004~*~

~*~May 2nd - May 9th is National Brain Tumor Awareness Week~*~

~*~Hello All~*~

Yesterday at Mr. Pub's Family Fun Day was soooooooo much fun!!! The weather turned out beautiful, we saw so many friends, the band of 13 to 15 year old boys ROCKED!!! Oh man, I cannot even begin to tell you how talented these kids are!!
Their logo..."Same DIfference Classic rock with a 21st century attitude". Check out their web site and see for yourself...
Same Difference

OK..the new picture on top....those two beautiful people Kody and Kolin are standing with are Kendra's Mom and Dad and our good friends, Susie and Scotty.
You may remember my asking you all for prayers for Kendra who was in a horrific car accident about two weeks ago. Here is the update straight from Mom and Dad themselves.....
First of all they would like to say a big THANK YOU for all the prayers!!! Prayers are an amazing thing and the update is Kendra has started waking up from her coma. As of now, she is very confused, can squeeze hands, really can't talk yet, is fighting to get her trac and restaints off, can recognize Mom but unfortunetly hasn't recognized her Dad yet. We have faith that she will soon though!!
She doesn't, Thank God, remember the accident.
The brain damage...well, they just don't know about that yet.
Susie and Scotty are trying to get her transferred, just as soon as she is stable, to Shands {Kody's Hospital} where they have a great rehab. program.
With prayers and hope Kendra will walk again and go on to live a wonderful life...gotta keep the faith.

I put a bunch of new photos up tonight...they came out great, so please enjoy them as much as we enjoyed making them!! :0)

You may notice that Kaysha isn't in any of them...well, that's because she ended up not going. Looooong story so I will try to make it short and sweet.

She told us yesterday she wasn't feeling good and wanted to stay home. I thought this was kind of odd because I knew she was looking forward to going, but, I told her OK...and had Karyelle come over and stay with her until Kyle came home from work.
Saturday night Kaysha told me she needed to talk to me and when we sat down she said she was having some problems with her hair...so, I am thinking "Whew..cool, it's just her hair she is having problems with" {Little did I know what was to come...}. She said it was "knotty/tangly" and so I told her how to put some conditioner and detangler in it and comb it all out...easy right? Not!
Sunday...she wore a bandanda..she never mentioned her hair again and I never thought to ask if she solved to tangle problem. Today she goes to school and on the way to the car I notice her hair is put up with a scrunchie...but looked VERY matted. I told her when she got home that I was going to have to work on that hair since she wasn't doing a good enough job herself.
This afternoon I walked down the street to the bus stop to meet her off the bus and as we were walking down the street I saw, what I can only describe as the most discusting, matted down hair I have ever seen. We came home and she showered, conditioned and then I got to work with the detangler spray.
Well....her hair, I mean the entire whole back of her skull was one enormous, massive matted down blob...and I freaked. I mean, even if she didn't brush her hair for a week, this is not even possible.
OK...so, everyone who knows me knows that I am an absolute hair fanatic...and this was too much...I just couldn't come up with a reason why her hair looked like this and so I combed and pulled and did nothing except rip a huge amount of hair.
Finally Karl came in and says "What are you doing to her hair" and so I said "Go show him Kaysha"....
Now Dad is freakin' upset...Oh man was he mad and he said "Kaysha how did this happen?". Well, Kaysha kept saying she didn't know...but it was so obvious she was trying to hide something....it looked like she had a bucket of glue/cement dumped on her.
After a good 15 minutes she finally got started crying her eyes out and admitted that she had been being bullyed in school...and Friday morning this girl {who is in her homeroom and every class all day} put something in her hair..the girl sits behind Kaysha.
Kaysha went to the homeroom teacher and said "Angel just put something in my hair" and the teacher told her to sit down, that she'd take care of it...which, by the way...she never did!! This school..well, they wouldn't even let her call home.
So...anyway, it turns out that she didn't want to say anything because this girl {who has a rap sheet a mile long}..has scared her so much that Kaysha was afraid even to tell us!
Well...I took a ton of pictures and called the Police...we went there and filled out a report...and YES, we ARE pressing charges!!!
It seems that Kaysha is not the only girl who has been bullyed...there have been others, one beaten so bad she was hospitalized. There are other incidents with this girls family...which are bad, very, very bad and I won't post them here...but they are bad.
Well...I will NOT take my child being bullyed...being afraid to go to school..and I will, mark my words, be this kids worst nightmare..I WILL NOT back down until justice is served.
I am mad..really. mad that she went through this afraid, I'm pissed {sorry} that nothing was done at school and I am completely broken hearted that she most likely will lose most of her beautiful long, silky hair. I have put vegatable oil on it tonight...hoping that it will break down some of that glue. Tomorrow morning we are going to see our friend, and the best hair stylist in Leesburg, Tonia.
I won't send Kaysha back to school....they can get her a tutor, I will home school her..but believe me, she will not be going back to Carver Middle School.
I am praying that maybe some of her hair can be saved...but, I am not holding my breathe because as I said..it is badly damaged.

Well..I said I would make it short and sweet..I didn't did I?

Kody is doing great...a bit on the bratty side this morning...but, great nonetheless...he and I had a bit of a "power struggle", can you guess who won?? LOL!!!

Other then that....all goes well here.

OK...I better get going, it's late and I need some serious shut eye!!

Thank you all for stopping by.....

Saturday, May 1, 2004 3:55 PM

~*~The Villages Daily Sun Newspaper Article...April 28, 2004~*~

~*~May 2nd - May 9th is National Brain Tumor Awareness Week~*~

~*~Hello All~*~

I am sure a lot of you may have already heard...BabyBug Katia has broken out of All Childrens Hospital {her home for 8 months!} and is now residing in The Ronald McDonald House....How cool is that??!!
Tracy has added some very beautiful photos on Katia's page....check out the one or Katia and Daddy saying "Good-Bye" to her old hospital room....it is awesome!!

On a sad note...as I posted yesterday...our beautiful rosey cheeked, red haired angel Savannah has become Heaven's newest Angel. Imagine how precious she must look with a golden halo on top of her beautiful red hair. :0)

Now...here's a little story about a boy any parent would be proud of. I had gotten this message in Kody's guestbook and right away just had to check this kid out.
This is about a boy named Rob who is skateboarding to raise funds for cancer reasearch. Rob lost his own Mom to cancer and was so affected by her death that he wanted to something real drastic to raise awareness and money for a cure.
Rob's skating journey has already began...and you can view each day in his daily journal from his site.
Rob is skating from L.A., California across the continent and North up to Newmarket, Ontario. He will be skating across the Rockies, the Appelachians and through the Mojave Desert.
Doesn't this sound like something my own son, Kyle would do?? :0)
Anyway....check out his site....he may be passing through your own hometown...and if we can in any way, get to Jacksonville we will be high fiving Rob like crazy!!
Skate 4 Cancer

Tomorrow looks like it is going to turn out to be a great day for us...we have been invited to Mr. Pubs in Belleview from the man himself...Gator Rick a/k/a Mr. Pub for an event called Family Fun Day, Mr. Pubs style!! The winer of The Battle of the Bands which took place a couple of months ago will be preforming..now keep in mind, the winner of the band battle is a crew of 14 and 15 year old boys!!! We hear the are great...and tomorrow we'll find out for ourselves. Especially Kaysha...who after hearing the band was 14 and 15 year old BOYS..has been faithfully trying on every outfit she owns and declaring "I have NOTHING to wear!!!" Ahhhhh, 13 year old girls...gotta love them!! :0)
So...tomorrow will be lots of fun, lots of noise, lots of good food, lots of seeing our biker friends again whom we don't get to see enough of...and most of all...my favorite event and I know yours too....
Watching poor Dad keep Kaysha and the Boy Band seperated at all times!!! LOL!!!!
I PROMISE I will take alot of pictures...sorry Dad!!!

Let's just pray the weather holds out as the old weatherman is telling us to expect lots of "sea breezes" over the weekend.
BTW..."Sea Breezes"....a fancy shamancy name for "Mini Hurricaine". We had one roll over us yesterday and it wasn't pretty. It did, however pack down all the sand in our yard so Dad can once again park his bike next to the house where his Hunny is safe and sound and close.
Some people have beautiful, carpet looking grassy yards..we have a sandy beach.
The down side and most funny part {Thank God nobody thought to break out the camera} of yesterdays Sea Breeze was when Mom {that would be me} ran outside to pick up Kaysha at the bus stop...no umbrella {it would have never stood up to the "breeze" a/k/a gale force winds anyway}. Yes..I took the car...but inbetween that 8 seconds it took to run to the car...well...do you know how a cat looks after a bath...OK, enough said. Happily...waterproof mascara really does live up to it's name. Unhappily...I forgot I was wearing a white shirt. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow also starts the beginning of "National Brain Tumor Awareness Week". I think I'll be keeping the "Survivor" background on this week...it just seems very fitting for the occasion.
Please...if you would, in honor of our BT Survivor...stop by and spread the cheer with our other Survivors. Maybe just a "Happy Brain Tumor Awareness Week" in the GB. Wouldn't it be cool if Hallmark had a card for that??!! :0)

As for Kody Bear....he is doing sooooooooo good these days. He wakes up every morning bursting with energy and goes to bed every night sleeping soundly {or maybe I should say he is "recharging"!!} And that my friends...is a blessing every single day!!!

Well..let me get going. Kolin is at a roller skating birthday party for his "bestest buddy friend", Trinnen...and it's about time to go get the little booger.

Thank you so very much for stopping by...Have yourselves a beautiful weekend!!!!

Wednesday, April 28, 2004 10:45 PM

~*~Friday...3:50 PM~*~
At 1:30 AM this morning Heaven welcomed it's newest Angel.
Angel Savannah
Thank you Norine for keeping me updated.

Thursday...

~*~The Villages Daily Sun Newspaper Article...April 28, 2004~*~

Enjoy!!
BTW..Sorry it looks a little crudely done..it's getting late and my eyes are ready to fall out on the keyboard!! :0(
Till tomorrow...Take care!!!
Luv, Kim

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

~*~Hello All~*~

Today's edition of The Daily Sun was AWESOME!!! The article was great...but, unfortunetly there isn't a link on-line so tomorrow when the kid's are in school and I have a few minutes to myself I'll try to scan it in and see if I can get it clear enough to read.

Kody's appointment with his new PCP went pretty good yesterday....though, after reading Kody's chart and asking me about a ton of questions...he decided that he would rather refer Kody to another dr. in the practice...which was OK with me, since he is a family dr. and not a pediatrician. So...next week I'll meet with the new pediatrician, Dr. Franks who's first day is tomororw..he arrived from Hawaii just a couple of days ago.
I was able to get every single prescription/authorization form that I needed for the eye dr, the oncologist, neurosurgeon and next MRI. The referral specialist, Amy whom I spoke to today was really wonderful!! She assured me that whatever we needed referral wise, just let her know and she will make sure it gets done right and promptly.
WOW...so...I can tell you, this was a HUGE weight lifted from our shoulders.
Thank God for some really professional and caring people!! :0)

We haven't heard any news on Kendra...our good friends daughter who was in the car wreck last week....as soon as we find out anything you can be sure I will let you all know.

Tomorrow I'll be adding a few more new friends we've made this past week to Kody's pull down menu...look for them, they are AWESOME kids!!! And...yes, we love them all!!

Well guys and gals...there is not too much more to say tonight and it looks like it's getting late....so with that I'll bid you all a good night....

Wait, before I do, let me ask a favor for two of our beautiful kids who are becoming Angels as we speak....
both Savannah and Michael have both taken a turn for the worst. Please pray that if it is God's will that they go on to live in Heaven...that their passing are pain free and very peaceful.

Also....Katia who is still not at the Ronald McDonald House. She is having to stay at the hospital with her counts being very messed up. Katia and Mom, Tracy are very down in the dumps and feeling very blue these days. They have been living in one room at All Childrens Hospital since August when Katia relapsed. Please take a moment to stop by and spread some cheer.

OK...I'm off to turn off night lights, tuck some blankets around some kids, give a few kisses and make sure teddy bears are in place under the arms of the kids who love them. Then I'm off to to get myself on the arm of the teddy bear who loves me!! :0)

Thanks for stopping by tonight...there are some new pictures up today. When you see that first one..of Kody "climbing the wall", well, this is a new little trick he has taught himself...he is pretty impressive..LOL...he can actually get all the way to the ceiling...but we didn't want to give Dad a heart attack by taking a photo of his kid on the ceiling!!!

Have a WONDERFUL night tonight....

Monday, April 26, 2004 10:05 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS TONIGHT~*~

~*~Hello All~*~

OK...where do I start? Sorry...Sorry...Sorry...about the lack of updates these past few days!!! PULLEEZZE forgive me!!

First and foremost tonight I would like to ask all our friends out there to please, please, please say a prayer for the daughter of a very good friend of our's..Scotty from the Sick Boys Society {Kody's and our really wonderful biker bud} and his wife. Last week their daughter, Kendra was involved in a horrible car wreck and she is in the hospital in a medically induced coma. Her skull was severly fractured....and she is in very bad condition. She was trying to cross over a median on interstate 75 when a guy in a pick up truck passed a semi and t-boned her car. As you can imagine...she is lucky to be alive and with prayer from all of us..I know that one day she WILL walk out of that hospital on her own.
Thank you so much, as I already know all of you are in prayer right now....

Also...prayers needed for Michael Dornauer. Michael's Aunt e-mailed me to tell me he is getting alot worse. The dr's found protein in his head which means there is tumor activity and most likey major growth. Michael is such a cutie and is so loved by his Momma, sisters and Aunt Lisa.....it's so unfair.

A specail THANK YOU to Norine, Angel Ashley's Mommy for the balloon you sent up to Ashley from Kody on her birthday, April 21st. Kody was soooooo happy about that! Let's make a day to chat.....Please!!

Bikefest was a lot of fun....hot, crowed and very loud, but as boys will be....they had a lot of fun just sitting on the curb and watching the bikes pass by. They also thought the Rat Hole Custom Bike Show was pretty awesome too...it was!!
I'll tell you....Leesburg has once again put on an awesome weekend event...definetly better then Daytona. Sooooo...if any of you Daytona lovers out there need a change of pace next year....we are the town that LOVES our bikers...so come on down!!!

I'll be putting up some pictures just as soon as I get this journal entry in...so watch for them and enjoy!!

Tonight we had the pleasure of being interviewed by our most favorite newspaper person in the world...Glenda Saunders from The Daily Sun. She had sent her photographer to Relay last Friday night...and called me today to tell me about the greatest photo she was looking at of Kody and wanted to come by tonight to get some words from the man himself! Well....enough said right? As we all know...that boy of ours is very "media savy" and set out to do his interview...Kody's way!!
He spoke about Ashley, The Tumbleweed Foundation and his new Bam Mangera skateboard...isn't sweet how these things are so important to him and he is so basically oblivious to anything relating to himself....tumor wise?
Anyway...I'm sure it'll be great....unfortunetly, The Daily Sun doen't have it's articles on-line so there won't be a link. :0(
Fortunetly...I may be able to scan it in and you all can still have a look see.

Not too much else new here..we are down to our last few weeks of school and that is always a very hectic time.....school activities and kids, it's a never ending battle! LOL!!!!

Tomorow is Kody's first apointment with his new PCP. With a lot of prayer and a little luck mixed in, all should go OK.
I needed to have some important papers faxed over today from neurosurgery....but they never showed up. Which will delay the process of Kody seeing the oncologist. The paper trail and phone calls just to get an appointment is getting pretty ridiculous. Is it like this with everybody, or is it just me?

In any case...I am getting the twist on things....am pretty much taking over getting things done {Kody's worker has 400 kids to do on a daily basis...so, that's why I do it all}. I even ride around during the day with my Ped-I-Care handbook, member directory and a huge legal sized pad of Dr names, numers and fax numbers. Gotta be prepared.
OK...so there is a downfall with that....and that is...I was never a very good girl scout {always be prepared}...I sort of accidentaly spilled diet coke on my numbers...re-wrote them..left them on top of the car...drove off....re-wrote them...put them in the trunk...placed a bag if ice on top of them...re-wrote them...left it in the back seat...the kids drew on them....re-wrote them...
well...this list could just go on all night!!
As of now, they are safely sitting on the kitchen table waiting to be tortured in the car again tomorrow as we attempt to take them to the Dr's with us.

Any suggestions on organization would be very appreciated!! :0)

Well guys and gals...I've got some laundry screaming for folding {this has to be done..I do not iron!} and some photos to get up here.

Thanks you soooooooo much for stopping by tonight....Have a great day!!!

Friday, April 23, 2004 11:45 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS TONIGHT~*~

~*~Hello~*~

WOW...What an awesome night!!!
Tonight was our "Relay-for-Life".....we had the BEST time!!!
Would you believe that we set the record for the state of Florida's most "Survivors" to show up at one single Relay-for-Life event?? It was so cool....and Kody was the youngest there!!

We've got a little video clip...it was taken by Kaysha and it was her first try..no time to practice, I just sort of threw her the camera and gave her about 5 seconds of directions...she didn't do too bad. The little voice you hear in the background shouting "Go Kody!" is Kody's very proud little brother, Kolin. :0)

~*~Relay-for-Life...2004~*~

OK...let's see...more news about tonight...{sorry this is so choppy tonight..I am beat up tired but really wanted to get this up}.
The picture on top.....Kody holding the Luminari candle bags we made for him and Ashley. Kody decorated Ashley's himself....and if you can see written in green, top right..he wrote "Kody Loves Ashley".
Let me tell you all....Kody and I really, really believe Ashley was there tonight..as we lit a candle in her memory all was going well....then Kody went to walk the silent lap for those we've lost...he started walking...taking things very seriously....covering the candle light, but it kept blowing out. He'd turn around, have Karyelle or I re-light it...he'd start to walk and then it would blow out again! Well, after about the 10th try he finally looked up and said {while laughing} "Ashley...are you blowing our candle out??!!"
It was so cute! On a more serious note...when the lights were off and everyone was quiet...Kody held that candle so sweetly and whispered to me "Mommy..I feel Ashley here...she is with me and I feel so much love".

I have a huge question...one that has us totally puzzled....but also one that has us so incredibly happy...
OK, as we walked our laps looking at all the candle bags...there were soooooo many...anyway, I looked down and saw "Ashley Carro" written on one! We couldn't believe it...somebody somewhere other then us knows Ashley! Then we walked some more and saw two more bags....Karyelle's and one for me! OK...this was getting weird...so we walked some more and Kody yells out "Look....here's one for me!".
So...my question....someone who is a true Kody fan had these put there..please tell us who you are so we can thank you personally...we took pictures...but really, we would LOVE to know who you are..:0)

Anyway...the kids had a blast tonight...it was so beautiful to see the word "HOPE" written out and all lit up in candles. I love that word so much...it has a very personal meaning to me. You see....after Kody's diagnoses..and Karyelle's too...we started changing our night time prayers around. Now, every night as we go to sleep we thank God for another day....and at the end of every day we only ask for two things...another day and the HOPE of a new tomorrow.
Someday I'll have to post a picture of one of my tattoo's that I am so proud of...I won't say anymore..it's a surprise!! While I'm at it, I'll have to snap a picture of the tattoo Karl has that he is the most proud of...a portrait of Kody that was done a few months after we found out about Kody's tumor..it is beautiful and really captures the boyishness/mischeviousness/beauty of Kody Bear.

OK...I am sure I am leaving out so much...so, I'll let the photos on the photo page speak for themselves...they are all from tonight. I'll leave a better update this weekend when I'm not falling asleep on my face!!

Take care eveyone...thanks for stopping by!!

Oh....I BIG, HUGE Thank You to Fisher's family for the beautiful card that we recieved in the mail today!!!! We love you guys so much....THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend....Leesburg Bikefest for us tomorrow....Leesburg is swarming with bikes...I really mean it when I say you can even feel Main Street shake today!! Kody and Kolin are LOVING it...they sat at Daddy's job after school today for a long time checking out and going nuts over all the bikes {100's of them} that went past...even I have to admit, some of those choppers were wayyyyyyy cool!!

Have a wonderful weekend...

Thursday, April 22, 2004 10:25 AM

~*~9:45 PM Update on Katia~*~
After spending 8 months in a hospital room Miss Katia is busting out and is going to live at the Ronald McDonald House for the next 4-6 weeks....
Next stop in 4 to 6...
HOME SWEET HOME!!!!!!!!
Way to go BabyBug!!!!!

~*~Good Morning~*~

Thank you ALL who left such awesome guestbook entries over these past few days...Our Anniversary was great...we didn't do a thing!! :0)
His gift to me was.....an hour of just chillin' in bed..watching TV and sharing a cookie jar full of Keebler pecan sandies..perfect...just perfect!! :0)
Now..about the request for the "wedding picture"...ahem...ummm, well...we got married in 1980...for all of you old enough to remember this, let's just say...our "big hair" would never fit onto the computer screen. OK, let's leave it at that please!! :0)
Karl LOVED...and I mean really LOVED the tribute I put here for him. You see, I think I know why...his life in the wayyyyyyyy past has not always been the greatest {think teenage years}...and he had always told me "Nobody ever remembers the good things I've done, only the bad".
Well...I do rememeber the good. Now don't get me wrong here...we have had our downs just like every other marriage...we have been through some seriously difficult moments. But through it all and in the end, who do we both turn to...each other. Who will always be there for us? Each other. When the kid's are all grown up with families of their own...who will we still have? Each other.
I love like our's is an awesome and very rare find....I never would have believed in "love at first sight" until that one day on January 10th, 1980 at age 17 {oh great, I just gave away my age!!} when I went walked right smack into my first and only love...yes, "Love at first sight" bit me in the butt and whapped me one upside the head that morning!!
And you know what? Twenty four years later...I still get the "butterflies" whenever he comes down the street and in the door!! :0)

OK...let's see...We still haven't gotten the authorization form signed for Kody's next appointment with Dr. Levine {his eye dr.}....which is starting to get on my nerves since from the point of signing the form and getting the appointment finalized...it takes approx. 4 weeks. Kody's appointment is on May 19th and since his eye is turning up...it is according to Dr. Pincus {neurosurgeon} a very important appointment.
No word about the oncologist appointment either.

In the meantime...Kody Bear had a VERY rough night last night...many headaches and right now is sleeping off the effects of pain medicine. Sadly..he looks miserable and in pain even in his sleep. Today..I will spend my day cuddling and doing whatever it takes to make him feel better..even if that means a trip to "Taco Bell"!! {His favorite fast food joint!} Thankfully...Kyle has the day off from work today so I don't have to drag Kody out anywhere.

Relay-for-Life is tomorrow night....ceremonies and the survivor lap begins at 6 PM. Kody, I believe will once again be the youngest "survivor". Unfortunetly...I've been told he will not be leading the lap. Funny how things work out...this is the second year the smallest kid will not be up front....well, {{sigh}} what are you gonna do?
I think I've mentioned this in the past...but Kody is on his big sister Karyelle's {also a survivor!!} bank team. {We were never able to get the funds together to have out own family team} The bank is Citizens First Bank {a wonderful bunch of women!!} and the name of their team is called "A League of their Own"...it's a baseball theme and in addition to Kody's official "Survivor" t-shirt...he also gets to wear a really cool baseball jersey and baseball cap.
I would like to take this opportunity again to thank everyone who sponsered Kody and Karyelle.....I don't have a total on how much the entire bank raised...but I can tell you that the Villages community {the town the bank is located at} raised just over $100,000.00!!!! Yes...that is One Hundred Thousand Dollars for cancer research...and money is still coming in. Unbelievable!!!!!
We should have the bank's total maybe tonight or tomorrow...it is still being tallied.

Saturday...you will all find us at the 6th annual Leesburg Bikefest....a HUGE biker fest/party/really fun way to spend a weekend thing we have here. We live about 3 miles away and Karl actually works about 2 blocks away. Lots of cool custom bikes...bike games..tattoo contests...many live bands...great food {lots of gator tail..our favorite place to hang out!}..about a zillion friendly people...{some a little more friendly then others...LOL!!!}...it's gonna be alot of fun and Kody is really looking forward to riding in on the back of Daddy's bike again this year.

If you all get a chance..please stop by Angel Ashley's page...it was her birthday yesterday and I am sure her Mom could use some cheering up.

Speaking of birthday's....our friend Aaryn is turning the big SIX today!!!
Happy Birthday Aaryn!!!!

Also...CONGRATULATIONS to Katia who will be living in the Ronald McDonald House by June!!!!! Katia & Tracy...we are so proud of you both...and love your family as if you were our own!!!! Positive thoughts and prayers are always being sent your way!!

OK...I better see about getting this entry up...my internet just went out...hopefully it will be back up any minute.

Thank you all for stopping by....please if it is at all possible...stop by Kody's store. You can pick up the "Official Kody Bear" there. By shopping there you are helping us tremendously as Kody goes through his headache pills that we will be paying for until this insurance mess is ever cleared up. Our percentage of the sales are only about $3.00 dollars more then the base price...so every sale really does count.

OK..I really have to run...Kody just woke up and he is a little off balance, still hurting and just wants his Mom right now.

Have a wondeful day everyone!!!

Monday, April 19, 2004 1:35 PM

Look....he's even sleeping with his board!! Shhhhhhh :0)

~*~UPDATE...9:48 PM~*~

Check out our Skater Boy on his new Element BAM Mangera skateboard...

VIVA LA KODY

~*~Hello~*~

Things may....and that's a big may be starting to work out with the medical insurance issues we've been having. I have FINALLY found a PCP at our local Leesburg Health Clinic that is willing to take on Kody as a patient!!
Our first appointment will be next Tuesday, the 27th at 1:00 PM. This dr. is not a pediatricain..which I was really hoping for but at least it is a foot in the door and a step in the right direction. After Kody's appointment he will be eligable to see the pediatrician's there. Hopefully....nobody will call me back between now and then and say they changed their minds....they really did seem nice, professional and OK with all of Kody's health problems...plus they REALLY seemed to know how to handle all this ins. BS from their end. I have faith things will work out if I can just hold on to some well needed {{patience}} at this point!! :0)

To be honest with you..between last week and this morning I have started feeling like the Dad on "Cheaper by the Dozen"...you know when he is calling child care centers and he says he "Only has 12 children" and after being turned down again and again he calls another center and says "I'll just hang up on myself!"...
Well, LOL...I felt that way when I would call and call and say Kody "Only has a brain tumor"!!! Darn...I must have forgotten, some people still freak out a little over those two words!! :0)

I'd like to say a BIG, HUGE "Thank You" to the anonymous donor from "The Tumbleweed Foundation" {link is below} who sent Kody a real and complete "Bam Mangera" Skateboard!! It just arrived about 15 minutes ago and Kody is in school...he is going to absolutely FLIP OUT when he see's this!!! And, it couldn't have arrived at a more perfect time....Kody's trucks {the hardware that attaches the wheels??} split on his Termite board so as of this weekend...he miserably sat out skateboarding..which pretty much stunk because his balance was right on and he would have been flying!!
BTW...If you are wondering how something so heavy and tough on his skateboard could split...all you have to do is watch him for 5 minutes...LOL..you'll understand why!! {hint..ramps, rails and really great air time!!!}

Thank you to ALL who have written us to let us know that you would love to own an "Official Kody Bear" or t-shirt or one of the many really cool items on sale at Kody's store.
As a mentioned before...a percentage of the sales {after Cafepress get's their cut} will go directly into an account set up for Kody's medical needs not being paid for by insurance any more..headache med's, etc.} When the day comes that we are back on our feet again...the money will be used to help other families experiencing financial burdens...which can come on way too fast and way too strong when you have a child with a life long/life threatening illness. Especially those newly diagnosed...who ever expects to find themselves in that situation? Absolutely none of us.
If you would like to check out Kody's store and shop around...just click on "Kody Bear" and he will take you there....

I'd like to thank you all in advance who will shop with us and for us!!!!

Today is a really special day for me...
One that I am truly proud of yet one that sometimes gets brushed to the side when life gets in the way...today is Karl and my 24th wedding anniversary!!!!!

So..with that I dedicate this next part to him...my man, the love of my life, my soul, my heart and everything else that is good in my life....

{Please feel free to skip this if your not into mushy stuff}

Dear Karl a/k/a Bub a/k/a Babe a/ka Dude!!!

Sometimes we don't always take the time everyday to say "I love you"...sometimes life get's in the way, the kids are always wanting something/fighting/or generally being a pain in the rear....
Whenever we seem to have a minute to talk...no doubt the phone will ring.
Your a morning person...I'm a night owl.
You zonk out on me when you play Spider Solitaire...
I zonk out on you when I play "Spongebob Collapse".
We are complete opposites in so many ways..yet we are so alike in even more ways.

When things seem to much to handle...when I can't take anymore...
It is YOU that helps me through everything, it's YOU I can depend on to fix things, to fix me.
I could not imagine ever not having you...not waking up next to you..not hearing your voice on the phone 6 times a day asking me "What's for dinner?" :0)
My favorite part of the day is when I hear your bike coming down the street...slowly and catiously avoiding our kids and at least 8 to 12 of their friends on the street every night.
I can depend on you...knowing in my heart that you will be there at the same time everyday...no side trips, no bars, no friends..just a husband and a Dad anxious to get home to his family.
Maybe we don't own a mansion...maybe our bills are sent out late sometimes...maybe vacations seem like something that only other families get...maybe I don't own a new SUV and we all wear Wal-Mart's finest.
I own something more precious and sacred then all of that...I own your heart and you own mine.

When we are rushed to get out of the house in the morning and the only thing we have time for is a quick cup of coffee together...please know that in the few minutes I have to myself...I close my eyes and think of the crazy, fun and sweet times we have had throughout these past 24 years.

I remember the first day I ever laid eyes on you, later that day I saw you again in the grocery store where you swiped the brightest red apple off the shelf and asked me if I wanted a bite? I still can't believe I told you "no"...:0)
Who would believe we would be married 3 months later??

I remember how we couldn't afford fancy outfits and tickets for my senior prom because we were just newly married...so instead you took me to a local carnival...won me a white teddy bear with a red bow and bought me a vanilla sundae with chocolate syrup, nuts and marshmallow gooey stuff. That ice cream tasted better than a lobster dinner ever could have!

I remember the look on your face everytime one of our kids was born..how you were the first to see and hold them, and yes...I can still remember the tears in your eyes after each miracle.

I still remember plain as day when Karyelle was born and you were so excited you ran around the nurses station asking if "there were any single mom's who needed a coach!!" You were definetly the talk of the hospital for as long as I was there!!

I remember all those lazy weekends B.K. {before kids} when we would go to a school and fly kites all day...we'd lose them to the wind or a tree..and we would go out, buy another {remember they were only 50 cents for a real decent one back then} and try again.
Who would think 24 years later we still do that..only with a few kids, RC cars, planes, helicopters, snacks, juice boxes and lots of wet ones in tow?

I remember how you would proudly wear all those handmade painted Father's Day t-shirts our kids made...even in front of your more tougher friends!

I remember when I was going though cancer treatments and the chemo. would make me feel like a mack truck with chains ran me over a few times and the interfron would make me shake like a leaf...you were there, sitting by my side...never letting go. Scared...but holding on to every bit of strength you had to make me feel better and care for for our then..4 kids.

I remember practically begging you to go out ice fishing or to watch a football game with your friends because you needed a break too...not too often you would actually listen but would always pack Kyle up and take him too. One of my most favorite pictures is of you and Kyle at 5 years old...all bundled up in his winterwear standing on a frozen lake holding up a fish that was almost as big as he was...I still don't know who looked prouder in the picture...Kyle, or you looking at him.

I remember a day when I told you I didn't think I would live to see all our kids grow up after cancer hit hard the third time...you would have nothing to do with that...and you said you would sell your soul to the devil before I missed out on a single day of our kids lives.

I remember how all our kids friends thought you were the craziest Dad they had ever met...how they thought that was so cool and how many of the ones without Dad's in their lives would always be hanging at our house on Sunday's because they knew you would be there to fix a broken bike, toss a football or just be there to talk and hear out their problems.

One of those kids will stay in my mind forever....I remember when Kyle, at 15 brought home Steven..a great kid, polite, sweet and so smart. Unfortunetly...his parents never thought so or took the time out to tell him this and Steven it turns out...was living on his own since the age of 13.
I remember how you took us all to Bikefest..of course, with Steven in tow...so he could do something so cool...check out women/girls in leather...OK..maybe not a whole lot of parents would approve of that, but Steven thought you were the most awesome dad in the world!
I remember how badly you wanted to adopt that boy...how you drove around in a hurricaine looking for him when you thought he got "lost in the system" again.
And...I remember how hurt you were when his Mom refused to sign him away. Whatever becomes of that boy...I know you will always hold a very special place in his heart.

I remember our anniversary a few years back...when we had a bit too much to drink, found a park bench..then a helicopter with very bright lights found us!!! Now that had to have gone down in history as being one of my most favorite anniversaries yet!! :0)

I remember how for my whole life I was embarrassed because I couldn't swim...and how you put a pool up in our backyard and would wait till it was dark everynight so nobody could see and I wouldn't be embarrassed even more...and you taught me how to float and then eventually swim. Only because I trusted you with all my heart was I able to let go of my drowning fears.

I remember one beautiful spring day when we thought how romantic it would be to go for a canoe ride...so we rented one for an hour. Yes....it was awesome...till we got chased by that gator that was the same size as our canoe!! I have to admit..I was scared, but I knew I was safe...because you were in charge of the situation.

I remember the day our first grand-daughter was born. How you held her tiny body, kissed her sweet face and then gave her back to God. I still remember how badly your heart broke that day and how that piece of you will never mend until the day you get to hold her again.
I know you wrote her a beautiful and touching letter...and I know it is stored in our computer. I also know you drive by her grave twice a day just to throw her a kiss.

I remember the day our second grand-daughter was born...and how your heart was bursting with pride...and how you swore there was never a more beautiful child anywhere in the world. And...I remember how you said without a single doubt...that she had ALL the Kruppenbacher features! Remember how we won $500.00 in the lottery's cash three the day she was born...and how we spent practically all of it on Pampers, rattles and cute baby clothes?

I remember watching you one night trying to figure out how to burn your first CD...and when you were done you handed it to me and said it was mine. When I played it I realized that every song on there was all my favorites. You called it your "Poker Hand" and you said that one CD would get you out of the doghouse everytime!!

I remember not long ago Kody asked you why you always drive when we are in the car...and you said "Because a womens seat is in the passenger side"...I KNOW you saw "that look" I shot you...and without skipping a beat..you said "Kody, Mommy drives all day long....when I'm in the car, it's time for her to relax"
I remember there were a few rumors going on in our house that "Daddy's says he drives because Mommy's driving scares him"....and I would like to thank you for squashing those rumors by getting into the passenger seat the next time we went out!! :0)

It still amazes me that the hands I see at work...picking up transmissions, slamming tools, aching and bent from a lifetime of holding wrenches, all calloused and hard can still be so soft and comforting when they hold my hand, when they touch our sleeping childs cheek, hold a newborn baby and even warm up a scared baby duck.

I guess I could go on and on....but, like you've told me 100 times "Stop being so long winded!!!"....
So, I'll cut this short and just say one more time....

~*~HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABE...HERE'S TO AT LEAST 24 MORE~*~

Thank you all for stopping by....

Don't forget..this Friday the 23rd is Kody's Relay-for-Life..stayed tuned for updates and photos of it.
Till then, I put up a few new ones last night...enjoy!!!!!

Saturday, April 17, 2004 10:00 AM

~*~Update...Saturday, 12:15 PM~*~

Here is the link to the newspaper article I mentioned below in this mornings journal.
As of right now, I am still waiting a call back from The Daily Commercial so that I can tell our story.
Since we are the local family effected by this and Kody is definetly well loved in this town...let's see what happens.
The Daily Commercial..."Health Cuts May Hit Home"

~*~Good Morning~*~

The first thing I would like to do this morning is ask you all to please stop by and leave a prayer or two or three or more for Cheyenne and family.
Sadly...they did not get the news they were hoping for about Cheyenne's MRI on Wednesday. There has been a change in density in Cheyenne's tumor {DPG}. Now....the Protocel could be causing these changes which is a good thing...or it could be tumor activity..which her oncologist thinks it is...but then again..he is from the old school of.."No alternative treatments works", so...I guess...we here in cyber world...from all over the world need to pray...pray...pray that these changes are a good thing. Many of you, I know believe in the power of prayer...me being one of you...so let's flood the Heavens and nag God...BTW...one very wise parent told me at one time "God loves the "naggers" too....so go for it all....we have been!! :0)

Here on our homefront...the power struggles with the healthcare system still rages on...
The pediatricain who said she would take Kody on as her new patient called yesterday to say "after giving it some more thought...she won't take Kody on...he has too many complicated medical problems".
So, back to square one and with the member directory guide in hand...I started called PCP's listed in there. Only to be told "No, No, No and No again"
This is becoming very frustrating to say the least. A lot of dr's close shop early on Friday so....I'll keep trying come first thing Monday morning.
The sad and most difficult part of all of this is...without a new PCP...Kody will NOT be able to go back to Shands to see any of his specialists. Now, how in the world does one ignorant person...sitting in some dreary cubicle somewhere have to right to dictate if and when a child with a brain tumor can see his own neurosurgeon/oncologist/eye dr.?
Then again...if we were to sell our home, live on the street and walk in with wads of cash...Kody could see a dr., get his tests, and have a supply of headache pills..no questions asked.
I was also told..and this isn't recently but goes back about a year and half ago when we were going through almost similar problems..but where Kody had no insuracne at all because everyone kept drooping him and wouldn't pick him up because "they didn't think he would live long anyway"...
anyway...we were told by a social worker that if we were to divorce we could get Kody any kind of services we needed.
I just don't get it.

But...as a quick fix anyway..just to be sure Kody get's at least his medicine at this point...Dad has a "For Sale" sign on his bike and Mom is looking for a night job. We have to do what we have to do and we both believe it is a small price to pay for our son.

Today's local paper actually had an article about this type stuff on the front page...I'll link that up a bit later if any of you would like to read about this.
In the meantime..I am contacting the person who wrote this article this morning..just as soon as I post this...and I will tell her our story.
A little public embarrassment can go a long way and at this point..I don't care who's feelings get hurt. If at the end of my day I have stepped on a few toes, made a few people upset...I don't care.
The bottom line is there is only ONE person I care about...and he is happily playing with his little brother right now...a scene I would like to see forever. And I will...but not without the help of his wonderful dr's and specialists.

OK..on to more happier things...

I've been working like crazy on a new project and would like to share it with you all now....:0)
Now..Keep in mind, this is still under a bit of construction and I'll have lots more cool things to choose from...but for now...
Would any of you like to have your very own "Official Kody Bear"??

Kody now has his own little store....just click on the "Kody Bear" and he will take you there.

This is a real cool free service from www.cafepress.com....a percentage of the money raised through sales {after Cafepress get's their cut} comes right back to us via a check once a month and will be deposited into an account for Kody's medical expenses not covered by insurance including his headache pills {$22.00 per pill...outrageous, isn't it?} and hospital stays.
If and when we ever get back on track with this insurance nightmare...Kody's fund will help out others in need and/or help out with childhood cancer research.
Unfortunetly...I have heard about too many newly diagnosed children...and as we were helped by our community when this was all new and fresh...we would like to help others. They may not live in our community, they may live 1000's of miles away, we may never meet....but we are all one big family nonetheless.

I'd like to thank you all in advance who will shop with us and for us!!!!

Kaysha's birthday was so much fun for her...and we THANK all of you who left her "Happy Birthday" messages in Kody's GB and who sent her e-cards to brighten her day...
You are all the BEST!!!!
I'll put some new photos up later...

But for right now....I have got a couple of little boys here starting to complain loudly that if they don't get some breakfast soon..they are going to make it themselves!!
As for me...I am in no mood to spend 6 to 8 hours cleaning my kitchen...so I'm outta here!!!

Thank you for stopping by this morning...Love you ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 4:30 PM

~*~*~NEW PHOTOS TODAY~*~*~

~*~HELLO~*~

Who's ready for some good news???

Kody's MRI looks stable!!!!!!!!!!!!!
His ventricles look small...alot smaller as compared to last year...which tells us his VP shunt is working perfectly. {thank God after that biting incident}

We saw his scan on the computer at the hospital...though it is still ugly to look at and it is still there...and though we were praying so hard that it would show up smaller...{{SIGH}}...it isn't.
His tumor is the size of a cherry...the round part being on top of his stem, then the cherry stem part {I guess??} goes down into his stem. So..though he is still considered to be stable...not one dr. knows enough about this very unique type of tumor to guarantee it will remain stable forever. And so..it still seems that his tumor has the potential to have devesating results...if ever and whenever is anybody's guess.
His neuro. feels that his symptoms are just going to be par for the course, and as of now..they are not bothering him too terribly. Actually, I think they bother me more...especially when he falls down.
About the eye tilting up...it's to be expected that his eyes will do some freaky things once in a while and next month we have an appointment with is neuro/eye dr., so we can discuss his eye problems with him.

Our next step...Dr. Pincus is setting us up an appointment to meet and discuss Kody with Dr. Smith, who is a pediatric neuro-oncologist. See, Dr. Pincus doesn't think there is a chemo. combination out there as of yet that will actually help Kody...but, since that is not his field of expertize...he wants us to see this other dr. who is an expert.
Radiation we are still balking at because of the side effects which right now, could be much worse then the tumor itself.
In any case...Karl and I are very anxious to meet Dr. Smith...we have alot of questions for her...some of which we won't allow Kody in the room to hear...grown up stuff, you know. Nothing a child needs to hear or even be concerned about. And since Kody has a tendency to hear and remember EVERYTHING...{little corns have big ears!!}, we just as not have him in the room when there are adult topics to discuss.

Other then that though..we pretty much include Kody in every decision. It's his little body and he is defintely mature enough to make a few decisions here and there.

LOL...Speaking of "little bodies"...well, his is not so little anymore...he weighs 92.5 pounds!!! Now, granted he is tall...but man, none of our children have ever been as huge as he is.
Hope your hearing this Uncle Peter...cuz, Dude...you have got some competition...save a spot on that football team, I have the perfect sign up for you in about 7 or so years!! :0)

Right now...Kody is still terrorizing/loving his brothers and sisters...raising havoc where ever he goes...being completely 100 percent all boy...making us all laugh...being a silly, goofy "cherryhead" {sorry Kody..joke, joke, joke!!}...being the protector of all baby ducks...and we wouldn't have it or want it any other way!!

He is actually such a goofball that written on his hospital chart is "Kody is WELL KNOWN in neurology"...
I guess...LOL...you can take that one of two ways!!!

OK, about the insurance mess up...the battle still rages and the plot still thickens.
Seems that Kody's PCP was recently {maybe about a year ago} investigated {I can't say by who just yet}...and since he is leaving town fast, is selling everybody's child's records to them, and refuses to sign anything for Kody are even get involved anymore....
hmmmm....it makes many of us wonder if he had his licence suspended???

On a brighter note...by the end of the week Kody will have a new PCP and hopefully things will go much smoother whenever he needs medical help/prescriptions/whatever.

So...that's all the news today...
Though we would have really hoped to see no tumor at all...we are happy that we got "the best of the worst news"...a stable tumor and no signs of hydrocephlus whatsoever.

In about an hour or so...we are taking off to Kody's favorite restaurant..."The International Grand Buffet", an all you can eat chinese/seafood buffet bar to celebrate our day today...and also an early birthday dinner for Kaysha who turns the big 13 tomorrow!!!!!

Please..before I leave here today...keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she and Kody had an MRI at the same time this morning.
Also... Angel Jake's family in your prayers also as they lay their beautiful little boy to rest today.

Thank you so much for the prayers, support and well wishes that have been sent our way today!!

Tuesday, April 13, 2004 1:45 PM

~*~UPDATE....6:50 PM~*~

Kody WILL get his MRI and be seen by his neurosurgeon tomorrow...
But...the fight with the healthcare system still continues...and NO his PCP NEVER signed the autorization form.
Thursday..we will work with CMS and find a new PCP.
Luckily..I have had a great recommendation from a friend for her pediatrician and the best part...she accepts CMS and Ped-I-Care, would love to have Kody as her patient, and is a smart and caring Dr.
In these days...what else can you ask for?
I will update again tomorrow when we get home...
Thanks for checking in!!
~Luv, Kim~

~*~This Mama Bear doesn't take any C**P~*~

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Kody's next MRI/Shunt Series...April 14th...9:30 AM

~*~Hi everyone~*~

OK....first, let's insert a HUGE aggrivated, stressed out, head pounding {{{sigh}}} right here...LOL!!

Ready for this? As of this afternoon it looks like Kody won't be having his MRI/neuro. visit tomorrow. Why you ask? Well, thanks for asking..:0)
It's because Kody's WONDERFUL, CARING PCP refuses to sign the authorization/referral paper because he feels "It's not his job".
Hmmmmm, not only IS it his job {according to the "official member handbook"}...but it seems that suddenly he "doesn't accept" Kody insurance. NOT!!! His name is still in the most recent member directory.
And, on top of all of this I find out through the grapevine that this Dr. has a "for sale" sign in front of his office and he is boot scootin' it to a different county in two weeks.
Imagine that...leaving and not telling your own patients? So, basically that leaves Kody with no PCP whatsoever.

