A quick update from the gang

Hi all

Just a break in the updated version of Queensland..I promise I will finish it. I just had to share with all our delightful sneak peak of some very gorgeous pictures we had taken of Imogen and Ashton yesterday. A lovely lady named Brandy and her “spot” helper Tracey : ), offered to take some pictures of us and my gorgeous kids. Yesterday was Immie and Ashton’s turn, as Kody was away at his Nana & Pop’s. I can’t really explain how lovely they are so here instead is the link

http://www.dilkarraphotography.com.au/

Thankyou so much Brandie and Tracey – we all love them.

Once again since we have been back we have been extremely busy. Imogen and I attended (well actually gate crashed) a Halloween Party. Thanks must go to Karen for getting us the invite and Kath for having the Halloween party and helping put a huge smile of Imogen’s face.
We have as I said in previous blogs the silver chain nurse visit and then followed by the silver chain doctor. We are still doing swimming lessons on Mondays with my two fish. A visit from my cousin Karly, apparently my favourite cousin ( sorry Sharon and Lisa : P). A trip up the hill to Mt Helena to see Nana and Pop and play a game of very one sided cricket and footy.

A huge highlight of the week was last night attending my mum’s exhibition of her glasswork. Included in my mum’s glasswork she produces glass ladybirds to raise money for the Childhood Cancer Research Institute.
We are all very proud of you mum – WELL DONE!!!.

Well this week is not that different …busy busy…Ashton had his 6 week (though he was 8 weeks) check up and needles. Our little chubbier has put on a kg in 3 weeks, that why I thought he was getting heavy carting him in and out of school. Today I found out that our Immie is going to be a star in her Pre Primary Christmas concert – too cute. Kody has once again been asked to Peac Art..and now has to pick three pictures he has drawn to talk about them.

Well better go make some dinner
Love and Hope to all
Fee, Jas, Kods, Immie and Ash

P.S. Guess what is penned in to arrive on the 28th of November...yeap a very big duck pond : P

Imogen's Make a Wish Part 2 : )

Now where was I, day three, Monday, was rest day, I hear you laugh, The Holmes Gang – REST!!!. Well you got it right, Jason and Ashton would have loved to be snuggled up in bed, but unfortunately in our family that generally does NOT happen : P.

We hit the bus to Surfer’s Paradise, once again the weather forecast was predicting rain and miserable weather, but instead Surfer’s greeted us with sunshine. First thing we did when we got off the bus was do the tourist thing and hit the tourist bureau to book a ride on the Aqua Duck (thanks for the recommendation Sam : ). We then had till 1.45, to find something to do.

Within a few minutes in the shopping centre Imogen hit the jackpot (in her eyes) a Teddy Bear Making Shop. With the gorgeous girl that worked there she set upon choosing the skin for her new friend (a bunny), installing his button containing 5 phrases, stuffing him to her preference of softness or hardness, conducting a heart ceremony, the bunny getting sewn up, having his hair fluffed up, outfit picked and birth certificate print up. After this funny and thoroughly entertaining experience (the heart ceremony was very cute), we went to get a disc of the ton of photos we had already taken just at Movie world (who would believe, me with tons of photos). For lunch where else could we go to, but The Hard Rock Café. The food and service was great.

By then it was time for the Aqua Duck, we ran down to our meeting spot to find everyone was there and waiting for us : P. Hoped on and Ashton had a very bumpy feed all the way down to the river. The kids thought in was amazing how the bus turned into the boat. They then got to steer the boat, we got a tour of the canal and then when we exited the water a tour of the streets of Surfer’s included the car racing course. It was heaps of fun