You see...Kody is covered under CMS {Childrens Medical Services} as his primary....now they have switched over to Ped-I-Care for the primary and CMS for secondary. CMS is for children with life threatening/life long illnesses...and they have been great. When Kody needs anything health wise....MRI's, med's..anything, he has always gotten it. If he gets sick on the weekend and needs medical help, we would take him to the ER..no problem.
Now that Ped-I-Care is involved...the rules change and the paper trail for a stinkin' Dr. visit is a mile long...and we have to have permission from his {right now} butthead PCP for everything and anything.

Meanwhile....Dr. Pincus' office and the CMS office are rolling their eyes...can't believe this man is holding everything up and they are working on it....I've called his PCP office several times..only to be told a different story each time. Like..."they willl sign anything, just fax it, of course we accept your ins.". Well, they have had the fax paper to sign since yesterday and they are not signing it. When the PCP office gets on the phone with Dr. Pincus' office or CMS...their attitude and story changes dramatically.

And..while we all try to wait patiently for an answer as to whether we go tomorrow or not....Kody's school nurse called around noon to tell me he had another headache. I picked him up...his good eye looked a bit droopy and right now he is just hanging on the couch, trying to watch "Cheaper by the Dozen" {Oh My God...that movie was based on our family!!!!!!} and waiting for the Maxalt to kick in.

Now..tell me, why in the world is it so easy for me to get decent health care and referrals for specialists when my other healthy kids need them...but for Kody...everything has to be a disaster? I'll never, as long as I live...understand this crazy system.

Makes you wonder though..if it were their kids that had a tumor growing in their brain...would their carefree, careless attitude be a little different?

And...I'll tell you, they sure do never have a paper trail or a problem when they accept my check in the mail every month.

Ok...enough screaming..let's change the subject. :0) But..thanks for listening just the same!!

Please keep my good friend, Tammy's 16 year old son, James in your prayers as they await the results of his heart tests. As, I mentioned in my last journal entry...James, an otherwise very healthy 16 year old fell in the shower last week...they are running tons of tests and think he has a leak in his heart valve. Please say a prayer that the dr's can fix him up quick so he can live a very happy and healthy life. And..please, if you could say a prayer for Tammy and her husband, Larry...as most of you know...we parents, when faced with such news..can use all the prayers and support we can get.

Well guys...I'm going to wrap this up for right now. I need to spend some "Kody/Mom time"...just as soon as I find out anything, I'll add a little update on top.

Thank you all so much for stopping by and letting me vent away today!

~*~EASTER SUNDAY~*~
Monday update....
Just incase I don't get to update again tonight, I'd like you all to please keep my good friend, Tammy's 16 year old son, James in your prayers.
James is a healthy boy but fell in the shower last week...Dr's are running tons of tests and think they have found a leak in his heart valve.
Please pray that this in not the case...but if it is, that the dr's can fix his heart.
Tammy, like I mentioned is a real good friend of mine {we are neighbors}..she has been by my side and supportive since day one with Kody.
Thank you all so much!!
~Kim~

~THE JELLYBEAN PRAYER~
RED is for the blood He gave.
GREEN is for the grass He made.
YELLOWis for the sun so bright.
ORANGE is for the edge of night.
BLACK is for the sins we made.
WHITE is for the grace He gave.
PURPLE is for His hour of sorrow.
PINK is for our new tomorrow.
A bag full of jellybeans colorful and sweet,
is a PRAYER, is a PROMISE,
is a child's SPECIAL TREAT.

Kody's next MRI/Shunt Series...April 14th...9:30 AM

~*~Hi everyone~*~

<><><><>HAPPY EASTER<><><><><>

<><><><><>HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD<><><><><>

Thank you so much for stopping by today....as I promised....I will be upbeat this time. though, I have to admit....Jake's passing is still being felt throughout our home..thoughts of him make us smile...on the other hand, thoughts of him make us cry.
We know in our hearts though...that Jakie Bear is healed...he no longer carries the burden of brain cancer and he is free...free to play and laugh and run and skip...and he will be "Big Jake" a/k/a "Jakie Bear" forever and ever.
It is Susan, Mark and Jake's family he left behind that will need all of our prayers. Happily Jake will never cry again....sadly, Jake's family will. :0(

I'd like to send a big Thank You to all of you who left such great GB messages for us and also to those who sent us e-cards and e-mails...You guys are the best!!

We had a great time visiting the Easter Bunny...we had an even better time hanging around the mall and window shopping here and there. We had an even better time at McD's!!
So...what did we do today {Saturday}.....well...we colored some Easter eggs {see photo page}....played with the baby ducks...ran some errands...jumped on the trampoline...hung out in Kody's fort...and oh yeah...
I almost forgot....
We made a very special video clip for you all to see...well, OK..one person in particular...
So...without further ado..may I present....the "NOT so perfect "K" kids doing their rendition of "Happy Birthday to you Daddy".
BTW...Now, you can all see the "REAL" kids that we all know and love...and not the cutie ones in the pictures...LOL!!! It only took 78 tries...and believe me, this was the best we could come up with. :0)
~*~HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY~*~

Shout outs tonight go to....

Tracy and Katia....for having so much patience and faith. Do you have any idea how much respect I have for you both..and of course, Dad and sisters too!! It has to be so hard being in the hospital at every holiday...still, they always make it so pleasant and memorable.

Dad....For having a great sense of humor {most times...and I hope today is one of them!}. Now..you HAD to have known we would have something planned out...this wasn't so bad, was it?

Mrs. Terry {Angel Jalen's "Am-Maw"}...For totally brightening Kody's day today with the package of "Blue Angel" things...pencils, t-shirt, and even a "Blue Angel" teddy bear...in Kody's words..."Mrs. Terry is one COOL Gramma....THANK YOU!!!!!!!" :0) BTW...You can see a picture on the photo page.

The Miami Dolphin cheerleaders....for the autographed poster Kody recieved today...it took a while, but I was finally able to push his eyes back into his head long enough to snap a pic!! Oh...and Heather...#35...Kody has got the hots for you girl!!!!!

My son, Kyle...for stepping up to the plate once again and taking it upon yourself to make sure all your little brothers and sisters have a really great Easter. We are so proud of the man that you have become.

All the wonderful friends who sent Kody Easter cards in the mail...he loves them so much!!

Well....it's really getting late, the kiddo's are sound asleep and I think the Easter Bunny needs to make her rounds pretty soon...

Before I go though..please remember Cheyenne in your prayers this week as she and Kody...though states away will be having their MRI's on the same day and at the same time...they were destined to be friends, weren't they?
Let's pray that Wednesday night...both the Fivaesh's and we can both report excellent news.

Have a beautiful and blessed easter Sunday!!!

Thursday, April 8, 2004 11:08 PM

Kody's next MRI/Shunt Series...April 14th...9:30 AM

~*~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY...FRIDAY~*~*~

~*~Hi everyone~*~

As I am sure most of you already know...this morning at 6:04 Heaven welcomed it's newest Angel, Jake. Jake passed peacefully at home and in the arms of the two people who loved him the most...Susan and Mark, his Mommy and Daddy.

I would be lying if I told you writing this tonight is easy, it is not. You see, Jakie Bear was one of the first children we started following on Caring Bridge.
When I was interested in Protocel...in two days everything I ever needed was in my mailbox.
Whenever I or anyone else needed anything, advice, a shoulder to cry on, or a friend to talk to..Susan was there.
I talked to Susan a couple of months ago...and we chatted like old friends do, though we've never even met. We talked alot about our boys..but never about their mortality. Probably because we both believed we would never become Mommy's of Angels.

Losing Jake broke my heart today the same way losing Ashley last January did....it was like losing a baby of my own...the pain just tore through my heart. Then the anger set in and I am ashamed to admit I questioned God today...once again.
Weird....I question Him...I yell at Him...then I thank Him for giving us another day...and I always ask for another, which He so lovingly gives. I hope He realizes that some days even I become a whack job!

I told Karl this afternoon about Jake. I really didn't want to tell him while he was at work, but it was obvious that something was very wrong whe we talked on the phone. When he came home today I was out picking up our grand-daughter, Alona from daycare. When we came home I stayed outside another 10 minutes or so pushing her on "Weeeee" {LOL....our swingset/Kody's fort}. When I came inside what I saw was a man broken...staring at a little boy he had never met yet was so crazy over. It was then when I realized he wasn't wearing his glasses and his eyes were pretty red. I saw him trying to compose himself so he could hug his own grand-daughter.
Yes..even big biker dudes cry...not only for their own children, but for the children who's lives touch our hearts. Children we have grown to love, laughed at all the funny things they had done, worried with at every MRI/Scan/symptom. Children who's innocent eyes stare at us from our computer everyday.
Jakie wasn't just another CB child..he was a part of our family...and lately everyday Karl or one of the kids would always call or come home and say to me "Have you heard anything about Jakie Bear today?"

After the tears subsided and the shock wore off...that's when the "silent conversation" started. I know all you parents of sick children know this one. we looked at each other...we thought of Jake...we thought of Savannah....we thought of Ashley..we thought of Maxie and all the other children we have recently lost, and then we thought of Kody. I think Karl was the first one to say "I am scared".
You know...I am scared too. But we have to think positive thoughts only...and though we may be dying inside everyday that leads up to Kody's MRI next week..we have got to stay strong, not only for ourselves but for all of our kids. They do not need or deserve parents that are falling apart right now. We don't need to fall apartt on each other.

For everything that seems like a symptom lately...we make up an excuse for. Kody falls alot...most 8 year olds with big feet do. Kody gets headaches....it's allergy season. Kody's good eye turned up slightly in his last photos...maybe it was just the angle. Kody is seeing double again....it sure doesn't stop him from playing X-Box!!
I pray with all my heart that the "excuses" win.
But for now...all we can do is "keep the faith" and live "one day at a time".
After all...
"Life is Tough....but Kody Bear is Tougher"

I thank you all for stopping by today...I promise my next update will be alot more upbeat. Tonight I am mourning a little boy I loved dearly.

Tomorrow I will feel a little better...I have to, I have three kids whom I promised to take to the mall to meet "The Easter Bunny". And we have a birthday party to plan for this weekend...Happy Almost Birthday Daddy...We Love You!!!

Good night all....

BTW....I do have some good news tonight...Angel Colby's new little brother, Colton was born yesterday..healthy, big and beautiful..just like his big brothers.
Congratulations Laura and Jack!!! Colby's link is in our "Angels" pull down menu if you'd like to stop by.

Tuesday, April 6, 2004 9:30 AM

~*~Thursday Update~*~
I am absolutely heartbroken to have to say our beautiful little friend, Jake has been called to Heaven.
I will update later...right now I am crying like a baby and need to step away. Please understand...Jake was one of my first "CB Kids" and I feel like I have lost my own baby.
~Kim~

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Kody's next MRI/Shunt Series...April 14th...9:30 AM

~*~*~PRAYERS~*~*~

Just wanted to let you all know Jake's Mom, Susan has updated his page.
I can't even put into words the hurt I am feeling in my heart for this beautiful little boy and his family. Please stop by if you would.

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Kody's new baby ducks were born today..April 6th!!

We're putting a video clip up and a photo on the photo page.
~*~Baby Duck Video Clip~*~

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~*~Hi everyone~*~

Just a quick note to explain that picture up top....

When Kody came home from school yesterday he was feeling awful..
I thought for sure it was the dreaded stomach bug but mostly he just ended up with a headache. This morning when I got him up..another headache. So, look's like me and him will be having some serious bonding time today...which is so cool because I know he's been missing "Days of our Lives" since Spring Break ended...LOL!!!

Well...let me get going here...I'll write more later..
Oh....
Shout outs.....

Tracy...She got my drop downs working last night....YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris...because she has been sooooo good at updating lately....LOL...{sorry, got you back for the "yell at Kim for making us wait & worry entry a few weeks back!}

Everyone who has been signing Kody's GB with well wishes...Thank You!!

BTW...I know the drop down list is jumbled...as soon as I can get a few minutes...OK, maybe an hour or two, I'll get all those names in ABC order. Also...my list of ^i^Angels^i^ will be up today.
Anyone whom isn't on either list and would like to be...throw me a line..and I'll add your site ASAP.

OK, better run, he needs me.

Later Gator!!!

Luv, Kim

Saturday, April 3, 2004 11:06 PM

Kody's next MRI/Shunt Series...April 14th...9:30 AM

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP~*~

Hello All :0)

We never got to Tampa for the airshow...Kaysha is still feeling very puny from the stomach bug but....still the day was a pretty good one anyway!!

Kody was very bummed about the airshow...oh, and it looks like we are having some transmission problems with my car so, the show is out for tomorrow too. :0(
No problem...there will be plenty more shows...Florida is big on air shows!!

Anyway...today was Fruitland Park Day....although we live in Leesburg, the boys go to school in Fruitland Park...a very cute town with an awesome fire dept!! {they have Harley riders there too!} So..the boys and I {Kaysha stayed home...she was still hanging tuff with the "porcelain god"} took off bright and early to see the parade and partake in some Fruitland Park Day activities...
#1 being....Find Mom coffee..it is still wayyyyyy to early to be up and adam....and..
#2 being...watching my young son's get strapped into some funky looking harness just to scale a HUGE rock wall!!

Yes...Kody did make it to the top...smacked some button and leaped down to what have had been his final farewell had it not of been for that wonderful funky looking harness!!
Kolin..on the other hand, who is lovingly known as "my little monkey boy"...didn't have as much luck thanks to his "over-protective/over-bearing brother" who yelled out "Kolin..whatever you do...don't look down!!" Sooooo....what do you think happens...yes sir...Kolin looks down and down he comes. I seriously thought he was going to deck Kody...who by then was apoligizing profusely.

Next stop...giant slide...great idea...great fun...not so great for Mom's with digital cameras. Darn that "delay" feature. I din't get them coming down the slide but I did get a great shot of an empty slide with the two of them at the way bottom....so far out of camera lens reach.
OK...on to what I called the "Double Dare" obstical course challenge. {Is that show still even on??}
Now this was fun...and had I not have been laughing so darn hard watching Kolin try to pull Kody out of that roller ball...squeeze through thingy..{it looks like two huge logs one on top of the other and the kid has to squeeze through it}..I might have gotten some pretty amusing photos.
I do...come to think of it, have a few...let me get them on here later. I think they are one of Kolin pulling Kody out of a tube thing and Kody and Kolin falling on their heads.
BTW...they have hard heads and it was a soft landing..they are fine.

Next stop...oh, of course..what's a day out without spending every dime Mom has on over priced hot dogs and sodas.
OK...it was hot out...they were having so much fun..why not?
I'll tell you why not...because not 20 seconds after I bought the darn things..Kody drops his in the dirt.
You know...I thought that was a really great clue that it was time to go home! :0)

So...what did we do the rest of the day....
We started some yardwork..then Dad came home {Thank God!} and Dad even got into the whole yardwork scene...which was so cool because Kody and Kolin then became Dad's lil' helpers instead of Mom's!!
So..Mom raked and bagged leaves....Dad trimmed the palm's and the boys dragged the branches away.
We were pretty grossly dirty but we had alot of fun.
BTW...Kaysha did not get to help....she was still bowing down to the Goddess of Potty's. {Kaysha..your 48 hours of stomach bug are up tomorow...we're gonna get ya girl!!}

Today Kody got not one..but two packages in the mail!! {see photos}
One was a very cool ceramic teddy bear on a Harley...doo-rag and all!! It looks just like Kody and he LOVES it!! Thank you Paloma!!!!!!!

Th second was a package from "The Tumbleweed Foundation" {see link below}..a box full of all kinds of goodies..and even a tank top and mouse pad with beautiful Angel Julia's picture/logo on it...Thank you Tumbleweed...Kody is so happy and loves the airplane..we're going out to fly it tomorrow!!

I'm still working on, with Tracy {Katia's Mommy} help...the drop down menus. I thought for sure they would link when I worked on it this morning...but, no luck as of yet.
We'll get it....I promise!!

Tomorrow, after CCD I think the plans are to go out and do some serious "Monster Truckin'". {with Kody's RC truck} and maybe we'll go lose another plane..it's Sunday, don't we always lose planes on Sundays!! :0)

Before I leave you guys {See..my fellow Yankee friends and family..I said "Guys" and not "You All"}...my all important shout outs today go to...

Tracy...for patiently trying so hard to figure out where I am going wrong with the drop downs.

Paloma...for bring smiles, smiles and more smiles to Kody and to all of us.

Tumbleweed...Angel Julia's name will go on and on and today I can honestly tell you...Julia's beautiful spirit lives in Kody's heart and in the smiles your package brought to him today.

Jeff {BE MY} Guest...who Kody thinks is soooo cool...but ummm, hey Jeff...Dude...the pictures..please send the pictures Man..Kody is driving us nuts asking everyday!!! :0)

All of you who take so much of your time to visit us and all our friends in need. To pray for us..to laugh with us..to cry with us and to worry with us....

We love you all!!

Have a beautiful weekend!!

Tuesday, March 30, 2004 9:30 PM

~*~Prayers Needed Please~*~

Tonight I found out that our good friend Aaryn is having an emergancy MRI tomorrow due to some pretty nasty headaches he has been getting.
Please..if you could, pop on by his site and leave a few prayers Aaryn's way.
Thank you!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thank you to everyone who has left messages of concern for our daughter, Kayara!!
Here's the update on her...
After spending 15 1/2 hours lying on a ER gourney without so much as a pillow she was finally moved to a room around midnight last night.
By then the demerol she had in the AM for pain had worn off and left her with a splitting headache...plus having no pillow didn't help matters much either. She begged for tylenol for 11 hours during the night/morning and never got it.
She called her gyno. in the AM..he had no idea what was going on because the hospital NEVER called him like they said they would.
By then she and Travis decided that they were checking her out and going home to make an appointment with her Dr. and so they did.
She saw her Dr. this afternoon who without so much as a problem, gave her another ultrasound and found a 2 inch cyst on her left overy. He thinks it might go away on it's own but if it hasn't in about six weeks he will surgically remove it.
Now..here's the kicker...
Yesterday the ER Dr. at Leesburg Hospital wanted and was scheduling an O.R. to do emergancy surgery on her for a ruptured appendix she never even had!!
And here I thought these kind of stories only happen in the tabloids...go figure??!!

Thanks for stopping by tonight...
The kids are sleeping in their own beds tonight FINALLY...
WAA-HOO...
Baby...Your woman's on her way!!

OK..before you all think anything here...
Karl's got Kolin's stomach bug!!!

So...they'll be none of that tonight!!

Love you all!!!
~Kim~

Monday, March 29, 2004 11:00 PM

Hello everyone...

Their baaaaaack.....
In School!!!!!

And guess what?? I kind of missed the little boogers!!

Wow...what a day...where to start?
OK...Travis, my daughter Kayara's husband calls this morning to ask if he can drop the baby off...Kayara fell in shower and needs to get to the ER...no problem.
Turns out she fell because she had a horrible pain that started very suddenly in her abdomen.
They get to the ER by 8:30 this morning....it's now 10:30 PM and she is STILL in the ER!!
I am not kidding but wait, it gets better...
She saw a total of three dr's today...for about 5 minutes each.
The first one says "Your appendix is about to rupture..you need surgery right away".
The second says "No, it's a cyst on your overy"
The third says "I don't know what's wrong"
The surgeon never shows up....her gyno. never shows up..
there is no pain med. orders for her and all the dr's leave, she is still in a ER room, alone, in agony, bored and scared.
They won't let her go home because Dr #1 says if she goes home and her appendix bursts she will die before she can get back to the hospital. So, naturally she is scared and stays.
I talked to her last about an hour ago...Travis picked up the baby and Kyle {my 18 year old}...Kyle is spending the night so if Travis needs to get to the hospital ASAP, Kyle can mind the baby and I am only 5 minutes away.
I want soooo bad to get to the hospital and have a freaking fit...but Kayara knows my temper which really only flares when I know my family is being done wrong...
and she told me "Stay home Mom".
What I can't believe is the way she is being treated not to mention the lack of a room...
Could it be because she hasn't any insurance...I bet it is.
Mark my word by 9:00 tomorrow moring if things haven't changed drastically..well, when I am done..things will change, believe that.
I am seething mad tonight, I really am.
Oh....Travis was going to go back and spend the night with her...the hospital told him "No, he wouldnt be allowed in because it is too late"...
Funny, I always thought the ER was open 24 hours. :0(

OK...Sorry, I just had to get that out...on to other things....

Kody had a real good day back to school. He tried..but failed to come down with a "headache" this morning but {{LOL}} well, like I said...he failed and boot scooted it to school anyway.
And..after all that..he actualy had fun and learned a whle lot about the sun which he spent a good hour after school telling me all about.
He really cracks me up sometimes!!

My drop down menus were off to a good start..or so I thought. But, unfortunetly they are just not working. Luckily...Sammi P's Mom, Karen is working very patiently with me so they should be running at 100 percent very soon.
I would just like to mention...if I have forgotten anyone, it really isn't intentional, please just throw me a line and say "Put me on there too!"
On the flip side...if your child is on there and you would rather not, just let me know and I will take him/her off right away.

Before I leave tonight I would like to thank all of you so much for the outpouring of love you have shown to so many of our families...especially ^i^Angel Maxie^i^
~Savannah~
~Jakie Bear~ and
~Michael~
Although there are way too many families in need of extra prayer and love...these four familes have touched our hearts in a way that is just unbelievable.
Please..if you know of any other families who are facing the heartbreak of watching their loved one gaining their wings...let me know and I would be very happy to include them too.
I don't always have a chance to check my e-mail everyday so the best way to reach me quick is to leave a GB message..we read those everyday.

"Shout Out's" and "Thank You's" today go out to...

Miss Judy for always keeping me laughing!!

Dana for the awesome "Tony Hawk" book...Kody hasn't put it down yet and reading it was the PERFECT thing for Spring Break....he'd go outside everyday on the big swing and read, read, read!!

Karen for the patience and help with the drop downs...anyone else by now would have said "Girl, you are on your own!"

Kody and Karyelle's Relay-for-Life sponsers.....they have exceeded their goals and are so proud of themselves. They can't wait to get started walking those laps for a cure!!

Every one of you for allowing me to scream, holler and vent in todays journal!!

Well...it's late..I feel a long day coming on tomorrow so I better go catch up on some ZZZZZZZZZZ's.

Love you all!!!!

Have a wonderful day!!!!

Saturday, March 27, 2004 9:45 AM

Saturday night...Midnight...
I am absolutely saddened to tell you all we lost Maxie tonight.
~*~Angel Maxie~*~

To turn off the music on the slideshow....click on the headphones {where it says "Music"}

~*~Good Morning~*~

Spring Break Countdown or a/k/a I will finally stop hearing...
"MOM...She's looking at me!"
"MOOM...Get him out of my room!"
"MOOOM...I'm bored!"
"MOOOOM...He/She touched my arm/leg/toe/elbow/hair!"
"MOOOOOM...I can't find my shoes/shirt/Buzz Lightyear action figure/floor of my bedroom/bed!"
"MOOOOOOM...When is Daddy coming home!"
"MOOOOOOOM...I cannot possibly survive another Wal-Mart trip with you!"
"MOOOOOOOOM...Since we HAVE to go to Wal-Mart...Can we buy a new video game/movie/bike/junk food/life for Mom!"
"MOOOOOOOOOM...Get OFF the computer and play with me/look at me/take notice that I am finger painting your bathroom walls with mud!"

And the countdown is...
1 day...22 hours...45 minutes...12 seconds.

Heck..is NASA even this accurate??!!
They would be if they lived here!!

Seriously though...yesterday was definetly the best day.
Our adopted Gramma Carolyn invited the three kids and I out for a day of pizza, bowling {I proudly broke a high score of 17}, playing with wild ducks, {OK, so we didn't exactly play with them...they ran for their lives..the ducks that is, not the kids}, golf cart rides and ice cream.
The fun never ended and neither did the {{{HUGS}}}!!
I'll post some pictures in a little while...I stayed up till midnight craeting a Zeocast slideshow only to find out their little Java Script link won't work on a HTML only page.

On the drive home, Kolin who was too pooped to party anymore fell asleep in the backseat only to wake up before we got home and HURLED {sorry} all over the backseat.
Let's hope #1..This little bug worms it's way out of our house before Monday morning and #2...I somehow find the miraculous cure to getting the stink out. Any suggestions would be great...
I've tried Windex, Clorox Wipes, Spray & Wash liquid and even rubbed in some Downy for a little good luck. Aired it out since yesterday and nothing..it still has the smell.
I'm getting out to Wally World this morning to try some carpet cleaner and that stuff that is supposed to take out baby stains/smells..I have no idea what you call it but they sell it in the laundry section.

I'd like to leave my list of children who are still in dire need of prayer....
Savannah
Maxie
Jake
Michael

If you can, please stop by and offer support to our friends and devestated parents/step parents/grandparents/siblings/all family members in general.

A few GB entries have got me thinking..I don't explain myself well sometimes {NO comments from you Karl!!}...sorry!!
The voting for the @Tylenol Simply Stuffy~Simply Cough takes place the whole month of April.
The tylenol web site I have linked below will put up a link then and that's where you can click and vote for Kody everyday...maybe even a few times a day. They won't put the voting link up any sooner as to make it fair for all the children.
If Kody win's...and I believe the child with the most votes will...will have their face on the bottle of @Tylenol Simply Stuffy~Simply Cough for an entire year and in addition will win a $1,000.00 scholarship towards College.
We're pretty excited about this...especaily Kody. He's got to go to College in order to be a Blue Angel pilot someday!!

Well..Gotta go.
Kody just commented on watching Emeril Aggasi on TV and is now frantically searched for all the ingredients he needs to make that "perfect breakfast"..
I feel a serious kitchen cleaning happening any minute!!

Have a great weekend everyone....I'll get those new pictures up this morning.

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 3:10 PM

~*~PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE~*~

Sadly...once again...we prepare to say "Good-Bye" to another beautiful child as she prepares for her journey into Heaven.
Please...take a moment to stop by Savannah's site to pray and offer support to this beautiful little girl's heartbroken family.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hello...Welcome Back!!

First, I'd like to thank you all for stopping by and opening your heart to Miss Savannah and family. I wish I could say things are better but unfortunetly they are not. Savannah has started to have seizures..never a good sign. Please continue to pray that Savannah's entrance into Heaven is a peaceful one.

Things with Kody are great...he's happily trying to enjoy Spring Break..when he's not too busy telling me how bored he is...he's busy telling me how bored he is. :0(
How many days till school starts again???
4 days...17 hours...20 minutes...but hey, who's counting!!!

We were actually supposed to go to the beach tomorow but...{{SIGH}}...the paycheck as compared to the bills tells us it's not meant to be.
Oh well...maybe next week we can pull the kids from school for a day and take off. Try to explain that to an already bored beyond tears 8 year old...I might as well try to explain the situation to a wall...a wall with tears.
Poor kid...he has got no patience for waiting...LOL!!

So...in order to ease his boredom while I am updating right now...he, Kolin and Kaysha are plastering my kitchen with play-doh hot dogs, burgers, pop-corn and ice cream sundaes.
If I could only trust them to make dinner..man, I would have it made!! :0)

Are you all ready to see the latest in "My Life as a Celebrity" a/k/a "Kody Bear the World's Greatest HAM!!"

We call this one...
~*~Kody and Daddy Biker Buds Forever~*~

Please...Please...Please...before anyone freaks...
they really, seriously, honestly did NOT go 110 mph as Dad {our speed freak lover} describes. 40 mph to Kody might as well be 110...he doesn't know the difference and we're not going to tell him!! :0) :0)

Cool motorcycle...I know some of you have seen this little graphic on "Smiley Central"..
Now you can too add graphics to your site and guestbooks. If you don't have it yet..download SMILEY CENTRAL. It's quick, it's easy, takes up little space and will not slow your computer down {unless your PC happens to be on it's last leg!!}. There are over 8,000 pictures to choose from...just right click on the one you like...highlight "copy HTML code" and then paste it on your site or GB.
Cool, huh??

Well...that about covers all the news thats fit to print today..
Thanks again for stopping by...I believe a wad of green play-doh has just flown past me..I better go!! :0)

Monday, March 22, 2004 5:56 PM

~*~PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE~*~

Sadly...once again...we prepare to say "Good-Bye" to another beautiful child as she prepares for her journey into Heaven.
Please...take a moment to stop by Savannah's site to pray and offer support to this beautiful little girl's heartbroken family.
Just so you know...I had gotten of the phone with Norine, Angel Ashley's Mommy just a few minutes ago and she is the one who passed on the news to me.
Lisa, Savannah's Mom is the first friend Norine met through the internet..they have shared their journey's together.
Norine is beyond heartbroken...and if you could stop by Angel Ashley's site..I know she would love to hear from you. Hard as it is to update..she still does read and appreciate every guestbook entry.
Thank you all so much!!
~Kim~

Saturday, March 20, 2004 2:05 PM

~*~NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY~*~

~*~HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SPRING~*~

Hi...I just wanted to update quick...this was TOTALLY Kody's idea so if there is any chokin' to do...I lay it all on him!! He has had this planned out since yesterday!!
Anyway...Here is Kody's way of welcoming Springtime...
~*~Kody's Springtime Welcome to All~*~

A bit of advice...all of you who are still experiencing winter wonderland may want to skip this!!
OK...go ahead, but don't say I didn't warn you!!

Have a wonderful First Day Of Spring!!

Love you all..
~Kim~

Thursday, March 18, 2004 9:20 PM

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

I am soooooooo soory about the delay in updates..and to all of you who are worried....stop right now...
Kody is feeling good...really good...
Unfortunetly, I cannot say the same for everyone else who keeps coming down with, what else? HEADACHES!!
OK, there must be something going around or else it has to be the pollen and humidity combined because Kaysha woke up with a pounding headache on Tuesday and stayed home from school...so did Karl, he went into work a couple hours late...which, if you all know Karl..is something he never, ever does. On Wednesday Kyle got his and as of Wednesday night....yours truly has one that hasn't gone away yet.

As for Shands....would you believe thery have yet to return any of my calls...and I've made a few.
Even if it is just allergies/sinus/whatever..it sure would have been nice to at least get a phone call back.
I haven't seen Kody's eye turn again..but...I am really keeping a good eye {no pun intended!} on it because the last time his eye turned {before diagnoses day}...it was a gradually thing, so gradual that I never even noticed it till it was pointed out be someone else. Looking back at photos, it was as clear as a bell...still, I didn't see it. I'll kick myself forever for that!

Isn't that a cool picture up top? {picture is now seen on the photo page} Tonight was "Family Night Book Fair" at Kody and Kolin's school. Yes..Dad was really getting into it too...good thing Clifford had a terrific sense of humor!! :0)

Kody's next schduled MRI and visit with his neuro. {if we actually get to see him this time..long story} is on April 14th...I'll keep reminding so that we can hopefully flood the Heavens with lots of prayer.

Speaking of prayer...please keep them coming for our three friends, Maxie, Jake, and Michael as all three are doing poorly and sadly will be gaining their well earned wings...you know though...well, miracles happen everyday and let's hope that they each recieve theirs...wouldn't that be something??

Don't forget...April will be here soon and with that comes lots of fun stuff...

Easter, which is one of our all time favorite Holidays..a day of miracles, right?

And what could make Easter even more exciting?? It's also Kody's Daddy's birthday!!!!!! Expect lots of kiddie surprises that day...oh we have some very cool plans in the making!! {sorry Dad, you'll just have to wait..insert evil laugh here!} :0)

April 14th...Kody's big MRI...well, I don't know if that qualiies for fun stuff, but I thought I'd throw it in anyway.

After that comes Kaysha's big 13 on April 15th {our tax day baby!}

April 19th is Mom and Dad's 24 year wedding anniversary.

April 23rd....American cancer Society's Relay-for-Life where Kody Bear will be leading the Survivor Lap in true Kody style!!

And...a month long, everyday fun kind of thing....
Visit Be A Simply Star and get in your vote, everyday for the whole month of April for Kody's cutie pie face....
If he wins {the kid with most votes will}....he will get...
A $1,000.00 scholarship for that all important College he will go to someday and his face will be on the bottle of @Tylenol Simply Stuffy or @Tylenol Simply Cough for an entire year...
Now, how cool is that??!!
We're pretty darn excited about it!!

Some more exciting news...can you believe it just keeps getting better and better??
Scroll down a bit and check out Kody's Relay-for-Life sponsership $$$ amount...
YOU GO KODY...AND KARYELLE TOO!!!!!!

Well guys..I better get Kolin to bed, Kody has already drifted off..he LOVES to sleep!!

Oh..let me leave one more message for my guy {thats you Karl}...get the coffee going Babe...
After all, you know the rules and as the Bible clearly states it is the MAN who makes the coffee.
That's right folks...haven't you ever heard of
"HE-BREWS"!!!!!

Have a great day!!!!!!

Monday, March 15, 2004 1:22 PM

Sadly, another Angel prepares to take flight...please, if you would, take a moment to stop by Maxie's site. His Mom and Gramma Julie have found out late on Monday that Maxie will only have two more months here on Earth.

~*~New Photos Up on Tuesday~*~

Tuesday...2 o'clock...still no phone call back from Shands. Are we a number or are we concerned parents of an ill child? Makes you wonder sometimes. :0(

~*~Please click here for a special "Thank You" from Kody~*~
You'll need Quicktime Player to view it.

Hi everyone..

Thank you so much for the GB messages and the e-mails...WOW..Kody is a popular guy!!

Anyway...After Saturday nights fiasco...he seemed to be OK Sunday morning. Karl fixed the broken well pipe bright and early on the off chance we had to make a run to Shands.
We watched him all day and...he was OK.
He didnt want to go to school this morning...but went anyway.
As soon as I got home from dropping him and Kolin off this morning I called his neuro's office and as of right now...1:05 PM...I'm STILL waiting for a call back.

Now...I don't want to panic here but...and I pray that it was just my imagination...but I saw Kody's left eye {the good one that was never effected by the hydrocephlus} turn upwards ever so slightly. {That was Satuday night} Of all the symptoms he could have...that one is the worst, tell tale one. Eyes just don't turn for no reason and Kody's eye was the one thing that clued the dr. in a couple years ago that something was terribly wrong.
Soooo....We are still waiting and waiting and when they call, we are insisting that an MRI is done ASAP..instead of waiting for his regular MRI appointment next month.

Thank you all so much for all the GB messages I am seeing in Jake's and Michael's web sites.
They are such sweet little boys and your words mean so much to their hurting parents.
What they are facing is unbearable..something no parent wants to imagine...still, sadly it is happening once again. Jake and Michael will be going to live in "the land of sunshine" soon.
~*~You'll have to visit Jake in order to see what I mean by "the land of sunshine!!~*~

Well...let's me go..I told Kody Bear I'd work on a St. Patricks day background by the time he gets home...thought I had it up and forgot to press "update"...man, don't you just hate when that happens??!! :0)

BTW...I haven't had a chance to work on my pull-down menus..because of Kody feeling so awful....but I'll be starting them little by little...so if you see the menus up and not many names on there..please know that you can drop me a line via e-mail or guestbook and I will include your child too.

Have a geat day everyone and thank you so much for dropping by!!!

Friday, March 12, 2004 12:53 PM

~*~Saturday Night Update~*~

Thank you to everyone who has been going over and signing Jake and Michaels guestbooks..you are all the best!!

I do have one more prayer request for tonight and that is Kody Bear himself....
As you all know, Kody has been having severe headaches that just seem to come out of nowhere and are pretty painful. Kody has a high tolerance for pain..but these headaches are really doing him in.
It is 10:40 PM right now...and not long ago I was able to finally get Kody calmed down and asleep...he had another headache. This one had him holding his shunt, shaking, crying and wanting to vomit {sorry again} but just couldn't. Looks like tomorrow we are heading off to the hospital...no promises on when we'll be back..hopefully the same day, but in the crappy {sorry} world of brain tumors...one never knows.
Tonight Kolin is sleeping with Karl so that I can sleep in Kolin's bed, next to Kody.
And...to make things more complicated...a pipe on our water pump for our house burst tonight {so only one kid got a bath...the others still stink!!} so we are without water till Karl can fix that tomorrow...
We're down to one vehicle so the pipe has to be fixed before the hospital trip {Shands is far away}...
Kyle needs a ride home from work at midnight tonight {possibly even later}...
Man..when it rains, it pours..doesn't it??
I know..this too shall pass...but in the meantime...
"CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!!!!"
~Kim~

~*~Saturday Update~*~

Sorry...I had to take Kody's "Song-of-Love" off today...it was giving some of Kody's fans a problem getting on his site..I have no idea why but I will figure it out later when I have more time. I may have to link it to Kody's other site in order to hear it.

Please...Please...Please stop by our little friend Jake Griffin's site. He is the sweetest little boy who unfortunetly has a horrible brain tumor. Jake has outlived all his Dr's predictions and has blown away all statistics. However, the radiation Jake recieved a couple of years ago has caused serious problems and setbacks. In Jake's Mom's own words "Jake's little engine is running out of steam here on this earth".
This brave little boy is a true "Hero" in our hearts.
~Kim~

~*~Hello Everyone~*~

Whoa...what an absolute beautiful day here...looks like one of those days that everyone thinks Florida should be like everyday...LOL..we do, we really do have cold winters..really!! OK...all 2 or 3 weeks of it anyway! :0)

Yesterday started off great for Kody..but {insert frown/sigh here} by 12:30 his school called to say he had a monster headache. I got him home and did the "headache routine"...cold rag to the forehead, Maxalt, Mom & Dad's bed, snuggles and of course the all important..1 hour of "Days of Our Lives", uninteruppted! Hey..it's a rough job but someones gotta do it!! He was better..much better by the time Days was over.
However..in total agreement with Dad...one more of these sudden monsteraches and we are high-tailing it to the ER.

Today...there's no school, teacher work day or day off day..or something to that tune. Either way..the kids are feeling great and totally taking advantage of having a day off.

Isn't the song on Kody's site pretty cool?? This song was written especially for him from Songs of Love.
Your child could be the proud owner of his/her song too..just click on the Songs of Love link and request a song...it takes a while to recieve it but it is well worth the wait..trust me!! :0)

Starting this weekend I will be doing some revamping to Kody's site..I would love to list a whole lot more kids then what I have now..since space can be a mega problem..I'm putting together some drop-down menus. If you would like your child {or very big children...that's you Mr. Brian!! :0)} please drop me a line via e-mail or let me know in Kody's guestbook...
Kody has got some very, very cool fans and prayer warriors and I know how much they love to meet new friends!!
BTW..this also goes for our ^i^Angel Friends^i^...nobody gets left out and our Angels families are so important to us.

Some real cool news here...Katia is 100 percent donor cells!!!!
We have been doing the Happy Dance for days over this news!!
You Go Ladybug Girl!!!!!

Kody's smiling face just may be featured on a @Tylenol Simply Stuffy/Cough bottle next year...but first he needs your help to do so.
During the month of April, 2004...please vote for Kody by going to Be a Simply Star and vote for Kody. You can vote everyday..I just don't know how many times a day.
The child with the most votes is the winner and not only will he be featured on this product but he will also win a $1000.00 scholarship for College someday!!
How cool is this...VERY COOL...remember, he's got to go to college in order to become a Blue Angel Pilot!!

Well...I had better get a move on for now. Kody and Karl saw some kind of "really cool recipe from Charlie & Emeril" {Kody's words} on Good Morning America this morning and I promised him I'd look it up on their site. Karl just called to remind me..man, those guys of mine love their food!!

Plus...the kids are getting along sooooo good {knock on wood please!} that I think I'll head outside to enjoy some time with them..and of course, use this opportunity for somemore photos!! {They are gonna hate me for this!}

Have a wonderful weekend everyone..Thank You for stopping by...Love you all!!

Still leaving these links/messages below....

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Click HERE to see Kody's video clip of his talent show!!

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Drum roll please.....
Kody's Relay-for-Life team is up to...
$275.00!!!!!!!
Thank you sooooo much to everyone who is helping Kody with exceeding his goal and finding a CURE for cancer!!!!
There is still plenty of time....please if you would like to sponser Kody and/or his big sister, Karyelle {our other cancer survivor!!} for The American Cancer Society's Relay-for-Life, please send checks {made out to "The American Cancer Society"} or cash to....
Kody Kruppenbacher
2402 Myer Avenue
Leesburg, Florida 34748

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Kody Bear...Live and in living color!!
Click HERE

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Kody is a featured child on The Tumbleweed Foundation this month...click on the logo below...

Well..I think that wraps it up for today...
Have a wonderful day everyone!!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

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Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Quilting Angels is having a huge fundraiser going on..please stop by, this is a great chance to win an actual Quilting Agels beautiful quilt!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that little angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

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BUTTERFLY'S FOR TY
For a truly inspirational experience you will never forget...Jennifer's {Angel Ty's Mom} touching and beautiful words to her sweet son and to other parents will keep you coming back and back again.

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ANGEL COLBY
Colby...your beautiful and endless smile lights up the Heavens...Forever missing you Colby James Cole

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ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

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ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

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~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

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ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

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PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

Ashley~Ryan

This is just unbelieveable and every parents nightmare...as if having one child with ALL isn't bad enough...Mom and Dad just found out that their baby son has it too.

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MAXIE

Maxie is in the hospital and very sick.

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MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

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KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant on Feb 5th...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

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CODY
Cody is very sick right now and could use lots of prayers. Mom too...lots of support is needed during these rough days ahead.

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CHEYENNE

Cheyenne's lastest MRI results...FANTASTIC!!!! Keep those prayers coming!!

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BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

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RACHELJOYRachelJoy is very sick with pnuemonia...many prayers are needed for her and Mom, Stephanie

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JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

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LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

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Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Tuesday, March 9, 2004 9:14 PM

Hello everyone!

Kody is doing ALOT better...despite his bite turning every color of the rainbow...and one whopper of a headache on Sunday...he seems to be OK, Thank God!!
Still...he isn't out of the woods yet, so we wait and watch.
The headache...OK...on Sunday he seemed fine, he went outside in the afternoon and wasn't out there too long when he came running in and ran to Karl on his tip-toes, holding he head and screaming "It hurts so bad Dad". Poor Dad...darn near had a heart attack!!
Anyway..I came in from the backyard and we calmed him down with a cold rag to the forehead, 5 mg's of Maxalt, our bed, and by then Karyelle {big sister} had shown up and she layed down with him...45 or so minutes later he was OK....and in true Kody style...hungry!!! :0)

He's been doing fine in school...and the school is well aware of signs and symptoms to watch for shunt failure...
About the kid who bit him? Well...seems like nothing happened to him, unbelievable...I know. And do you think a phone call from his parents ever came...no. How about this....turns out his Dad parks a couple cars behind me in the pick-up line every afternoon...nothing said except a few stares. No problem, I can stare back with the best of them. LOL!!

The little biter better watch out...Kody's got Cheyenne {the Kung Fu Queen} and cousin Alyssa {the Bully Buster} on his side...they make quite the team!!

OK..on to some good news...
Kody's Relay-for-Life sponserships are up to $275.00 as of today!!!
We are sooooooooo happy about this!! Wouldn't it be great if someone, somewhere were cured because of Kody and fans?? That would be something!!

So, how about that picture up top?? Pretty funny!! The guy in the middle is Kody's brother-in-law, Travis. Our daughter, Kayara's husband and our so, so, so, so beautiful grand-daughter, Alona's Daddy.
Travis...well, he is a big kid himself...and this is so great..Travis is an only child...when he met Kayara and she brought him home to a family of six kids...WOW..talk about shock!! But, I can tell you...he has absolutely LOVED every minute of it...and he really, really loves Christmastime because of all the toys and noise!!
The kids...oh man, they think Travis is GREAT!!!!
Anyway....Travis cut his hair into a mowhawk last Friday after work and before he had to cut it off for work today..he wanted to come show Kody and Kolin. The boys were freaking out...and even Kolin is now into the mowhawk look...so that's where that photo came from.
In a bit..I'll add another photo from last night on the photo page...the three of them goofing around. They are pretty funny when they all get together.

Well guys...that's all the news for tonight. Have a great night..and an even better day tomorrow!!!

Love you all....
Kim

Saturday, March 6, 2004 2:10 PM

~*~*~UPDATE...4:50 PM~*~*~
HA...HA...and they said it couldn't be done!!
Click HERE to see Kody's video clip of his talent show!!

Hello...Happy Saturday!!

I know lots of you were waiting very patiently for an update on Kody's talent show last night...{{sigh}}....we did go, but something happened beforehand to make it not as fun as we would have wished.

OK..let me back up...
Every Friday I have a very special date with two boys..Kody and Kolin. I go to their school and we have lunch outside at the picnic tables...Kolin from 11 o'clock till 11:30 and then Kody from 12 o'clock till 12:30.
Not 2 minutes after Kolin came out for lunch...Kody, 3 other boys and the PE teacher come walking down to the school from the field, past where Kolin and I were about to have lunch. The teacher has "that look" and is shaking her head and of course....now I'm thinking "Oh great, what did he do".
Well...the PE teaher says to me "We're on our way to the office to fill out an incident/accident report" and I'm thinking "What??" So...she says "Kody show Mom your chest"....
Now.....Kody looks like he is about to burst out with some tears...he lifts up his shirt and there is a HUGE bleeding bite mark on him....right where his shunt tubing is!!
OK..so now I am just slightly..OK, honestly...more then slightly having a freak out attack and I say "Kody...what the H**L happened??!!" and he says "J**H bit me...we were playing tag and I was going to tag him on the shoulder but I missed and I tagged his ear instead and then he grabbed me by my shoulders and bit me hard".
Now the PE teacher is saying.."we have to go to the office" and I am saying "Well..you might be but I am taking Kody to the care corner so I can clean him with alcohol".
So...off to the care corner we go where, yes, we got the alcohol wipe but first I had to hear how {coming from the nurse} "I cannot use an alcohol wipe on him, only a parent can"...
Yes..you heard right....had I not of been there {thank God I was} he would have had to have waited until I got a call and then got there before his wound could be cleaned.
So...after an ice pack {he was starting to swell and turn purple}...we headed off to the office where the little biting brat was sitting like some totally innocent angel {only God had the strength right then to hold me back}.
We get called into the assistant principals office where I explain as clear as can be "Do you have any idea how dangerous this is?" and she says "Yes, I know" and I say "No, I dont think you do...first of all Kody depends on that shunt working perfectly everyday like you depend on your heart beating everyday...without his shunt working perfectly HE WILL DIE!!!"
UHG......anyway...she told me that the biters parents would be called and he would be disiplined. So, I asked "And how might that be?" and she said "Can't tell you...privacy laws you know".
Folks..this gets even better...
Kody goes back to class because he really wanted to...and I went back outside to try to have lunch with Kolin who was really, really upset about all this {even worse then Kody}. That was useless....we were together about 20 seconds and he had to leave to go back to class.
So....now I have this 30 minute break by the time Kody comes out and I use it to call Kody's neuro. in Gainesville...or maybe I should say I used the time to stay on hold with Kody's neuro's office for 45 minutes till I finally hung up. BTW..I was calling from my cell and those minutes add up quick.
I had lunch with Kody...and flew home to call the dr's again...this time in the privacy of my own home...if you can imagine that conversation...LOL...I had a call back in less then 5 minutes!!
So...now where do we stand...his dr. feels that the tubing is deep enough where it should be OK and Kody is up-to-date on all his shots so he wont need a tetnus BUT....in the event the tubing was damaged, kinked, torn...we have to watch for signs/symptoms of shunt failure!!
Shunt failure...just another wonderful term for...
"Your son's brain is swelling as we speak"..
just great!!
Now..I am no crazy Mom who panics at every little thing but....
Wouldn't it have been just great if they would have said "bring him in and lets scan that shunt to be sure".
And, we are still waiting for a phone call from the biters parents...just a quick one to say "sorry" would be great...nothing yet.
Is it just me or is something wrong with this picture??

In any case...I put a photo of the bite on his photo page...if you don't like grossness...don't scroll to the last photo.

Getting back to last night's talent show....by the time we went, Kody's chest was hurting alot and he just wasn't in his usual funny, playful mood.
He sang two songs with his second grade classmates and looked like he was having fun. When it came time for his solo preformance..he looked like a sad little boy who just wanted to go home. And so we did...and ordered up some pizza to cheer him up a little.

I put one picture of his show on his photo page..the only picture I was able to get.
The video clip...UGH...was a little too long {about 30 seconds} and my hosting site that I store the video clips on will not let me download something that long. I'm still trying to figure out how I can get it up...in the meantime for anyone who would like to see it...throw me a line and I can e-mail it.
From now on though..I know I have to stick to 10 to 15 second clips.

Today...he seems better. He is still hurting but won't take anything for it {he is so much like his Dad!!}.
We went to a grand opening for a local car parts store so thats where the new race car pictures came from...then off to Karyelle's second job at True Value Hardware..where they were having "customer apreciation day"...and you know Kody Bear...he took advantage of all the free hot dogs and soda...nothing, I do mean nothing will prevent that boy from chowing down!!

Well..I had better get going...as always it is so great to hear from you via guestbook, e-mail...
Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to hug someone today...OK, stay away from strangers...but everyone else is cool!! :0)

Love.....Kim

Wednesday, March 3, 2004 10:20 AM

~*~*~New Photos Added Tonight~*~*~

Good Morning to You!!

Lonnnnnnnnng morning for us so far...Kody woke up with a pounder and it's been a Maxalt {headache med.} kind of day.
Hopefully this first dose will start to kick in and he won't need another.....we'll see.
He's trying so hard to get down some scrambled eggs he's been craving but tells me he feels "barfy". :0(
We might have to perform the old "bucket brigade" pretty soon...LOL!! :0)

A few nights ago Karl and I were talking about our lives and how they've changed so much these past couple of years and it got me thinking about a friend of mine from H.S. who has a son Kody's age. He is having a real tough time trying to understand why Kody has cancer and what cancer is. This, I know is so hard to explain to a child..after all...in our perfect world before the big "C" came along....cancer was something that only happened to other families and something we virtually never hear of associated with a child. Then...BAM...one day....one little test...one little sentence from a Dr. changes your life as you once knew it forever.
Now....change can be a bad thing or it can be a bad thing that you can make out of a good thing and in really thinking about it...
We've had lots of positive come out of a very potentially grim situation.
First off...to try and explain the why's....I can think of at least 100 different "what I did wrong" senerios....none of which Kody's Dr. will agree upon. I don't know if it's because "what's done is done so don't beat yourself up over it" or if the "nothing you could have ever done caused this...nobody knows why" theory really is correct.
In either case...Kody has a nasty, horrible monster lurking around the most important part of his brain and at any given moment that thing can grow, change shape and become lethal.
Do we think about it everyday....sure do!
Do we dwell on it....sometimes!
Do we let it get the better of us and fall apart...not any more!
Can we find some postive out of this...Definetly!!!!

In two short years Kody has given us "Hope"...of a new tomorrow.

He has shown us "Strength"...of one thousand men in one little boys body.

He's given us "Faith"...that the power of prayer really can work some miracles.

He shines "Light"...into the darkest of days.

He has brought "Love"...not only into our family but to so many others too...

He has brought our family together that were estranged for too long and has formed an eternal bond with Uncles, Aunts and Cousins.
He has brought an entire community of people together..some I might only see once in a while at Wal-Mart, Church or school..yet I know in my heart...when I need a friend..they are there for me, always.
He has thousands upon thousands of "internet fans" who check on him daily, some for encouragement, some for a good laugh, some just to gaze into those big, brown eyes.

Every single one of you means more to us then you will ever know...every single guestbook message brings smiles too all of us....especially to Kody when he realizes he's made someone else laugh!!

We thank you all...for the love you have shown and brought into our lives...we couldn't make it without you!!

Saturday, February 28, 2004 8:55 PM

~*~URGENT PRAYER REQUEST~*~
I have just recieved an e-mail from Maxie's Grandma...Maxie is extremely ill, is back in the hospital where the dr's are pretty sure his cancer has spread to his brain. Please stop by and offer words of support and of course..many, many healing prayers.
Thank you!!
~Kim~

Happy Mardi Gras Day.....

This message is particuarly for you Cameron S. who is Kody's friend {and shunt brother!} and who lives right in the heart of Mardi Gras Country!!

Well...I guess you can all tell that today was a total "Party in the Streets of Leesburg" kind of day...and Kody, Kaysha and Kolin were definetely big fans of that!!
Mardi Gras for kids day was real cool...and, uhhhh...did I mention kind of expensive??!! But...what the heck...how often do three seemingly innocent kids transform into tigers, spiderman and hearty, pinkish, pretty, girly {I'll find the right word..I promise!} princessy looking mask thing. OK, I couldn't find ther right word...but nonetheless, Kaysha's face paint mask was AWESOME!!
And the "Joker" hats and beads.....two "Must Haves" for Mardi Gras really completed the outfits.
Plus..the cotton candy {see photo page}...well, who can live without that? Not only does it provide hours of sugary hyperactivity but who in their right frame of mind wouldn't mind super sticky hands everywhere!! :0)

OK...so there was no flashing of anything today {unless you count cash}, but Kody did manage to get himself some colorful beads and candy thrown to him by some lil' hottie {his words, not mine} 7 year old cheerleaders.

This week..{Friday night} Kody's school is having a talent show night and BBQ dinner. The entire second grade {Kody again} wil be singing two songs "This Land is our Land" and "I'm Proud to be an American".
Kody also has auditioned {and passed it} to sing a solo song of his choice...in front of 300 or so parents.
Before you all say "Awwwwwwwwwww"..think about it....on stage, all eyes on him, has the attention of everybody, who doesn't have a shy bone in his body....
are we all following me here? Does anybody remember the Christmas Concert at CCD last December?
OhhhhhKayyyyyyy then....
Friday night ought to be very interesting!! Be prepared to see a video clip....it'll be up Friday night!!
Oh..the song he wants to sing, well...he hasn't exactly made up his mind but it looks like Van Halen & Sammi Hagars "Where Eagles Fly" is the big winner.
Don't know the song? No problem...crank up the volume!!! :0)

Kody's sponsers for Relay-for-Life are really starting to come in...drum roll please....
As of today Kody has raised $225.00 for The American Cancer Society!!!!
Thank you soooo much to all of you who have send him $$$$ towards his goal which he had actually exceeded on his very first day!!
Theer is still plenty of time and your sponsership would mean so much....if you would like to send a check to Kody for this years American Cancer Society's Relay-for-Life please make checks out to: The American Cancer Society and mail to.....
Kody Kruppenbacher
2402 Myer Avenue
Leesburg, Florida 34748
In return Kody is sending out a little surprise from him to you with lots of love.

I'll leave Kody's video clip up fro a little while longer before I replace it with another. If you haven't seen it and would like to met the man himself....click HERE
You'll need Quicktime Player to view it and incase you haven't got Quicktime Player it can be downloaded for free...a real good thing to have, especially if you are into movie trailor clips...Kolin's favorite thing to do on the computer!!

Have you all seen the really cool blinking "Hero/Survivor" banner up top? It was created with a whole lotta love from our good friend Helen.
Helen would love to create a personal "blinkie" for your site too...just visit her site and drop her a line. {Her e-mail addy is on her site}

It's never to late to visit The Tumbleweed Foundation, where Kody will be a featured child in March. I know I sound like a broken record {Kody, Kaysha...that's a really big CD} but this is truly a great site in memory of a beautiful Angel....
click on the logo below..you'll be so happy you did.

Kody's appointment with this new Dr. {the kiddie shrink one} is in three weeks. I'm just not sure if he needs to go yet..I've been warned about medication and the fact that he will more then likey want Kody medicated...however...he has met his match and no child of mine will be medicated unless he absolutely needs it, and I just don't feel that Kody does.
What I do fel is that Kody is still greiving for his Ashley and since this is his real first experience with death, let alone the death of a child...he needs more time, more love, more hugs, more time to talk....and in the end...he will be OK. I just know in my heart he will. He is strong...yet tender {like a teddy bear}. He can be real hardcore...yet so loveable {like his Dad}. He keeps some things to himself...yet isn't afraid to speak his mind {like his Mom}. He is one of a kind, truly amazing, a priceless gift from God and my one true Hero...
Just like Kody Bear!!

We hope your weekend is a good one, have fun, relax, play, do whatever makes you happy...just be sure to do it...
life is too short to let any opportunity to laugh escape!!

Wednesday, Feb. 25 9:33 PM

~*~*~UPDATE ON THE UPDATE~*~*~

Today I took Kody for the appointment at his pediatricain and he found nothing physically wrong with Kody...{not that in my opinion he knows about shunts}, he referred us to a pediatric psychologist. His Ped. thinks that Kody may be having something like "Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome", which I don't know much about but I am assuming it's something like soldiers and war....anyway, the traumatic thing was Ashley's passing. As close as we can figure...after Ashley died, Kody's went in to a two week huge depression. Then after that his personality started to change. Very subtle at first then things would just make him snap.
Maybe this is just another step in the grief process..I don't know, that's up to the next dr. to decide..but I can tell everyone this...contrary to what his Ped. thinks, I will NOT medicate my son. Kody will just have to learn like everyone else what is and what is not acceptable in this here world of ours. I hope that doesn't make me a horrible Mom but I really am against doping him up, to me thats a temporary fix to a problem that just needs a little time and a whole lot of patience.
Hopefully, this is just a temporary thing on Kody's part because when he saw how sad Mom was about the whole situation...he in turn got real upset..because as we all know...A Mommy's Boy is a Mommy's Boy forever and seeing Mom hurt is a huge "No Can Do".
I am pretty sure though that is not shunt malfunction related problem because he has had no headaches.
On the flip side of that...his balance is getting alot worse if, and only if he has to balance on one foot {right or left} and he's been dropping things alot lately too.
But...on the other flip side...as you can see in his video clip...he can fly on a skateboard without a problem!!
Thanks for checking in on us again...till tomorrow...
Have a great night!!
And..oops, one more thing...
I still need to get the jewelery pic's up, sorry no excuses this time...as I am now known around here thanks to Eleasha and Karl I am signing this off tonight as....
"The Slacker"!!!!

Kody's "Funny" of the day...
When I told him how much I love the Kody Bear in him because of him being so much like my Teddy Bear...cute, cuddly and fun to have around...I caught him a few minutes later posing in the bathroom mirror saying to himself "Kody, you are NOT a grizzly Bear!"...and with that he made this God awful ugly face, blew up his chest, flexed his muscles and GROWLED!!
Oh...of all the Kodak moments..and I missed it!!!

Tuesday, Feb. 24 10:18 PM

~*~*~UPDATE~*~*~

Tomorrow at 9:15 Kody is having an appointment with his pediatricain for an evaluation for his mood swings. His neurosurgeon thinks this is way extreme and not normal {especially for Kody...after all this is Kody Bear as in Teddy Bear}.
If all turns out OK tomorrow then we'll have to have a shunt series done. Sometimes when shunts malfunction they can cause this behavior because of the pressure building up in the brain.
Please pray for Kody that this isn't the case as that shunt is virtually what is keeping him alive.

Also....I forgot to tell everyone something about the Kody Video...OK, you need to have "Quicktime Player" to view it. If your computer doesn't have Quicktime Player...you can download it for free. It won't hurt anything and as far as I know won't slow things down, plus it's a pretty cool thing to have anyway...alot of things to view on-line run on Quicktime.

On a funnier note...this afternoon after picking up the two boys from school..we made a quick detour to the grocery store, in the pouring rain for the country ribs that Dad was craving.
Thank goodness we love that man!!!
So....driving back home on Highway 27 in the rain {which isn't pretty!} Kody says "Hey Mom, do you want to know what I want written on my birthday cake this year" and so I said "What's that Kody?" and he says very seriously "I want it to say I can't belive I lived to be nine"....OK, so there I am thinking "OK, this is whats wrong...Oh God...he is thinking about dying...now what do I say"....sooooo, I say "Why do you want that?" and without skipping a beat he says.....
"Because as many times as you've said Kody I'm gonna kill ya..I figure I'm lucky to be alive that long!"
Well...I don't think I've ever laughed as hard as I did right there in that mid-day traffic....I'll tell you, I had tears coming down which made Kody start belly laughing like a little nut which made Kolin burst out laughing.....I had to seriously pull the car over...
And would you just believe my luck..I pulled right into a Payless Shoe Store where they were having a Buy One Get One for Half Off SALE!!!!!
WAA-HOO....
Thank God for crazy, silly kids!!!!!!

Have a great night all...I'm off to hunker down with the guy I love!!

GOOD LUCK KAYSHA ON YOUR SPELLING BEE TOMORROW!!!!!

~Kim~

Monday, February 23, 2004 1:59 PM

~*~*~New Photos Today~*~*~

Hello all :0)

So....who's ready to meet Kody?? I hope you are because he is soooooooo ready to meet you!!
Please click HERE to see our "Skater Boy" live in motion picture!!

Thank you...Thank you...THANK YOU...too everyone who has been sending us checks for The American Cancer Society's Relay-for-Life.
As of yesterday we have exceeded our $100.00 goal...we are up to $175.00 and still growing!!! Can you believe it??
Please...there is still time {Relay is in April}..if you would like to sponser Kody please send a check made out to The American Cancer Society" and mail to...
Kody Kruppenbacher
2402 Myer Avenue
Leesburg, Florida 34748
As a personal Thank You from Kody..he is sending out a lil' surprise and an autograph to all his fans and sponsers. :0)

Not much else new here...Karyelle made it home safely from New York last night and we can all breathe easier again...I am NOT a very easy person to live with when someone I love is up in a plane. :0(

Kody has been having some crazy, weird, major personality changes lately...I dont know if he's just being an 8 year old stubborn brat but let me tell you...he is pushing the limits sometimes. ARRRRRRR!!!
Then in the blink of an eye he back to the norm...I really can't figure it out. He's not on steriods or any med's at all so it can't be that. Any BT parents out there...I'd love some feedback on this if it's happened to you to and did it have anything to do BT wise???

Other then that...everything is blissfully boring.

A few kids come to mind today who could use some extra prayer...Katia, Cody, Maxie, Gooch and Maddison just to name a few. Please forgive me if I'm forgetting someone...blame it on "Old-Timers" disease.
Holler if you'd like to be included in Kody's Kids who need a lift.
Soon..when I have some time I'll be putting up a "Table" of kids so you can just pick and click.

Also...for a truly beautiful inspirational lift...stop by Butterfly's for Ty

The Tumbleweed foundation in Memory and Honor of ^i^Angel Julia Levy^i^ is really taking hold and bursting..stop on by if you can, Kody will be a featured child in March.
Mom's...Dad's...this is a beautiful site to have your child on too.
Just click on the logo below...

Another site that has taken off and grown this past month and a half or so is Miss Judy's "Hero's" {listed below}.
I was visiting a week ago and was amazed by how many familier faces are on there...Miss Judy...you are our "HERO" too!!

Well guys...it's about that time of day when I should be off and running to start my after school pick ups..
Thanks for stopping by!!

Sunday, February 22, 2004 4:37 PM

~*~*~SUNDAY UPDATE~*~*~
Hi....I promise to update some more later but I thought you'd all love this little treat....
Please click HERE to see our "Skater Boy" live in motion picture!!
Luv, Kim & Karl

Thursday, February 19, 2004 9:48 PM

Hello everyone!!

Thank you to everyone who has been letting us know that "checks are in the mail"....with your help, hopefuly one day in Kody's lifetime there will be no childhood cancer anymore...that will be the greatest day!!
If you would like still to sponser Kody in this years American Cancer Society's Relay-for-Life...please send checks made out to "The American Cancer Society" and mail them to:
Kody Kruppenbacher
2402 Myer Avenue
Leesburg, Florida 34748

Yesterday was a big and real happy day for Kody...for all of us...
Kody's Uncle Pete from New York..whom he hasn't seen in about 6 or so years visited us yesterday!!
I'll tell you...that guy is Kody's new found "Hero"!!! He totally idolizes him...and I kind of think Uncle Pete feels the same way about Kody!! All the kids just loved him and they played with him all day...and when I say play..I am talking fort, biking, skateboarding, board games, video games, hide and seek, bb gun shooting, basketball, you name it...they played it!! I'll bet Uncle Pete slept real good...LOL!!
About 30 minutes after Uncle Pete left last night...Kody had a crying meltdown and said "I really miss him so much already...it was the most funnest day of my life!"
Isn't that something..I mean, you know...if he could do anything in the world or have anything..he would pick spending time with family..he sure is a cool kid, isn't he?

I still have to take some photos of Kody with his charm necklace on...and I will tomorrow..promise!!

Well...Karyelle and Aunt Vikki did make it to the Big Apple today...imagine waking up and seeing your kid and sister on Good Morning America..now that was cool!
Actually the morning went a little more like this...

Dad sitting at computer playing endless rounds of Spider Solitaire...about 6:35 AM....
RING...RING....RING {that was the phone}
Karl answering thinking the worst...I mean how often do people call that early unless its bad news...worse then that...how often do PERKY PEOPLE {Karyelle and Vikki!} call that early in the AM..especially to a poor man who hasn't even had a cup of Folgers yet!
Dad..."Hello"
Karyelle..."Hi Daddy...I'm in NYC!!!"
Dad..."Your where???"
Karyelle with Aunt Vikki lauging in the back..."How do you get the ABC Studios Dad"
Dad..."Are you in Grand Central Station?"
Karyelle..."Yes!"
Dad..."Look for the Jumbotron and look across the street"
Karyelle..."Dad..what in the BLEEP is a Jumbotron??"
Dad..."KK...its a REALLY big, big screen TV"
Karyelle..."Ohhhhh....I see it...I SEE IT!!!!!!!"
Dad.."OK, let me wake up Mom..call me back when you get there"
Karyelle..."OK"
Dad waking Mom up..."Get up KK's on TV!!"
Mom..."Huh...Coffee...KK...TV...Coffee" {Mom's not a real great morning person}
Dad..."yeah...Coffee..get up and make us some"
RING...RING...RING
"Dad..."KK??!!"
Karyelle..."Daddy, no time to talk...we're inside...look for us"

And with that...Dad's eyes were bolted to the TV...I'm still not sure if it was for Diane Sawyer or Karyelle and Vikki...but we saw them...they were the cute short ones in the back jumping up and down trying to get their faces on TV..
Talk about making us proud!!
So...I guess the rest of the day was spent wandering around the city..oh, then there was the call I got today saying they were lost in Central Park looking for the pigeon stuatue from the "Home Alone" movie...:0)
Haven't heard from them again after that...I do hope she remembers she's supposed to be home on Sunday!!

Well..I better get going, I know there were some others news things to tell..but darned if I can remember them now.
{insert how I hate getting old sighs here}

Have a wonderful night...Love you all!!

Don't forget to visit The Tumbleweed Foundation where Kody will be a featured child in March...Mom's, Dad's..this is a really great site...please stop by...you'll be real happy you did.

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Tuesday, February 17, 2004 10:15 PM

~*~Hello~*~

Welcome Back...

This week on the most exciting adventures of the KNN {Kruppenbacher News Network}...

Karyelle, who is vacationing in NY goes shopping with her Aunt Vikki and decides to do a little shopping at the Danbury Mall in Connecticut...but due to a "reading correct directions map" given by Uncle Phil...they end up in PENNSYLVANIA!!!!!
HA...HA...HA...HA...HA...HA :0) :0) :0) :0)

Wait...it gets better...tomorrow they are taking a 4 AM train into the city with the hopes of finding the ABC Good Morning America show....Now that ought to be FUNNY!!!!!
Not them finding the show and waving to us..the thought of them actually getting there is hilarious!!!

OK...with that...Vik and KK...if you are reading this I know by now you are PIMPING {family joke...really it is nothing like you think!!}..lets just say "I got you back!!"

More news...Tomorrow we are getting a visit from Karl's brother and his wife from NY..we haven't seen them in years and years so that ought to be lots of fun and good times.

The votes are tallied and looks like "Kody's Jets" is the winner for Relay-for-Life...just one thing though...{insert big sigh here}, we just coudn't come up with enough people to make a team or the funds to get things started {insert big frown here}, so although Kody will always be "Kodys Jets"....Kody will be joining his big sister, Karyelle's {the one with no sense of direction...LOL!!} banks team and it will be called "A League of their Own". The bank is called Citizens First and it is located in The Villages, Florida.
Kody's goal to is raise $100.00 and so if anybody would like to sponser him...please send the checks this way but make them out to The American Cancer Society.
Please, feel free to put Kody's name on the "memo" line so everyone knows that he raised that money.
Thank you soooooooo much!!
Kody Kruppenbacher
2402 Myer Avenue
Leesburg, Florida 34748

I'd like to send a BIG Thank You to Vickie, who is a good friend of Norine, Angel Ashley's Mom...for the beautiful gold necklace Kody got in the mail today!!
I'll be taking some photos tomorrow but first let me explain...this was just no ordinary necklace.
When Kody opened the envelope a card with a little Angel on it fell out and the first thing Kody said was "Oh, that looks like Ashley"..well, I turned the card around and it was Ashley!! It was a prayer card from her services last month!!
The charm on the necklace says "friends" on it...and the note with it explained that it is half of a charm that interlocks...Ashley is wearing the other half {the "best" half} on her right wrist so that Kody and she will be connected forever. Someday a long, long, long {there were about 10 or more "long's" on the note!!} time from now when Kody gets to Heaven..he'll be able to meet Ashley and their charms will interlock perfectly, forever.
Isn't that absolutely beautiful??
He is soooooo happy and wants so bad to wear that chain but I am so afraid with as active as he is..he will break it.
Man...what a dilemma!! I will though take some pic's tomorrow so you can all see it...it is so sweet!!
Thank you again Vickie...your note reduced me to tears...your words to Kody are so beautiful and how can I ever thank you enough for your kindness and for thinking of Kody in such a loving way?? Thank you!!

Before I take off for tonight please take a moment to stop by The Tumbleweed Foundation. This is an awesome site created in loving memory of Angel Julia Levy who bravely fought a brainstem tumor for two years.
Kody will be a featured kid in March...I urge all parents to have your child {Angels too!!} featured too..this is a great site!! Just click on the logo below to get there.

Well...it's getting late and I have two people in NY waiting sooooo patiently for me to update...HA...they have nooooooooo idea what they are in for!!

Have a great night and an even greater day tomorrow!!

Saturday, February 14, 2004 12:20 PM
~*~*~New Photos Up Tonight~*~*~

Hello and....
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FROM ALL OF US!!!

Great news...

Kody is going to be featured on a brand new web-site called The Tumbleweed Foundation. This wonderful site was created to honor a very special Angel, ~*~Julia Levy~*~ who bravely fought an inoperable brainstem tumor for two years. She did beat this horrible disease..she just had to leave her Earthly body to do so. She still remains in all of our hearts...and now as a complete act of love..her name will continue forever as she continues from above to help other children with illnesses.
I urge all of you to visit this site...and parents of children with cancer and/or other sickness...you can have your child featured there too. Give it a try..I can promise you, you'll be happy you did.
What better way to spend Valentines Day then to go and meet some new friends?

Kody brought home his progress report this week...usually something he dreads {and tries to hide!}..not this time, Kody kicked butt...his grades are AWESOME..and as a treat for doing soooo good he got to go to Wally World {Wal-Mart} and get a new video game.
Thank you Kody's Fan Club from The Villages, Florida for supplying him the gift cards to do so...WE LOVE YOU!!!!
All the extra help and tips he is getting in school is really paying off....
You Rock Kody Bear!!!

Well..that wraps it up for today..I'm on my way to my newly discovered "torture chamber" a/k/a Windsor Pilates...{it's NOT as easy as it looks on the infommercial!!}.
But...Leesburg Bikefest will be here before I know it and I have got to get back into that cute lil' leather thing I got 2 years ago...LOL!!!
Enough said there :0)

Alright everyone...off the computer and go find yourself a little romance..hug a kid, hug your partner..hug a tree...but first...
Go visit "The Tumbleweed Foundation"!!!!!

That's Amore!!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2004 10:00 PM

~*~Hello~*~

I don't have much in the way of new stuff happening kind of news....which means pretty much..our lives are boring and we are just plugging away.
Which..in my opinion...is wayyyyyy cool!!

I do have a little story to tell though...this has not much to do with Kody Bear but, I dont know...I guess I just have to share it with someone.
It's 9:20 at night..everyone here is sleeping, so looks like you all get the job of hearing me out...lucky you!! :0)

OK...8 years ago today God called home someone very, very special to me. My Grandfather and Kody's Great-Grandfather...we call him "Pop-Pop".
I never had a Dad, as far as I can rememember Pop-Pop was the only paternal figure in my life. He loved his grandchildren and he REALLY loved his great-grandchildren!!
He also loved Reeses peanut butter cups,York peppermint patties and yellow Juicy Fruit gum.

One day Pop-Pop was out shoveling snow {we lived in NY} and I came by for a quick visit just to pick something up...we said Hi real fast and he asked if I would stay....nope, couldn't...had to run.

That night Pop-Pop fell walking across his room and cut his head pretty bad. The next day my Mom found him bleeding and took him to the ER where they stitched him and admitted him for observation.
Karl and I got there...and here's something that further proves I come from a family of nuts.
My Mom goes in and says tells him everyone that is there to see him..including Karl...well, Pop-Pop upon hearing Karl was there yells out "Karl's here...am I dying??!!"
{told you we were crazy!}

To make a long story short...Pop-Pop was admitted into the ICU and all was going great...he was laughing, complaining, flirting and was really looking wonderful.
Karl & I went there to see him around 5 PM...but, needed to get gas first we were 10 minutes late.
It was during that 10 minute period that Pop-Pop decided to hold Jesus' hand and fly to Heaven where his wife...my Grandmother, Babci, was waiting for him.

I can't even begin to tell you how guilty I have felt all these years...being late, not being there at the time he passed,but mostly for not sticking around for a few minutes to hang with him that day before.

Throughout these past 8 years Pop-Pop has only come back to visit me twice..or sent an angel..I dont know, I guess it has to do with what you believe.
Anyway..once was in a mall {don't laugh...we LOVED going to the mall..they had a Friendlys restaurant in it..you would just have to known him to know how much he loved breakfast at Friendlys!}
He saw Kody sitting in a stoller who was just a baby at the time and said "what a beautiful baby"...then he was gone, just like that...dissappeared completely.
But...I can tell you..it WAS him..even down to his favorite flannel shirt and blue jeans. He also had the same piercing blue eyes which I am so honored to have had passed down to me.
The second time....as a sad kind of warning...to which something horrible did happen but I won't get in to that.

Kody was just not quite 6 months old when we made the trip to Massachusetts for his funeral...his hometown and where Babci was buried.

OK...so there is an ending to this..I promise!!

Don't get me wrong...Pop-Pop lead a very long and full life and I am so, so , sooooo happy for that but...
Today was one of those...I miss his so much days...the 8 year anniversay of his death....all day I thought..."wouldn't it be great if he could just give me some kind of sign that he is still here watching us, taking care of us..especailly Kody..who needs his watchful eye the most."
But..nothing..all day I looked for that sign and nothing.

Tonight as I was setting up the two coffee machines {that's right...you read it right...it takes two to make Karl and me happy campers!!} for the morning...I wasn't thinking of anything except...got to get the kids homework done, baths, teeth brushing, bedtime, and oh man..this coffee smells sooooo good!!

Well..thats when I heard a little boy's voice next to me say "Mommy...do you want a piece of gum?"...it was Kody Bear and in his hand was....
a stick of yellow Juicey Fruit!! :0) :0)

That was it..that was my sign..he is still with us when we need him..he is still totally in charge of making sure Kody's prayers are heard.

Now..before you say..."OK, so..whats the point?"

Well...I NEVER buy yellow Juicey Fruit...only Trident, Dentyne..you know, the sugerless gums.
So...I asked Kody..."where did you get that?" and he said "Oh, over by the phone"..and with that...I had to smile...say a quick "Thanks Pop-Pop" and then I said "Yeah..Kody..I would LOVE a piece of that gum!!"

Remember up on top of the story I told you what Pop-Pop loved {what I and the older kids remember most about him}..he loved Yellow Juicey Fruit...and would pass that darn gum around to the kids all the time!!

I really am in a much better mood tonight..I know he is in a really beautiful place..and I know he is holding a spot for me one day...a long, long time from now.

Thanks for listening...Have a wonderful day!!

~*~New Photos Up~*~

Luv...Kim

Sunday, February 8, 2004 9:25 PM

Hello and welcome to another exciting edition of "KNN"...otherwise known as your friendly neighborhood "Kruppenbacher News Network"...

Top news tonight....
The race for Kody's Relay-for-Life team is dwindeling down to it's final few days...get those votes in!!!
In the lead so far...."Kody's Jets"...following closely and as in true NY Yankee style...ready to deliver that ol' one, two Sucker Punch is "Kody's Yankees".
Who will be the reigning champion...we will let our audience decide!! :0)
Now...though..."Kody's Jets" seems very appropriate {Blue Angels/big dream/future pilot}...and who can forget that precious pic. of Kody at 15 months and Dad at....errrr...lets not go there!!...waving to us from Jets/Giants Stadium...

Let us not ever forget those more cuter then anything ever pinstriped little cutie pie Pumpkin Yankee Boy wearing his stripes at 13 months.

A word of caution..one parent may seem to be pitting against the other in this little war...
please know this is all in fun...we love each other...we really do. Dad actually would love to see Mom win...Dad doesn't mind taking Mom out to an all you can eat Chinese/Seafood Restaurant/Jewelry Dept./Big Screen TV Store/Electronics Dept., just incase she loses...Mom would like Dad to know..
That's a BIG just incase!! :0)

More news on the homefront..
Yes..you heard it here first...
OVER 100,000 hits!!!!!!!
WAA-HOO....keep them coming and please keep those Heavens flooding with Kody Bear prayers!!
Thank you from all of us to all of Kody's fans for the huge outpouring of love!!

Postive proof that God hears our prayers lives right our house...he's cute, has awesome brown hair, big brown melt your heart eyes, a heart of gold, a mischevious grin and believe it or not he is sleeping in his OWN BED as we speak...Go Kody...You Da Man!!!
And Mommy gets Daddy tonight...YEAH!!!!!

Well...that about wraps it up for tonights edition of KNN's "My Life is a Soap Opera".
Daddy is waiting and Mom is sooooooo outta here!!!!!

Take care..LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Oops...one more bit of news...

Once in a while, completely out of the blue you will run across a Mom who's GB entries are more then just entries..they are words spoken directly from the heart...they are breathtaking and they have the capability to make you feel every single emmotion in your own heart.
With that..may I introduce our newest friend...Jennifer.
Many of you may already know Jennifer as she follows so many of our children faithfully. What you may not know is that Jennifer lost her own baby boy, Ty three short months ago.
Angel Ty now has his own web-site and his Mom's entries {which are new everyday} will leave you in complete awe.
Stop by and please tell her Kody Bear sent you...
As always...thank you!!!
Butterflies for Ty

Friday, Feb. 6th...11:00 PM

There are no words to describe the heartache that is felt throughout Florida today as we woke up this morning to the news we were so dreading. Carlie's body had been found.
There is no good reason that I can ever think of that this should all make sense and I cannot in my most worst nightmare imagine the pain ripping through her parents hearts.
I can say one thing though..as my faith has taught us, in times like this...Carlie's beautiful spirit was already holding Jesus' hand and she felt no pain...only the warmth and beauty of Heaven.
Please pray for Carlie's family, friends and clasmates...that their healing process begins soon.
Sweet Dreams Angel Carlie...you were just a child who's sweet face I watched on TV all week..but you found a spot in our hearts right away. We will never forget you and your life was not taken in vain as today, I watch so many parents watch their children more closely, hug them more tightly and treasure them wholeheartedly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Today we reached over 100,000 hits!!
Thank you so much to all of Kody's fans...we love you all!!
To celebrate...we did what we did when we reached 10,000 hits {and we were freaking out then!!}..we celebrated with dinner at McD's!!

Today was also Kody's big day to meet his longtime internet friend, Cody with a "C"!!
What a great morning it was...Cody, Kody, Kolin and Kaysha {who was a HUGE help with Rielly!} just took to each other right off the bat like they had been friends forever...it was so much fun to watch them play like just a bunch of "normal" kids...running, climbing, laughing, jumping...what a day!!!!
I've put some pictures up...so please stop by the photo page and enjoy!!

Eleasha, Chris {Eleasha's friend and traveling buddy}, Cody, Baby Rielly and Gunner {their little dog}....

WE MISS YOU SO MUCH ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!

You guys come back everytime your in Florida..OK??!! :0) :0)

Take Care everyone...thank you for stopping by....
More updates from the KNN {Kruppenbacher News Network} coming soon....stayed tuned!!

Love you all...
~Kim~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thursday, Feb 5th 11:40 PM

Crank up the speakers today cuz Kody is...
BAD TO THE BONE!!!!

Hello everyone..Thanks for coming back!!

First and foremost...PLEASE say a prayer that Carlie Brucia...the 11 year old girl who was kidnapped from Sarasota, Florida will be found alive and safe!! Also...that the piece of S**T that took her will talk.
I know all of you reading this...especially Dad's {believe me I know...I live with one of those Dad's!!} are saying "Give me 5 minutes alone with that B*****D..he'll talk!"

I know this was a hard lesson for the kids to learn but after last weekends walking down the street and not being found right away's grounding around here...I truly do hope that my kids...and many others...have learned from this. Especially the part where Mom says "There are too many crazy people in this world and I have to know where you are all the time".

Soooooooo....tomorrow is the day...the day we finally get to meet Cody, {www.forcody.org} his baby brother, Rielly and his wonderful Mom...Eleasha!! We can't wait!!! They should be getting into Leesburg around midnight and we'll be getting together first thing in the AM...we are so ready!!
The kids have the day off from school, we made a trip to Wal-Mart tonight for some breakfast type goodies, cookies, donuts, fruit..the works...the kids are sooooo excited and the weather is really beautiful...tomorrow {sorry...some of you may not want to read this!!} is going to be 83 degrees and sunny...YEAH!!!
Now...before you seriously want to reach right through that computer and choke me...
It won't last...by Friday night, the temp. will drop until Sunday morning when we wake up to a low of 40 something....OUCH!!!
Mental note...Sunday is "Official Hang Around the Coffee Pot Day!!"

Kody had a terrific day today...I put some pictures up in the photo page...it was one of those "I am not getting off my skateboard so don't even try to make me" afternoons into evening...
I know...I know..what about the grounding thing? Come on...look at those big brown eyes..how long was I supposed to last??
Truth be told...he is still going to bed early...but instead of him thinking of it like he is still being punished...he actually likes it! One huge problem though...what he does is climb in my bed around 8 o'clock with Dad..they turn on Discovery Wings..and wouldn't you just know it...by 8:30 - 9 o'clock they are sound asleep and there is no way I can get Kody up...so, Kody gets my bed and I get his.
Is there something wrong with this picture??

Well...it's getting way late and I am making spelling mistakes like mad, so I'll be hitting the old bed...Kody's bed {yep..he's in mine!}.
I'll update again tomorrow and post new pictures of Kody with a "K" and Cody with a "C"'s day also.

Before I go though...please, for Kody...stop by a few sites. These are Mom's like us who need some Mom's {and Dad's!} like us to leave some supportive, kind words.
Thank You from Kody and Crew!!!

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First we have Katia...who celebrated a new birthday today...today is the day she got her "new blood"...today is also the day that I believe God will give her a miracle!!
Tracy...Katia's Mom has been sounding so tired lately {who can blame her}..GB entries sure do go a long way in cheering up!!

~*~Miss Ladybug~*~

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Norine...Feb 1st was the one month mark of Ashley's passing. Time does not really heal and Norine's heart is breaking more and more everyday as she sorts through Ashley's things and memories start fresh again.
~*~Angel Ashley~*~

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Susan...Jake's Mom is having a very hard time right now...very blue and finding it hard to update.
~*~Jake's Site~*~

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Kelly..our newest friend who's beautiful little boy Sam became an Angel recently.
Through her grief, Kelly has set up a site to help spread the word and find a CURE for childhood cancer. This is an amazing Mom and her description of Sam, through his eyes is truly awesome.
~*~Angel Samuel~*~

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Stephanie..RachelJoy's Mom...This I cannot even begin to talk about without blowing up. Please check out past and present journal enries in RachelJoys page to understand better.
~*~RachelJoy's Site~*~

As always...we thank you from the bottom of our hearts...have a great day everyone!!!

Monday, February 2, 2004 11:21 AM

Congratulations New England Patriots Fans!!!!!

Great game guys...really...
The halftime show...well, all I can say about that is...Thank God we are the kind of family that turns on cartoons during halftime!!

For all you fans out there who are feeling just a little blue cuz football season is over {and baseball will be here before you know it!!!!} I have added on the photopage some recaps from yesterday's "Kruppenbacher Family Annual Football Game"...photographed completely by Dad a/k/a "Substitute Quarterback for the Girls Team"...when you see the pic's..you'll understand, I mean the man can only stand there shaking his head for so long!! :0) :0)

Well..ALL the kids are in school today...YEAH!!! Surprisingly, Kolin didn't even put up a fuss..man, I must be boring!! He did tell me though..."Make sure you tape Days!!"

~*~UPDATE~*~
5 minutes after this posting..Kaysha's school called...she is now home sick..UGH!!

Please be sure to stop in on Katia..she is really feeling the effects of the conditioning she needs before transplant which is coming up this week. Poor little Miss Ladybug..she is really feeling awful.
~*~Miss Ladybug~*~

Also...A few Mom's who could really, really use some support and kind words right now...

Norine...as yesterday was the one month mark of Ashley's passing. Time does not really heal and Norine's heart is breaking more and more everyday as she sorts through Ashley's things and memories start fresh again.
~*~Angel Ashley~*~

Susan...Jake's Mom is having a very hard time right now...very blue and finding it hard to update.
~*~Jake's Site~*~

Kelly..our newest friend who's beautiful little boy Sam became an Angel recently.
Through her grief, Kelly has set up a site to help spread the word and find a CURE for childhood cancer. This is an amazing Mom and her description of Sam, through his eyes is truly awesome.
~*~Angel Samuel~*~

Just wondering...have any of you tried Tahitian Noni Juice? I had just gotten a phone call from a local woman who wants to donate it to Kody. Before I give him anything..and I do mean anything..I always have to do my homework first.

Well..I better get going...have a wonderful day everyone!!!!!

~*~HAPPY GROUNDHOGS DAY~*~

Saturday, January 31, 2004 10:20 PM

Hello and welcome back to our internet family home!!

OK..today marked a HUGE milestone. Here goes..this day should have came years ago but since anyone who knows me knows I am a huge softie..today Kody got his first, official, GROUNDING!!

OK..please don't laugh or say "Awwwww...no, not Kody!"...let me explain here.
Here goes...picture this...
Mom {that would be me} is inside vacumning, laundry, dishes, the works and Kody is bored and wants to ride his bike. OK..as long as Kaysha goes with him and they both {key word here...both} stay in front of the house .I think my exact words were "If I can't see you, you've gone too far". Sounds reasonable, right? HA...not to my two.
So...I'm now..mopping floors, wiping bathrooms a/k/a locker rooms and then yell outside..."lunch is in ten minutes"..which to anyone with a big family knows pretty much means "Be at the table in two minutes or chances are you will get nothing" {Kolin has learned this little lifes lesson really well!}.
So..there I was...flippin' pancakes, havin' a great old time with myself and Kolin...who's already at the table {smart child!} and I yell outside for them to come in now, but...wouldn't you just know it...no Kody..no Kaysha.
So...I go outside and yell...and yell..and yell.
Still..No Kody...No Kaysha.
Kody's bike is laying in the grass on the side of the road on the other side of the street with his helmet hooked on the handle bars.
I call the one neighbor that I know they are friends with and they are not there.
And now I am starting to freak! So..what do I do..call the police? No. Call 911? No. Call Dad at work? BINGO!

Soooooo..now Dad is kind of freaking and it's starting to rain..hard...and I have this awful idea that they are far down the street where {hate to say this but here goes}a couple of not so very nice families live. Especially a new family full of boys Kaysha's age who are bullies...hmmm, just last week they yelled to Kody they were going to kick his A*S. Then they went after him with a stick..then Mom {me again!} came out and threatened to kick they and their parents A*S. {Did I ever mention that I am from NY?}
Soooo...I take off walking {no car today..Dad took it} down the street with Kolin in hot pursuit, in the rain and what do I see....
My two walking back home from...you guessed it...the bad side of the neighborhood.
Wellllll...after a quick call to Dad that I found them...
picture me just hollering like a mad woman and Dad saying "Don't be too hard..just be happy they are safe". I hang up with him and take these two little boogers inside. Where they were safe and there were no witnesses.. {KIDDING...JUST KIDDING!!!!}.
Well..after giving them the "You are grounded" speech..to which Kody said "Whats grounded?" and Kaysha is just sitting there rolling those darn eyes. I had to give them the "There are crazy people in this world and children get killed every single day" speech.
Now, Kody..being really, really sensitive to Mom being mad just cried and cried and tried to explain..but I wasn't having it. I was too busy saying...
"and no TV, and no phone, and no video games, and no leaving the yard, and definetly no desert!"
That was the part that broke him...take away every toy and priveledge..but never, ever take away Kody's desert. :0)

OK...fast forward..
this is why they went...or Kody's version anyway.
the little bully brats from down the street found them outside riding their bikes and saaw Kaysha had a Spongebob doll she had won at Universal Studio yesterday {Florida field trips are COOL!}.
They took her beloved Spongebob and played football with it, threw it in the dirt and then ran down the road with it.
This hurt Kaysha and this was NOT going over well with Kody who took off down the street to get that Spongebob back. Kaysha following close to his heels..and not one of them thought for a second.."Lets go get Mom..she'll get it back".

End of story..Kody did get that doll back..but..he and Kaysha put themselves in a very dangerous situation so...the grounding must stick.
For how long...well..I dont know..not long.
Kody was very, very remorseful..he really doesn't like for Mommy to be mad at him. So...he did get his desert tonight {he was having a total meltdown...like how dare I buy his favorite Little Debbie snacks yesterday and then take it away today}. He did go to bed at 8:30 tonight and all the while he claims he has "learned his life lesson". LOL..right!
And believe me...they will not be leaving the yard for a while...at least a couple of weeks which I know will feel more like a couple of years!!

So..OK.the milestone..
I got mad at and grounded this kid whom I admit..have made him into a monster. A little monster who doesn't understand the word "grounded" and nearly had a coronary when he heard what exactly happens when you are "grounded".
Seriously though..how many of us, upon hearing the dreaded news of our childs illness..have given way to the spoiling thing.
All guilty parties..please raise your hands. I'll go first!!

On a brighter note...Kolin's post op check went well yesterday. He can go back to school on Monday but it will take another week before he really starts to feel better. His voice is coming back a little more everyday..he's still swollen and full of scabs..but he is doing great and things are going normal in everyway.

Yesterday Kody and I took a quick trip to the happiest place on Earth...Wal-Mart!
I had wanted a new plastic tablecloth for our huge kitchen table and had Kody pick one out. So...he did...a red check one, real cute with forks and spatulas on it...but it wasn't until I got home and put in on the table that I realized my red check tablecloth with the forks and spatulas were actually red checks with screwdrivers and wrenches!! He picked out a NASCAR tablecloth...and he knew it all along!!
Now...Dad wants to put in chrome kitchen cabinets and I can just see my whole house going way to "Monster House" {think monster garage with a homey kind of feel!}
This scares me..I can only imagine what is stirring up in their minds as they sleep.

Well...that about wraps it up for todays episode of "My Life is a Soap Opera"....
speaking of soap operas...
Can you believe MARLENA is the Salem Stalker??!! Sorry...huge Days fans here!! :0)

Till next time...have a great day!!!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

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Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that little angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

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ANGEL COLBY
Colby...your beautiful and endless smile lights up the Heavens...Forever missing you Colby James Cole

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ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

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ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

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~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

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ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

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PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

Ashley~Ryan

This is just unbelieveable and every parents nightmare...as if having one child with ALL isn't bad enough...Mom and Dad just found out that their baby son has it too.

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MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

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MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

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KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant on Feb 5th...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

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CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

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CHEYENNE

Cheyenne's lastest MRI results...FANTASTIC!!!! Keep those prayers coming!!

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BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

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RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

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JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

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LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

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This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
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Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Wednesday, January 28, 2004 10:45 PM
******Thursday******
New photos added this morning.
Also...I had a few e-mails asking if it was OK to send Kolin a card to help cheer him up...YES..he would absolutely LOVE that!!
Thank you so much for all the love you show to not only Kody...but to all of us!!
~Kim~

Kolin Ross Kruppenbacher
2402 Myer Avenue
Leesburg, Florida 34748

Hello!!

This will just be a quickie tonight...

We lost out Internet Explorer for a couple of days and trying to get on sites was a real pain in the butt..but thanks to a very cool tech. with smarts {it took 5 of them!} we are back in business and running at 100 percent!!

Kolin still feels horrible...thank you so much everyone for leaving food ideas and all the e-mails have been real great too!! He still won't eat much and has been dropping weight...as you all know, he is real thin to begin with and losing weight...well, that isn't going over well, especially coming from a family who loves their food!! He also isn't talking right...very low and mumbling and he has got a full blown case of the blues..nothing, and I mean nothing makes him smile. Oh..wait...one thing did..a card he got in the mail today from his CCD teacher from last year..she is so sweet and he felt so special!!

Kody is still doing great..though he woke up with a bad headache yesterday {#9 on the 1 to 10 scale} so I gave him a dose of his prescription med. and after an hour it wasn't working so he had a second dose which is the max for 24 hours. He stayed home from school and at around 9:30 I get a call from the school saying "Kody isn't here today?"...so I said "No" and explained why. Well..turns out that yesterday was his OT {occupational therapy} testing and that was the only day they could do it or it would have to be put off another month which means his OT would be delayed another 6 or so weeks.
Well..since we live in Florida and school lets out in May he wouldn't be getting much in the way of help if I let it go so in true "Kody Brave Trooper" style...he sucked it up and went in for the testing. 45 minutes later he was home again.
Today..no headache..no complaints...and once again, another really great day!!
YEAH BABY!!!!!

I changed Kody's hairstyle a couple of days ago...I'll put up a new picture tomorrow...and the little "dawg" comes home telling me that girls are hitting on him...going nuts over his hair..wanting to touch it and giving him their phone numbers!! Hello...this is ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!! I really don't know what to do or feel about this one, I know he's got to grow up sometime but...he is only 8 and still a self-proclaimed "Mommy's Boy"...he does have an awesome head of hair though!!

Well..thats about it for tonight..the house is quiet..everyone is sleeping and this Mom is going to join them!!

Before I go...THANK YOU Karol for the very, very cool "Kody's Jets"...Kody loves it..we ALL do!!! {See top of page}.

Have a great night/day everyone..

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that little angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL COLBY
Colby...your beautiful and endless smile lights up the Heavens...Forever missing you Colby James Cole

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

Ashley~Ryan

This is just unbelieveable and every parents nightmare...as if having one child with ALL isn't bad enough...Mom and Dad just found out that their baby son has it too.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant on Feb 5th...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne's lastest MRI results...FANTASTIC!!!! Keep those prayers coming!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, January 26, 2004 2:39 PM CST

Hello...Welcome Back!!

OK..I think I can break away from my "shadow" {Kolin} for a few minutes to update...{Thank You Kody Bear for FINALLY getting home!!}.
Kolin is doing OK..yesterday being the worst, which was no surprise..his dr. told us he would "crash and burn" on the third or forth day, that's when the swelling is at it's worst.
Any ideas what to feed him from anyone who has been through the tonsils taken out thing would be great..he is living off of Ready Whip whipped cream..the stuff in a can that you just directly shoot into your mouth...LOL!! Come on guys...we honest...we ALL do it!!

Kody is doing great...and that is a gift. Everyday that is a good one is priceless...and today is one of them days!

OK..about this "Jets" theme today...
No...the men have not yet broken me down. As a matter of fact..I'll just let them have their way for a few days till my order from NYYANKEES.COM comes in...HA!!!!
Kody...you will not break Mommy with those big brown eyes..you got me??

Well...there is not much new here today so I better get going and get my chili for dinner started nice and early.

To all our friends and family who live where it's snowing, icy and the weather has turned ugly again...STAY SAFE...we love you all!!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that little angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL COLBY
Colby...your beautiful and endless smile lights up the Heavens...Forever missing you Colby James Cole

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

Ashley~Ryan

This is just unbelieveable and every parents nightmare...as if having one child with ALL isn't bad enough...Mom and Dad just found out that their baby son has it too.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant on Feb 5th...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne's lastest MRI results...FANTASTIC!!!! Keep those prayers coming!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Saturday, January 24, 2004 12:35 PM

Hello!! :0)

Kolin's surgery went real well yesterday and he is home and very, very miserable...which will explain why the mega short journal today...sorry. :0(
He'll be home all week eating ice cream and pop's and goes back for a dr. check on Friday.

This morning we got a surprise phone call from Eleasha {www.forcody.org}..they are in Florida for the next two weeks and we'll get to meet on Friday...Feb. 6th. Kody is sooooooo excited...he has his "Welcome Cody with a "C" sign all drawn and flamed out and ready to be hung. I'll be a very long two weeks listening to him say "Are they coming today??"

If you haven't been to Ashley's site lately...please do stop by. Many new links are posted and your GB entries mean so much. Also there is a beautiful poem written by Norine's cousin that is just amazing.

Kody is doing OK...I guess you could call him on the "headache a day club"....he usually gets one everyday. Hopefully they aren't tumor related but we're still waiting on that next MRI to see.

The battle of the Relay-for-Life team is still going strong...get in your vote today!! Kody's Jets or Kody's Yankees. Now...I know it seems like I am not my usual crazy self today...{are you hearing this Lynn and Karl??!!} but....no doubt..just let me get one good nights sleep and I'LL BE BACK!!! And I've got ideas...you would not believe!!
So..until then here's the cutie pie photos once again..and by Monday...LOL...more tricks will be launched!!

Come on..he does look cute in pinstripes..you got to admit :0) :0)

One more little bit of news/warning...."Jessica" has crawled out of her hole and is popping back up on the net once again. Don't be tricked by her..she is a fake and CB's most bigest scam artist..has been for years.
These are her newest sites just incase she happens to run into you.

www.geocities.com/barbiegirljessica2004
& www.geocities.com/princessnicole2004

OK..I have a little boy here who seriously needs some Mommy time!! Thanks for coming back and checking on us....
Have a GREAT weekend!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that little angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL COLBY
Colby...your beautiful and endless smile lights up the Heavens...Forever missing you Colby James Cole

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

Ashley~Ryan

This is just unbelieveable and every parents nightmare...as if having one child with ALL isn't bad enough...Mom and Dad just found out that their baby son has it too.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant on Feb 5th...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne's lastest MRI results...FANTASTIC!!!! Keep those prayers coming!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Thursday, January 22, 2004 1:20 PM

OK...OK...OK...just to play fair here...it was highly requested...borderline DEMANDED that I include this photo too...
Kody's first Jets game...15 months old.

On the other hand...being outnumbered...I have to include this too
Crank up the volume for a little MAMBO NUMBER 5...NY YANKEE STYLE!!!!!

Heh...Heh...thought you had me, didn't ya pal??!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Wednesday, January 21, 2004 10:15 AM

Hello...Welcome back to Kody's home on the net!!

PLEASE DO NOT LET THAT PHOTO UP TOP INFLUENCE YOU IN ANY WAY!!!
Are ya listening Lynn??? Hmmmm...seems that I have two Kruppenbacher dudes that seriously look forward to your GB entries!! :0)
Now then....for those who don't know what's going on with the YANKEES versus ehhh, Jets contest...{that would be you Vik!!}...Kody is getting together his team for the American Cancer Society's Relay-for-Life and the theme for all teams this year is sports.
So...the names we have chosen are either "Kody's Yankees" or "Kody's Jets" {our two favorite teams in this house}. Well...since we are kind of at odds about this we're letting Kody's loyal fans {that's you guys!!} battle it out in the GB. The team with the most votes in another 2 1/2 weeks is the winner.
Just a little suggestion....wouldn't we all look so great in pinstripes??!!

Not to play dirty here but....these are pic's of Kody at around 13 months...sorry Karl you had this one coming!! :0)

~*~*~AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW~*~*~

OK..on to more news...
Kolin's sugery is a go for this Friday morning...his pre-op appt. went well...the hospital is brand spanking new, the people who are there were really sweet to him and the best thing of all...they have a coffee vending machine!!!
WAA-HOO....bring on those dollars Karl Baby!!!!!!!
Kolin wanted you all to see a picture of him we took there...just like his big brother, Kody, Kolin says "Vending machines are COOL!!!"
It's on the photo page.

Let me leave you all with a tearjerker this morning before I go...get the tissues out....Kody has struck once again. This time in a song he wrote for his Sweet Angel Ashley two nights ago..he is currently working on putting guitar music to it.

This is a song about a special girl named Ashley.
She was very sick.
She could not hold on anymore.
She was very special to me.
I could not do anything without you.
My world is different without you.
My life is different without you.
If I could know where you are I know that you are safe.
I know you are protected by God.
I know He is good to you as I am too.
If I could see you I'd wish to stay.

~*~By Kody~*~

Have a wonderful day everyone...I'll update again after Friday to let you all know how Kolin is doing.

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL COLBY
Colby...your beautiful and endless smile lights up the Heavens...Forever missing you Colby James Cole

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

Ashley~Ryan

This is just unbelieveable and every parents nightmare...as if having one child with ALL isn't bad enough...Mom and Dad just found out that their baby son has it too.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant in January...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne is the proud Mommy to a tiny, I know I'll never spell this right, so I'll say "Taco Bell Puppy". Cinnamon Sugar Fivash is her name...please don't let Kody know about this...LOL..I'll NEVER hear the end of it!!
Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Sunday, January 18, 2004 7:58 PM

Hello....and WELCOME BACK!!!!

Well...what do you think? Can the Kody's Jets hold out for the big win...I don't know..I mean, take one look at Baby Jeremy's photo in Kody's guestbook...and....well...it's not too hard to see where my heart lies!! Couldn't you just squeeze those cheeks??!! :0)

Two and a half more weeks till we end the should Kody's Relay-for-Life team be named "Kody's Jets" or "Kody's Yankees"....Get your vote in today!!
As some of you can see by Karl and my GB entry last night..
This is WAR!! LOL...I REALLY wanted to put pinstripes on Kody's page...but Dad said real loud "That's Not Fair!!". I guess he'll just try to beat me in the GB...HA..he may have Kody on his side...but I have Jeremy!!

OK..on to other "K" family stuff..today was a kind of Dad and his boys day...oh, I was invited....to take pictures!! Kaysha was invited too...but choose to stay home and burn CD's, listen to music, talk on the phone and watch TV.

So..what did the boys do you ask? Well..thanks for asking...
Today they went to a local school where the track/football field is HUGE and they played with their AirHog planes they got from Santa. Lots of fun you all think right?? Welllllllll....it didn't exactly start off that way. {Karl...DO NOT WAKE ME UP RUDELY FOR THIS..YOU KNOW I HAVE TO TELL!!!!!}.
OK..where was I? Oh yes...the plane....the one that on the box says can fly for 150 feet....
OK...so they assemble the plane...pump it up 50 or so times...walk to the middle of the field...and Dad launches it and it soared beautifully...simply amazing..then the wind picked up and it turned...and it turned right towards a HUGE TREE!! Well...there we were the four of us...saying "Turn...Turn"...and there we were the four of us...doing the hand jive/butt moving motion thing "TURN...PLEASE TURN".
Did it turn....no it did not..and it smashed head on right smack into this very bushy and large tree.
Nobody said a word at first...till Kody broke the ice by saying "I'm glad I wasn't flying it!" and then they {notice I didn't say "we"} ran across the field to get what was left of their plane out of the tree.
OK..it was up high..very, very high and Karl, being the real cool Dad he is, he went and climbed that tree..
Girls...all I can say right now is...
THE MAN STILL HAS IT!!!!!!
And while it would have been the perfect photo op., I was soooooooo amazed watching him climb...I totally forgot I was holding the camera!!
Maybe next time!!!
And in the mean time...we learned not to do that again...and all in all, the flying for the afternoon turned out really fun.
Lots of new pictures on the photo page....have a look!!

Tomorrow is Kolin's pre-op appointment and Friday is his big surgery...OK, maybe it's not real big..but this is a kid who actually can't wait to have an operation. Isn't is terrible when siblings look forward to things like that just so they can get attention too??? I really never thought I'd be saying that...
but here we are snapped back into the brain tumor/cancer reality show...and this week's episode features....
tripping, headaches and droopy eyes.
Two things we have noticed alot of lately and so we still wait for that MRI..which hopefully will be soon..like maybe this week but just not Friday...different kid, different hospital that day.

Well..that about wraps it up for todays adventure of "My Life is a Soap Opera"...
Stay tuned for more exciting shows coming to a Caring Bridge site near you soon!!

Till then...sending you some warm stuff from the Sunshine State...

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL COLBY
Colby...your beautiful and endless smile lights up the Heavens...Forever missing you Colby James Cole

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

Ashley~Ryan

This is just unbelieveable and every parents nightmare...as if having one child with ALL isn't bad enough...Mom and Dad just found out that their baby son has it too.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant in January...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne is the proud Mommy to a tiny, I know I'll never spell this right, so I'll say "Taco Bell Puppy". Cinnamon Sugar Fivash is her name...please don't let Kody know about this...LOL..I'll NEVER hear the end of it!!
Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Thursday, January 15, 2004 10:16 PM

Hello everyone...Welcome back!!!

Thank you so much for the prayers that went out to Katia this week...as most of you know she came through her surgery with flying colors and the preliminary pathology results from her lung look pretty good..so, she will be having her transplant as soon as she recovers from surgery.

Tonight was The American Cancer Society's kick-off party for Relay-for-Life. It was a great party and it looks like there is going to be a terrific turn out this April. This year we've decided to join RFL in the Villages instead of Leesburg this year...the people of the Villages have been so supportive and interested in Kody..how could we not?? They really do make us feel so welcome whenever we are there and Kody loves it..I mean he just eats that attention right up..imagine having 50 Gramma's at one time on any given day??!! :0)

So...this year we are having our own team...and looking for members...anyone local??? Please??!! :0)
We plan on asking our biker bud's this year to honor us by placing Kody's "Survivor" medal around his neck and so I am sure we will have a "Team Biker" this year!!
Sounds very cool to me!!
On a serious note...this years theme is "Sports" and each team needs a sport name....which leads me to my next favor....
We have two favorite teams in this house...The NY Yankees and The NY Jets. Now...I'm not going to tell you who likes who {although alot of you already know!!} but we have to pick one...so our team will either be "Kody's Jets" or "Kody's Yankees". We're having a three week contest starting today so please...feel free to sign the GB and pick your favorite...ahem...pinstriped...ahem...blue and white...team.
Thank you soooo very much!!

I'll be putting some new pic's up tonight..after my update, which I am trying to keep short and sweet...some family members here are kind of complaining about the long winded ones lately...can you believe it???!!!!

Oh...back to the American cancer Society....do you remember the picture Kody painted that was autioned off..."I Believe I Can Fly"...it's down below if you've forgotten. Well..I did find out that his painting was sold for...are you ready for this??
Over $500.00!!!!!!!!
Unbelieveable...this really blows my mind!
Let's just pray that $500.00 is finding a cure for brainstem tumors/cancer as we speak...if not Kody..then somebody, somewhere.

Kolin will be having his surgery on Friday, January 23rd {big sister Kayara's 21st birthday}...I don't have a time yet but will find out Monday when we take him for pre-op. Though he knows he will be pretty sore for a week he is definetly looking forward to spending a week at home, playing X-Box and eating popsicles by the dozen.
Incase you don't know..Kolin is having his second set of ear tubes put in and his tonsils and adniods taken out.
Incase you don't know....Kolin is a video game freak!!! Staying home and playing video games is Kolin's idea of Disney World.

Well...that is pretty much all thats going on around here...oh wait...I'm wrong!!

I had Kody's IEP meeting at his school..FINALLY... he is now entitled to extra help, OT, homebound tutoring and extra services {more time on work, answering verbally, etc..} They tested him and tested his IQ...well...verbally his IQ score is a 107....normal for a child of his age is between 92 and 110.
On to the bad news....
His score where he has to write, do puzzles, think and apply it to paper, etc....scored a 77...that's a big difference. But...at least we know for sure that the tumor/hydroceplus has indeed caused him damage to that part of his brain and the dylexia thing was not in my imagination or him just being lazy.
So...that's where the school and all their profesionals come into the picture. I'm really looking forward to next report card time to see the difference.

OK...I had best get going here...
To all our friends up North.....
STAY WARM....we're sending you some Florida sunshine...

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL COLBY
Colby...your beautiful and endless smile lights up the Heavens...Forever missing you Colby James Cole

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

Ashley~Ryan

This is just unbelieveable and every parents nightmare...as if having one child with ALL isn't bad enough...Mom and Dad just found out that their baby son has it too.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant in January...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne is the proud Mommy to a tiny, I know I'll never spell this right, so I'll say "Taco Bell Puppy". Cinnamon Sugar Fivash is her name...please don't let Kody know about this...LOL..I'll NEVER hear the end of it!!
Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, January 12, 2004 9:04 AM CST

Please join us all today in flooding the Heavens with prayers for Katia as she undergoes a very serious surgery today to remove part of her left lung that is being invaded by a fungus infection.
"Please God..heal this beautiful child so that she may receive the cord blood transplant she so desperetly needs to cure her leukemia.
AMEN"
KATIA

From all of us in the Kruppenbacher home...we THANK YOU all so very much for the kindness and support you have given to not only us but the precious children that we ask prayers for.
~*~*~YOU GUYS ROCK~*~*~

Thank you all so much for the anniversary wishes...it wasn't our wedding anniversary but it was the anniversary of the day we started dating {we were married three months later...I was 17 and he was 23..geeeezzz...I just gave my age away!!} or as Karl would put it..."The day I said she was going to be my woman!!" Sweet! :0)

I haven't got a date for Kolin's surgery yet...so that's still up in the air. It will be next week or so...thats what they say, we'll see.

Kody is doing much better...still he has some times of sadness and tears, mostly when he hears certain songs..like the one on his "wedding page". But...he will not shut it off..he loves the song and the words...he is just getting through his grief in his own way. I know he'll be OK..never the same..but OK nonetheless.

Thank you to Mrs. Judy for the BEAUTIFUL "Angel Kisses" figureine you sent to Kody. {Top picture}
He absolutely LOVES it and the first thing he did was give "Angel Ashley" the sweetest kiss.
How can we ever thank you enough for making Kody's heart sing?? We love you!!!!!!!!!

This is just unbelieveable and every parents nightmare...as if having one child with ALL isn't bad enough...Mom and Dad just found out that their baby son has it too.
Ashley~Ryan

Well...I best get going. Kyle...our 18 year old has got to get to the skate shop this morning...
He is going to be in a skateboarding competition in a couple of weeks..the winners will be sponcered by a well known skating company...
now, I am not trying to brag {well OK, maybe I am a little}......
But Kyle is GREAT on a skateboard...it's as if he was born with wheels instead of feet!!
GOOD LUCK KYLE!!!!!!!!!!

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

Take care and have a beautiful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL COLBY
Colby...your beautiful and endless smile lights up the Heavens...Forever missing you Colby James Cole

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant in January...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne is the proud Mommy to a tiny, I know I'll never spell this right, so I'll say "Taco Bell Puppy". Cinnamon Sugar Fivash is her name...please don't let Kody know about this...LOL..I'll NEVER hear the end of it!!
Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Thursday, January 10, 2004 11:00 AM

~*~*~Karl and Kim~*~*~
24 Years together today!!!

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2004 11:47 AM

~*~*~UPDATE ~ 5:30 PM~*~*~

Seems that Yahoo Web Hosting isn't quite satisied with the bunch of dollars they charge us every month to keep Kody's site looking the way it does so in an effort to keep the $5.00 extra per day they are charging us this month I've had to take off alot of links and reduce the size of a bunch of graphics...also, no music.
Hopefully this will only be temporary until I find another web hosting service that isn't so money selfish and
demanding about the amount of data transfer they allow.
Thanks for understanding....
~Kim~

***NEW PHOTOS UP TODAY...ENJOY***

Hello everybody...Welcome Back!!

Today is Kody's TWO YEAR SURVIVOR DAY!!!!!
Let's hear it for Kody Bear....Keep fighting Baby!!!!!!

Kody is getting a little better everyday...though his heart still hurts..he is able to laugh and smile once again.
I have got to share with you this story..it is beautiful!!
The day after Ashley became an Angel..I found a letter Kody had written to Ashley and her family...it reduced me to tears and made me laugh at the same time. I told my most wonderful frind, Angel {from Quilting Angels...link below} all about it and she asked if she could see the letter...
Well...with all the love in her heart that she has for our children...she arranged to have that letter and the picture of Kody holding his candle sent to Ashley...and Ashley's Uncle Ron read it on behalf of Kody!

To Ashley's Uncle Ron..
From our whole family...Thank You so very much for reading Kody's letter..though I know it was painful and I know the tears were flowing..you unselfishly gave of your heart for a little boy who's pure and innocent love of Ashley was shown in that little letter.
We will always hold a special place for you in our hearts.
God Bless You!!!

So...Ashley took with her to Heaven, Kody's letter...Kody's picture and two flowers from Kody, a pink one and a blue one..they were absolutely requested from Kody..and he asked if they could be close to her..
they were and Kody is one very happy little boy.
Norine and Al...You are the two most awesome and caring people in the world..in your grief for your own beautiful daughter...you still had it in your hearts to make sure that Kody's wishes were forfilled too..how can we ever thank you enough??
I hope this is a start...
Last night I talked to Norine on the phone..and the tears were coming from all sides...her's, mine, Kody and Karl's too...and Norine asked me and made me promise that I would do something for her...
"Please get Kody an MRI sooner then April" {that's when he next one is scheduled} because of the news we got when Kody was in the hospital the last time {about is tumor growing in the stem} Norine asked me, begged and made me promise I would....
Norine..I made that call this morning and am waiting by the phone today for our appointment..
Thank you so much for the wake-up....I told Karl last night and he agree's 100 percent with you...
Better safe then sorry.

I'd like to share with you all the letter Kody wrote {bet you thought I was never going to get to it!!}
Oh...one more thing...Norine did tell me last night that during one part of this letter, every single person {and there were ALOT!} in the funeral home was just laughing like crazy...see if you can figure out what that part is!!

Jan. 2, 2004
Dear Ashley...The one that I adore,
I really want you to hear this so you know what I have always wanted to say.
I have all your pictures hanging up on my walls.
Ashley, when my Mom and Dad told me that you went to live in Heaven, my heart hurt so bad. I am pretty sure I felt it break.
To know that you were going to Heaven, I was really, really sad. I am crying right now too.
I know that God knew this year wouldn't be a good year for you and He said "Bring that little girl to me". I'm not mad at God but would you please tell him that I wanted you to be here with me even more.
I know that in Heaven you don't hurt anymore and that you will never be sick again. No more needles, ever.
I just want you to know I love you so much and I am really sad that you had to go to Heaven. I know that your leaving is very painful for your family too and it is very painful for me too. It is hard to wake up and even want to play or watch TV. I think about you all day and alot of things remind me of you...like Jesse James monster garage, scooby doo, teddy bears and Harley's.
Ashley...I promise you if you wait for me in Heaven I will marry you the same day that I become an angel too. So PLEASE don't go and marry another cute angel.
Ashley, I will keep you in my heart forever and ever and ever.
Love, Kody
Kody loves Ashley forever and ever.

To Ashley's Mommy, Daddy, Al and Andrea....
Please could you put this letter with Ashley, close to her heart so she can take it to Heaven with her?
Love, Kody

~*~*~*~He is something else, isn't he??~*~*~*~

With that..let me just tell you a little more news on the homefront...

Kolin is having surgery in a couple of weeks...we brought him to the ear specialist yesterday and he'll need another set of tubes {his second} and he also will be getting his tonsils and adnoids taken out.
They didn't know the story of our family at the ear dr's yesterday {it was our first visit} and so they were real careful about how they were telling us what he would need...I wish you could have seen their faces when we were like "Oh...no problem, this is a walk in the park for us!!"
Anyway...so this makes 3 different kids and 4 different hospitals and on the drive home yesterday Karl and I were joking how someday we are going to {in complete exhaustion} bring one of the kids to the wrong hospital and not notice it until we get there...and it will be, for sure one of the boys because as soon as we get in the car...their nose goes directly into Game Boy Advance and we never do get to see their face again until we get to where we are going! :0)
On a brighter note....it does make traveling alot more quieter...if you can deal with the sounds of Sonic the Hedgehog for hours on end!!

Well...I think that's about it for today.
I'll be working on Ashley's site for a while so I may not be on Kody's too much over the next couple of days. I want to make Ashley's site special..and though it is still painful for Norine to get on..please don't stop visiting and leaving GB entries...now more then ever are kind and loving words of support needed..even just a note to say "I was thinking of you".

~*~*~ANGEL ASHLEY~*~*~

If you haven't had a chance to visit Kody and Ashley's "wedding page"...please do, it's beautiful. Also..Mrs. Judy has made another beautiful tribute page to our children, our heros..
If you would like your child included..please drop Mrs. Judy an e-mail..as I am sure she would love to include your "hero" also.

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

~*~*~HERO'S~*~*~

Thank you all for coming back again and again..
Have a wonderful day!!!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

ANGEL ASHLEY
"Precious Child"...you took a huge piece of our hearts with you..especially Kody's. What keeps us going everyday is the hope that everyday here on Earth is another day closer till the day we meet in Heaven.
"Kody loves Ashley forever and ever...."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL COLBY
Colby...your beautiful and endless smile lights up the Heavens...Forever missing you Colby James Cole

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant in January...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne is the proud Mommy to a tiny, I know I'll never spell this right, so I'll say "Taco Bell Puppy". Cinnamon Sugar Fivash is her name...please don't let Kody know about this...LOL..I'll NEVER hear the end of it!!
Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Saturday, January 3, 2004 11:32 PM

~*~*~ANGEL KISSES~*~*~

Thank you so much Mrs. Judy for the beautiful page you lovingly created for Kody...he absolutely adores it and refers to it as "His and Ashley's wedding page".
This beautiful page is sure to bring a smile to all..I know for a fact it will because it makes Kody's face just light up!! Click on the words "Angel Kisses" to get there.

~*~*~Kody Update~*~*~

He is doing a little bit better today.though he has his moments of complete sadness.
Tonight he asked me to lay down with him when I put him to bed...something he never does anymore...and he just talked and talked about Ashley and Blue Angel Jets and flying and Heaven and pretty soon he had just talked himself to sleep.
Just before he fell asleep he said something to me that was so beyond his years...he said "Mom, do you know how sometimes people will say I know how you feel...well, nobody knows how I feel. I feel the biggest sadness and there is a hurt in my chest and my heart that hurts so bad...so, so bad Mom"
God..I would do anything to see him not so sad...but as we all know..night time is always the worst and I know that time will heal his broken heart and though he will never forget..the pain will lessen and he will smile again when he talks of Ashley..I just know in my heart he will.
Thank you for all the GB entries..the words of encouragement are our strength and it is what keeps us going everyday.
Have a great night...
Love, Kim

Just a note...please stop by and send prayers to our newest child who has relapsed...while on treatment for ALL
Julianna Banana

And for little Katia...what else can possibly go wrong for this poor family...Katia's transplant which is her ONLY hope to beat her leukemia might have to be delayed due to a very serious lung infection.
Katia's Page

~*~*~Thank You!!~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Thursday, January 1, 2004 4:30 PM

At 1:15 this afternoon Ashley's beautiful spirit soared to the Heavens. She entered into God's glorious Kingdom from her home surrounded by the people who loved her the most.
Our hearts will never be the same.
ANGEL ASHLEY

Ashley...the song we have put on Kody's site today is just for you from Kody. You were his first love...and I know you are looking down on him and will always be there taking care of him.
"TEARS IN HEAVEN"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

January 1, 2004 9:34 PM

To all of our dear friends...

We would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the support you have shown not only for Ashley's family but for Kody as well. We are absolutely overwhelmed by the kindness of so many as to Kody's well being today.

I wish I could tell you all that Kody is doing OK, but the sad truth is that he is hurt, he is wounded, his heart is broken and it so hard for him to understand "why?".
I wish I could give him and answer..the words that he needs to hear..but the truth is, I don't have the words, so all I can do for now is to love him and hold him and tell him that we will always be there for him, always. He now knows that it's OK to cry.

Kody picked the song that we will keep on his site until he thinks the time is right to switch back to his Blue Angel song. Though...this song is a sad one and Kody is no exception to tears when hearing it...he understands the love that is in the words..and that is his final gift to Ashley..no more pink rings and necklaces, no more teddybear backgrounds, no love letters..he leaves her with his love..a love that he will keep in his heart forever.

Kody has gained a guardian angel today and Ashley...I would like to thank you for the gift you gave to Kody this afternoon.
You see...when Karl and I told Kody that Ashley had gone to live in Heaven..he fell apart completely...he cried and he shook and he buryed his head in his lap and shook somemore. After the tears subsided a little he went outside to talk to his big brother, Kyle and Kody asked "Why did Ashley have to go live with Jesus?"..as Kyle tried his best to explain that there was no pain or sadness in Heaven and Ashley would always be looking down on him...two airplanes appeared out of nowhere...very low and flew right above Kody's head.
And Kyle said to him..."Kody...do you see those planes...I bet Ashley just sent them, one for her and one for you, because she knew how much you love planes....as a way to tell you she is OK and that she loves you".
With that...Kody smiled, a smile I thought I would never see again for a long time...and he blew her a kiss and said "I love you Ashley".

He has been having moments of thinking, of crying and of not understanding. He is only eight and is growing up way too fast.
Tonight he lit a candle for Ashley and said a prayer..he told God he wasn't mad at him, that he kind of understood but that it still hurts a whole lot." He told God to "take good care of Ashley and to make sure she knows everyday that he loves her and will marry her someday when they get to Heaven together".
As you can imagine...that prayer reduced me to tears all over again. Not only does the pain of losing a little girl that I cherished hurt so much..but seeing my baby hurt so much is about the most painful thing I can think of right now.

Tonight, after you read this..please take a moment to picture Kody and Ashley..two beautiful children, an innocent young love, and pray that Kody heart heals soon.

Thank you so much for stopping by...and thank you so much again for the guestbook entries in Ashley's page..I have been reading them all...and it is obvious that she was a very much loved little girl.

Take Care..and God Bless You ALL!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant in January...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne is the proud Mommy to a tiny, I know I'll never spell this right, so I'll say "Taco Bell Puppy". Cinnamon Sugar Fivash is her name...please don't let Kody know about this...LOL..I'll NEVER hear the end of it!!
Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

No new updates and I am praying that "No news is good news" in Michael's case.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Thursday, January 1, 2004 4:46 PM

At 1:15 this afternoon Ashley's beautiful spirit soared to the Heavens. She passed away at home surounded by the people who loved her the most.
Our hearts will never be the same.
ANGEL ASHLEY

Ashley...the song we have put on Kody's site today is just for you from Kody. You were his first love...and I know you are looking down on him and will always be there taking care of him.
"TEARS IN HEAVEN"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

~*~*~UPDATE...11:30 PM~*~*~

I talked to Norine {Ashley's Mom} on the phone tonight..
That was by far the most difficult phone call ever. I keep hoping that this is all avery bad dream that I'll be waking up from soon..but I guess in reality it isn't.
I'd like to thank you all so very much for the quick responce to my e-mail...your friendship means so much to me..you are all so beautiful...Thank You!!
I did update Ashley's page so you'll be
able to read about her there...it is sad, very sad. Our beautiful Ashley is growing her pink angel wings as I write this.
Kody is devestated..completely. I did tell him that Ashley had gotten very sick and she MAY be going to live in Heaven soon.
Kody fell to his knees, got up, ran to the bathroom, got sick, and then cried and cried like I have never seen him cry before.
I held him and I hugged him and I let him cry on me as I cried on him..and he said "But we were supposed to get married" and I told him "Kody, someday you will marry her". I also told him to say his prayers extra hard for Ashley because God always listens to the childrens prayers first.
My baby was so shook up...he was shaking and I knew that he had to be scared and so I told him that some children have tumors that are very bad...others have tumors that aren't too bad at all and that he and Ashley have two totally different kinds.
He's only 8...why bombard him with all bad, grim news.
He really semed OK with that...when he finally left the bathroom, he sat on the couch and cried silently some more...what could I do? Just hold him and love him and tell him that Ashley needs him to be strong right now...she is in his heart and there she will remain forever.

Well folks...it's getting late, I had better get going...thank you all so much again for the outpouring of love for Ashley and family.

ASHLEY'S SITE

Have a Happy, Safe and Healthy New Years!!

God Bless You All...

~Kim~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Our babies have been born!!! Please take a look at Kody's photo page {the last photo}...we have 7 {so far!!} baby ducks and a couple of more eggs hatching as I write this...they are sooo cute!!!
^A^Angel Jalen^A^...
these duckies are for you Sweetie

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Monday, December 29, 2003 3:52 PM

~*~*~UPDATE...6:25 PM~*~*~

This just in...Ashley is still in the hospital and having many problems, including seizures and shunt failure. Please pray very hard for this little girl, she has been through so much and still amazes us with her determination and fighting ability.

ASHLEY'S SITE

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hello everyone...

See that really cool silver necklace Kody is wearing in his photo up there? Well...that necklace came in the mail today from Kody's really best friend, Miss Cheyenne!! How I wish you could have seen his face when he saw it....and read the letter that came with it. Cheyenne...you are so beautiful...and yes, you sure are one of Kody's bestest friends ever...I have to tell you though...if Kody was just a few years older...hmmmmmm, he's have his eyes on you girl!!
LOL...anyway, back to the necklace...it is silver with Kody engraved on one side and Cheyenne engraved on the other. This, Cheyenne tells us is for a reason...because in her own words... "I thought that I would send these to my best friends. Your name is on one side and my name is on the other. That way, when you are feeling lonely or sad, you can look at it and know that I will be there as your friend always."
Isn't that the most sweetest thing ever?? Can you believe she is only 12 years old...Roy and Donna..you guys have got to be the BEST parents in the world..and Cheyenne proves that!!
We love you guys.....Thank you so much, Kody treasures his necklace and I know he will treasure it forever. :0)

Speaking of sweet things...some of you may have read the GB entry I put in Katia's page yesterday....for those of you who didn't here is a story that happened to us yesterday and how Katia has touched so many lives, even the little ones...who you would think doesn't pay attention to important things..but they really do.
Yesterday I had some returns and exchanges to do at Wal-Mart....which was very crowded, full of people trying to do the same thing. Since the two boys had some spending money that was burning a hole in their pockets, I took them with me. I was standing on line in the jewlery dept. desperetly trying to get the attention of the girl working there and in the meantime Kolin {6 years old} was desperetly trying to get the attention of me. When I looked at him to ask him what was so important...he pointed to a case of earrings...and in that case was the most prettiest, shiniest pair of red ladybug earrings. And he said to me "Mommy, look..Katia's little ladybugs are here too...aren't they beautiful? Mommy...we should say a special prayer for Katia right now"
And so..right in the middle of that busy, crowded store..Kolin said a little prayer {my job was to be quiet!!}, he was so serious and so sweet and when he was done he said "OK people...you can go shop now!!"
I think I may have forgotten to put this part in last night {in Katia's GB} but he also said to me "Mommy, is 1-9-9-7 alot?" and I said "well, yes that's almost twenty dollars" and Kolin said "Well..when it's my birthday I am going to ask Daddy for twenty dollars and I am going to buy those earrings for her and Mommy I am going to buy you beautiful round ones too"
Is this not the most sweetest story?? He absolutely made my heart burst yesterday...and the quiet all around us from shoppers stopping to listen {and pray!!} was nothing short of a miracle!!

Well..Kody and Kolin have just gotten their first tattoos by our new tattoo artist, Kaysha...Im going to get those pictures up in about 5 minutes..those 3 just crack me up sometimes. Santa got Kaysha a airbrush tattoo kit and I heard her say "Hey Kody...want to get inked!!"...yes, she said "inked"..she has been hanging around Mom, Dad and Kyle alot!! :0)

I put a new song on here today...this is another of Kody and Dad's big time favorites and it was special requested by Kody to have it on his site for a while.
The song is "Where Eagles Fly" by Van Halen and Sammi Hagar {can you tell we are big Van Halen fans!!}. The words are beautiful...I think really describes Kody's desire to be "where eagles fly". There is a video that goes with this song, it features the Air Force F-15 Strike Eagles...if any of you with HSI ever have a chance to download it {the Dreams one too!}...it is truly awesome.
Staring hard into the screen to capture a glimpse into Kody's future, you will find Kody and his Daddy every night when he comes home from work...watching this song/video and the Dreams video too...
Dream BIG Kody Bear...just like the dreams Daddy and I have for you!!!

Thank you all for coming back to check in on us, and please don't forget to visit the families of our newest Angels...

Angel Gracie

Angel Max

Angel Nicholas

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant in January...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne is the proud Mommy to a tiny, I know I'll never spell this right, so I'll say "Taco Bell Puppy". Cinnamon Sugar Fivash is her name...please don't let Kody know about this...LOL..I'll NEVER hear the end of it!!
Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley has developed pnemonia and is back in the hospital..please pray that she will be home for Christmas.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

No new updates and I am praying that "No news is good news" in Michael's case.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Sunday, December 28, 2003 9:08 PM

I am absolutely sickened to say we have lost another baby this weekend.
Angel Gracie

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Saturday, December 27, 2003 2:24 PM

Hi everyone...

Sorry to have to start this out with bad news but we lost two little boys since Christmas...I cannot even begin to imagine how devestated their parents must be.

Angel Max

Angel Nicholas

Everyone here is doing well and staying healthy which is really great since even my friends healthy kids are all coming down with the flu. I know it can be embarrassing and certainly I would never want Kody to look like "the sick kid" but I refuse to take him out in public {Wal-Mart, Target, Publix, Church, etc...} without his little face mask on. Knock on wood..he has not even had so much as a sniffle...though, out of the blue started running a fever last weekend which just went away in a few hours.

Christmas was beautiful this year...so much fun and so "normal". My wish is that we continue to see many, many more of them and that Kody will someday be reading to his own children "The Night Before Christmas" every Christmas Eve.

Well...I really hate to cut this short but I have got to run out and do some exchanges and of all the crazy things...Kody's most favorite present is not working...so that's going back too. I really hope Target has some left...all he has begged for since his last hospital stay when he saw it on TV was that darn Land Air RC. If not then I was shown by Dad last night a HUGE army RC tank at Wal-Mart...real cannon sounds and all...hmmmmmm, now who could be wanting that more...Dad or Kody??!! :0)

Have a wonderful weekend...and please do stop by our newest Angels sites...prayers are needed and so much appreciated. As always...we thank you!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant in January...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne is the proud Mommy to a tiny, I know I'll never spell this right, so I'll say "Taco Bell Puppy". Cinnamon Sugar Fivash is her name...please don't let Kody know about this...LOL..I'll NEVER hear the end of it!!
Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley has developed pnemonia and is back in the hospital..please pray that she will be home for Christmas.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

No new updates and I am praying that "No news is good news" in Michael's case.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, December 22, 2003 10:30 PM

December 26....
SOme new Christmas photos are up...have a great day everyone!!

~*~*~The music you are listening to today is John Lennon's "So this is Christmas"...isn't it beautiful?~*~*~

Hello....

Some of you may be wondering where the guestbook is...LOL...well, I heard from a few that the download time was getting pretty long {even for me and I'm on HSI}...which is a good thing, that means lots and lots of you have been signing in..Thanks!! Anyway...I have kept the guestbook and plan on printing out the whole thing..which could take a few days...{it's long!!} I'll be putting all those pages in a binder and it'll be Kody's keepsake forever. Until I get that GB back up and running...please sign in on the Bravenet one that I've set up...lots of room on that one and some really, really cool smileys too. {Kody's favorite is "headbanger"..it looks just like him!!}

I can't believe that Christmas is almost here...I really can't believe how many things have changed here in our home since last Christmas when we thought for sure Kody was going downhill fast and we found it impossible to accept that Christmas 2002 may have been our last. How that boy amazes us...he just keeps fighting and fighting.
This Christmas is really the first one since D-Day {diagnoses day} that has been pretty much "normal"...no illnesses, no ER trips, no hospitals...the kids are loud, crazy and can't stand each other again...nobody feels left out, ignored or put out....yes, life is good and we pray that it stays that way forever.

Still though...in my heart I find it so hard to be Very Merry...so many children have passed away over these past two weeks...too many and I can't help but cry for the parents who have been left behind...picking up the pieces, figuring out how to start a new life with someone they love very much, missing forever. It really just isn't fair!

Now..I know that none of these parents would want any child, Caring Bridge or not...being caught up in the depression and so Christmas will be a happy time here...a time for family, for laughter, for memories, for lots and lots of pictures and mostly a time for us to enjoy the greatest gift of all...one that is priceless, one that cannot be put under a tree or stuffed into a gift box or stocking. That gift is Kody...pure and simple...our son/brother/nephew/grandson/friend/goofy clown/silliest kid you'll ever see is with us...as we celebrate Jesus' birth we also celebrate Kody's life...and pray everyday that it will be a long one. Kody has alot to accomplish...and he has a lifetime to do it all...I am sure of that. After all becoming a Blue Angel pilot takes time, doesn't it??!! :0)

OK....anyway..on to some "My Life is a Soap Opera" stuff....

Some of you may have read the "Gingerhouse Adventures" on Gooch's site...Can I relate or what?? Yes..we too did the "gingerbread with the kids" and....hmmmm, let's just say...after keeping the things together with propped up cans and other sturdy objects...we did end up with a couple of houses Bob Villa might have even been proud of. The thing is though..they just don't give you enough icing {a/k/a edible super glue} in those kits and so I had this great idea of mixing confectioners sugar and water...which turned out looking alot like after the snow ends and the pretty goes away stuff...I believe we used to call it "slush". Well...this slush was alot of fun to the boys and they sprinkled and sprayed every sugar product in the house into it and all over them, the floor, their siblings, me and some even got on the gingerbread house. Three days and counting and I am still walking on bally sprinkly things. Must be like the Easter grass...you know how you'll still find that years to come??

Our next Christmas project was yesterday...cookie making...{see photo on top}. This turned out well...learning from past experience with the G-Bread houses and how kids will be kids and how sometimes Mom's have no patience for stepping on hardened sugar products...this Mom bought the pre-made, pop in the oven and let the kids do their thing when they cool down cookies. Hey, I never, ever claimed to be the Martha Stewart type...and I figure, it's the thought that counts, right??!!

Todays project...Stocking Stuffer shopping and one of lifes greatest mysteries...How the heck can little, tiny stocking stuffers add up to so much money?? My cashier must have thought I completely lost my mind when right in the middle of Wal-Mart madness..I demanded a recount! End of story...she was right, I was wrong.

Tomorrow's big day goes like this....Battery Shopping!! I have already decided we may need to take out a loan for this adventure...enough said.

Sunday was the kids "Christmas/Happy Birthday Jesus" party at CCD {Sunday school}. Oh..how cute they looked up there on stage..Kolin saying his lines so perfectly...Kaysha singing and helping out the pre-K kids...and then we have Kody..dressed like a candy cane {red and white...well, OK..red and kakhi...he has nor will he ever have white pants} singing "Do you hear what I hear" up on stage...yes folks...I shed a tear or two or three....then my baby...started taking over the show and the tears came even harder when I said to myself "Oh My God..what is that kid doing??!!"
Don't know if any of you know this but Kody will someday be a preformer of some sort....HE LOVES THE STAGE AND HE LOVES TO SING...and his teachers made the mistake of giving him front and center. A little Elvis swivel here...a little John Lennon peace signs there...a wink, a bow...and some of the funniest faces only a mother could love! Hmmmmm....they had to practically drag him off the stage...I PROMISE to get some of those photos up tomorrow!! :0)

Well guys...it's getting way past my bedtime so till the next time....
Keep Smiling!!!
Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and PLEASE keep the families of our Angels and also the families who are celebrating Christmas in the hospital this year {most recently Ashley...Kody's Love of his Life} in your prayers. Thank you so much!!!

Have a wonderful day!!!!!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's most silliest Angel. Be free Jake to "PING" from Cloud to Cloud! We will be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is home and ready to enjoy a wonderful Christmas due to the genorousity of some very beautiful and giving people.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Katia will be getting her cord blood transplant in January...this is Katia's ONLY hope...it must not fail..please pray very hard for this baby!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Despite the devestation going on inside Cody's body...he still {Thank God!} remains symptom free...playing and having fun like every little boy should. Pray this lasts forver!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne is the proud Mommy to a tiny, I know I'll never spell this right, so I'll say "Taco Bell Puppy". Cinnamon Sugar Fivash is her name...please don't let Kody know about this...LOL..I'll NEVER hear the end of it!!
Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYAfter a month long trip, Stephanie and rachelJoy came home to a flooded house. When their pipes froze and burst, neighbors tried desperetly to save what they had...unfortunetly...alot of damage was done. Please go to their site and help if you are able.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
JEREMY IS FINALLY HOME!!!!!Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley has developed pnemonia and is back in the hospital..please pray that she will be home for Christmas.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

No new updates and I am praying that "No news is good news" in Michael's case.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Friday, December 19, 2003 9:49 AM

I am absolutely sickened and heartbroken to say that Jake lost his fight with neuroblastoma last night at 9:30...in the loving arms of his Mommy and Daddy.
I miss you so much already Jake!!
Please, please send this family prayers and support.
ANGEL JAKE

Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003 10:37 AM

Hello everyone...

It's so hard to write about anything happy given the news I found out about Jake yesterday...this boy has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember...his parents have been so strong, but now they seem so broken. God how I wish I could take the pain away from every single person who has had the lousy luck of having to use "cancer" {or of course, any of the other too many horrific diseases we have heard of} and "their childs name" in the same sentence.
Where are the cures...where are the freaking cures??!!

OK..well..we put up our tree two nights ago...after a minor mishap..seemed that rain and a leaky roof had gotten into our tree and Christmas decorations and they were completely ruined. So..off to Wally World {as Karl says..Wal-Mart to the rest of us...LOL!!} to get another. No big deal...the new tree is 100 times nicer then the last and already comes with the lights put on...YEAH...what is better then that??!! :0)
The miracle of all of this is that one box I had stored with the tree and decorations had all the kids ornaments in it...a new one every year since birth and all the ones they have made in school..which to me {I know all you Mom's and Dad's agree} are the most precious things to unwrap year after year...
well..would you belive that one box was not touched by a single drop of rain?? It should have been..it was wedged in-between the tree and the decoration box...the leaky rainy roof stuff skipped right over it...unbelieveable!!

The kids had a blast decorating the tree...I'll get some pictures up a bit later...they came out so cute. But for now..I have promised myself a pot of coffee and a wrapping party..since today is the last day the kids are in school for the next three weeks...I had better get a going on that task.

Speaking of having a blast....last Sunday's Christmas party for Kody and Crew at Mr. Pubs was THE BEST!!!!!!!!! The weather started off very wet in the morning but on the drive there..the sun came out, the sky turned blue and the weather turned out beautiful!! Would you believe an elf left a huge stack of gifts there and those same elves came and delivered them yesterday...seems there were too many for Santa to fit on his sleigh so now they are hidded around here....shhhh, don't tell!!
A BIG HUGE GIGANTIC THANK YOU TO MR PUBS, PHAT BOYS CYCLES, AMERICAN CUSTOM CYCLES, OUR WONDERFUL FRIEND MARION {ABATE}, THE ENTIRE BIKER COMMUNITY AND EVERYONE WHO SHOWED UP LAST WEEKEND TO MAKE A SMALL BOYS DREAMS COME TRUE!!!!!
I hope you guys are reading this cuz Kody told me to tell you all he "wishes he could live at Mr. Pub so he could wake up and party everyday!!" He is gonna be something else when he turns 21!!!!!
It was so nice to see so many friends and familier faces again...we do love you all!!!!!!!!

Well guys..the time has come and I have got to get going...incase I don't update again for a few days...
Have a wonderful weekend...stay warm...even us Floridians are cold these days!! :0)

Oh..one more thing before I take off....if you'd click onto the "Photo Page" there is a little gift from all of us to all of you...enjoy!!

New pictures of last weekends party and tree trimming will be up later. :0)

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAKE
Heaven's silliest Angel...Jake your free to "PING" from cloud to cloud. We'll be watching for your "rainbow artwork"!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

November 30th...
Norine called me last night to let me know that Ashley is home and doing remarkably well! She and Kody now have one more thing in common as Ashley has had a shunt put in to relieve her first bout with hydrocephlus.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Saturday, December 13, 2003 11:33 AM

Sunday night....
I am saddened to say that Kody's newest friend has become an Angel. Alyssa did win her couragous battle with a brain tumor...and she now has beautiful wings to prove it.
ANGEL ALYSSA

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hi everyone...

Caring Bridge losing Kim's journal entry take 2...

Man...did you just ever have one of those days?? Ok, so this is take two on entering a new journal entry..let's see if I can remember everything.

First of all the good news...
Kody has bounced back and is feeling great!!

Now the second good news..
Tomorrow is a big day...There is a huge Christmas party for Kody and family at Mr. Pubs {highway 441 in Belleview}..lots of fun, food, bands and good friends. If any of our local friends can make it..we would love to see you!! {Chris..how fast can you fly here??!!}
Please pray for good weather..today is supposed to ba a balmy 79 degrees and tomorrow....cold, wet, gross, wind, hail storms...you name it we'll have it...
OK, with the exception of snow and ice!! :0)

Have you all been to Kody's Christmas Playground? It's alot of fun and it was created especially for him, Kolin and Kaysha by Lori....
Lori.you are the BEST!!!!
Click on Kodys stocking above and it will take you right there.

OK.I better run and get the kids ready for a B-day party they are going to..thank you to Karyelle..I get an entire hour or so to myself!!

Have a great weekend everyone...hopefully this will work this time..LOL!!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

November 30th...
Norine called me last night to let me know that Ashley is home and doing remarkably well! She and Kody now have one more thing in common as Ashley has had a shunt put in to relieve her first bout with hydrocephlus.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Thursday, December 11, 2003 11:46 AM

Hello!!
Kody is feeling much better today...He was a little "off/loopy" most of the day but by last night bounced back once again.
Thank you so much for the prayers!!
As much as I try not to panic or fear for the worse...this time of year, 2 years ago is when Kody was first diagnosed and last year at this time he took a sudden turn downhill.
Last May we found out that it was because of his brain swelling up again and thankfully his VP shunt has worked like a charm.
So, I guess you can see why when things go wrong, especially this time of year...it's so hard to think of it as just nothing. Sometimes, I wonder if normal and nothing will ever be used in my "Kody vocabulary" again..:0)
Love to you all....
~Kim~

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 10:19 AM

Hello...

I'll have to make this quick today...
Please say a little extra prayer for Kody today...
Last night he came down with a horrible headache, then he lost balance a few times..once, completely missing the chair he was going to sit down on.
He still has the headache today and his prescription pain med. doesn't seem to be touching it.

He's pretty upset about missing out on "ornament making" day at school today...so, hopefully if this headache will give him a break..we can work on some ornament making of our own.

He did have his flu shot yesterday...well, half anyway, he is scheduled for the second half in four weeks. I have no idea if this is a reaction to the shot..I truly hope it is as things just always seem to fall apart {healthwise} around Christmastime for Kody.

Have a wonderful day everyone!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

November 30th...
Norine called me last night to let me know that Ashley is home and doing remarkably well! She and Kody now have one more thing in common as Ashley has had a shunt put in to relieve her first bout with hydrocephlus.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Thursday, December 11, 2003 11:46 AM

Hello!!
Kody is feeling much better today...He was a little "off/loopy" most of the day but by last night bounced back once again.
Thank you so much for the prayers!!
As much as I try not to panic or fear for the worse...this time of year, 2 years ago is when Kody was first diagnosed and last year at this time he took a sudden turn downhill.
Last May we found out that it was because of his brain swelling up again and thankfully his VP shunt has worked like a charm.
So, I guess you can see why when things go wrong, especially this time of year...it's so hard to think of it as just nothing. Sometimes, I wonder if normal and nothing will ever be used in my "Kody vocabulary" again..:0)
Love to you all....
~Kim~

Wednesday, December 10, 2003 10:19 AM

Hello...

I'll have to make this quick today...
Please say a little extra prayer for Kody today...
Last night he came down with a horrible headache, then he lost balance a few times..once, completely missing the chair he was going to sit down on.
He still has the headache today and his prescription pain med. doesn't seem to be touching it.

He's pretty upset about missing out on "ornament making" day at school today...so, hopefully if this headache will give him a break..we can work on some ornament making of our own.

He did have his flu shot yesterday...well, half anyway, he is scheduled for the second half in four weeks. I have no idea if this is a reaction to the shot..I truly hope it is as things just always seem to fall apart {healthwise} around Christmastime for Kody.

Have a wonderful day everyone!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

November 30th...
Norine called me last night to let me know that Ashley is home and doing remarkably well! She and Kody now have one more thing in common as Ashley has had a shunt put in to relieve her first bout with hydrocephlus.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, December 8, 2003 10:22 AM

Hello everyone...

16 Shopping Days Left!!!!

Sorry about the lapse in updates..it was a rough week last week for Kolin...he had seemed to have gotten over his two back-to-back viruses and then Friday morning woke up with a monster sized earache...
after calling the dr's 3 times and not getting a return call..I marched him right in. While we were waiting to be seen...and he was crying from the pain..I noticed gooey stuff coming out of his ear and he kept telling me that he hears "wind" going in his ear.
Yes..you guessed it, that ear infection went so bad during the course of the day that his eardrum had actually ruptured.
Poor kid...he has had nothing but ear problems since he was 6 weeks old...he had tubes put in at 8 months and it looks like when he goes back in 2 weeks for a re-check...they are giving us a referral to see an ear specialist as given as many infections he's had this past year..he is a perfect candidate for tubes once again..which is fine by me because thouse little tubes worked like a charm the whole time they were in.

Yesterday....since he felt a whole lot better...I had gotten the kids over to Wal-Mart for their Christmas photos...{see photo page}...and then off to the mall for a visit with Santa. That went well...no lines, no waiting...LOL..there was about 5 families with babies who were scared and crying and so they very happily let us bump to the front of the line.
Now...did Kody be honest with Santa or did he fib....hmmmm, he could have said "Oh Yes Santa...I've been soooo good all year"...{and gotten coal!} or he could have said "I really straighten out my act fast when my nose is in the corner and my legs can't hold out anymore!!" {and he will most likely get what he asks for..within reason...Santa does NOT do anything with real engines!!}

Well guys..hate to cut this short but Dad just called up sick as a dog from work and needs a ride home...

Thanks for stopping by...please, before you all sign off for the day...stop by Ashley's site..she {and Mom} had a horrible scare this past week and could use mega doses of extra prayers that it never happens again.

Till the next time...
Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

November 30th...
Norine called me last night to let me know that Ashley is home and doing remarkably well! She and Kody now have one more thing in common as Ashley has had a shunt put in to relieve her first bout with hydrocephlus.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Wednesday, December 3, 2003 12:09 AM

Hello....

We had the appointment with Kody's neuro-optomoligist today and....
GREAT NEWS...
Kody can once again see 20/20 with both eyes...the surgery was a complete success..although we were warned that we have to be cautiosly optomistic because due to the complications of Kodys tumor..things can change very easily and for the worse..but, you know...
we have faith that it won't happen that way...and right now we are enjoying every second of watching Kody be Kody again {skateboarding, biking, climbing on his fort without falling}...nothing can take that away from us...nothing!

So...here we were at the dr's ofice and, as usual {Kody would be rolling his eyes right now if he was awake!} I had my camera with me looking for the perfect shot of Kody and Dad acting goofy...but our appointment went sooo fast, there was no time.
On the way out Dad saw this magnificent tree and said "There's your picture" and so that is how todays photo came to be...it is beautiful. isn't it?

Oh..they did act a little crazy...like when promted by Dad Kody said to the Dr's assistant something about wanting to have "Get out of here and go have a beer at the ballgame". I guess she told Dr. Levine about Kody antics and he came in the door saying "Kody, Man..your too young for a beer at the ballgame..but I promise you the day you turn 21 I'll take you out for that beer at the ballgame"...
Kody thought that was cool, Dad thought that was cool...and was like so far out of the conversation by then...I mean, talked about being outnumbered.

Well...this is going to be a quickie tonight cuz as you can tell by the time up there..I should have been in bed long ago..but I had to stay up to see "Ryan and Trista's Wedding" {I know...chick shows!!} and "Extreme House Make-over" {or something like that}....anyway...
Karl..the house was COOL..and I'll tell you more about it in the morning..after that coffee of course..{Keep it hot Baby!!}

Please say a prayer for our little friend Jake Griffin tonight...though his Mom, Susan, hasn't updated Jake's journal, we know he had an MRI last week..and after seeing all the guestbook entries, I fear it is bad news. As always..we thank you all so much for not only the support you show us each and every day but also for the support you show all of Kody's friends.
JAKE'S SITE

And also..our two little girl~friends...

PRAYER REQUEST

WEDNESDAY UPDATE.....
Katia's lung surgery has been postponed but she will be having many more painful procedures..please pray.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Katia will be having another lung surgery..please pop on over and say a little prayer..Thank you..Thank you!!!
KATIA

REALLY GREAT NEWS

Ashley {Kody's hunny} is home from the hospital and doing great!! She and Kody now have even more in common as Ashley had a shunt put in on the same week Kody was in the hospital.
ASHLEY

Thanks for stopping by..until next time...
HAVE A WONDERFUL AND VERY BLESSED DAY!!!!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

November 30th...
Norine called me last night to let me know that Ashley is home and doing remarkably well! She and Kody now have one more thing in common as Ashley has had a shunt put in to relieve her first bout with hydrocephlus.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, December 1, 2003 10:33 PM

Hi everyone...

Isn't that a great picture up there??? That boy LOVES his milk!!!
And, not bragging or anything...but LOOK AT HIS EYE....IT'S PERFECT!!!!!!
I think this is the most awesome photo I have ever seen of his eye...and it all started out just a silly thing that he did at dinner..when I loaded the pic. on the computer and saw it on the big screen...WOW...nothing could have prepared me to see those big beautiful brown eyes...Kody calls them "Boomer Eyes" because he says he and our dog have the same eyes...LOL..they do, only Kody's are waaaayyyyy bigger!! :0)

Well guys..not too much here new today..I spoke with Stephanie {Rachel Joy's Mom} tonight..and if all goes well, we can meet before they leave Florida.

Other then that...I guess I've been in a little..slump, I guess is a good word. Actually I think I may be turning into a Grinch...HAHAHA!! There's just too much going on, too much on my mind and this is absolutely not a good time of year for any added stress....sooooooo, I guess I will HAVE to be forced to stock up on somemore Vanilla Nut coffee..and cookies, lots and lots of cookies!!!

Have a great night all...please don't forget to stop in on our friends. As always...Thank you so much!!

PRAYER REQUEST

Katia will be having another lung surgery..please pop on over and say a little prayer..Thank you..Thank you!!!
KATIA

REALLY GREAT NEWS

Ashley {Kody's hunny} is home from the hospital and doing great!! She and Kody now have even more in common as Ashley had a shunt put in on the same week Kody was in the hospital.
ASHLEY

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
Jeremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

November 30th...
Norine called me last night to let me know that Ashley is home and doing remarkably well! She and Kody now have one more thing in common as Ashley has had a shunt put in to relieve her first bout with hydrocephlus.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Sunday, November 30, 2003 12:58 PM

Hey..Hey...Hey...

The critics said it will never work...
What do they know, those old men jerks...
The Cat in the Hat is alot of fun...
And so are those two, Thing Two and Thing One...

So might I add before I go...
Take your kids, take your spouse, take your pets and
GO SEE THE SHOW!!!!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

And now on to some serious stuff....

Everything around here is pretty great..Kody is feeling better {no headaches in over 24 hours....GO KODY..GO KODY!!!}, Kolin is finally starting to feel better...if only he could just get rid of that pesky cough and the real terrific news of the weekend...
DRUMROLL PLEASE...........
DAD HAS STARTED PUTTING DOWN A NEW KITCHEN FLOOR!!!!!!
{GO DADDY...GO DADDY!!!!!!}

OK..before this all goes to his head..we have had these 3 boxes of tiles since...well, the springtime I think. Come on, take my side...it was time, right??

Other then that....all is pretty quiet around these parts...it was FREEZING out during the night and this morning..but right now, it's gotten alot warmer and the kids are all outside as we speak getting some good use out of that playground/fort.

Hey..if anyone is interested...Kody has opened up his own store in our playroom...he is charging only $2.00 for a back massage that is guaranteed to put you to sleep in 5 minutes or less. Today I'll be pulling change out of the sofa if I have too so you all might have a tad bit of a wait! :0)

PRAYER REQUEST

Katia will be having another lung surgery..please pop on over and say a little prayer..Thank you..Thank you!!!
KATIA

REALLY GREAT NEWS

Ashley {Kody's hunny} is home from the hospital and doing great!! She and Kody now have even more in common as Ashley had a shunt put in on the same week Kody was in the hospital.
ASHLEY

Well...that about wraps it up for this edition of "My Life is a Soap Opera"..till next time....

Have a WONDERFUL day!!!!!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Cheyenne..YOU ROCK GIRL!!!
Miss Cheyenne has completed another round of of Chemo. and she is doing wonderful!! Her latest MRI was nothing short of a complete MIRACLE!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

November 30th...
Norine called me last night to let me know that Ashley is home and doing remarkably well! She and Kody now have one more thing in common as Ashley has had a shunt put in to relieve her first bout with hydrocephlus.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Friday, November 28, 2003 10:12 PM

Hello!!

Hope you all had a really wonderful Thanksgiving!!
We sure did...now let me all tell you a little secret...see that big old bird up there? See the two guys behind it? OK..truth be told THEY are the ones that made that bird!!
In fact...Karl made the entire Thanksgiving dinner start to finish..including most of the clean up himself. This is something he does always...see, I cook for an army every day so on holidays..Dad gets the job..which he actually enjoys!! Really..he LOVES to see people eat what he's made...if any of you gets a chance and your starving..stop by when he's home...you'll leave stuffed!! Not the same for me though...you come here hungary.we order take out....{LOL}....:0)

Sooooooo...who went shopping today??
Oh...you guys are NUTS!!! OK..I admit, I was right there in the midst of things...people pushing...people shoving...people cussing...people basically being very "Grinchy".
Though the sales looked great....we were only there to take part in the "Kruppenbacher Day After Turkey Day Wish List Making". Trust me...three kids in the toy section of Wal-Mart during all this shopping drama...and I was soooo ready to stop off at the "Mommy's special feel good drink" section...LOL...so I did...I went right over to the coffee section and got myself some good ole' Millstone Vanilla Nut Coffee!! {What were you guys thinking anyway???}

Well..that's about it for around here...Kolin is still trying to fight off that virus, Kody's on the "headache a day" club, Kaysha and I after weeks of butting heads have decided that being the last two females in the house..we need to stick together like glue sticks and scrapbook pages!! Kyle has been spending mega amounts of time with his girlfriend {she had to move to Daytona...but came back for the holiday} and Karl...poor guy...over stuffed and over loved...what's a man to do???
LOVE YA PAL...PLEASE WAKE ME UP NICELY WITH COFFEE...PLEASE??!!

Have a great day everybody!!!!!!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

October 27...
Ashley's tumor has doubled it's size and we are all just devestaed over this latest news. She will be having more surgery on November 5th..please pray for Ashley, this surgery is her only hope..her Dr's have told Norine and Al without it the only thing they can do is send her home on hospice.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

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LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, November 24, 2003 10:23 PM

Hello!!

It feels soooooooooooooooooo good to be back home!!!!

We were discharged this morning and got home around 1 PM.
As were leaving we were given a ton of "what to look for's" and "call right away if" and of course the all important "Don't let him be around sick people"....
well..of course as our wonderful luck would have it.....
Kolin woke up with a fever and sore throat this morning!!
OK...so, how in the world do you keep two brothers/best friends seperate...well, I have no idea!!
As of tonight...Kody is still not running a fever, he complained of a slight headache tonight and poor Kolin has gotten up to 103 as of an hour ago.
Oh...we were told if Kody runs a fever of 101 or higher..back to the hospital he goes.

Lord...please DO NOT let this child get sick again!! :0)

Other then that...everything is semi back to normal.
It is so strange how much of an impact 5 days in the hospital can bring.
This afternoon I went to Publix to pick up some groceries and while I was there I just kept looking at all these other Mom's with "healthy" kids...shopping, having fun, picking up Thanksgiving things...and all I kept thinking was "Damn, I wish I could go back to those days". I really just wanted to scream "It's so NOT fair...that used to be ME!" Now, I'm caught up in a maze of "The tumor is IN his stem", "I can't let him get sick again", "It is IN his freakin' stem...God, that's why they refused to take the thing out", and of course...the ever unpopular "He could die from this so easily, so fast".
So..I pretty much walked around in a daze...not really remembering why I was there and somehow I guess through none other then "survival mode"...I somehow managed to pick up dinner, Motrin for Kolin and whatever else we needed around here to get through another day.
Walking through the parking lot I hear this voice yelling "You look so tired...You need a hug!!!!!!!!"
LOL....Thank you Pricilla....somehow you are always there when you know I need a little lift!! Crazy girl, you find me everywhere..it doesn't matter what store I'm in...you find me everytime. Especially if I have Kody or Kolin with me...I think we called it "Kody Radar" once!!

Before I skip out on you all tonight...I'd like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who so dilegently prayed for Kody's healing this week...it seems no coinsedence that his steady progress happened right at the point of all those wonderful and refreshing GB entries.
How can I ever thank you all...We have our boy home for Thanksgiving...

And Thankful we certainly are!
For friends...
For family...
For health...
For sanity...
For Pumpkin Pie {oh, come on...you didn't think I'd forget that!!}...
For Kody...
and of course mostly...
For One More Day!

A VERY HAPPY AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING EVERYONE FROM THE ENTIRE KRUPPENBACHER CLAN!!!!

New photos up today...enjoy!! :0)

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

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Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

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ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

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~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

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ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

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PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

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MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

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KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

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CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

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JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

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CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

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BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

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RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

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JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

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ASHLEY

October 27...
Ashley's tumor has doubled it's size and we are all just devestaed over this latest news. She will be having more surgery on November 5th..please pray for Ashley, this surgery is her only hope..her Dr's have told Norine and Al without it the only thing they can do is send her home on hospice.

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MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Sunday, November 23, 2003 9:28 PM
Hi everyone!!
It's Sunday night and we are still here at the hospital....
Good news....
WE MIGHT GO HOME TOMORROW!!!!
No fevers yet.....
WAA-HOO!!!!

OK...let me back up a bit before I get this party started.

Last night Kody's IV went bad when the nurse had hooked up his med's...it right away started burning badly and so it was deemed that the IV line was no longer good and he would need a new one.
Oh great was all I could think, I mean how many more times can they stick this poor black and blue boy.
Well...they tried and tried but his veins kept blowing so they ended up calling a nurse out of the PICU to come up and do it...first try and after a bit of tension filled hospital room air...it was in place. Not exactly on the spot we had hoped for...the inside elbow..but, heck, it was in right?
So..in order for Kody not to mess things up {he is a mover and a shaker at night} they put on a stiff board type contraption to keep his arm straight.

I asked quite a bit of questions to the nurses on call last night and they did all agree about the brainstem/temperature thing....
soooooo, this morning when the neuro. on call came in I barraged him with at least a dozen questions. To which...surprisingly enough...he agreed and even said they were real good questions. WOW..maybe I'm not such a DUH after all!! {Karl..you reading this Babe????}

Well...he did go and run this all by Dr. Pincus via telephone and got back to me right away....
now this is the unbelievable part.

Yes...the brainstem does effect body temp {according to Dr. Pincus}..however, he doesn't think that is Kodys case because there is a small part of the brainstem, right on top that is the hypothalmus {somebody left this info in Kody GB and was right on the nail...thank you!!}. Dr. P said that Kodys tumor doesn't touch the hypothalmus...so I said "But, Kodys tumor is right plop on top of his stem, how could it not?" and he said {are you all ready for this???} "Yes, it is true Kodys tumor is one top of the stem, but only a part of it is on top..the other part is IN THE STEM!!!"
Yes..that is when I nearly passed out and croaked!
Sooooo...this is news to me...I NEVER knew that it actually went into the stem. So, I guess this is why it can never come out/be operated on. That explains that.

So...Dr. P still thinks that Kody had an infection of some sort {ear, throat, whatever} and that he is immune to oral antibiotics and basically everytime Kody cathes something that is minor to the other kids...will put him back in the hospital for a few days while they clear it with their heavy duty drugs.
Oh just GREAT!!!! Winter is coming, flu season, colds, infections and here we go..it is going to be a lonnnnnnnnnnnng next few months.
I really cannot wait for the kids to be home for the summer when they never, ever get sick.

I am meeting Dr. P in the AM and he wants to discuss a few things with me {most likely to tell me to stop over reacting!!}
Really though...I seriously think Kody should have an MRI before we leave...I just don't know if he will agree to that.
Also...Dr. P took Kody off antibiotics today to see if he will come back with a fever tonight or tomorrow...if he doesn't, we are free to go. If he does, we are here for a while because then it will mean shunt infection for sure.

Well..that's about it for today...let me let Kody say few things before I go....

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Hi..Hi...Hi!!!
I'm in the hospital. I want to thank you all for signing my site and for my fans because they sent me gifts and balloons.
I'm in the computer room right now talking to you...one day we should meet..and smell some feet...no, I'm just joking around about that!
OK...Bye for now, I have to go.
Love you lots!!!
Kisses!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love, Kody

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OK..with that I better go because he is being a super pain in the butt right now and will most likely get me thrown out of here.
Hopefully my next entry will be from home!!

Love,
~Kim~

Friday, November 21, 2003 3:35 PM

Hello everyone!!

Well..I just updated with a very long and detailed update and wouldn't you just know it...this stupid computer lost the whole thing.
So..since I'm now on a time limit I'll have to give you all the condensed version. :0(

FIrst of all
THANK YOU AUNT VIKKI AND CHRIS
for keeping Kody's page updated...
what would I ever do without the two of you??

We arrived here at Shands around 8:30 last night.
Kody's temp. was normal and within an hour was back to soaring again.
They decided to get another I.V. started and like the problems we had a Leesburg, it took 4 tries.
By this time, his head was pounding, his fever was going up and he was in agony because off all the poking and sticking, pain and stress. It didn't take long at all for my baby to bury his head down in his pillow and silently cry during the whole thing. {Please don't tell him I ever told you!} Well...seeing how miserable he was competely broke me down and we both had a good cry together. We shared almost a whole box off tissues...which had Kody a bit irratated because they weren't Puffs Plus with Aloe!!

He fell asleep shortly after that and they woke him up at 11 PM for a shunt tap...not one but two and he didn't even flinch.

He falls asleep again and at 1 AM they wake him up for more blood work!! Then they tell us to go into another room for the blood work as to not disturb the people next to us {as if that could ever happen..they watched MTV all night long!}.

Well..Kody was so not happy about more sticks and he told the nurse "If you stick me I am gonna stick you too"..well, lucky for Kody he had a very cool nurse {male nurse} that was willing to do whatever it took to get Kodys blood and agreed, so after Kodys turn, Kody did stick his nurse..and not trying to brag or anything here but....Kody got the vein on the first try!!

Antibiotics started at 2 AM. I can't remember the names but I believe we are on our third different one as we speak.

When Kody woke up the morning he was fever free!!

I saw Dr. Pincus and LeeAnn {Dr. Pincus' nurse practitioner and right hand woman} this morning and all of his tests so far have come back negative for infection. Also...did I happen to tell you that Kody never did have strep? The culture they took at LRMC {{Leesburg hosp.} was negative. His ped. never did take a strep test but just assumed he had one because of being exposed the week before.
So..since his throat infection and ear infections are gone...his fevers should be too and since they still spike we have to stay for 3 days and treat him for a possible shunt infection..though we don't know for sure yet because it takes 72 hours to get those results back and the problem is there wasn't enough CSF to get all the tests that needed to be done, done.
~Big Sigh~

So..there is talk that he may need a spinal tap tomorrow. And if by Monday he is till having fevers then we will have to stay for an additional 2 weeks while he has his shunt removed, treated for 14 days with antibotics and then have another shunt placed in. This because of the fact that this is the second time in 2 months this has happened.
This we really DON'T WANT but...we know whatever it takes to bring Kody home healthy is what we have to do.

Dr. Pincus also suggested this morning that Kody have a hickman line placed today to avoid all these IV probems. That way all his IV's and blood work could be done trough it but according to LeeAnn...nobody will do it when they know he will only be here for thre days.

This was kind of a bummer because I know in the big picture this weeks IV's and blood sticks will not be the last so why make him suffer with all the torture??
I guess they think differently so why bother arguing??

After they left, of course is when I realized I forgot to ask a question that was on my mind last night.
One of Kodys nurses once told me that the brainstem controls body temperature. So if that is the case then maybe this whole fever thing is being caused by the tumor?
Does anyone know anything about this? Let me know if you do..thanks!!

Well..Kody is in the playroom hooked up to a huge IV pole and he is axiously awaiting the arrival of the hospital dogs {he misses Boomer sooo much!} and the ChildLife volunteer wants to get a photo of him with the dogs to hang on the bullatin board and so do I so I better get this update ended soon.

Thank you to all of you who have been praying so hard for Kodys complete recovery and for all the wonderful guestbook entries!

Although at the Leesburg hospital I couldn't get to a computer, Karl called me a few times a day to read me the entries..you have no idea how much they mean to Kody and myself...just knowing how many of you think of Kody everyday and wish him well is some really great medicine...
THANK YOU..THANK YOU!!!!!

Sorry about the extended updates...but this hospital computer will not cooperate and so I have no choice but to keep leaving new updates on top of the old ones. If I don't, I'll loose everyting on my front page..UGH!!

I'll update again tomorrow...prayers for the fevers to stay away and for Kody Bears smile to return again.

Have a great day!!

Love,
~Kim~

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I have been entrusted with updating Kodys site. There is so much stuff on here I am trying not to mess it up Kim! Okay so, the neurosurgeon had Kody transferred by ambulance to Shands Hospital. They still dont know what they are looking at - whether it is an infection that is NOT responding to the antibiotics, or a virus which WON'T respond to them anyway. He is still running high fevers (like 103 ). Please keep Kody in your prayers that they get a handle on this SOON! I am sure when Kim is able to she will update again, and hopefully it will be better news....

Chris
Gooch's mom

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Wednesday, November 19, 2003 4:15 PM
*****WEDNESDAY UPDATE*****

Kody had gotten alot worse and by 4:30 AM we were in the E.R. He's been admitted..they still cannot find out what is causing the headaches and high {very high} fevers so he'll be on IV antibiotics for at least two days or until they can control the fevers.
I'll update as soon as I can... I stopped by home to pack a bag and update to let you all know...Kody is in our local {Thank God!} hospital... Leesburg Regional Medical Center. Room Number 4058A.
Please pray that our "Iron Man" {that's what he called himself when his vein bent a needle!!} get's better quickly so we can celebrate Thanksgiving next week with a healthy family!!
Love,
~Kim~

Tuesday, November 18, 2003 9:55 PM

~Hi everyone~

Check out Kody's new and improved guestbook....it's so cool!! Just click on the image above.

Unfortunately we never made it to Kody's appointment at Shands today.
When he woke up this morning he had another monster sized headache and his fever was still floating somewhere around 102.1. No way were we going to make him take that trip so his appointment and "Goodwill Ambassador of Leesburg" day will have to wait until December 3rd. Now..he wasn't too upset about missing his Dr. appt. but passing out the pillows to the children was a major bummer for him. We had to explain that no way would he be allowed around the kids in the hospital anyway so best wait until he is healthy once again.

This virus he has picked up is turning pretty ugly...lots of headaches, strep, ear infections and the fever which still, even after being on Augmentin for over 24 hours...won't drop from between 102 and 103 degrees. He is even telling us his eyes hurt..thankfully he fell asleep pretty early tonight because I swear he wanted to punch a wall being so frustrated about the headaches. Kody is a tough kid though..he will NOT cry..he absolutely refuses to and tonight told us that "Pain is weakness leaving my body"...where does he get this stuff from?
Oh...and tonight....we can add another stomach bug into the mix. We can pretty much take stock in the Gatorade Company this week...Ritz snowflake shaped crackers too!! :0)

Please say a prayer that he gets better quickly so nothing stands in the way of us meeting Benji Zello and family this Friday and of course..that nobody else comes down with it!! :0)

Please stop by Noah Jay's site for a moment...he is fighting so hard for his life and his Mom and Dad could sure use some support and encouragement. As always...Thank you Kody's fans...you are the BEST!! NOAH JAY

Well...hate to cut this short but tonight for a change I have no kids to pick up from jobs. all the little ones are sound asleep. Dad has passed out a long time ago, and I am right behind him.

Sweet Dreams everyone...

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

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CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

October 27...
Ashley's tumor has doubled it's size and we are all just devestaed over this latest news. She will be having more surgery on November 5th..please pray for Ashley, this surgery is her only hope..her Dr's have told Norine and Al without it the only thing they can do is send her home on hospice.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

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This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
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Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, November 17, 2003 12:36 PM
Hi again!!
We're home and Kody Bear's got strep throat and two ear infections... :0(
He's pretty miserable and now on Augmentin, Motrin and Tylenol every 2 hours and some nose spray {which he is goning to HATE!!} to clear up the whole fluid in the face thing.
Right now he's minutes towards falling asleep {that's IF he can get his eyes off the surfer girl show he just found on TV!} and I am going to fix him up some homemade chicken soup while he sleeps, with lots of noodles and only a very little vegetables {Kody's request!!}.
You know...call me crazy but I am just THRILLED it's just another bug that will soon be squashed!! :0)
Oh....one more thing....
SORRY JANICE!!!!
I really, really didn't mean to scare you!!! Am I forgiven?? :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*

Monday, November 17, 2003 9:41 AM

Quick update.....
Kody woke up early this morning with a monster headache. A couple of hours later fever and a sore throat. So, we're off at 11 o'clock for a visit to the pediatrician so I can tell him he has strep and he can agree and we can antibiotic him...LOL...Dr's can be so cool that way when they have seen you through 6 kids and 7 zillion viruses!! :0)
I'll update when we get home....
~Kim~

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Sunday, November 16, 2003 10:32 PM

Hello again!!

Hope you have all had a great weekend!
Our's was really good....relaxing and full of goofy stuff and crazy memories.

As a treat for the kids today we had pizza delivery right straight to Kody's fort....it was even written on the receipt that they tape to the box "Deliver to Kid's Fort"...I cannot even tell you how cool that was. Since Kody has a picnic table built into his fort...they even ate out there...see photos!!

This week we have a Shands trip on Tuesday...Kody has another post-op appointment with his neuro-optimologist, Dr. Levine. We are very confident that this appointment will show a huge difference in Kody's eyesight...it has too..after all he is back on his skateboard...and back to making me cringe {LOL} everytime he flys off his ramp.
While we are there on Tuesday Kody has a real special job to do. You see, Kody's second grade teacher's daughter is involved with a group that sews up little travel sized, brightly colored pillows for children. It is Kody's job as the official "Goodwill Ambassador of Leesburg" to go up to the 4th floor {where he has spent too much time and is very well known...HA...once you meet Kody, you never forget!!} and pass out these pillows to the children that are there that day. He is sooooo excitd and is taking this job pretty seriously!! :0)
In April, when we go back for his next MRI...they will be making Teddy Bears for him to bring.
Oh...BTW....he already plans on saving the very prettiest pillow and sending it to Ashley...CUTE!!!

Oh, let me tell you...Kody has been working VERY hard on writing a song for Ashley...now I can't go giving it away yet because he's not finished...but it is about the two of them and being strong. He has already been BEGGING Santa for an electric guitar...he claims he needs one to put music to his song..then he plans on taping himself singing and playing guitar and mailing it to her as a special Christmas gift.
Isn't he something? I swear that child is gonna be a heartbreaker/Romeo someday!! :0)

Friday is a big day for us...we are going to meet Benji's family!!!!
WAA-HOO!!!!!!!
We are so excited....and we're all meeting at The Olive Garden...they treated us so nice when we went with Cheyenne's family..well, we thought we'd just do it again.
Hopefully...we will also be meeting RachelJoy and her Mom, Stephanie this coming week also..they are coming to Florida too....Wow..can you imagine..so many CB families coming together as one big happy family? These memories are just priceless!!
One day we are looking forward to meeting Janice...who Kody swears is like a big sister to him, he even goes so far as to send her pictures of bugs (gross!) and basically anything that he thinks will totally gross her out...he definetly treats her like a sibling, that is for sure!!

Oh...before I go...did you check out that really cool front page photo??
That personalized fighter jet helmet was sent to us by Cheyenne's Mom and Dad. Isn't it cool? They even had Kody's name painted on there...Kody just thinks he is the BOMB!!
Also..thank you's go to Mr. Sean Carter for the beautiful paint job and Danny Maxwell, pilot of the Stealth Bomber who lovingly sent Kody his most personal possessions including the scarf he wore in two wars (while flying the Stealth)...he said it brought him good luck and now he wants Kody to have the same good luck. Many patches off his own uniform, signed photos, stickers and mine and Kody favorite..a "coin" that only men who have flown the Stealth get...so that would make Kody the ONLY person in the world that has never flown The Stealth to own one. Isn't that something??
Mr. Maxwell...from the bottom of our hearts...THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
May God Bless You Always..you have certainly made a very special little boy very, very happy!! I don't think there were any words that can describe the joy on Kody's face when he opened up his package and saw all his goodies...unbelieveable!!

Also....A BIG THANK YOU to the Navy Blue Angels for sending us out framed photographs of Kody and the rest of us while we were there last month...in addition to those we were also sent personalized, autographed lithographs...two for the each of us...one of Fat ALbert and signed by the pilots and one of The Angels, signed by the pilots. Each one had our names written on top....these are so beautiful and each one will be framed and hung in our living room to admire every single day.
Also..we were sent a CD Rom of every photo taken that day by Jeff, The Blue Angels Assistant Public Relations Officer and Kody's "Main Dude"!!

It still amazes me everytime how so many people can come together for one little boy..and with that...
I thank all of you for coming back again and again to check up on Kody and for the outpouring of prayers said for him everyday which is the reason why we still have our son today...
God Bless You All!!!

Well..that just about wraps it up for this weekends adventures...

Later Gator!!!!

Saturday, November 15, 2003 10:55 PM
Well guys...
It seems "Jessica" has crawled back out of her hole and has been tainting the guestbooks of some of our most sickest and precious children.
Just thought I'd warn you incase she happens to find her way to your site.
If you really want a good laugh..check out this site I came across about a month ago...
REPORT JESSICA THOMAS
Have a wonderful weekend!!
Love,
~Kim~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Wednesday, November 12, 2003 8:17 PM

Little Children, Big Problems

There is a very special place
I have within my heart.
It holds the little children
Who know what real problems are.

I know we all have problems,
We all have a cross to bear,
But I'm talking about the little ones
With a great big world of care.

A world of pain and treatments,
And a fear of the unknown.
Sometimes these little children
Call their hospital room "home".

They often suffer daily,
But rarely will complain
About the treatments they endure
Which causes most of the pain.

Sometimes these treatments are much worse
then the sickness in itself.
And can cause complications
Which could jeopardize their health.

Although these little children suffer
And are often ill from drugs,
They always have a smile to share
And they always give the bestest hugs.

So, next time you have a problem
Which you feel you cannot face,
Just think about these little ones
And try to have just half their faith.

~written by Rachel's Mom, Susan~
www.hugsandhope.com

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

For anyone thinking about leaving an annoymous or snide message on this site...

You may want to reconsider.

Kim just finished setting up up an IP Tracker for her site - so that anyone who looks at the site registers with the tracker. IP addresses are powerful little creatures. With an IP, you will be tracked down to where you live and will be turned over to your service provider, and your account will be terminated, if not criminal charges pressed.

To any family who wants an IP tracker on their site, get in touch with Kim, myself or Amie and we'll direct you to the site that'll help you out, and walk you through the steps to make sure it works on your site. Our mission is for every caringbridge site to have this in place.

~ Email Chris/Amie ~

~ Gooch's Site

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

October 27...
Ashley's tumor has doubled it's size and we are all just devestaed over this latest news. She will be having more surgery on November 5th..please pray for Ashley, this surgery is her only hope..her Dr's have told Norine and Al without it the only thing they can do is send her home on hospice.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Sunday, November 9, 2003 4:40 PM
Hello Everyone!!

We're back from Boggy Creek and Oh Man...we are EXHAUSTED!! Wait, let me rephrase that...the kids slept the whole way home and Mom is ready for a 6 o'clock bedtime!!

Our weekend was WONDERFUL....so much activities and sooooooooooo much fun!!

The kids and I were kept busy boating {better yet...paddle boating....talk about leg pain/burning!!}, fishing {no..I didn't touch any!!}, archery {Kolin got a first place ribbon for making a bull's eye!!}, woodshop {they wouldn't let me use power tools...I got sandpaper instead!}, lots of arts and crafts {oh yeah..sitting in the A/C creating jewlery!!}, swimming in a heated pool {80 degrees, that's what I'm talking about baby!!}, lot's of singing {even me!!}, dancing {there's nothing like endless rounds of YMCA to get you going!!}, morning silly aerobics {now that was hysterical!!}, magic campfires {yes...magic does live at Boggy Creek}, a bottomless coffee pot{YES...YES...YES!!!}, make-over night {purple nails, blue hair and 80's style jelwerly...oh, did I mention it was "Classic TV" theme weekend?}, talent shows {Kody absolutely stole the show...I'll get more in to that later}, and my personal favorite....OLDTIMERS NIGHT!! {yes...me and 50-60 other sleep deprived parents gathered around the Dining Hall..in rocking chairs, by candlelight, in front of a fireplace, listening/rocking {and I do literally mean "rocking..as in chairs!!} to Lynard Skynard!! Talk about FEELING OLD...LOL...LOL!!! Don't get me wrong though....HA...they saved all the good food for us parents...nothing healthy...the cookies came out, the chocolate, the sodas and the chicken wings!!

Now..about that talent show....
The last thing we did before we left for home was to go the "The Theater" {a beautiful building donated by Universal Studios} to watch our kids and PALS {camp counselors assigned to individual families...our's were Misty, Elizabeth and Mike}....Kody and Krew did some rap...a Boggy Creek Rap song they made up themselves..complete with totally crazy costumes...Kody was a police officer {think Village people..cuz that's all I could think of!!} and Kolin was a Viking!!! Kody had on all his 20 bead necklaces he got from last night's dance..and just when you think his "freestyle rapping" couldn't get any funnier..well...my boy went solo, swiveling his hips, shaking his booty, break dancing {oh God...I'm I seeing a future dancer on ladies night here??!!}...well, as he had everyone just rolling off their seats..he decides to take it up a notch and start tearing off his necklaces and tossing them out at the audience...totally unrehearsed and unexpected...God he was sooooooo funny!! :0)

This weekend was packed full of memories I will never forget and I can honestly say...in the words of Kody Bear...."I didn't want to come home!!"..except for one thing we left behind....
WE REALLY MISSED YOU DAD!!!!!!!!

Thank you as always for coming back for the latest adventures of one of the most wackiest families on the net!!

Until next time...please enjoy the new photos and have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

For anyone thinking about leaving an annoymous or snide message on this site...

You may want to reconsider.

Kim just finished setting up up an IP Tracker for her site - so that anyone who looks at the site registers with the tracker. IP addresses are powerful little creatures. With an IP, you will be tracked down to where you live and will be turned over to your service provider, and your account will be terminated, if not criminal charges pressed.

To any family who wants an IP tracker on their site, get in touch with Kim, myself or Amie and we'll direct you to the site that'll help you out, and walk you through the steps to make sure it works on your site. Our mission is for every caringbridge site to have this in place.

~ Email Chris/Amie ~

~ Gooch's Site

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

October 27...
Ashley's tumor has doubled it's size and we are all just devestaed over this latest news. She will be having more surgery on November 5th..please pray for Ashley, this surgery is her only hope..her Dr's have told Norine and Al without it the only thing they can do is send her home on hospice.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Friday, November 7, 203 3:46 PM
Hi everyone!!
We're leaving in a couple of hours for our 3 day Family Weekend at Boggy Creek Camp...hope you all have a fun and safe weekend!!!
Please..think of me "roughing it" and pray for the best!! {LOL}
Man...I hope they DO NOT try and make me touch a fish!!!! :0(

By the way....yesterday's trip to meet Cheyenne and family was SO MUCH FUN!!!!
We all went to the Olive Garden last night...ate like pigs....talked about serious stuff, laughed about the not so serious stuff, the kids played like they have been best friends forever and we all really had a WONDERFUL time...oh and would you believe..I found someone who carries a camera around all the time like I do..Cheyenne's Mom!!! I think between us we snapped at least 1000 pictures!!
We hope that the rest of their vacation is a fun one and that the trip back home is safe...and hopefully someday we will all meet again..in Texas this time!!
Roy...Thank you so much for the endless Kody thumb wars and arm wreastling {Mr. Shakey Hands!}....Kody thinks that you are all the coolest!!!!!
Well..I really have GOT to go pack!! Yes..you read that right...I haven't started yet. :0)
Till Monday everyone....
Have a great weekend!!
~Kim~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thursday, Novemebr 6, 2002 1:33 PM

WE ARE GOING TO MEET CHEYENNE AND HER WONDERFUL FAMILY TODAY.....
YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, November 4, 2003 10:55 PM

Hello again!!

Today was Kody's big Make-a-Wish day and it was PERFECT!!!

Now...let me back up to a few things beforehand that I thought for sure were going to cause me to be alot more gray(er)!!
This past weekend we got the dreaded stomach flu...it started with Kolin, worked it's way to Mom {right in the middle of having dinner with Dad in a Chinese restaurant...talk about embarrassing!!}, then went directly to Kody who was completely miserable and totally out of it all day yesterday...then Kyle and now we are waiting for the bomb to go off as to who is next..only Dad and Kaysha are left and they both claim to be "Too Bad" for some stupid virus to get them...LOL...we'll see!! :0)

Then...the guy who was building Kody's "Surprise" playground....."surprised" us by calling early yesterday morning to say he couldn't do the playground Tuesday and that he would have to come over on Monday morning to build it because it would take longer to build then originally thought. Ohhhh....Kay....so, here is Kody home with the bug and...what was I supposed to do...have a tizzy fit...UGH...I wanted to, believe me, but I bit my tongue and said "Fine...let's do it today". This was at 10 AM....he was supposed to come right over...about an hours drive away. Well...the guy doesn't show up until 4 PM.
Now..it did perk Kody up ALOT when he pulled up with a truck full of playground but since he didn't leave until 9 PM..there wasn't much playground playing going on...OK, I did let them play for a half an hour...it would have been pure torture to tell them no!!
So....Kody's fireman's pole was missing...or "too big" to include...so they said. And there was a missing extra beam to hang the "babysitters" swing on...so, with the promise of coming back in a week or so and with me promising to pay him to come back to complete it..they went on their way.
Other then that..the playground is AWESOME....everything Kody dreamed of and even has a sign that says "Kody's Fort" right up front and center.

This morning...the TV crew calls to say they won't be here because of a scheduling conflict...UGH...no more stress..please!
No problem...I call the head of the TV...and straighten that little mess out.

Ok..stop laughing...I promise it gets better!!!

So...I'm standing at the school, waiting for Kody and Kolin to get out and IT STARTS TO RAIN!!! {Only in Florida could the sun be shining one minute and rain the next}.
Fortunetly....it wasn't raining 2 miles down the road where we live!!! Let's hear it for Florida!!

OK..so the boys and I pick up Dad from work and head home to a HUGE surprise party...see...I was able to keep some of it a surprise!! Kaysha came home from school early, Kyle was home, his MAW volunteers from Orlando were here...his MAW volunteer from here (Memori) and her two children, the TV crew, the newspaper, photographers...what a sight to come home to...all these people in our front yard, balloons everywhere and everybody cheering for Kody!!!

After the "Ribbon Cutting" ceremony it was PLAYTIME FOR ALL!!! All except Mom and Dad {LOL} who had interviews to do and pictures to try and take.

Kody was just the life of the party..posing for pictures, giving his own interviews...HA...can't wait to see that tomorrow!!

As a finishing touch on Kody's Fort..Dad put up a Blue Angels Licence plate he had bought in Jacksonville Beach while we were there a couple of weeks ago right next to the "Kody's Fort" sign...and that just made it perfectly, completely Kody!!

MAW gave Kody a wonderful party...soft tacos and burritos for all..his favorite fast food..Tacobell...lots and lots of Pepsi..his favorite soft drink...and most of all....
Lots and Lots of smiles, laughter, and the most wonderful memories ever!! Kody's wish was to have his own park in his own yard...and he certainly has that now...his own little fort that he calls "My Castle".

From Kody and all the rest of us Kruppenbacher's....
THANK YOU MAKE-A-WISH
for making Kody's dreams come true!!!

Until next time...please enjoy the new photos and have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

For anyone thinking about leaving an annoymous or snide message on this site...

You may want to reconsider.

Kim just finished setting up up an IP Tracker for her site - so that anyone who looks at the site registers with the tracker. IP addresses are powerful little creatures. With an IP, you will be tracked down to where you live and will be turned over to your service provider, and your account will be terminated, if not criminal charges pressed.

To any family who wants an IP tracker on their site, get in touch with Kim, myself or Amie and we'll direct you to the site that'll help you out, and walk you through the steps to make sure it works on your site. Our mission is for every caringbridge site to have this in place.

~ Email Chris/Amie ~

~ Gooch's Site

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

October 27...
Ashley's tumor has doubled it's size and we are all just devestaed over this latest news. She will be having more surgery on November 5th..please pray for Ashley, this surgery is her only hope..her Dr's have told Norine and Al without it the only thing they can do is send her home on hospice.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Saturday, November 1, 2003 1:30 PM
Hello....

Happy Weekend.....OH YEAH...Weekend Happy Dance...here we go!!!!

As you can guess...the kids had a blast last night! 5 mom's...11 kids...5000 pounds of candy, and just my rotten luck...not one single ALMOND JOY in the whole entire loot!!
LOL...but this quick thinking Mom bought herself a bag before hand...don't tell but it's in the fridge in a bag marked "Broccoli", trust me by the time they find it....it'll be long gone!!
Of course my bathroom scale will be boinking springs but, heck...Halloween comes but once a year, right??

So...I don't know if you guys know this...but we all now have the ability to have our own custom backgrounds on our CB sites...let's hear it for Caring Bridge...way to go guys!!!!!
Get yourselves on Google..search out backgrounds and let CB take it from there.
Just go to where it says "more backgrounds" and scroll down to the bottom.

Tuesday is the big day for Kody...his Make-a-Wish playground is coming true!!!
At around 10 AM the man from Ocala Playstations will be here to install it, he is pre-building the base, getting it here on his truck and then adding all the extras once he's here.
Kody's MAW volunteer, Memori, who is AWESOME and very much LOVED in our family will be here around then to help me decorate the house and playstation...also a MAW volunteer from Orlando {Jan} will be here as also our two local newspapers and VNN news station.
When Kody comes home from school at 3:15...he is in for a HUGE surprise because he has no idea what is happening that day so please...shhhhhhhhh....don't tell!!!
We are all so excited...this secret is soooooooo hard to keep!!

This coming up weekend we are leaving for 3 days of family fun at Camp Boggy Creek for "family weekend". Fun stuff for the kids and I was promised "pampering for the parents"...OH YEAH!! Kody, Kaysha an Kolin are really looking forward to this "camping" trip...I on the other hand am not a "happy camper" {LOL}, and if it has to do with roughing it in the great outdoors, well then call me spoiled cuz if it doesn't have A/C and room service I am a total whiney weenie!! :0)
Now...from what I saw of Boggy Creek during Kody's week long stay last summer...HA...it's more like "Camp Boggy Creek Country Club"!! Let's just hope that hasn't changed!!

Well guys...hate to sound totally boring today but that's about it for "My Life is a Soap Opera".
As always...thanks for tuning in and please come back again...I'll bring the entertainment and you guys bring the popcorn...and ALMOND JOYS....don't forget the ALMOND JOYS!!! :0) :0) :0)

Have a great weekend...now go hug someone, quick before they get away!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

For anyone thinking about leaving an annoymous or snide message on this site...

You may want to reconsider.

Kim just finished setting up up an IP Tracker for her site - so that anyone who looks at the site registers with the tracker. IP addresses are powerful little creatures. With an IP, you will be tracked down to where you live and will be turned over to your service provider, and your account will be terminated, if not criminal charges pressed.

To any family who wants an IP tracker on their site, get in touch with Kim, myself or Amie and we'll direct you to the site that'll help you out, and walk you through the steps to make sure it works on your site. Our mission is for every caringbridge site to have this in place.

~ Email Chris/Amie ~

~ Gooch's Site

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

October 27...
Ashley's tumor has doubled it's size and we are all just devestaed over this latest news. She will be having more surgery on November 5th..please pray for Ashley, this surgery is her only hope..her Dr's have told Norine and Al without it the only thing they can do is send her home on hospice.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Wednesday, October 29, 2003 8:10 PM
Hello!!!

Crank up the volume and do "The Monster Mash"!!

Kody asked me tonight for a "haunted house" web-site theme...and I think I've accomplished that....Kody and I are BIG TIME Halloween fans!!

How about stopping by for a visit in a haunted mansion...this is one of Kody and Kolin's favorites...just click on the skeleton on the chopper and he'll take you straight there..oh, by the way...
Good Luck..we do hope you come back......alive!!!

We hope you all have a SPOOKTACULAR Halloween!

We added some new photos today...hope you like them!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2003 3:10 PM
NEW PHOTOS ADDED TODAY...WE HOPE YOU LIKE THEM!!!

Sunday, October 26, 2003 10:17 PM

Hello everyone!!!

We're home from the best four days of our life!!!

I'm going to make this short tonight because everyone is exhausted but I must tell you Sandi and Jack Marquis and the entire Blue Angels flight team and crew, the members of the US Navy are by far the most BEAUTIFUL people in the world....and if they are reading this....
WE LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!
As Kody's Mom and Dad...a million thank you's could never be enough for making the dreams of our Kody come true.

I will be updating with every detail of our trip...but just so you can all get an idea...
Friday we were invited to The Mayport Naval Station and onto the hanger with the Angels...something no civilian is allowed to do..we were given the VIP treatment and Kody hung out with ALL the Angels like they have been best buddies their whole lives.

Saturday brought us to the Blue Angels VIP seating section...where we have front row seats!! A spectacular show and a real fun interaction with "Jaxson" the Jacksonville Jaguars Mascot and the US Marines Anphibious team...which also resulted by chance Kody and Kolin photo in the Jacksonville Union Times newspaper!!

Today...we sat on the beach all day and watched the show right over head and were wowed by a special preformance for Kody...to which the Angels flew directly over him many, many times...preforming what Kody calls "The Wolverine"...I have never, ever in my life seen Kody as happy as I did all weekend..but especially today when the Angels passed right over the ocean in front of him and he stood there..back straight at full attention saluting his heros.
Karl and Kyle both swear they saw the pilot in Jet #1 {Kody calls him The Boss} wave right back.
Talk about tears...there wasn't a dry eye in our family.

I will put in another update tomorrow....enjoy the pic's...we took about 200 this weekend and every one of them came out beautiful...I'll be working on making a page to link to so you can all view them...it was real hard only picking out three tonight.

Oh..and by the way...the new border is one of the pictures from yesterday...we were that close!!!!! :0) :0)

Also...PLEASE pray very hard for Kody's fiance' Ashley...her parents, Norine and Al just found out this past Friday that Ashley's brain tumor has grown by 50 percent over the past 4 weeks...she will be having another brain surgery but hopefully not until after Halloween as that is her favorite holiday {Mine too Ashley!!}...and her family wants her to be able to celebrate with her brother and sister.
They will be talking to her surgeon tomorrow and as soon as I find out anything I will definetly let you all know.
I did talk to Norine tonight and as in the true spirit of Ashley..she is fighting, defying odds and refuses to give up!!
Ashley...You Rock...You Go Girl...We Love You!!!!!!!
ASHLEY'S SITE

Until tomorrow.....

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

For anyone thinking about leaving an annoymous or snide message on this site...

You may want to reconsider.

Kim just finished setting up up an IP Tracker for her site - so that anyone who looks at the site registers with the tracker. IP addresses are powerful little creatures. With an IP, you will be tracked down to where you live and will be turned over to your service provider, and your account will be terminated, if not criminal charges pressed.

To any family who wants an IP tracker on their site, get in touch with Kim, myself or Amie and we'll direct you to the site that'll help you out, and walk you through the steps to make sure it works on your site. Our mission is for every caringbridge site to have this in place.

~ Email Chris/Amie ~

~ Gooch's Site

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAMIE

Sadly...another Angel gets his wings...
Sweet Dreams Angel Jamie.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley is back in school and doing GREAT!!! She is truly one of God's greatest miracles ande are all so proud of her!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Wednesday, October 22, 2003 10:21 PM

LETS'S GO YANKEES!!!!

Hello All!!!

Just to let you all know we are leaving a day early for our Blue Angel weekend.....

4 days on a warm beach watching the Blue Angels soar above...
Oh yeah...
THAT'S WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF!!!

See you all when we get home....tons of pictures by Monday!!

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

For anyone thinking about leaving an annoymous or snide message on this site...

You may want to reconsider.

Kim just finished setting up up an IP Tracker for her site - so that anyone who looks at the site registers with the tracker. IP addresses are powerful little creatures. With an IP, you will be tracked down to where you live and will be turned over to your service provider, and your account will be terminated, if not criminal charges pressed.

To any family who wants an IP tracker on their site, get in touch with Kim, myself or Amie and we'll direct you to the site that'll help you out, and walk you through the steps to make sure it works on your site. Our mission is for every caringbridge site to have this in place.

~ Email Chris/Amie ~

~ Gooch's Site

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

JAMIE

Please pray for a sweet little boy who's name is Jamie and who's Mom is a fellow "Quilts of Love" Angel. She has just gotten the devesting news that her baby's brain tumor has spread all over his brain. The radiation and chemo. did nothing to kill this horrible, aggresive tumor.
Please visit Anna as she is heartbroken and sure could use some support and prayers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley is back in school and doing GREAT!!! She is truly one of God's greatest miracles ande are all so proud of her!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Saturday, October 18, 2003 10:30 AM

KEEP 'UM COMING YANKEES!!!!

*****CRANK UP THE SPEAKERS*****
HERE COME THE YANKEES!!!!

Hi everyone...

Just wanted you all to know why I have seemed to be MIA this week...
We found out that our oldest daughter's surgery for her cancer was not a success and that the big "C" is back once again. More biospies were done and as soon as they come back from pathology...she will begin her chemotherapy.
As you can all imagine, Karl and I are devestated and broken once again...it took a few days to all sink in and for all of us to come up with the next "plan of attack"...but we are strong...and this is just another hurdle we need to get past.
We are however, really wanted her to move back home...maybe because in our hearts we are realizing that we need her alot more then she needs us.

Kody is doing GREAT...he really is! Yesterday he was bike on his bike and flying up and down the street...no wobbling, no falling, just a whole lot of laughs and smiles.
Kolin learned how to ride his bike...{Thank you to big brother, Kyle}..and he is just as happy as can be too...wish you all could have seen the 2 of them on the road last night..with me trying my best to follow..no way, I am to old and those boys are to fast!!

I've gotten alot of e-mails about the moles/tumor/cancer thing...all I can say is I am contacting professionals on this...I seriously think there is a link and testing AT BIRTH needs to be done..If I have to spend my lie advocating this cause..be sure, I will! Please if anyone else out there has info..let me know.

KOdy's Make-a-Wish playground will be here Nov. 4th...10:00 AM, while he is at school..we plan on making it a huge surprise {shhhhhhh, don't tell}..Make-a-Wish, VNN {our local news network}, The Daily Sun and most likey The Daily Commercial will be here...it is going to be so much fun and I can't wait..I really can't!! :0)

Kody's report card came yesterday and WOW..I was really surprised...with all the school he has missed so far this year...he brought home 2 A's and 1 D. Reading and Comp. is a huge problem for him...and as much as I have been trying like crazy to get an IEP meeting set up for extra help or whatever...I have been getting the runaround from the school badly. Seems that what Kody's dr. wrote "Brain tumor, hydrocephlus, illnesses and excessive absenses" are not good enough. Can you believe it? By the time all the steps are taken and the red tape is cut..it will be somewhere towards the end of the year which is real bad since when he goes on to the 3rd grade...he will most likely fail all the FCAT reading and comp. tests which are required to pass into the 4th grade..leaving him retained.
Right now he is in the second grade..technically he should be in the third grade but because of so many absenses when he was first diagnosed he repeated the first grade.
Kody is only reading at a 1.5 grade level which broken down means 5 months into the first grade year. At the age of eight..this isn't a good thing which is why I am pushing for some extra help...we do alot with him at home but we are not teachers..there is only so much we can do.
Not to mention...his at home time should be spent with lots of playing and having outdoor fun...that's my opinion anyway since there is no "recess" at school and P.E. only once a week.

We have noticed that Kody still writes his letters and numbers backwards, reads backwards, reads words but doesn't "get" what he's read...classic signs of dyslexia...but the school refuses to test him and so this week I am insisting that he gets to see a neurologist at Shands. He's never seen one...only his Neurosurgeon and from what I've heard from other parents..he really should have a Neurologist too.

Well..this Friday is Kody's BIG day...Blue Angel day!!! And thank you too...Sandi and the Navy Blue Angels for seeing to it that we get to spend 3 wonderful, relazing, very much needed days on Jacksonville Beach spending time as a family...meeting the pilots, having tons of pictures taken...watching those Blue Angels soar above us...and pretty much having the time of our lives..the excitement is defintely flowing around this house...now let's just all hope the Yankees win quickly so we don't miss any games!! :0)

I'm still leaving the info. up for the IP trackers incase any more of you need the info. Please do not hesitate to contact Chris, Amie or I...we want every family to have one of these...especially those plaqued by idiots in guestbooks. e can do it for you or talk you through it..we are NEVER to busy to help a friend!!
Info. below.......

For anyone thinking about leaving an annoymous or snide message on this site...

You may want to reconsider.

Kim just finished setting up up an IP Tracker for her site - so that anyone who looks at the site registers with the tracker. IP addresses are powerful little creatures. With an IP, you will be tracked down to where you live and will be turned over to your service provider, and your account will be terminated, if not criminal charges pressed.

To any family who wants an IP tracker on their site, get in touch with Kim, myself or Amie and we'll direct you to the site that'll help you out, and walk you through the steps to make sure it works on your site. Our mission is for every caringbridge site to have this in place.

~ Email Chris/Amie ~

~ Gooch's Site

Well..that about does it for this weekends update...please I ask you all to pray for our daughter, Karyelle.
Thank you!

~*~*~God Bless You All~*~*~

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

JAMIE

Please pray for a sweet little boy who's name is Jamie and who's Mom is a fellow "Quilts of Love" Angel. She has just gotten the devesting news that her baby's brain tumor has spread all over his brain. The radiation and chemo. did nothing to kill this horrible, aggresive tumor.
Please visit Anna as she is heartbroken and sure could use some support and prayers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley is back in school and doing GREAT!!! She is truly one of God's greatest miracles ande are all so proud of her!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, October 13, 2003 9:24 PM CDT
For anyone thinking about leaving an annoymous or snide message on this site...

You may want to reconsider.

Kim just finished setting up up an IP Tracker for her site - so that anyone who looks at the site registers with the tracker. IP addresses are powerful little creatures. With an IP, you will be tracked down to where you live and will be turned over to your service provider, and your account will be terminated, if not criminal charges pressed.

To any family who wants an IP tracker on their site, get in touch with Kim, myself or Amie and we'll direct you to the site that'll help you out, and walk you through the steps to make sure it works on your site. Our mission is for every caringbridge site to have this in place.

~ Email Chris/Amie ~

~ Gooch's Site

Monday, October 13, 2003 10:24 PM

LET'S GO YANKEES...LET'S GO!!!!!

Hello everyone...

Just a quick update tonight as the big game is on and I am completey going crazy in the 7th inning stretch..come on Yankees..don't quit on us now!!

Well...as you can se by the new picture in front..KODY IS BACK ON HIS BOARD!!!!!
YEAH..YOU GO KODY...MOMMY IS SOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!
This afternoon I saw him buckle on his helmet, grab his board and head out the door..my heart completely skipped a beat and as always..I beat feet with the camera...more photos in the photo page.
Though is is starting out slow...he did great...even doing some tricks off his ramp. No doubt by this time next month, he will be back to the old Sk8er Boy we all love once again.

As for his eye surgery..well...he has not seen double in over a week!!! He is getting more and more coordinated everyday and his Dr. wants to see him again on November 18th. You can see his eye still looks a little swollen and that will go down. Also..it was towards the end of the day and after being in schol all day.he tends to get tired and it does still sometimes droop. Not anything like before though. The redness is almost gone which is record time...since we were told it could be there for a couple of months. All in all..I would say this surgery was a complete success and I am confident that his brain is taking over and is working real hard to get his eye at 100 percent again.

I have gotten hold of some very interseting information about brain tumor kids...I don't know if it's a coincidence or not but I have heard lately about "moles" and tumors being related.
Let me explain for a minute...Kody was born with a "mole" or a "nimus" on his back...it was biopsyed when he was about 3 or 4 months old and the results came back normal, just extra fatty cells under the skin.
From what I've been hearing is that our kids with brain tumors also have {well many of them do anyway} a history of these "moles"..generally on their backs at birth.
One Mom who had her son looked at by a genetics dr. was told by the dr. that skin and the brain develop at the same time..or sometimg like that..and that these "moles" are actually a sign of things to come, in some cases.
I was wondering if any parents who have a situation like this...could you contact me through e-mail..I am very interested in this and feel that if there is a link then testing at birth needs to be done. I will advocate myself like crazy for this...Kody could have actaully had this tumor since birth and it took 6 years for it to grow the size it did before it gave us problems enough to discover it.
The weird thing is that till this day..Kody still gets alot of these little "beauty marks" popping up..our other kids don't have them..so maybe there really is a connection.

Starting tomorrow Kodys site should be back up and running as normal...I am sure you all realize why we had to password protect and I thank you all for your patience and for still coming back to check on Kody.
Well..I have a new guestbook which I will be linking Kody's site to in the morning...this one can track and ban IP addresses from coming in and so much more. This is much better security for us, believe me...and it will give me the proof that I need if need be.
I'll be saving and then deleting Kody's CB guestbook and I'll be sure to leave the new link to his new guestbook on the top and on the bottom..and most likey somewhere in-between till you all get used to it.
Please don't let this stop you from signing his book...I just had to do this for the one "bad apple".

Well..with that I am going to go and root those Yankees on...it's the 8th inning right now and they look like they need all the cheering they can get!! :0)

11 more days till Kody meets his "BLUE ANGELS"..the excitement is building up big time!!

~*~*~God Bless You All~*~*~

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

JAMIE

Please pray for a sweet little boy who's name is Jamie and who's Mom is a fellow "Quilts of Love" Angel. She has just gotten the devesting news that her baby's brain tumor has spread all over his brain. The radiation and chemo. did nothing to kill this horrible, aggresive tumor.
Please visit Anna as she is heartbroken and sure could use some support and prayers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

Please keep Cheyenne in your prayers as she begins her next round of chemo., this one much stronger then the last.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOYRachel Joy and Mom have just come back home from a "gypsy trip" through California..visiting family and friends..RachelJoy handled the trip beautifully!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley is back in school and doing GREAT!!! She is truly one of God's greatest miracles ande are all so proud of her!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***Latest Update***
Michael is holding his own and doing well...
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Lukes latest MRI is GREAT! No change form the last MRI when he finished up his radiation at St. Judes...what wonderful news!!!!

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Saturday, October 11, 2003
Please stop by Ashley's site today and wish Kody's future Daddy-in-Law a Very Happy 42nd Birthday!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AL!!!

Friday, October 10, 2003 3:07 PM

GO BRONX BOMBERS!!!

Hello everyone!!

Thought I'd update real quick since Caring Bridge is going down tomorrow while they change servers...I'm hoping this will mean good things are on their way! I'm also hoping it doesn't take the 3 days they say to update again...but if it does, I hope you all have a wonderful, happy and very safe long weekend.

Today the kids had no school..but they do on Monday {go figure?} so as a little treat..I thought I'd take them to the park for an hour or so.
UGH...well, that was about a disaster in the making. Seems that there were a family of trouble makers {no, not mine..though it would be hard to tell by picture #2 on the photo page!!} there. So..as these boys about Kolin age on up to I'd say 11 or so saw that Kody was having a hard time keeping up with others and hadn't the sense of balance like his brother and sister..{who were more then willing to slow down and wait for him}, they decided that a little picking on was in order.
Not only was seeing Kody struggle at keeping up killing me and breaking my heart but nothing can compare with what happened next.
Unfortunetly for them..what they hadn't expected was the family they were picking on was mine and as always when one is in trouble they all came together as one when they saw Kody was the butt of their cruel jokes...and threats! Yes..they were crowding up around him to hit him..can you believe it? Well...I jumped...I mean I flew over there just in time to see Kody's fist go flying right smack at this 11 year old face...now...I would never say that fighting is OK...but I have taught them self-defence is. However...this is only a week and a half after eye surgery and the last thing Kody needs is to get into a fist fight with a bunch of bullies. BTW..there were about 6 boys to my 3 kids.
Well..anyway, to make a long story short...Kody missed..but Kolin didn't...Kaysha didn't either...and when this one boy went to go hit Kaysha back..Kody got in the last swing and...{LOL}...he did not miss that time.
Last thing out of Kodys mouth was "I'll beat your BLEEP if you ever hit my sister again!"
OK....then we went home. The new pictures..I know..look like kids having fun at a park..well, they were taken before the commotion. :0)
This is just one more reason why I can't wait until Kody's Make-a-Wish playground is here and I can peacefuly watch them play all day long in the saftey of their own yard.

Quick warning...a few weeks back I had posted a warning about "Princess Nicole" a/k/a "Jamie" a/k/a "Jessica Thomas"..the phoney scam artist who lurks around Caring Bridge making mockerys of sick children and especially those who have recently earned their wings. Not that she has ever said anything threatening in any way...she just "pretends" to be sick/diabled/or a Mother of a sick child. She often leaves inappropriate, sometimes disturbing messages in guestbooks. Please just be aware...she has created for herself another CB site. Who knows how long this one will last as she already knows she's been caught. But if you all want to see her style and get her e-mail so you can be aware if she happens to sign your guestbook...this is the link...
JESSICA THOMAS

Well..thats about it around here, so until Caring Bridge is back to business...I bid you all a most relaxing three day weekend!!

Thank you all for coming back...

~*~*~God Bless You All~*~*~

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Wednesday, October 1, 2003 11:00 PM

Dear God...

We need to talk....

I know there's been quite a bit of religion bashing on the web lately and so I am hoping that I won't catch any slack from anyone today as I try my best to communicate with you in my best Catholic faith.

I'm sure You already know...I try to live my life by the 10 Commandments and also by the "Golden Rule". I've raised my children...those 6 precious gifts that you have given me that way. Ask any of them, from the oldest to the youngest "What is the golden rule?" and they will say "Treat others the way you want to be treated".

I know exactly what You must be thinking right about now..."Why don't you come visit me, you know...like in the physical sense..on Sundays?"
Well..I honestly don't have an answer. I can't lie to You, right..so I have to admit..I don't know.
Maybe because when I pray I have that tendency to cry and I don't want anyone to know how badly I hurt. I pray to You everyday..sometimes several times a day..You know that. Everyday I thank You for giving me another day with my husband and children and at the end of every prayer You know what always comes last..."Please Lord, give me one more day".

Sometimes I share something that's happened that day..like "Did You see Kolin's smile when he lost his first tooth?", "Did You see how hurt Kaysha was when she didn't win student councel?" It sure seems that every day I apoligize for taking up so much of Your time when there are so many families out there who need to speak with You with more important issues. Still..I always find subtle ways that You hear me, You are really listening and most of all...You really do care.

Lord..I ask myself 100 times a day, at least.."Why have You chosen us...in particular, Kody to travel this journey?"
Why must my baby suffer, why should he hurt, miss school so much, not do what his friends are doing, be treated differently?
Why must his Dad and I be made to watch our son as he goes through this horrible disease chosen for him. We have seen him go through 3 big surgeries in 20 months...more MRI's and CT Scans then we can count, good news one month, bad news the next...still, Kody keeps smiling and in order for him not to see our tears...we keep smiling right along with him.
It's only after he and his siblings are safely tucked in bed do our tears flow.

I have often wondered to myself..."Why would You give me this perfect little boy, only to take him back way sooner then we had ever planned?"..are You really going to let that happen...please, please tell me "No".

Lord...You know as Kodys parents, we would take his place in a heartbeat. Make us suffer...we deserve it, not him.
We are the ones who have done stupid things..made mistakes..have not lived up to Your rules from time to time. Though we try our best, to be the best parents our children deserve..we are human and we make mistakes from time to time. Still...I hardly believe we have done anything worthy of the heartache and desperation these two words have given us...Brain Tumor. Two simple words..yet used in the same sentence with our childs name is so sickeningly horrible.

Still...we have overcome the shock of it all and realize that on January 8, 2002 our lives as we once new them will never be the same.
We have tried to remain positive...putting everything into Your hands and You have shown us that You have a very special plan for us and for Kody.

I have seen the magic of Kody this past year and a half. I have seen our small community suddenly seem very large...especially in their hearts. I have seen children we don't even know come up to him and us with a hug. I've seen parents tell us WE have made them better parents. Everywhere he goes...he spreads love and hope of a new tomorrow. His beautiful big brown eyes could melt the heart of a snowman and his smile charm the heart of a big, tattooed biker.

I suppose I do know why You chose Kody..how could you not? When people look at Kody, they do not see a child dying..they see a child full of life, laughing, smiling, loving and taking on the world and all it has to offer.
I see a child who dreams big...why not, is there any other way to dream?
I see a child who cries upon hearing that another child hurts, in any way.
I see a child who is not afraid of challenges...who wants to be just like his Daddy...who loves all his brothers, sisters and niece with all his heart.
I see a child who is a self-proclaimed "Mommy's Boy...and proud of it!!" :0)

Though I question You at times, I cuss You at times, I get so mad, so confused, so angry and so desperate...You always forgive me, and I know this because of the people..the angels..you have sent my way. My dear friends...most of whom I have never met in my life, I may never meet...yet somehow they come to me on Kodys site at exactly the right time..when I am at a low that nobody except me knows about. They give me encouragement and support and we just click like we have been friends all our lives...I thank You for that.

I Thank You for sweet memories...I Thank You for Karl...23 years ago on January 10, 1980 we walked into each others lives and into each others hearts. He is my rock...my sounding board...my best friend...my worst friend...my absolute soulmate. Twenty three years ago on April 19th 1980 we vowed our love for one another in front of 100 friends and family. How ironic that the biggest joke at our wedding was how we would never last 6 months. Thank You for the opportunity to laugh right back into their faces as they bounce from relationship to relationship...never seeming to find the right person. The right person was probably already there...but unlike them..you gave Karl and I the gift of patience, of devotion, and of eternity. You gave us the gift of working hard, having fun, and never, ever giving up.

You have also blessed us with the gift of having two very big, loud mouths...and we do use them from time to time. Sometimes the stress builds up so much..so thick and so ugly...sometimes the bills are high..the paycheck is low and sometimes we yell, scream and holler. Sometimes we give each other the "silent treatment". Sometimes we don't think we can handle any more bad news...yet we still do and we know we have to deal with it.

Still...at the end of every argument...when the tears are almost gone and the desperation subsides...I will always hear coming from our living room, our wedding song playing and the man I love standing there wanting so bad to make things "right" again. And so we dance, we hold each other close, I wipe my red, runny, cry-baby nose on his t-shirt and always he will whisper in my ear "Kim, it's OK...we are going to be OK"..and Lord, do You know what?...I believe him...I really do.

As I looked at our son sleeping off the drugs from yesterday's surgery...he looked so small all curled up into a little ball, so helpless. I happened to glance at his medical records that were laying on a table beside us and my stomache lurched...it was huge...so much paper, so many notes and so many times the words "brainstem glioma" written on them in big, bold letters. So many pieces of paper all about Kody and when I mentioned it to Karl..his words to me "Kim, it's OK...without Kody all those pieces of paper mean nothing." It was then that I realized how he was gently rubbing Kodys back, his soft head and his arm, especially Kody's forearm where just before they wheeled him into the O.R., Karl had written "Live to Ride" on it in medical marker.

I saw him get the attention of EVERY nurse that walked by just to say to them "Isn't he beautiful? He's been through so much in his life. He's so strong, can you see it? He's a fighter...just like his Dad"
Lord...I have never seen such love for child then I saw right then and there. And I will keep that memory in my heart forever.

Thank You Lord for hearing me out today...I know I got long winded again, but there were just a few things I wanted You to know. There were many questions I had and there were alot of things I wanted to Thank You for...I never want You to believe that these things go by un-noticed.

Everyday that goes by and I still have the family I love with me I Thank You for and everyday that goes by I only ask for two more things...a cure for all the children and of course...one more day.

Love always...
~Kim~

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Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

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ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

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~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

JAMIE

Please pray for a sweet little boy who's name is Jamie and who's Mom is a fellow "Quilts of Love" Angel. She has just gotten the devesting news that her baby's brain tumor has spread all over his brain. The radiation and chemo. did nothing to kill this horrible, aggresive tumor.
Please visit Anna as she is heartbroken and sure could use some support and prayers.

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MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

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MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

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KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

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CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

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JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

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CHEYENNE

CONGRATULATION'S go out to Cheyenne who is ended her radiation treatments and is turning 12 this week..please stop by and say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY..and CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Cheyenne!!

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BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

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RACHELJOY
RachelJoy has been doing much better since her g-tube was put in..not so great for her poor Momthough who's rib got broken trying to hold her while it was put in...:0(. Stephanie loves her sweet baby so much though....she just takes it in stride. RachelJoy...when I say your strong...I guess I really meant it! :0)

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JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

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ASHLEY

Ashley is fighting everyday to get stronger...I'll be calling her Mom for updates so be sure to check in on her site.

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MICHAEL

***No updates since August..I'll be e-mailing Michael's Aunt later on***
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

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LUKE

Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is at the end of September, his family will be traveling from Florida back to St. Judes...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

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Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Wednesday, October 8, 2003 10:00 PM
~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us briefly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

GO YANKEES!!!!!

Hello everyone...

Welcome back..we are so happy you found your way here once again!

First..please just let me say..I am truly sorry for the inconvenience...password protecting Kody's site was something we were hoping not to have to do...but we had evil spreading it's way around Kody's guestbook and in order to protect not only our family but every family who comes on Kody's page...we had no other choice. It was either that, or no guestbook at all. I choose rather to spend hours and hours looking up, copying e-mails, trying my best to get the new information to every person who has signed in on Kody's page.
I am totaly stumped at 3 people though and I am hoping that someone out there can help.

Three of Kody's biggest fans are Debbie Nagy, Sheila from NY and Rose from Brazil...none have ever left an e-mail and I am on a desperate search to find them
Can anybody help?...I would really appreciate it.

I know there are people whom I haven't gotten to yet...PLEASE do not give Kodys info. out...if you are asked, please pass on the info. to us and we will work it out. I am scared to death that this person...will use a phoney e-mail and sob story to try to get to us.
We have reason to believe he is doing such things as we speak.

Now then..about this person...and I will only give him but 2 minutes of my time right now, because he is so not worth a fleeting moment of my time...but I do feel I owe an explanation.
This has been going on for almost a year...about 3 times a week. Each entry getting more sick, ridiculous and twisted then the last. It was causing alot of hurt and stress in an already stressed out house.
The name of this monster is Kevin Kruppenbacher and he lives in New York..he is Karl's brother and Kody's own Uncle. Thank God Karl and he are complete opposites...and I know this is obvious.
I have known Kevin for at least 25 years..he is not a kid..he is about 38 years old {I think} and he has been this way his whole life. So really, nothing he can do or say really surprises any of us.

As of yesterday I did contact NY police who told me to contact my local PD...I called the Lake County Sheriff Office and they did come out and I filled out a report. Other then that..they didn't want to see any of his messages and basically told me that "unless he actually threatens you or your childrens life or does something physical to any of you...there is nothing that can be done"
They advised me to write him a polite e-mail telling him to stop his entries, that I had contacted and filled out a police report and that if he persists we will be pressing charges.
Well..I did exactly that and about 20 minutes later...I got an e-mail from dear old Uncle Kevin...I won't print out the e-mail here but he did mention in no uncertain terms that he wishes cancer and death to everyone in my family.

Now that I know we have done our part to stop him, Karl and I feel it's time to let it go and let him hang himself.
We have done everything legally possible and right now in order to keep our sanity we will not hold hate in our hearts..instead we choose to let God deal with the things he's done. We can stand tall and proud. Someday when it is our time to meet our Maker..we know there will be a spot in Heaven for us to reunite as family once again. Until then..we refuse to let him ruin our lives and threaten our family.
And in order not to taint Kodys guestbook, I'll be taking that one last message off tonight.

OK..enough of that and on to better things...

Kody's post-op appointment was yesterday and we came out with great news {did you have a doubt??!!}
Kody's eye is healing nicely...no signs of nerve damage..so the droopyness is due to the fact that he favors keeping that eye shut.
We got some drops to help with that..he keeps it closed because it is scratchy and feels better shut. Now he puts artifical tears in and he feels great. The stitches will dissolve by themselves and his eye will start to fall right back into place..right now it turns in...but that is because when the stitches dissolve the eye will naturally float back to the middle where it belongs.
We go back for another re-check in 6 weeks and hopefully the Dr. can tell if Kody's brain has adapted to the surgery and if it will be a success.

Looks like Kody's Make-a-Wish playstation will be arriving the first week of November..we are so excited but....IT'S A SECRET..so don't tell!! Shhhhhhhh!!!
It will be here on a weekday...and all set up while Kody is at school...by the time he gets home.we will have our newspaper and local TV news station here {who will be filming all day}..plus sisters, brothers, Dad and Mom, Make-a-Wish people, especailly Memori..our new and most loved volunteer ever!!...and when Kody comes home from school..he will be walking into all of this..sounds like so much fun, doesn't it?

Our Blue Angel airshow is coming up the last weekend of this month..and Kody is buzzing with excitement!! I had gotten a phone call as soon as we walked in the door yesterday from Cheif Victor Brabble of the US Navy Blue Angels and he was sending out VIP passes for us...plus he will be there to personally make sure Kody has the time of his life meeting the pilots, autographs, pictures, watching the practice and of course the next day...watching all that hard work get put together at that air show. All this and a hotel room on the beach {Jacksonville Beach, Florida}...We have never been treated with such royalty ever!!!
Can you tell I'm just a little excited??!!
A BIG thank you to Sandi for making this all possible..WE LOVE YOU SANDI!!!!

Well...I promised myself I wouldn't get long winded again tonight and it looks like I've done just that again!!

Thank you all for coming back again..for the incredible guestbook entries, for the support and the encouragement...not only for our family, but for all the other Caring Bridge families that you follow through Kody's Story.

~*~*~God Bless You All~*~*~

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Wednesday, October 1, 2003 11:00 PM

Dear God...

We need to talk....

I know there's been quite a bit of religion bashing on the web lately and so I am hoping that I won't catch any slack from anyone today as I try my best to communicate with you in my best Catholic faith.

I'm sure You already know...I try to live my life by the 10 Commandments and also by the "Golden Rule". I've raised my children...those 6 precious gifts that you have given me that way. Ask any of them, from the oldest to the youngest "What is the golden rule?" and they will say "Treat others the way you want to be treated".

I know exactly what You must be thinking right about now..."Why don't you come visit me, you know...like in the physical sense..on Sundays?"
Well..I honestly don't have an answer. I can't lie to You, right..so I have to admit..I don't know.
Maybe because when I pray I have that tendency to cry and I don't want anyone to know how badly I hurt. I pray to You everyday..sometimes several times a day..You know that. Everyday I thank You for giving me another day with my husband and children and at the end of every prayer You know what always comes last..."Please Lord, give me one more day".

Sometimes I share something that's happened that day..like "Did You see Kolin's smile when he lost his first tooth?", "Did You see how hurt Kaysha was when she didn't win student councel?" It sure seems that every day I apoligize for taking up so much of Your time when there are so many families out there who need to speak with You with more important issues. Still..I always find subtle ways that You hear me, You are really listening and most of all...You really do care.

Lord..I ask myself 100 times a day, at least.."Why have You chosen us...in particular, Kody to travel this journey?"
Why must my baby suffer, why should he hurt, miss school so much, not do what his friends are doing, be treated differently?
Why must his Dad and I be made to watch our son as he goes through this horrible disease chosen for him. We have seen him go through 3 big surgeries in 20 months...more MRI's and CT Scans then we can count, good news one month, bad news the next...still, Kody keeps smiling and in order for him not to see our tears...we keep smiling right along with him.
It's only after he and his siblings are safely tucked in bed do our tears flow.

I have often wondered to myself..."Why would You give me this perfect little boy, only to take him back way sooner then we had ever planned?"..are You really going to let that happen...please, please tell me "No".

Lord...You know as Kodys parents, we would take his place in a heartbeat. Make us suffer...we deserve it, not him.
We are the ones who have done stupid things..made mistakes..have not lived up to Your rules from time to time. Though we try our best, to be the best parents our children deserve..we are human and we make mistakes from time to time. Still...I hardly believe we have done anything worthy of the heartache and desperation these two words have given us...Brain Tumor. Two simple words..yet used in the same sentence with our childs name is so sickeningly horrible.

Still...we have overcome the shock of it all and realize that on January 8, 2002 our lives as we once new them will never be the same.
We have tried to remain positive...putting everything into Your hands and You have shown us that You have a very special plan for us and for Kody.

I have seen the magic of Kody this past year and a half. I have seen our small community suddenly seem very large...especially in their hearts. I have seen children we don't even know come up to him and us with a hug. I've seen parents tell us WE have made them better parents. Everywhere he goes...he spreads love and hope of a new tomorrow. His beautiful big brown eyes could melt the heart of a snowman and his smile charm the heart of a big, tattooed biker.

I suppose I do know why You chose Kody..how could you not? When people look at Kody, they do not see a child dying..they see a child full of life, laughing, smiling, loving and taking on the world and all it has to offer.
I see a child who dreams big...why not, is there any other way to dream?
I see a child who cries upon hearing that another child hurts, in any way.
I see a child who is not afraid of challenges...who wants to be just like his Daddy...who loves all his brothers, sisters and niece with all his heart.
I see a child who is a self-proclaimed "Mommy's Boy...and proud of it!!" :0)

Though I question You at times, I cuss You at times, I get so mad, so confused, so angry and so desperate...You always forgive me, and I know this because of the people..the angels..you have sent my way. My dear friends...most of whom I have never met in my life, I may never meet...yet somehow they come to me on Kodys site at exactly the right time..when I am at a low that nobody except me knows about. They give me encouragement and support and we just click like we have been friends all our lives...I thank You for that.

I Thank You for sweet memories...I Thank You for Karl...23 years ago on January 10, 1980 we walked into each others lives and into each others hearts. He is my rock...my sounding board...my best friend...my worst friend...my absolute soulmate. Twenty three years ago on April 19th 1980 we vowed our love for one another in front of 100 friends and family. How ironic that the biggest joke at our wedding was how we would never last 6 months. Thank You for the opportunity to laugh right back into their faces as they bounce from relationship to relationship...never seeming to find the right person. The right person was probably already there...but unlike them..you gave Karl and I the gift of patience, of devotion, and of eternity. You gave us the gift of working hard, having fun, and never, ever giving up.

You have also blessed us with the gift of having two very big, loud mouths...and we do use them from time to time. Sometimes the stress builds up so much..so thick and so ugly...sometimes the bills are high..the paycheck is low and sometimes we yell, scream and holler. Sometimes we give each other the "silent treatment". Sometimes we don't think we can handle any more bad news...yet we still do and we know we have to deal with it.

Still...at the end of every argument...when the tears are almost gone and the desperation subsides...I will always hear coming from our living room, our wedding song playing and the man I love standing there wanting so bad to make things "right" again. And so we dance, we hold each other close, I wipe my red, runny, cry-baby nose on his t-shirt and always he will whisper in my ear "Kim, it's OK...we are going to be OK"..and Lord, do You know what?...I believe him...I really do.

As I looked at our son sleeping off the drugs from yesterday's surgery...he looked so small all curled up into a little ball, so helpless. I happened to glance at his medical records that were laying on a table beside us and my stomache lurched...it was huge...so much paper, so many notes and so many times the words "brainstem glioma" written on them in big, bold letters. So many pieces of paper all about Kody and when I mentioned it to Karl..his words to me "Kim, it's OK...without Kody all those pieces of paper mean nothing." It was then that I realized how he was gently rubbing Kodys back, his soft head and his arm, especially Kody's forearm where just before they wheeled him into the O.R., Karl had written "Live to Ride" on it in medical marker.

I saw him get the attention of EVERY nurse that walked by just to say to them "Isn't he beautiful? He's been through so much in his life. He's so strong, can you see it? He's a fighter...just like his Dad"
Lord...I have never seen such love for child then I saw right then and there. And I will keep that memory in my heart forever.

Thank You Lord for hearing me out today...I know I got long winded again, but there were just a few things I wanted You to know. There were many questions I had and there were alot of things I wanted to Thank You for...I never want You to believe that these things go by un-noticed.

Everyday that goes by and I still have the family I love with me I Thank You for and everyday that goes by I only ask for two more things...a cure for all the children and of course...one more day.

Love always...
~Kim~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ANGEL MARISSA
Angel Wings~Heaven Sings
Sweet dreams beautiful Marissa...may Heaven be stocked full of Chinese buffet and lots and lots of mushrooms...all there for you as you glide from cloud to cloud on the back of a majestic purple horse.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

JAMIE

Please pray for a sweet little boy who's name is Jamie and who's Mom is a fellow "Quilts of Love" Angel. She has just gotten the devesting news that her baby's brain tumor has spread all over his brain. The radiation and chemo. did nothing to kill this horrible, aggresive tumor.
Please visit Anna as she is heartbroken and sure could use some support and prayers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

CONGRATULATION'S go out to Cheyenne who is ended her radiation treatments and is turning 12 this week..please stop by and say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY..and CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Cheyenne!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
RachelJoy has been doing much better since her g-tube was put in..not so great for her poor Momthough who's rib got broken trying to hold her while it was put in...:0(. Stephanie loves her sweet baby so much though....she just takes it in stride. RachelJoy...when I say your strong...I guess I really meant it! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley is fighting everyday to get stronger...I'll be calling her Mom for updates so be sure to check in on her site.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***No updates since August..I'll be e-mailing Michael's Aunt later on***
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is at the end of September, his family will be traveling from Florida back to St. Judes...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

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This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
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Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Tuesday, October 7, 2003 6:55 AM
~*~A life so young released to Heaven...
left on Earth we wonder why?
But some are sent among us breifly.
Some have spirits meant to fly.~*~
ANGEL NOAH

Monday, October 6, 2003 10:58 PM

Hello all...

First of all I would like to thank all of you who stood up and were not afraid or embarrassed to come to our defense in respects to yesterdays guestbook entry.
You are all true friends...and I thank you.
That being that I won't give the old screwball another minute of my attention...I've got better things to do.

Kody and I are mega-huge NY Yankee fans {we are all from NY originally}...so, we thought this new border would be fitting as the Yankees are heading towards the World Series once again...
YEAH....GO YANKEES!!!!

We are headed back to the hospital early tomorrow morning for Kody's post-op appointment.
He went back to school today and did real well. Though I did have to go around lunchtime and squeeze some medicine into his eye which was burning, blurry and making him see double. I ended up staying and having lunch with him and tough as nails as he is..he went back to finish up his day with no problems at all.
Over the weekend I've noticed the right side of his face "drooping" and he really seems to favor keeping that eye closed...he says it feels better but I really think he's got to open it more...he opens it to make me happy...and as soon as I turn around, he shuts it again! Gotta love him..he knows what he likes!!

Please take a moment to visit Baby Noah's Mom and Dad..as of this mornings update..they were desperatly trying to find it within themselves to let go of their baby. The journal entries are so heartbreaking....
Noah

Thank you for all the feedback on my letter to God...
I started out just wanting to update...but it was one of those days, lots of thinking and reflecting going on. Lots of worrying, sadness, hurt, anger and joy all mixed into one gigantic need to get it all out.
My hands just seem to glide over the keys and the words are from my heart. Nobody can ever really realize the blessings in your life until one dark day...all the things you love and take for granted are taken away.
Life does go on..but never in the way that you once knew it.
There is not a parent in the world, anywhere who would ever ask to have their childs name and cancer in the same sentence..yet some of us have to..we have to say it, feel it, live it every single day of our lives.
It's the first thing we think of when we wake up...it's the last thing we think of as we fall asleep.
It comes to us in our dreams/nightmares..it never goes away...never.
Tonight...as you get ready to head to bed yourselves...take a moment, look in on your kids. It doesn't matter if they are babies or teenagers.
See how peaceful they are asleep?...Kiss their cheek, tell them you love them. Cherish every moment of their being. They are gifts from God.

Have a peaceful night and a wonderful day tomorrow...
~Kim~

Wednesday, October 1, 2003 11:00 PM

Dear God...

We need to talk....

I know there's been quite a bit of religion bashing on the web lately and so I am hoping that I won't catch any slack from anyone today as I try my best to communicate with you in my best Catholic faith.

I'm sure You already know...I try to live my life by the 10 Commandments and also by the "Golden Rule". I've raised my children...those 6 precious gifts that you have given me that way. Ask any of them, from the oldest to the youngest "What is the golden rule?" and they will say "Treat others the way you want to be treated".

I know exactly what You must be thinking right about now..."Why don't you come visit me, you know...like in the physical sense..on Sundays?"
Well..I honestly don't have an answer. I can't lie to You, right..so I have to admit..I don't know.
Maybe because when I pray I have that tendency to cry and I don't want anyone to know how badly I hurt. I pray to You everyday..sometimes several times a day..You know that. Everyday I thank You for giving me another day with my husband and children and at the end of every prayer You know what always comes last..."Please Lord, give me one more day".

Sometimes I share something that's happened that day..like "Did You see Kolin's smile when he lost his first tooth?", "Did You see how hurt Kaysha was when she didn't win student councel?" It sure seems that every day I apoligize for taking up so much of Your time when there are so many families out there who need to speak with You with more important issues. Still..I always find subtle ways that You hear me, You are really listening and most of all...You really do care.

Lord..I ask myself 100 times a day, at least.."Why have You chosen us...in particular, Kody to travel this journey?"
Why must my baby suffer, why should he hurt, miss school so much, not do what his friends are doing, be treated differently?
Why must his Dad and I be made to watch our son as he goes through this horrible disease chosen for him. We have seen him go through 3 big surgeries in 20 months...more MRI's and CT Scans then we can count, good news one month, bad news the next...still, Kody keeps smiling and in order for him not to see our tears...we keep smiling right along with him.
It's only after he and his siblings are safely tucked in bed do our tears flow.

I have often wondered to myself..."Why would You give me this perfect little boy, only to take him back way sooner then we had ever planned?"..are You really going to let that happen...please, please tell me "No".

Lord...You know as Kodys parents, we would take his place in a heartbeat. Make us suffer...we deserve it, not him.
We are the ones who have done stupid things..made mistakes..have not lived up to Your rules from time to time. Though we try our best, to be the best parents our children deserve..we are human and we make mistakes from time to time. Still...I hardly believe we have done anything worthy of the heartache and desperation these two words have given us...Brain Tumor. Two simple words..yet used in the same sentence with our childs name is so sickeningly horrible.

Still...we have overcome the shock of it all and realize that on January 8, 2002 our lives as we once new them will never be the same.
We have tried to remain positive...putting everything into Your hands and You have shown us that You have a very special plan for us and for Kody.

I have seen the magic of Kody this past year and a half. I have seen our small community suddenly seem very large...especially in their hearts. I have seen children we don't even know come up to him and us with a hug. I've seen parents tell us WE have made them better parents. Everywhere he goes...he spreads love and hope of a new tomorrow. His beautiful big brown eyes could melt the heart of a snowman and his smile charm the heart of a big, tattooed biker.

I suppose I do know why You chose Kody..how could you not? When people look at Kody, they do not see a child dying..they see a child full of life, laughing, smiling, loving and taking on the world and all it has to offer.
I see a child who dreams big...why not, is there any other way to dream?
I see a child who cries upon hearing that another child hurts, in any way.
I see a child who is not afraid of challenges...who wants to be just like his Daddy...who loves all his brothers, sisters and niece with all his heart.
I see a child who is a self-proclaimed "Mommy's Boy...and proud of it!!" :0)

Though I question You at times, I cuss You at times, I get so mad, so confused, so angry and so desperate...You always forgive me, and I know this because of the people..the angels..you have sent my way. My dear friends...most of whom I have never met in my life, I may never meet...yet somehow they come to me on Kodys site at exactly the right time..when I am at a low that nobody except me knows about. They give me encouragement and support and we just click like we have been friends all our lives...I thank You for that.

I Thank You for sweet memories...I Thank You for Karl...23 years ago on January 10, 1980 we walked into each others lives and into each others hearts. He is my rock...my sounding board...my best friend...my worst friend...my absolute soulmate. Twenty three years ago on April 19th 1980 we vowed our love for one another in front of 100 friends and family. How ironic that the biggest joke at our wedding was how we would never last 6 months. Thank You for the opportunity to laugh right back into their faces as they bounce from relationship to relationship...never seeming to find the right person. The right person was probably already there...but unlike them..you gave Karl and I the gift of patience, of devotion, and of eternity. You gave us the gift of working hard, having fun, and never, ever giving up.

You have also blessed us with the gift of having two very big, loud mouths...and we do use them from time to time. Sometimes the stress builds up so much..so thick and so ugly...sometimes the bills are high..the paycheck is low and sometimes we yell, scream and holler. Sometimes we give each other the "silent treatment". Sometimes we don't think we can handle any more bad news...yet we still do and we know we have to deal with it.

Still...at the end of every argument...when the tears are almost gone and the desperation subsides...I will always hear coming from our living room, our wedding song playing and the man I love standing there wanting so bad to make things "right" again. And so we dance, we hold each other close, I wipe my red, runny, cry-baby nose on his t-shirt and always he will whisper in my ear "Kim, it's OK...we are going to be OK"..and Lord, do You know what?...I believe him...I really do.

As I looked at our son sleeping off the drugs from yesterday's surgery...he looked so small all curled up into a little ball, so helpless. I happened to glance at his medical records that were laying on a table beside us and my stomache lurched...it was huge...so much paper, so many notes and so many times the words "brainstem glioma" written on them in big, bold letters. So many pieces of paper all about Kody and when I mentioned it to Karl..his words to me "Kim, it's OK...without Kody all those pieces of paper mean nothing." It was then that I realized how he was gently rubbing Kodys back, his soft head and his arm, especially Kody's forearm where just before they wheeled him into the O.R., Karl had written "Live to Ride" on it in medical marker.

I saw him get the attention of EVERY nurse that walked by just to say to them "Isn't he beautiful? He's been through so much in his life. He's so strong, can you see it? He's a fighter...just like his Dad"
Lord...I have never seen such love for child then I saw right then and there. And I will keep that memory in my heart forever.

Thank You Lord for hearing me out today...I know I got long winded again, but there were just a few things I wanted You to know. There were many questions I had and there were alot of things I wanted to Thank You for...I never want You to believe that these things go by un-noticed.

Everyday that goes by and I still have the family I love with me I Thank You for and everyday that goes by I only ask for two more things...a cure for all the children and of course...one more day.

Love always...
~Kim~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Great news...Kody's 255 Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!! See photos on Kody's photo page!!
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the others as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Saturday, September 20th...

It is with great sadness that I must tell you all that at 4 o'clock this after noon, beautiful Marissa has become Heaven's newest Angel...

ANGEL MARISSA

Also..Baby Noah is back in the PICU today.
9/30 update...
Noah is on life support! Please pray for this sweet little baby. :0(

NOAH'S SITE

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

JAMIE

Please pray for a sweet little boy who's name is Jamie and who's Mom is a fellow "Quilts of Love" Angel. She has just gotten the devesting news that her baby's brain tumor has spread all over his brain. The radiation and chemo. did nothing to kill this horrible, aggresive tumor.
Please visit Anna as she is heartbroken and sure could use some support and prayers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

CONGRATULATION'S go out to Cheyenne who is ended her radiation treatments and is turning 12 this week..please stop by and say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY..and CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Cheyenne!!

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BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

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RACHELJOY
RachelJoy has been doing much better since her g-tube was put in..not so great for her poor Momthough who's rib got broken trying to hold her while it was put in...:0(. Stephanie loves her sweet baby so much though....she just takes it in stride. RachelJoy...when I say your strong...I guess I really meant it! :0)

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JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley is fighting everyday to get stronger...I'll be calling her Mom for updates so be sure to check in on her site.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***No updates since August..I'll be e-mailing Michael's Aunt later on***
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is at the end of September, his family will be traveling from Florida back to St. Judes...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Tuesday, September 30th...8:05 PM
Hi everyone!!
Just a quick update to let you all know that Kody's surgery went as smooth as could be today...my baby kicked butt once again!! :0)
Though he was feeling a little antsy/nervous..he was given a pre-op dose of good old fashioned "Goofy Juice"!!
Well...15 minutes later he was a HUGE GOOF!!! Gassing up that whoopie cushion he brought {much to everyones surprise who happened to walk by or check on him!!), belting out tunes with Dad...and I do mean belting out some tunes...Adam Sandlers Chanukah song {I wish you could have all seen Dr. Levines face, Kodys eye dr., he was hysterical!)..then of course he and Dad got totally into The Turtles {think oldies here!} "So Happy Together". He had the whole place just laughing, and was even commented on "There's ALWAYS one family....", HA..HA...Daddy and Kody live to hear that!!
OK..so, after a while, we find out that Kody would be wheeled into the O.R. promptly..well, prompty didn't seem to be happening..turns out the Dr's and nurses were all in the O.R. checking out Kody's web-site!!
Finally..they start wheeling "Mr. Higher Than A Kite" in {still singing mind you} and the nurse accidently bumps his bed into the wall..to which the last thing we heard was Kody say "Hey...do that again and I'll get you fired!!"
Thank God they all had great senses of humor!! :0) :0) :0)
His surgery went a little beyond the hour and half we were told and so right away we were a huge bundle of nerves..till we finally had the volunteer in the waiting area call the recovery room to find out he was being wheeled in as we spoke.
It took a looonnnggg time till he finally woke up. They gave him Zofan right away so no vomiting, thank godness!! Then he got some pain med's and soon after a ice pop and we were on our way home soon after that.
He still doesn't remember waking up, the ice pop..telling us he "felt like crap", the ride to the car or the drive home {he slept that away}...but he does remember having fun and laughing with everyone..so that is GREAT!!! :0)
Right now he is still laying down on the couch watching "Daddy Day Care" and eating lots of Firecracker Pops..he still feels "like crap" and is in pain..but we were told that could last a few days. Motrin and ice packs seem to be making him feel better though so I am sure in a couple of days he will be back to his silly old self.
Thank you so much for the prayers...as you can see...God does wonders for our boy and his fans and family are the best most caring supportive group we have...
THANK YOU ALL!!!!!
Well...I said I would make this quick..and I went on and on again..so I better get going.
PLEASE check out the "photo page"..it will give you a glimpse into our day today and hopefully it will give you all a little laugh tonight!!
BTW...the picture on the front page is Kody and Karl wearing their "Cancer Sucks Club" doo-rags...they looked so cool and got many compliments! :0)
I'll soon be putting a link on Kodys site for the Cancer Sucks Club..but until then you can still get there by going to www.finestone.biz
Have a great night...
Love, Kim

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Monday, September 29, 2003.....

IT'S HERE...IT'S HERE!!!!!

Kody's 277 Good Wishes Quilt is here and it is BEAUTIFUL!!!! {see photo above and some more on the photo page} I cannot even begin to tell you how happy Kody is right now...he has that entire quilt spread out on my bed...which is a queen size and the quilt covers it and then some!!
As I type this, Kody and Kolin are looking at all the colorful squares and keep hearing them say..."Oh, look at this one Kody".."Kolin, check out this one!"..music to my ears!!
Also, with the quilt came a scrapbook of ALL his wishes from all of YOU!!!! I also understand that there will be another box of goodies sent from so many people..to be arriving in the next couple of days.
This happiness in my heart today could not have come at a better time..as I try my best to celebrate turning 41 today {UGH}...seeing this genuine outpouring of love from people all over the world...for one little boy is by far the most greatest gift I have ever received in my life...
Thank you all so much and God Bless You ALL!!!
With love.....
~Kim~

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sunday, September 28th.....

Hello everyone...

Hope you are all having a happy and safe weekend! :0)

This makes just about one week that I have had to keep Kody and Kolin home and away from crowds of people, especially children...on the hopes that Kody does not catch this virus that's going around so fast...so far I have a bunch of healthy kids..but I now have the utmost in respect and pride for those of you who do this everyday..combined with homeschooling..My hat goes off to all of you...I don't hardly think I can last another day!! But..if I can make it two more days...I have accomplished what we set out to do..have Kody walk into surgery Tuesday morning completely healthy..get that eye fixed and get him home.

Great news...Kody's 277 wishes quilt is on it's way and hopefully will be here before Tuesday so he can take it to the hospital and wrap himself in hugs from all his fans...for a sneak peek of his quilt..click away...
KODY'S 277 WISHES QUILT
Mom's and Dad's...It's not too late to request a quilt for your child, just click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

A big "THANK YOU" fom Kody to Mrs. Debbie Shumaker's 4th grade class for the most beautiful, most awesome cards and artwork we have ever seen!!! What a wonderful and caring group of children...we are so proud to have them all as our new friends!! :0)
Kody is completely facinated by how many new Blue Angel pictures he has now and he keeps looking at them and trying to draw them to exact same way they are in the picture.

Well..I think that about wraps it up for todays latest adventures...more to come..I'm sure. In this crazy house, things just change by the minute (LOL)

Please don't forget to visit some of our friends listed below..I get so many e-mails from their Mom's telling me how much the entries have made such a huge difference in their child's recovery..not to mention the encouragement to Mom and Dad...you are all so sweet to think of the othrs as well as Kody and we thank you so much!!

New pictures will be up later this afternoon..right now, I've got to run...

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Saturday, September 20th...

It is with great sadness that I must tell you all that at 4 o'clock this after noon, beautiful Marissa has become Heaven's newest Angel...

ANGEL MARISSA

Also..Baby Noah is back in the PICU today....

NOAH'S SITE

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

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PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

JAMIE

Please pray for a sweet little boy who's name is Jamie and who's Mom is a fellow "Quilts of Love" Angel. She has just gotten the devesting news that her baby's brain tumor has spread all over his brain. The radiation and chemo. did nothing to kill this horrible, aggresive tumor.
Please visit Anna as she is heartbroken and sure could use some support and prayers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

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KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

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CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

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JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

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CHEYENNE

CONGRATULATION'S go out to Cheyenne who is ended her radiation treatments and is turning 12 this week..please stop by and say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY..and CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Cheyenne!!

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BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

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RACHELJOY
RachelJoy has been doing much better since her g-tube was put in..not so great for her poor Momthough who's rib got broken trying to hold her while it was put in...:0(. Stephanie loves her sweet baby so much though....she just takes it in stride. RachelJoy...when I say your strong...I guess I really meant it! :0)

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JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

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ASHLEY

Ashley is fighting everyday to get stronger...I'll be calling her Mom for updates so be sure to check in on her site.

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MICHAEL

***No updates since August..I'll be e-mailing Michael's Aunt later on***
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is at the end of September, his family will be traveling from Florida back to St. Judes...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Tuesday, September 23, 2003 10:35 PM
Hi everyone...
This is just a mini update tonight to let you all know of a fake/scam artist on Caring Bridge.
She goes by the name of Jamie/Princess Nicole/Jessica/Barbie Girl...just to name a few.
This is not a sick child, this is the work of a very sick....MENTALLY sick adult who makes a mockery of our children.
I would like to thank all my wonderful friends who alerted me to this fact this morning and due to a combined effort and investagation by two well known (and loved!) groups and one terrific parent...she has been busted once again and she has closed her site down.
Unfortunetly, like I said..this person is sick and will pop back up again...please be careful.
I'll leave her guestbook entries in for a few days so you can all see her style..then I will delete them. She is not worth the extra attention that she seems to crave so much.
Love to you all....
~Kim~

Monday, September 22, 2003 9:55 PM

Just a quick update tonight...
This afternoon when I went to pick up the boys from school I heard that there was a very nasty virus going around the elementary school..high fevers, vomiting {sorry} and headaches....I was told that kids were dropping like flys as this virus was extremely catchy.
Not wanting anything to interfere with next weeks surgery and definetly not wanting to spend anymore time than we have to being admitted into the hospital...I went in to talk to the assistant principal and right away she confirmed the virus rumor and was more than happy to legally excuse Kody from school until after he has recovered from his surgery {September 30th} and Kolin {so he won't bring home anything} until Kody goes in for his surgery healthy.
So...it looks like I'll be homeschooling for a while...better safe than sorry
though.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Monday, September 22, 2003 11:14 AM

Hello everyone!!

Hope you all had a nice weekend...ours was pretty nice, everyone stayed healthy and that is always a plus!! :0)

Alot of you have asked me about the picture on the front page of Kody's sketch..well, it's not a professional picture, it's actually a machine in our mall..you put $2.00 in it and it's sketches you..you can even watch it, it's really cool!! I've put another one up of all three kids together on the photo page...it was almost impossible to get them all lined up and looking the right way in 5 seconds, but somehow we pulled it off!

Please check out Kody's friends updates from down below...I've updated all of them...some are in dire need of prayer, others are in dire need of encouragemnet...if you have a few spare minutes, please go on over and tell them Kody sent you...Thank You!!

I posted an update on Saturday telling everyone that we had lost Marissa and that Baby Noah is back in the PICU...scroll down a bit to see the update...I'll leave it up incase you hadn't seen Saturdays mini update.

Saturdays "Matthews Miles First Annual Walk For A Cure" was a huge success!!
Matthew's many family and friends have raised $15,000.00 towards a cure!!! I just know that this research money will start finding cures for all of our children needlessly suffering from brain tumors...
We Love You Matthew!!!!!!
MATTHEWS MILES PHOTOS

Please remember Kody on the 30th of this month, that is the day he will be having his eye surgery. Please pray that all goes well and that he will be back on his skateboard in no time at all..believe it or not, I really miss seeing him fly off his ramps!! :0)

Kody's "300 Wish Quilt" is almost done and will be on it's way here for him to wrap himself up in!
As much as I cannot wait to see Kody wrapped up in his quilt...I would LOVE to see every child who is sick wrapped up in one.
Soooo, Mom's and Dad's out there...I know your reading this! :0)
I ask that you please drop by for a visit at Quilting Angels and sign your child up for a quilt..it doesn't matter if they are in remission..they have been through the big fight, made it through hell and back and certainly deserve everything life has to offer.
At Quilting Angels, we are offering warm snuggly hugs, a special quilt made just for your child (and you too!).
That is actually what Kody thinks of his quilt...he has a quilt made by his second grade teacher and when he puts it on, he says "It's like being wrapped up in a big hug from someone you love"
Click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Well...since all is well here and I am going to pick up my grand-daughter, Alona, today for some playing and hanging out with Gramma time...I'll make this a short one today.

I'm leaving you all with some happy news today...our crazy little wild man, Gooch has ended all treatments for ALL...that's it, he's done..no looking back!! There is a HUGE party planned for him on Sept. 20th...as most of us live too far away to attend, I am hoping you will all go on over in spirit. In the words of my good friend Gooch...."SPIDERMAN AND ME ARE GONNA KICK CANCERS ASS!!!"

GOOCH'S SITE

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Saturday, September 20th...

It is with great sadness that I must tell you all that at 4 o'clock this after noon, beautiful Marissa has become Heaven's newest Angel...

ANGEL MARISSA

Also..Baby Noah is back in the PICU today....

NOAH'S SITE

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

JAMIE

Please pray for a sweet little boy who's name is Jamie and who's Mom is a fellow "Quilts of Love" Angel. She has just gotten the devesting news that her baby's brain tumor has spread all over his brain. The radiation and chemo. did nothing to kill this horrible, aggresive tumor.
Please visit Anna as she is heartbroken and sure could use some support and prayers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

CONGRATULATION'S go out to Cheyenne who is ended her radiation treatments and is turning 12 this week..please stop by and say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY..and CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Cheyenne!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
RachelJoy has been doing much better since her g-tube was put in..not so great for her poor Momthough who's rib got broken trying to hold her while it was put in...:0(. Stephanie loves her sweet baby so much though....she just takes it in stride. RachelJoy...when I say your strong...I guess I really meant it! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley is fighting everyday to get stronger...I'll be calling her Mom for updates so be sure to check in on her site.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***No updates since August..I'll be e-mailing Michael's Aunt later on***
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is at the end of September, his family will be traveling from Florida back to St. Judes...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Saturday, September 20th...11:48 PM
Wednesday, September 17th...12:25 PM

Hello friends and family...

Kody's eye surgery has been rescheduled for September 30th....the funny thing with this story is...the night before last Kody comes up and says to me "Mom, when is my eye surgery going to be" and I told him "I don't know yet, I haven't heard from the hospital" so, Kody says to me "Well, tell them that September 30th is good for me" {it's so hard to believe he is only 8!}. Yesterday the hospital called and said to me "Is September 30th good for you?"...(LOL)...I nearly fell off my chair..so, of course I had to say "Yes, that works for Kody...we'll pen you in!"..they must think I am completely crazy. You know, I'm wondering if my son will get me a little something for "Secretary's Day" this year?? :0)

Most of you from Florida probably have heard of the (so called) father who tried to take the lives of his 4 small children and himself because he was mad at his wife for breaking up their marraige. Well he did violently take the lives of 2 of the children (so far) and he cowardly killed himself.
Kody and Kolin saw a bit of this story on the news yesterday morning and Kolin goes up to Karl and says "Daddy..you are a good responsible Daddy"...to which Karl says to them "Daddy loves all of you very much and I would never hurt you or let anyone else hurt you, ever"...well, after two big Kody/Kolin/Daddy hugs..the boys start walking away but not before Karl hears Kody say to Kolin "Yeah...we only get one Daddy..we got to treat him good...he's got to last you know"...and Kolin says "Your so right Kody". :0) :0) :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sadly, We lost three beautiful children this week.....
Angel Julia
Angel Zach
Angel Taylor

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

As alot of you know...Kody is having a quilt made by the wonderful and very talented Angels of Quilting Angels. I was talking on the phone last night to "Angel" who is the founder and the most dedicated woman to this cause that I have ever had the pleasure of speaking to.
Because of Kody's loyal fans...Quilting Angels has had to- date...6000 hits..yes, that's right...6000 of the most special people on Earth {Kody's fans} have been on that site. I know many of you went to leave a block of fabric for his 100 wish quilt {wish I hear is more like a 300 wish quilt!} and it looks like Kody's quilt will be headed his way in just enough time for him to snuggle up with on chilly autumn and winter days {don't laugh, but when the temp. here is Florida dips into the 70's..we are freezing!!}.
As much as I cannot wait to see Kody wrapped up in his quilt...I would LOVE to see every child who is sick wrapped up in one.
Soooo, Mom's and Dad's out there...I know your reading this! :0)
I ask that you please drop by for a visit at Quilting Angels and sign your child up for a quilt..it doesn't matter if they are in remission..they have been through the big fight, made it through hell and back and certainly deserve everything life has to offer.
At Quilting Angels, we are offering warm snuggly hugs, a special quilt made just for your child (and you too!).
That is actually what Kody thinks of his quilt...he has a quilt made by his second grade teacher and when he puts it on, he says "It's like being wrapped up in a big hug from someone you love"
Click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

I'm leaving you all with some happy news today...our crazy little wild man, Gooch has ended all treatments for ALL...that's it, he's done..no looking back!! There is a HUGE party planned for him on Sept. 20th...as most of us live too far away to attend, I am hoping you will all go on over in spirit. In the words of my good friend Gooch...."SPIDERMAN AND ME ARE GONNA KICK CANCERS ASS!!!"

GOOCH'S SITE

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Saturday, September 20th...

It is with great sadness that I must tell you all that at 4 o'clock this after noon, beautiful Marissa has become Heaven's newest Angel...

ANGEL MARISSA

Also..Baby Noah is back in the PICU today....

NOAH'S SITE

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

JAMIE

Please pray for a sweet little boy who's name is Jamie and who's Mom is a fellow "Quilts of Love" Angel. She has just gotten the devesting news that her baby's brain tumor has spread all over his brain. The radiation and chemo. did nothing to kill this horrible, aggresive tumor.
Please visit Anna as she is heartbroken and sure could use some support and prayers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MAXIE

Maxie is back in the hospital after suffering from 3 grand mal siezures this weekend...Mom is so scared and Maxie is trying to give up...let's not let that happen!! it....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

MADDISON

Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Three year Katia is very sick and won't be leaving the hospital any time soon. Her treatments are horrific...please cheer Katia up by sending her a piece of your world...Katia may be in the hospital but is "traveling the world" while she is there...please click on Katia's site and send her a postcard from where you live...she loves these cards and "reads" them everyday..with help from Mom...who will do anything to see her baby smile! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is back home if only for a while as fevers keep putting him back in the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE

CONGRATULATION'S go out to Cheyenne who is ended her radiation treatments and is turning 12 this week..please stop by and say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY..and CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Cheyenne!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI

Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
RachelJoy has been doing much better since her g-tube was put in..not so great for her poor Momthough who's rib got broken trying to hold her while it was put in...:0(. Stephanie loves her sweet baby so much though....she just takes it in stride. RachelJoy...when I say your strong...I guess I really meant it! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMY
eremy has gotten his cord blood transplant..please pray that this is the one that will provide him his miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY

Ashley is fighting everyday to get stronger...I'll be calling her Mom for updates so be sure to check in on her site.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL

***No updates since August..I'll be e-mailing Michael's Aunt later on***
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE

Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is at the end of September, his family will be traveling from Florida back to St. Judes...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, Sept. 15th.....1:28 PM
Hi all...
Just a quick update to let you all know that Kody's shunt tap results came back...CLEAR!!!
Right now I am waiting to hear when we can reschedule his eye surgery....
Thank you so much for all the prayers...miracles do happen!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

We lost three beautiful children this week.....
Angel Julia
Angel Zach
Angel Taylor

Also, please pray for little Marissa who is growing her Angel Wings this week...she will be 8 years old this Friday..though her dr's don't think she will hang on until then...pray for Marissa's miracle.
Marissa's Site

I'm still willing and very happy to create your child their own personal, original CB border/background...please e-amil me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com

Saturday, Sept. 13th....

Hello everyone....

Hope you are all having a very fun, relaxing and safe weekend!

Kody has been feeling like his old onery self again so I truly believe that his shunt tap results on Monday will come out clear.

As alot of you know...Kody is having a quilt made by the wonderful and very talented Angels of Quilting Angels. I was talking on the phone last night to "Angel" who is the founder and the most dedicated woman to this cause that I have ever had the pleasure of speaking to.
Because of Kody's loyal fans...Quilting Angels has had to- date...6000 hits..yes, that's right...6000 of the most special people on Earth {Kody's fans} have been on that site. I know many of you went to leave a block of fabric for his 100 wish quilt {wish I hear is more like a 300 wish quilt!} and it looks like Kody's quilt will be headed his way in just enough time for him to snuggle up with on chilly autumn and winter days {don't laugh, but when the temp. here is Florida dips into the 70's..we are freezing!!}.
As much as I cannot wait to see Kody wrapped up in his quilt...I would LOVE to see every child who is sick wrapped up in one.
Soooo, Mom's and Dad's out there...I know your reading this! :0)
I ask that you please drop by for a visit at Quilting Angels and sign your child up for a quilt..it doesn't matter if they are in remission..they have been through the big fight, made it through hell and back and certainly deserve everything life has to offer.
At Quilting Angels, we are offering warm snuggly hugs, a special quilt made just for your child (and you too!).
That is actually what Kody thinks of his quilt...he has a quilt made by his second grade teacher and when he puts it on, he says "It's like being wrapped up in a big hug from someone you love"
Click on the image below..you'll be so happy you did!!

Kody's "fiance", Ashley has been put back into the PICU and could sure use some prayers. I talked to Nornine {Ashley's Mom} on the phone this morning and she asked me to update Ashley's site.
It is so hard sometimes to get a hospital computer..and even worse when you are in the PICU...so, Norine is able to grab a minute or two and read the guestbook entries but updating is not so easy.
We have become such good friends with this family that it is my honor to be able to help out...plus it gave me the perfect opportunity to put a little "Cinderella" surprise on there! :0)

ASHLEY'S SITE

I've added some new photos today..they are from Thursday's visit with the Shands Air Flight helicopter pilots. Please enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them...and as much as Kody and Kolin enjoyed living them.

As always...Please take a moment to visit and say a prayer for our list of friends below, especially Katia who is very sick, losing her beautiful brown curly hair and is due to have some very intense, serious radiation to her eyes, brain and full body. Please pray that her little 3 year old body can take this much. :0(

KATIA'S SITE

I'm leaving you all with some happy news today...our crazy little wild man, Gooch has ended all treatments for ALL...that's it, he's done..no looking back!! There is a HUGE party planned for him on Sept. 20th...as most of us live too far away to attend, I am hoping you will all go on over in spirit. In the words of my good friend Gooch...."SPIDERMAN AND ME ARE GONNA KICK CANCERS ASS!!!"

GOOCH'S SITE

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Well guys..September is here and that means Matthews Miles for a Cure will be here very soon!
~*~*~*~*~SEPTEMBER 20, 2003~*~*~*~*~
I ask all of you to scroll down and visit Matthew and his wonderful parents who have worked sooooo hard to make this day a successful one. Also, I urge all the BT parents out there to get their childs photo up on Matthews page...it will make the walk alot more personal for people to see our children, our heros, our inspirations and of course, our angels, taken too soon also...the more money that is raised...the more money that can find a cure for our children, who knows...Matthews walk just could be the thing to provide the research dollars that could save the life of one of our children. Please..Please stop by and meet Matthew and family...thay are AMAZING!!
Matthews link is down further but I'll leave it up here again...
MATTHEWS MILES

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MADDISON
Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Sweet little Katia has relapsed {AML}...as you all know, this terrible news has been quite a shock to all of us. Katia's Mommy, Tracy is very well known to so many of us as the most caring and loving friend. Whenever we need her, she is there. Now it's our turn to supply a shoulder for tracy and family to lean on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is having a very hard time with his treatments and keeps ending back up in the hospital with fevers, pain, the whole nine yards. Jake has been through so much but still continues to fight like a crazy man every single day. Pray that this child gets a miracle..there is NO cure for his disease.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE
Cheyenne's treatments are going real well..thankfully she is handling her chemo and radiation like the true fighter she is!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI
Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
Please stop by RachelJoy's site...she is not doing well at all this weekend and her symptoms point towards further "brain deteriation". Pray hard for this little girl...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMYJeremy's family is beyond devestation..the cord blood that he so desperetly needs got delivered thawed and completely unusable. Another match was found in Milan..please pray that this one provides Jeremy's miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY
Ashley is in the hospital again...a terrible bout of pnuemonia brought on by the medicine used to make her sleep during an MRI. Then..the worst news..her tumor grew once again. She has had surgery to drain another cyst and remove some tumor. Please pray that ody's Sweetheart gets stronger and stronger everyday and back home ASAP.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE
Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is in September...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Thursday, September 11, 2003 2:33 PM Florida Time
WE'RE HOME!!! :0) :0) :0) :0)

Hello everyone...

We got home just about an hour ago and although we are beat up tired...we are sooooo glad to be back to the happiest house on the planet!!

Kody is feeling alot better...though we won't have the results of his shunt tap until Monday, since he hadn't been running a fever for just over 24 hours...we all felt it was safe to cut him loose. Please pray that Monday finds us with clear shunt tap results...no infection is what we want more then anything right now.

After we find out that all is well again..we can re-schedule his eye surgery.

Thank you to EVERYONE who has been so kind to check up on Kody and leave us so many kind and supportive messages...I have also gotten all the e-mails and though I hadn't a chance to answer all but maybe 3 of them...please know that I did read them all and I will be getting back. I just need today to settle back in and get some laundry done, dishes washed, packed up stuff unpacked...and more then anything...get some sleep in my own bed...YEAH!! :0)

We had a quite fun day..if you can imagine at a hospital, yesterday. Kody and I were out taking a walk and when we came back up to the 4th...there was a Shands Air Flight helicopter pilot walking down the hall...well, he had on this blue flight suit and Kody's eyes got HUGE...he says "Mom...That is a BLUE ANGEL pilot!!"...well, I told him, not quite but maybe you can go shake his hand and introduce yourself. He did and told this man how he dreams of becoming a pilot himself and then this wonderful man says to him.."Kody, what room are you in, I would like to bring you a little something"...about a hour later, Kody got his visit!! I wish you all could have seen the smile on his face..it was priceless! I left a picture up on his photo page so you could all get a good idea. Anyway, he received a very cool Gator/Air Flight pin and he absolutely loves it...and plans on putting it on his official Blue Angel bag that he takes everywhere with him...the pin is going right next to his Blue Angel pin that he keeps on there.
Before he left..Kodys new friend invited him to the hanger to check out the helicopter just as soon as he got better...this was all the incentive that Kody needed and wouldn't you know it...on the way out this morning, Dad, Kody, Kolin and myself stopped off at the hanger and met some of the most wonderful people we have ever met..all willing and wanting to go out of their way to make two little boys (and one Dad!) very happy!! Before we left Kody and Kolin got t-shirts and hats...how sweet was that?? Tomorrow I'll put the pictures of this morning up...
I put some pic's up but have so many more.

Before I get going...because I am seriously falling asleep sitting here :0)...

My offer still stands if anyone with a Caring Bridge site would like for me to create their child a personal background of their choose (cartoon characters, artwork, photos, anything they are interested in to make their site more original) I would be honored...please e-mail me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com.

The new front page photo is of Kody holding a "ceiling tile" that he drew and painted. At our hospital, all over the ceiling are ceiling tiles painted by children (patients) and their families. Some are in memory of children that have passed away but most are in honor of those who are still fighting the big fight. The only thing Kody has ever wanted to do was paint a ceiling tile and two days ago he got his chance...isn't it beautiful? It's new home will be hanging up on the second floor in Kody's favorite hang-out...Neurology! :0) That way...he can visit whenever we go there.

As we look back on two years ago today...let's all take a minute of silent prayer for our heros and innocent loved ones who lost their lives to one of the most vicious attacks ever...their spirits and bravery live on forever and makes me PROUD to be an American!!

Please take a moment to visit and say a prayer for our list of friends below...

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Well guys..September is here and that means Matthews Miles for a Cure will be here very soon!
~*~*~*~*~SEPTEMBER 20, 2003~*~*~*~*~
I ask all of you to scroll down and visit Matthew and his wonderful parents who have worked sooooo hard to make this day a successful one. Also, I urge all the BT parents out there to get their childs photo up on Matthews page...it will make the walk alot more personal for people to see our children, our heros, our inspirations and of course, our angels, taken too soon also...the more money that is raised...the more money that can find a cure for our children, who knows...Matthews walk just could be the thing to provide the research dollars that could save the life of one of our children. Please..Please stop by and meet Matthew and family...thay are AMAZING!!
Matthews link is down further but I'll leave it up here again...
MATTHEWS MILES

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MADDISON
Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Sweet little Katia has relapsed {AML}...as you all know, this terrible news has been quite a shock to all of us. Katia's Mommy, Tracy is very well known to so many of us as the most caring and loving friend. Whenever we need her, she is there. Now it's our turn to supply a shoulder for tracy and family to lean on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is having a very hard time with his treatments and keeps ending back up in the hospital with fevers, pain, the whole nine yards. Jake has been through so much but still continues to fight like a crazy man every single day. Pray that this child gets a miracle..there is NO cure for his disease.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE
Cheyenne's treatments are going real well..thankfully she is handling her chemo and radiation like the true fighter she is!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI
Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
Please stop by RachelJoy's site...she is not doing well at all this weekend and her symptoms point towards further "brain deteriation". Pray hard for this little girl...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMYJeremy's family is beyond devestation..the cord blood that he so desperetly needs got delivered thawed and completely unusable. Another match was found in Milan..please pray that this one provides Jeremy's miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY
Ashley is in the hospital again...a terrible bout of pnuemonia brought on by the medicine used to make her sleep during an MRI. Then..the worst news..her tumor grew once again. She has had surgery to drain another cyst and remove some tumor. Please pray that ody's Sweetheart gets stronger and stronger everyday and back home ASAP.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE
Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is in September...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Tuesday, September 9, 2003 2:03 PM CDT
Hello everyone...

Greetings from Shands Hospital!!

OK..Where do I begin?? Well...Kodys surgery did not go as planned...it was cancelled due to Kody getting very, very sick on Monday.
Actually this all started Saturday last in the afternoon with headaches...which by Sunday were getting pretty sevee. Then the sleepyness started, then the double vision.
Monday morning at 4:45 as we were getting ready to get Kody to the hospital...he woke up holding his head and crying in pain. I gave him a Maxalt (pain pill) and then he fell back to sleep. We got him dressed and in the car at 5:30 when he said "I'M GONNA BE SICK!"...and sure enough before the car was in "drive"..he vomited (sorry) all over himself, the car, the driveway.
Sooo, needless to say..we got him in and I cleaned him up as Kyle cleaned the car up and then I called the hospital.
After a conversation with the eye dr. on call....anesteshia said "no way" to the surgery...especailly sice Kody gets very sick from the anesthesia anyway....100 percent out of the question.
They then advised me to call neurology..and they said "Get him in the ER right away"
Well, thats what we did and this is where we stand.....
They did a CT scan and his ventricles look great. X-rays and there was no breakage of the shunt. But....as we were at the hospital..the fever started again and wouldn't quit so...they has to do a "shunt tap"..which is basically sticking a needle through Kodys shunt on top of his head to gather up a CSF (fluid) sample. Lee Ann (Dr. Pincus right hand...WOMAN!! LOL) could only get one drop and since it will take 3 days to get a culture on that one drop of fluid...Kody was admitted for at least 3 days with IV antibotics running through him to treat a very possible shunt infection.
So...hows that going? Well, it actually could have been much better....seems the anibotic Vancomycin gave Kody a severe reaction last night and he was beet red, itchy, in pain, agitated and very, very miserable. A half an hour later he got some tylenol and benedryl and a half hour after taht he finally calmed down long enough to pass out...till the next morning!
So, he has been on it all day again only this time they are benedyling him a half an hour before hand. And, all is working out quite well there.
PLEASE...I ask you all to pray that this is just another virus and that his shunt is not infected...if it is, we'll be hre for 2 more weeks while they take the shunt out, place an external shunt,treat him with IV antibotics and then 14 days later, place another VP shunt in.
We should have the results of the culture Thursday around 11 AM.
I will try my best to get on this computer and let you all know whats happening...but one computer to a whole floor of parents is pretty hard to get on. :0(

Thank you for all the wonderful guestbook entries...I can't wait to get home and have time to really look through them all and follow up on all "my kids"!!

Also, the borders that I volunteered to do is still a go..just give me some time to break out of here and as soon as we are home...I'll be back to my regular self.
Just keep e-mailing me at kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com and I promise I will get to each and every one.

I will be back to checking in on all of you real soon..and know that my prayers are always with each and every one of you and especially your little (and sometimes not so little) ones.

Well..I better get going..I can't leave Kody alone for too long...I left him in the playroom and told him I'd be back in 15 minutes :0)

Please visit and say a prayer for our list of friends below...

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Well guys..September is here and that means Matthews Miles for a Cure will be here very soon!
~*~*~*~*~SEPTEMBER 20, 2003~*~*~*~*~
I ask all of you to scroll down and visit Matthew and his wonderful parents who have worked sooooo hard to make this day a successful one. Also, I urge all the BT parents out there to get their childs photo up on Matthews page...it will make the walk alot more personal for people to see our children, our heros, our inspirations and of course, our angels, taken too soon also...the more money that is raised...the more money that can find a cure for our children, who knows...Matthews walk just could be the thing to provide the research dollars that could save the life of one of our children. Please..Please stop by and meet Matthew and family...thay are AMAZING!!
Matthews link is down further but I'll leave it up here again...
MATTHEWS MILES

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MADDISON
Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Sweet little Katia has relapsed {AML}...as you all know, this terrible news has been quite a shock to all of us. Katia's Mommy, Tracy is very well known to so many of us as the most caring and loving friend. Whenever we need her, she is there. Now it's our turn to supply a shoulder for tracy and family to lean on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is having a very hard time with his treatments and keeps ending back up in the hospital with fevers, pain, the whole nine yards. Jake has been through so much but still continues to fight like a crazy man every single day. Pray that this child gets a miracle..there is NO cure for his disease.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE
Cheyenne's treatments are going real well..thankfully she is handling her chemo and radiation like the true fighter she is!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI
Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
Please stop by RachelJoy's site...she is not doing well at all this weekend and her symptoms point towards further "brain deteriation". Pray hard for this little girl...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMYJeremy's family is beyond devestation..the cord blood that he so desperetly needs got delivered thawed and completely unusable. Another match was found in Milan..please pray that this one provides Jeremy's miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY
Ashley is in the hospital again...a terrible bout of pnuemonia brought on by the medicine used to make her sleep during an MRI. Then..the worst news..her tumor grew once again. She has had surgery to drain another cyst and remove some tumor. Please pray that ody's Sweetheart gets stronger and stronger everyday and back home ASAP.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE
Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is in September...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Tuesday, September 9, 2003 2:03 PM CDT
Hello everyone...

Greetings from Shands Hospital!!

OK..Where do I begin?? Well...Kodys surgery did not go as planned...it was cancelled due to Kody getting very, very sick on Monday.
Actually this all started Saturday last in the afternoon with headaches...which by Sunday were getting pretty sevee. Then the sleepyness started, then the double vision.
Monday morning at 4:45 as we were getting ready to get Kody to the hospital...he woke up holding his head and crying in pain. I gave him a Maxalt (pain pill) and then he fell back to sleep. We got him dressed and in the car at 5:30 when he said "I'M GONNA BE SICK!"...and sure enough before the car was in "drive"..he vomited (sorry) all over himself, the car, the driveway.
Sooo, needless to say..we got him in and I cleaned him up as Kyle cleaned the car up and then I called the hospital.
After a conversation with the eye dr. on call....anesteshia said "no way" to the surgery...especailly sice Kody gets very sick from the anesthesia anyway....100 percent out of the question.
They then advised me to call neurology..and they said "Get him in the ER right away"
Well, thats what we did and this is where we stand.....
They did a CT scan and his ventricles look great. X-rays and there was no breakage of the shunt. But....as we were at the hospital..the fever started again and wouldn't quit so...they has to do a "shunt tap"..which is basically sticking a needle through Kodys shunt on top of his head to gather up a CSF (fluid) sample. Lee Ann (Dr. Pincus right hand...WOMAN!! LOL) could only get one drop and since it will take 3 days to get a culture on that one drop of fluid...Kody was admitted for at least 3 days with IV antibotics running through him to treat a very possible shunt infection.
So...hows that going? Well, it actually could have been much better....seems the anibotic Vancomycin gave Kody a severe reaction last night and he was beet red, itchy, in pain, agitated and very, very miserable. A half an hour later he got some tylenol and benedryl and a half hour after taht he finally calmed down long enough to pass out...till the next morning!
So, he has been on it all day again only this time they are benedyling him a half an hour before hand. And, all is working out quite well there.
PLEASE...I ask you all to pray that this is just another virus and that his shunt is not infected...if it is, we'll be hre for 2 more weeks while they take the shunt out, place an external shunt,treat him with IV antibotics and then 14 days later, place another VP shunt in.
We should have the results of the culture Thursday around 11 AM.
I will try my best to get on this computer and let you all know whats happening...but one computer to a whole floor of parents is pretty hard to get on. :0(

Thank you for all the wonderful guestbook entries...I can't wait to get home and have time to really look through them all and follow up on all "my kids"!!

Also, the borders that I volunteered to do is still a go..just give me some time to break out of here and as soon as we are home...I'll be back to my regular self.
Just keep e-mailing me at kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com and I promise I will get to each and every one.

I will be back to checking in on all of you real soon..and know that my prayers are always with each and every one of you and especially your little (and sometimes not so little) ones.

Well..I better get going..I can't leave Kody alone for too long...I left him in the playroom and told him I'd be back in 15 minutes :0)

Please visit and say a prayer for our list of friends below...

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Well guys..September is here and that means Matthews Miles for a Cure will be here very soon!
~*~*~*~*~SEPTEMBER 20, 2003~*~*~*~*~
I ask all of you to scroll down and visit Matthew and his wonderful parents who have worked sooooo hard to make this day a successful one. Also, I urge all the BT parents out there to get their childs photo up on Matthews page...it will make the walk alot more personal for people to see our children, our heros, our inspirations and of course, our angels, taken too soon also...the more money that is raised...the more money that can find a cure for our children, who knows...Matthews walk just could be the thing to provide the research dollars that could save the life of one of our children. Please..Please stop by and meet Matthew and family...thay are AMAZING!!
Matthews link is down further but I'll leave it up here again...
MATTHEWS MILES

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MADDISON
Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Sweet little Katia has relapsed {AML}...as you all know, this terrible news has been quite a shock to all of us. Katia's Mommy, Tracy is very well known to so many of us as the most caring and loving friend. Whenever we need her, she is there. Now it's our turn to supply a shoulder for tracy and family to lean on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is having a very hard time with his treatments and keeps ending back up in the hospital with fevers, pain, the whole nine yards. Jake has been through so much but still continues to fight like a crazy man every single day. Pray that this child gets a miracle..there is NO cure for his disease.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE
Cheyenne's treatments are going real well..thankfully she is handling her chemo and radiation like the true fighter she is!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI
Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
Please stop by RachelJoy's site...she is not doing well at all this weekend and her symptoms point towards further "brain deteriation". Pray hard for this little girl...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMYJeremy's family is beyond devestation..the cord blood that he so desperetly needs got delivered thawed and completely unusable. Another match was found in Milan..please pray that this one provides Jeremy's miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY
Ashley is in the hospital again...a terrible bout of pnuemonia brought on by the medicine used to make her sleep during an MRI. Then..the worst news..her tumor grew once again. She has had surgery to drain another cyst and remove some tumor. Please pray that ody's Sweetheart gets stronger and stronger everyday and back home ASAP.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE
Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is in September...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Saturday, September 6, 2003 2:20 PM...Florida Time
Hello everyone...

Happy weekend to you all and I don't know about you...but a relaxing weekend is what I really need!!

Kody's surgery is a go for Monday morning at 8:00 AM...please, we ask if you could take a moment that morning and pray that God directs Kody's surgeons hands so that by this time next week, Kody will get the eyesight miracle he needs. And that by this time 2 weeks from now, he will be back on that skateboard...ollying, grinding and jumping off ramps just like he used to! And I promise...when he does...I will be taking plenty of pix to show you all how much your prayers worked once again.

I have been working, in my spare time (LOL) at putting together original backgrounds for children of Caring Bridge. As we all know...backgrounds are limited and sometimes it is hard to find one that describes your child the best. Well, I invite you to e-mail me at: kim_kruppenbacher@yahoo.com . If I can help create a border of anything your child wishes...the possibilities are pretty endless (photos, hobbies, characters, artwork...) I would LOVE to help.
All I would need is space #3 on your photo page to store the border and you can pick the background color from "edit page".
To understand what I mean..well, Kody's background was made by me...and if you scroll down to RachelJoy's page...her's was made by me this morning.
Search for perfect picture...3 minutes
Creating the border...1 minute
Uploading new border...1 minute
A child's beautiful smile...PRICELESS!!!

Well...that about wraps it up for todays latest adventures a/k/a "My Life is a Soap Opera"!! :0) :0) :0) :0)

I put some new photos up of our day today..hope you all enjoy them...

Please visit and say a prayer for our list of friends below...

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Well guys..September is here and that means Matthews Miles for a Cure will be here very soon!
~*~*~*~*~SEPTEMBER 20, 2003~*~*~*~*~
I ask all of you to scroll down and visit Matthew and his wonderful parents who have worked sooooo hard to make this day a successful one. Also, I urge all the BT parents out there to get their childs photo up on Matthews page...it will make the walk alot more personal for people to see our children, our heros, our inspirations and of course, our angels, taken too soon also...the more money that is raised...the more money that can find a cure for our children, who knows...Matthews walk just could be the thing to provide the research dollars that could save the life of one of our children. Please..Please stop by and meet Matthew and family...thay are AMAZING!!
Matthews link is down further but I'll leave it up here again...
MATTHEWS MILES

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

MADDISON
Three and a half year old Maddison is Kody's newest friend. This Sweetheart of a girl has Ewing Sarcoma and is much pain. Mom is of course, very upset and both need prayers and kind words of support. Please stop by for a visit and show you care...Thank You!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

KATIA
Sweet little Katia has relapsed {AML}...as you all know, this terrible news has been quite a shock to all of us. Katia's Mommy, Tracy is very well known to so many of us as the most caring and loving friend. Whenever we need her, she is there. Now it's our turn to supply a shoulder for tracy and family to lean on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is having a very hard time with his treatments and keeps ending back up in the hospital with fevers, pain, the whole nine yards. Jake has been through so much but still continues to fight like a crazy man every single day. Pray that this child gets a miracle..there is NO cure for his disease.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE
Cheyenne's treatments are going real well..thankfully she is handling her chemo and radiation like the true fighter she is!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI
Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
Please stop by RachelJoy's site...she is not doing well at all this weekend and her symptoms point towards further "brain deteriation". Pray hard for this little girl...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMYJeremy's family is beyond devestation..the cord blood that he so desperetly needs got delivered thawed and completely unusable. Another match was found in Milan..please pray that this one provides Jeremy's miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY
Ashley is in the hospital again...a terrible bout of pnuemonia brought on by the medicine used to make her sleep during an MRI. Then..the worst news..her tumor grew once again. She has had surgery to drain another cyst and remove some tumor. Please pray that ody's Sweetheart gets stronger and stronger everyday and back home ASAP.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE
Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is in September...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Thursday...9/4/03...11:13 AM
PRAYERS NEEDED....

This morning I recieved a very touching e-mail about a very beautiful little girl whose name is Maddison.
Maddison has Ewing Sarcoma and is in terrible pain. Mom is very scared and could use lots of prayers and kind, supportive & encouraging guestbook messages.
I am asking if you would all take a moment and visit with Maddison..you will be so happy you did..she is Cutie Pie!!
As always...Kody and I thank you and send ((((KODY BEAR HUGS)))) your way!!

MADDISON'S SITE

Other news....
Kody is finally feeling well enough to go back to school today...YEAH KODY BEAR!!!
Soooo, he'll go today and tomorrow and have surgery on Monday and be out again all week next week.
What is it they say??? "This to shall pass" :0)
Have a wonderful day..and for all of our friends in the South..stay dry!!!

Love, Kim

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tuesday...9/2/03.....

Hello!!

Thank you so much for coming back to check in on Kody...

Today went pretty well, all things considered.

Kody's fever held out until 3 o'clock when it came back and he felt awful...really awful. He slept alot today...on the way to the hospital, on the way home and again when we got home. Maybe the medicines are just plain knocking him out..I know they are doing a number to his belly and making him feel like pukey all the time. His throat is about as half as red and swollen as it way yesterday so I suppose the med's need a good 48 hours to really show improvement.

Kody's eye surgery is set for Monday morning...I don't have a definate time yet but Kody will be either the first or second surgery since they go by age.

We asked all 7000 questions, at least..and believe it or not..we didn't even get kicked out!
However...Kody, Kolin and Daddy playing "Star Wars" with the expensive optical equipment almost did :0) (SEE PICTURES)

This is how his surgery was described to us....

There is an optic nerve that runs from the eye to the brain. When Kody was first diagnosed back in January, 2002...the tumor blocked the natural drainage route for the CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) causing severe swelling in Kody's brain (hydrocephlus)...this swelling crushed the optic nerve...think of a garden hose...when you squeeze it hard you get no water...this nerve was squeezed by the CSF fluid that bad.

Kody's first surgery to drain the fluid (third ventriculerotomy) allowed that nerve to resume some of it's origianl state, however, this last bout with hydrocephlus in May squeezed it back flat again and this time it won't be coming back..therefore causing permanent damage to his vision.

Kody's right eye either turns upwards or out to the side..imagine a cars headlights...if one headlight was pointing straight forward and the other up...how hard would it be to see? Kody's see's just like that and this is why it is so hard for him to read, balance, etc.

During the surgery both muscles in his eye (one on the inside and one on the outside) will be cut, his retina realigned and stiched into place. Cosmetically he will look "normal" again but we won't know if the surgery is a success until his brain tells us. You see..it is up to his brain afterwards to either appreciate the "help" and adjust allowing Kody to use both eyes equally or it will reject the surgery because it is just too far damaged to recover.

Since Kody is so young, his neuro/optomoligist/surgeon, Dr. Levine feels that this is the perfect time to do the surgery because his brain is more likey to accept the surgery and correct the problem naturally.

Sometime in the future..Kody may have to have more surgery...then again, maybe not..only time will tell. But for now..we have total confidence that Kody will once again kick major butt and be a complete success story. remember, with prayer...anything is possible..and that is where you, my friends, come in.

Please, if you could...say an extra prayer for Kody on Monday...that his surgery is a complete success and that he will be back up on his skateboard doing those flips off his ramp and all the other things he loves to do that turns me and his Dad gray before our time. :0)

Other then that...I have one more bit of news...

Kody has decided he wants his OWN team this year for The American Cancer Societys "Relay-for-Life"..and the name of his team..."Kody's Blue Angels For Life"..completely and 100 percent made up by the man himself...Kody Bear!!
All are invited to be on our team..but since you will be walking all night long this coming March..it would probably be best if you lived close to us...(LOL)
Some highlights for our team to raise money for a cure...Karl (Daddy) and big brother Kyle have been growing their hair out. Florida summers are miserably hot..but for Kody they have been dealing with it (and now have a new respect for us gals with long hair!!) and at Relay Kody will be the scissor dude and will be cutting those ponytails off and we will be donating it to Locks-of-Love.

I put some new photos up of our day today..hope you all enjoy them...

Please visit and say a prayer for our list of friends below...

Thank you again for the visit and for the prayers!

Have a wonderful day!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Well guys..September is here and that means Matthews Miles for a Cure will be here very soon!
~*~*~*~*~SEPTEMBER 20, 2003~*~*~*~*~
I ask all of you to scroll down and visit Matthew and his wonderful parents who have worked sooooo hard to make this day a successful one. Also, I urge all the BT parents out there to get their childs photo up on Matthews page...it will make the walk alot more personal for people to see our children, our heros, our inspirations and of course, our angels, taken too soon also...the more money that is raised...the more money that can find a cure for our children, who knows...Matthews walk just could be the thing to provide the research dollars that could save the life of one of our children. Please..Please stop by and meet Matthew and family...thay are AMAZING!!
Matthews link is down further but I'll leave it up here again...
MATTHEWS MILES

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

KATIA
Sweet little Katia has relapsed {AML}...as you all know, this terrible news has been quite a shock to all of us. Katia's Mommy, Tracy is very well known to so many of us as the most caring and loving friend. Whenever we need her, she is there. Now it's our turn to supply a shoulder for tracy and family to lean on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is having a very hard time with his treatments and keeps ending back up in the hospital with fevers, pain, the whole nine yards. Jake has been through so much but still continues to fight like a crazy man every single day. Pray that this child gets a miracle..there is NO cure for his disease.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE
Cheyenne's treatments are going real well..thankfully she is handling her chemo and radiation like the true fighter she is!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI
Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
Please stop by RachelJoy's site...she is not doing well at all this weekend and her symptoms point towards further "brain deteriation". Pray hard for this little girl...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMYJeremy's family is beyond devestation..the cord blood that he so desperetly needs got delivered thawed and completely unusable. Another match was found in Milan..please pray that this one provides Jeremy's miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY
Ashley is in the hospital again...a terrible bout of pnuemonia brought on by the medicine used to make her sleep during an MRI. Then..the worst news..her tumor grew once again. She has had surgery to drain another cyst and remove some tumor. Please pray that ody's Sweetheart gets stronger and stronger everyday and back home ASAP.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE
Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is in September...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Monday, September 1, 2003 9:50 PM
~*~*~*~*~MONDAY NIGHT UPDATE~*~*~*~*~

Kody had been sleeping and in alot of pain (head and throat) all day.
By 6 PM his temp. was up to 104.2...UGH..Motrin didn't seem to be doing the trick...DOUBLE UGH...he freaked when we suggested a bath and by 6:20 a trip to the ER was in order...{hoping for a virus and praying that his shunt wasn't infected}.
Our local Leesburg Hospital treated Kody like royalty and we were whisked right in, seen, treated and out in record time..one hour!!
The good news is that they were able to bring down his temp. to 101 and found that he has got severe tonsilitis. Which I know is a bummer, but heck, it's way better then tumor/shunt problems.
They treated him with antibiotics, tylenol and sent us home with a presription for more antibiotics.
Big sister Karyelle met us there...she was sooooo worried and having her there made Kody feel alot better..thanks KK!!!
When we came home he had a little bit of chicken noodle soup, an ice pop, a bath and went right to sleep.
He is feeling alot better tonight then he had all day and by tomorrow I am sure he will be back to his old onery self...:0)
Thank you Kyle and Kaysha for cleaning up the dinner dishes and getting Kolin his bath and thank you Kolin for being such a good brother to Kody and making sure he had his favorite pillow and Little B....love you guys!!
PLEASE check out the pictures on the photo page...even when Kody is feeling his worst, he still manages to flash that beautiful, bright smile of his.
Thank you for checking in and an especially big Thank You for the prayers tonight...they sure did do the trick again.
I'll update tomorrow again when we get home from Shands....
Love..Kim

Monday, September 1, 2003...2:58 PM

Hello friends and family...

Today started off horrible...Kody woke up very early with a banger of a headache..then after two doses of Maxalt...it finally went away for the most part...then the fever started...UGH!!! Well, it looks like he got the virus that Kolin had on Saturday...complete with a 104.5 fever...(Kolin's that is). Fortunetly, Kolin is just fine today.

I think Kody had a hour beak of feeling pretty good...then the headache started again. It really broke my heart to hear him say "I HATE this stupid tumor"....so do I Kody Bear, so do I!! I hope...for Kody's sake, that the headache is do to the virus bug and nothing else.
Since he has maxed out his dose of Maxalt..I had to switch to Motrin and right now he is sound asleep and has been for the last hour and a half. This is so not like Kody..he is not a sleeper...he is definetly a mover, a shaker and a bundle of energy all day long.

Isn't it funny how when the kids are little and you are 100 percent fatigued...you would give anything to have them sleep. Then when they feel like crud, you would give anything to see them awake. LOL..I guess we Mom's can just never make up our minds...:0)

Tomorrow we are off to another fun filled day at Shands..NOT!! Not fun filled that is...but yes, we do go for the pre-op apointment and we have a list of about 7000 questions. Hope we're not too annoying!!
We're taking Kolin with us since we won't be back in time to pick him up from school...also, it's good in a way to let him be a part of all this. He loves his big brother soooo much. Kody has already promised him a spending spree at "The Magic Vending Machine"..what is it with kids and big kids a/k/a husbands and vending machines??!! :0)

Please take a few moments to visit Kody's friends...listed below. So many are in need of prayers..and lots of them.

Kody's little Sweetheart, Ashley in particular just cannot get a break. She has been moved in and out of the PICU and is currently back in.

Katia is having lots of different chemos pumped into her little body..anything to get her back into remission but how much can a 3 year old take??

Jake is fighting like a mad man and his Mom, Chandra is fighting to keep her sanity as she watches her baby endure so much pain.

Nobody..anywhere...ever should have to watch this...not Chandra, not Tracy, not Norine, not any one of us who has a child with a life threatening illness..enough is enough...
Where are the cures..where are the miracles...
sorry, I don't mean to vent so much but sometimes I get so angry. These are our babies..the most precious things in the world we have. It's just not fair...I have nothing more to say about the "C" word except that IT SUCKS!! :0(

Well...I have to get going for now..Kody just woke up and he is burning up. Sorry guys, but he looks nothing like the new picture on the front page...I took that one during that little bit of time I had this morning when he actually felt OK. Poor baby!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Well guys..September is almost here and that means Matthews Miles for a Cure will be here very soon!
I ask all of you to scroll down and visit Matthew and his wonderful parents who have worked sooooo hard to make this day a successful one. Also, I urge all the BT parents out there to get their childs photo up on Matthews page...it will make the walk alot more personal for people to see our children, our heros, our inspirations and of course, our angels, taken too soon also...the more money that is raised...the more money that can find a cure for our children, who knows...Matthews walk just could be the thing to provide the research dollars that could save the life of one of our children. Please..Please stop by and meet Matthew and family...thay are AMAZING!!
Matthews link is down further but I'll leave it up here again...
MATTHEWS MILES

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

KATIA
Sweet little Katia has relapsed {AML}...as you all know, this terrible news has been quite a shock to all of us. Katia's Mommy, Tracy is very well known to so many of us as the most caring and loving friend. Whenever we need her, she is there. Now it's our turn to supply a shoulder for tracy and family to lean on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is having a very hard time with his treatments and keeps ending back up in the hospital with fevers, pain, the whole nine yards. Jake has been through so much but still continues to fight like a crazy man every single day. Pray that this child gets a miracle..there is NO cure for his disease.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE
Cheyenne's treatments are going real well..thankfully she is handling her chemo and radiation like the true fighter she is!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI
Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
Please stop by RachelJoy's site...she is not doing well at all this weekend and her symptoms point towards further "brain deteriation". Pray hard for this little girl...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMYJeremy's family is beyond devestation..the cord blood that he so desperetly needs got delivered thawed and completely unusable. Another match was found in Milan..please pray that this one provides Jeremy's miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY
Ashley is in the hospital again...a terrible bout of pnuemonia brought on by the medicine used to make her sleep during an MRI. Then..the worst news..her tumor grew once again. She has had surgery to drain another cyst and remove some tumor. Please pray that ody's Sweetheart gets stronger and stronger everyday and back home ASAP.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE
Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is in September...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Friday, August 29, 2003 3:05 PM
Hello everyone...

Thank you so much for coming back to check on Kody!

There's not too much new here...Kody did stay home from school today.
He was seeing double this morning and was rubbing his eye, then got a headache....soooo, home he stayed.
I took a picture of what his eye looks like when he has these episodes {his eye was turned upwards}...but then decided it was kind of too graphic to put up. Believe me, it's not pretty and scary in it's own way.

Our pre-op day is Tuesday and we will meet with his eye doc again, anesthesia, nuerosurgeon (hopefully), and whatever tests he needs. We really want to meet with Dr. Pincus (neurosurgeon) because we just want to be 100 percent all in agreement and on the right track here. Given Kody's difficult time he has with anesthesia..we want to be positive that this surgery is definetly going to provide Kody a better quality of life, better vision, etc.
Call us crazy if you want but we worry so much...about everything..:0)

Please don't forget to scroll down to Kody's list of friends desperetly in need of prayer and happy guestbook entries.
Unfortunetly, the list seems to be getting longer and longer and it really sickens me. :0(

Big THANK YOU'S go out to Lori and Mark Howard for the autographed "Kurt Busch" photo and car...Kody REALLY loves these things!! Their little boy Jack is a true fighter and inspiration to us all.

Please check out Kody's photo page..new pix added including a very cute one of "Captain Jack".

Have a happy, safe and fun filled Labor Day weekend...

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

Well guys..September is almost here and that means Matthews Miles for a Cure will be here very soon!
I ask all of you to scroll down and visit Matthew and his wonderful parents who have worked sooooo hard to make this day a successful one. Also, I urge all the BT parents out there to get their childs photo up on Matthews page...it will make the walk alot more personal for people to see our children, our heros, our inspirations and of course, our angels, taken too soon also...the more money that is raised...the more money that can find a cure for our children, who knows...Matthews walk just could be the thing to provide the research dollars that could save the life of one of our children. Please..Please stop by and meet Matthew and family...thay are AMAZING!!
Matthews link is down further but I'll leave it up here again...
MATTHEWS MILES

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

KATIA
Sweet little Katia has relapsed {AML}...as you all know, this terrible news has been quite a shock to all of us. Katia's Mommy, Tracy is very well known to so many of us as the most caring and loving friend. Whenever we need her, she is there. Now it's our turn to supply a shoulder for tracy and family to lean on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JAKE
This sweet little boy is so cool and so strong..he definetly gets it from his Mom!!
Jake is having a very hard time with his treatments and keeps ending back up in the hospital with fevers, pain, the whole nine yards. Jake has been through so much but still continues to fight like a crazy man every single day. Pray that this child gets a miracle..there is NO cure for his disease.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~~

CHEYENNE
Cheyenne's treatments are going real well..thankfully she is handling her chemo and radiation like the true fighter she is!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI
Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
Please stop by RachelJoy's site...she is not doing well at all this weekend and her symptoms point towards further "brain deteriation". Pray hard for this little girl...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMYJeremy's family is beyond devestation..the cord blood that he so desperetly needs got delivered thawed and completely unusable. Another match was found in Milan..please pray that this one provides Jeremy's miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY
Ashley is in the hospital again...a terrible bout of pnuemonia brought on by the medicine used to make her sleep during an MRI. Then..the worst news..her tumor grew once again. She has had surgery to drain another cyst and remove some tumor. Please pray that ody's Sweetheart gets stronger and stronger everyday and back home ASAP.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE
Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is in September...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Kody's Favorite Places
Mom's Story Dad's Page...Just the two of us Meet my family
While Dad's away...the kids will play Kody's Revenge Watch me grow up...I was so cute
The Stregth of an Egg Field Day...2003 My day in the Villages
Relay-for-Life...2003 Margo & Rodeo Drive My first grade memories
First Holy Communion Matthews Miles for a Cure My Quilt of Love
My Smile Quilt My 8th Birthday Quilt of Love Kolin's World

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
[Skip Next|Next 5 Sites|Random Site|List Sites]

Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Tuesday, August 26, 2003 4:12 PM
PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!!

Hello everyone....

I'm asking you all to please pray hard for our two good friends...

Kody's little girlfriend, Ashley who is back in the hospital and very sick...if you could stop by and cheer her up..Kody would just love you for it!!

ASHLEY'S SITE

And little Katia who's devestated parents just found out today that her leukemia has returned. Katia needs a transplant and there are no matches. Prayers are needed, also words of encouragement and most importantly...get tested...who knows, you may be her match. Please take a look at this precious baby...look into her big brown eyes and try to say no...I dare ya!!
I myself will be going first thing in the morning when the kids are all safe at school...about the same time Katia will be at the hospital starting her horrific treatments/nightmare.

KATIA'S SITE

As always...we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!

Kody's updates for today are OK..he took another fall in school today..but this one was caused by some brat tripping him...thats what Kody tells me anyway, I don't know..I think sometimes he's so embarrassed that he'll tell me anything. :0)
Other then that...everything here is quiet..just the way I like it.

Well guys...I won't make this long...I really have these two kids on my mind right now..and I am really heartbroken. I cannot even imagine what their parents are going through.

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

KODY'S BIRTHDAY PARTY...JOIN US!

Well guys..September is almost here and that means Matthews Miles for a Cure will be here very soon!
I ask all of you to scroll down and visit Matthew and his wonderful parents who have worked sooooo hard to make this day a successful one. Also, I urge all the BT parents out there to get their childs photo up on Matthews page...it will make the walk alot more personal for people to see our children, our heros, our inspirations and of course, our angels, taken too soon also...the more money that is raised...the more money that can find a cure for our children, who knows...Matthews walk just could be the thing to provide the research dollars that could save the life of one of our children. Please..Please stop by and meet Matthew and family...thay are AMAZING!!
Matthews link is down further but I'll leave it up here again...
MATTHEWS MILES

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Kody's latest newspaper article...

THE REPORTER

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

SATURDAY...UPDATE...JULY 19th...

I just got a wonderful e-mail a little while ago from my friend, Le-Anne who has a beautiful web-site called "Fight for a Cure". Kody is "August's Child of the Month" and his dedication page is so beautiful and soooo Kody!!
Many thank-you's to Le-Anne from our family for honoring our Kody with such an awesome page.
Please...check it out.....

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~~~Love, Kody~~~

Please don't forget to pay Kolin (Kody's little brother) a visit if you have a spare minute or two..thanks!KOLIN'S WEB-SITE

Very sorry about his guestbook not working right..I've tried to fix it about 6 times with no luck. Kody doesn't mind one bit sharing his guestbook though! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!

KATIA
Sweet little Katia has relapsed {AML}...as you all know, this terrible news has been quite a shock to all of us. Katia's Mommy, Tracy is very well known to so many of us as the most caring and loving friend. Whenever we need her, she is there. Now it's our turn to supply a shoulder for tracy and family to lean on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CODY
Kody's friend...Cody..is very sick and back in the hospital. Please we ask you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

CHEYENNE
Cheyenne's treatments are going real well..thankfully she is handling her chemo and radiation like the true fighter she is!!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BENJI
Benji's latest MRI taken days ago has come back "CLEAR"!!! WAA-HOO..I just love news like this!! :0)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RACHELJOY
Please stop by RachelJoy's site...she is not doing well at all this weekend and her symptoms point towards further "brain deteriation". Pray hard for this little girl...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JEREMYJeremy's family is beyond devestation..the cord blood that he so desperetly needs got delivered thawed and completely unusable. Another match was found in Milan..please pray that this one provides Jeremy's miracle.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

ASHLEY
Ashley is in the hospital again...a terrible bout of pnuemonia brought on by the medicine used to make her sleep during an MRI. Then..the worst news..her tumor grew once again. She has had surgery to drain another cyst and remove some tumor. Please pray that ody's Sweetheart gets stronger and stronger everyday and back home ASAP.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

MICHAEL
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

LUKE
Luke is back home from St. Judes Hospital...YEAH!!!
Is is really doing great thanks to the unending prayers that are always delivered his way.
His first follow-up MRI after treatment is in September...we all pray that more good news is to follow.

As always...We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

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God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Mom's Story: A little something I wrote for Kody...click HERE
Funny pictures of Kody and Kaysha being silly...we call this one "While Dad's Away, The Kids Will Play"..click HERE
Kody's Revenge...click HERE
Meet my family...Click HERE
Watch me grow up...I was so cute!...Click HERE
The Strength of an Egg...Click HERE
Watch me kick butt at Field Day today...I was awesome! Please click HERE.
"My Day in The Villages"...By Kody! :0)CLICK HERE
Relay-for-Life photos...click...HERE
Margo Rochelle & Rodeo Drive And Kody Pictures
Kody's First Grade Memories
"The Daily Commercial"~Kody's latest article

KODY'S COMMUNION DAY

MATTHEW'S MILES FOR A CURE

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One picture can say one thousand words

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This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
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Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

MONDAY...AUGUST 25, 2003...KOLIN'S BIRTHDAY!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR 6 YEAR OLD KOLIN...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!!!!

Please stop by Kolin's party...you are ALL invited!!!

KOLIN'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

This has to be real quick tonight..just a little update...

Today was a FUN...FUN...FUN day..did I mention FUN?? It was one of those days that I wish everyday could be like...
Let's see...the three kids and I went to the Villages..first we hit the movies..."Freaky Friday"..the kids and I loved it, it was so funny and Kody definetly recommends it!

Next...we went and found some ducks to run after...unlike our spoiled, tame ones we have at home..these do not like to be held...:0)
Took some really nice pictures after that...then....

headed over to Paulys Pizza (Kodys favorite place to eat) for some pizza and sodas.

After that we meet up with Kody's adopted Gramma Carolyn in the Square and saw Kody's...and now Kolin's most loved crush in the world...Miss Margo and her band...Rodeo Drive.
The concert was wonderful, as usual! Kolin got an autographed photo this time and on it, it says "Happy Birthday, I love you!!"..I can't tell you how he treasures that picture..I wish you could have all seen his smile!

The kids had so much fun and danced until they practically dropped..not Kaysha though..she was more happy to watch and then convince Carolyn to take her for a golf cart ride..and let her drive! Carolyn..I don't think you'll be doing that anytime soon again...(LOL!!!!) Though she was just in an empty parking lot...ahhh, the thought of her driving in 4 more years scares me!!!

Kolin got his slow dance with Mommy and then Kody took it upon himself to go right up to Margo and request "our song"...How Do I Live Without You...by Lee Ann Rimes. We danced..he sang to me and the kisses and hugs were so sweet...I am not sure there was a dry eye in the whole place.

Kody had said to me on the way there that "It wouldn't be the same without Grammpa Hughy there this time" and I told him.."He's watching you and you had better dance up a storm and make him laugh"..I can tell you that Kody and Kolin did just that...I have got many pictures of the "Chicken Dance", "The Twist" and the "Cha Cha Slide"...I may not get a chance to put them all up tonight..I'll put a few and then make a collage out of the rest tomorrow.

Well...I have got presents that need wrapping and sleep to catch up on...till tomorrow...
God Bless and Take Care!!

Kim

Saturday..August, 23, 2003

Hello...

Ok..I got the call yesteray as to Kody's surgery date and it is going to be Monday, September 8th.
Pre-Op is Tuesday, September 2nd.

The technical name for this surgery is called "Strabismus"...but we call it "Kody's Miracle!"

Remember how I told you all that the surgery wouldn't help his double vision?...well, of all the crazy things...by some weird coincedence last night, we found out what will...

Last night Kody was reading his new "Pirates of the Carribean" book and he was wearing his pirate eye patch that I had gotten the kids to play with..well, Karl told him not to read with the patch on and Kody said "Dad..when I wear it, I only see one of everything instead of two"...
can you imagine that, a 50 cent play eye patch and he can see well enough to read!

Unfortunetly..that was kind of short lived...a half an hour later...another stupid headache started and that was it for Kody for the night.

But...when he woke up this morning he was back to the same ole' Kody we all know and love and when I said "Hey, you look so much better"...his words to me were.."Arrrrrr....nothing can keep this pirate down!" :0)

Well...that's about it for the day....tomorrow we are going to see Kody's "Miss Margo" perform and hopefully get a chance to see "Freaky Friday". I told Kaysha I would take her and the boys to see it but...she had to read the book first, which is going to be my new "rule"..You wanna see the movie...you read the book first....hey, it can't hurt, right? By the way...she read the book...way to go Kaysha!!

Have a very happy and safe weekend everyone!!!!!

"TI VOGLIO TANTO BENE"
~*~*~*~*~I love you very much~*~*~*~*~

Love you all....
~Kim, Karl and Kody Bear~

KODY'S BIRTHDAY PARTY...JOIN US!

Well guys..September is almost here and that means Matthews Miles for a Cure will be here very soon!
I ask all of you to scroll down and visit Matthew and his wonderful parents who have worked sooooo hard to make this day a successful one. Also, I urge all the BT parents out there to get their childs photo up on Matthews page...it will make the walk alot more personal for people to see our children, our heros, our inspirations and of course, our angels, taken too soon also...the more money that is raised...the more money that can find a cure for our children, who knows...Matthews walk just could be the thing to provide the research dollars that could save the life of one of our children. Please..Please stop by and meet Matthew and family...thay are AMAZING!!
Matthews link is down further but I'll leave it up here again...
MATTHEWS MILES

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I'd like you all to meet a new friend of ours...his name is Benji and he and Kody are soooo much alike they could be brothers/partners in crime! He is a little spitfire and goofball just like Kody Bear and we think he is just soooo cool!
Benji also has a brain tumor and is fighting off this terrible beast as only a 7 year old boy can...with fierce bravery! Stop by if you have a minute or two and be sure to tell Mr. Benji that Kody sent you...Thanks!!
BENJI'S SITE

Kody's artwork to be autioned off for The American Cancer Society is ready and this is what it looks like...I think I may have a future artist in the making! :0)
BTW...that littel angel in the upper right corner (above the rainbow) is Kody's Guardian Angel, Grammpa Hughy and the person on the bottom left pointing up to the jet is Kody's Daddy..Kody said "Dad, Dude that's you watching me and your so proud and your trying to get my attention so I can come on back and pick you up for a fast ride in my jet".

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Kody's latest newspaper article...

THE REPORTER

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SATURDAY...UPDATE...JULY 19th...

I just got a wonderful e-mail a little while ago from my friend, Le-Anne who has a beautiful web-site called "Fight for a Cure". Kody is "August's Child of the Month" and his dedication page is so beautiful and soooo Kody!!
Many thank-you's to Le-Anne from our family for honoring our Kody with such an awesome page.
Please...check it out.....

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God made a world out of his dreams
Of magic mountains, oceans, and streams
Prairies, plains, and wooded land
Then paused and thought "I need someone to stand
On top of the mountains, to conquer the seas
Explore the plains and climb the trees
Someone to start out small and grow
Sturdy, strong, like a tree", and so
He created boys, full of spirit and fun
To explore and conquer, to romp and run
With dirty faces, banged up chins
With courageous hearts and boyish grins
When he had completed the task he'd begun
He surely said "That's a job well done"
He added all his tender loving joys
That why God made Little Boys!

Friday night, July 11th...11:00 PM

Tonight I've put a new song on here...It has a very special meaning to Kody and his Daddy...it's called "Dreams" by Van Halen. Now, if your old, like me...then you probably remember the video that goes with this song...the one with the "Blue Angels" fighter jets. Every night when Karl comes home from work..he and Kody sit at the computer where we have the entire video and song stored...Dad cranks up the speakers and the two of them sit mesmerized by the jets and the music.
You see...Kody's one big dream in his life is to someday be sitting in the cockpit of his own "Blue Angel" jet...he wants to soar fast into the sky.
Kody's dreams are big...yes they are. But Kody is a true fighter and I have no doubt that someday his dreams will come true.
As big as Kody's dreams are though...they cannot even compare to the dreams that Karl and I have for him.

"We'll get higher and higher straight up we'll climb,
Higher and higher...leave it all behind.
We'll get higher and higher..who knows what we'll find.

So baby...dry your eyes,
Save all the tears you've cried....
That's what dreams are made of.

Oh we belong in a world that must be strong,
Oh that's what dreams are made of"

Kody's dedication page to his Daddy...
"Daddy, I love you..Thank you for loving me so much and always taking the time every night to watch our favorite "Blue Angel-Dreams" and "Where Eagles Fly" videos...someday you will see me flying in my own jet and I promise I will pick you up and take you for a fast ride!
Love, Kody"
PS. Turn on the speakers!!
Just the Two of Us

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~~~Love, Kody~~~

Please don't forget to pay Kolin (Kody's little brother) a visit if you have a spare minute or two..thanks!KOLIN'S WEB-SITE

Very sorry about his guestbook not working right..I've tried to fix it about 6 times with no luck. Kody doesn't mind one bit sharing his guestbook though! :0)

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Kody's quilt is in the process of being stitched up with lots of love.
Thank you so much to each and every one of you who took the time to send in a square complete with a wish for Kody "Wish Quilt". From what I understand the response was incredible with well over 200 squares sent in!!
We are sooo excited and cannot wait to see it..in about two weeks!

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Quilting Angels Operation "Elf Project" is underway and off to a great start...but there are still many children who are in need of adoption. Please consider stopping by and adopting a child or two or three...do it for Kody? Please? (No guilt intended!!)

ELF PROJECT

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Calling all parents/caregivers of Shands Hospital Kids...Please check out the link below for an invite to join our Shands Cancer Kids On-Line Support Group!!! Thanks!!!

Click to subscribe to shandscancerkids

PLEASE KEEP ALL MY FRIENDS IN YOUR PRAYERS EVERYDAY...I LOVE YOU, KODY

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PRAYERS NEEDED PLEASE!!!!
For Kody's friend...Cody..whom is very, very, very sick right now. Please we beg you please pray real hard for this little toughie. You all may know Cody's Mom, Eleasha, she is my friend who is helping me create our "Little Angels" page. Please stop by and send prayers and support. As always..we thank you all so much.
CODY'S SITE

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Cheyenne is just starting her treatments for her brainstem tumor and is having a very rough time at it..kind words of support would help her through this alot.
CHEYENNE'S SITE

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Saturday...
Please stop by RachelJoy's site...she is not doing well at all this weekend and her symptoms point towards further "brain deteriation". Pray hard for this little girl...

RACHELJOY'S SITE

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*******JEREMY UPDATE*******
His transplant has failed...please pray that the next one doesn't!!
Say hello to Kody's new friend...Baby Jeremy, but be warned!!! Jeremy has cheeks you want to reach right out and squeeze and a smile that stole my heart in about a half a second! Please stop by and take a moment to offer prayers straight to Jeremy and his loving, wonderful family..and please...tell them Kody sent you!!
JEREMY'S SITE
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ASHLEY
UPDATE....
Kody's future "wife" is getting stronger and stronger every day and just found out that her surgery was so successful that her tumor is actually dying! This is the best news we have heard in a long time...and now Kody and Ashley are making plans to be married at Jesse James Monster Garage with a honeymoon planned in "He-Waii" (Hawaii...but Kody pronouces it with a "HE").
All wedding invitations should be at your house in say...oh, 20 years or so!! :0)

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MICHAEL
We are asking you all to pray very hard for this 3 year old little boy. Michael was diagnosed in January...2003 with a very, very aggresive brainstem tumor. Although his dr's are not offering hope...we KNOW that God hears our prayers!! Please stop by and pray that Michael gets the miracle he so desperatly needs.

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LUKE
....UPDATE....
Luke's radiation treatments on his brainstem tumor are going great...and by August 13th he will be on his way back home to Florida...also Luke will be having surgery to correct the paralyzed side of his face. Luke is definetly a cutie...and has the biggest brown eyes you'd ever want to see!

As always...I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

To My Child

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.

I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.............

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God Bless America...Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.....
NEWSFLASH!
"The Terrible Trio" on the loose and extremely dangerous! To see the latest photo and update of this troublesome three-some pleaseCLICK HERE!
These three were...

Kody's Motorcycle Pages are up...so crank up your speakers cuz we are.....
BAD TO THE BONE!

Mom's Story: A little something I wrote for Kody...click HERE
Funny pictures of Kody and Kaysha being silly...we call this one "While Dad's Away, The Kids Will Play"..click HERE
Kody's Revenge...click HERE
Meet my family...Click HERE
Watch me grow up...I was so cute!...Click HERE
The Strength of an Egg...Click HERE
Watch me kick butt at Field Day today...I was awesome! Please click HERE.
"My Day in The Villages"...By Kody! :0)CLICK HERE
Relay-for-Life photos...click...HERE
Margo Rochelle & Rodeo Drive And Kody Pictures
Kody's First Grade Memories
"The Daily Commercial"~Kody's latest article

KODY'S COMMUNION DAY

MATTHEW'S MILES FOR A CURE

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One picture can say one thousand words

[Previous 5 Sites|Skip Previous|Previous|Next]
This RingSurf Childhood Cancer Net Ring
owned by Kody's Story.
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Pinky and the Brain...A/K/A "Dr. Pincus and Kody"

Wednesday, August 20, 2003 10:23 PM
Hello everyone!

Right away I would like to say a BIG "Thank You" to Sandi Marquis for the huge boxful of birthday presents for Kody and Kolin..also things for Kaysha and Mom too!
Kody has gotten just about every Blue Angel thing imaginable and the most beautiful personalized shirt with his Blue Angel jets in front and his "I Believe I Can Fly" painting on the back...to see this wonderful shirt, please click on to the photo page. We got it just in time to leave for the hospital yesterday and of course, Kody had to wear it. It was a very big hit and everybody who saw it complimented him on it.

I think his most favorite surprise was a toy Blue Angel jet...#1 (Kodys number!)..he has taken that toy everywhere with him...holding it, staring at it, flying it through the air and dreaming big...of the day that he will be in the pilots seat. You can see it in his eyes..he is dreaming big again!

Thank you so much Sandi for making a little boys dreams of flying a someday reality and something for him to dream of until that day comes.

Also..Kody recieved a certificate and I'll be adding it onto his web-site...it is BEAUTIFUL and I cannot wait for you all to see it. It is being framed tomorrow and it will be hanging in his room with all the rest of his very important, dear to him things.

As for yesterdays visit at Shands...well, we did get the answers we thought we would get.
Kody is losing the vision in his right eye..not too bad though, 20/40. But the thing that is severe is the loss of his "depth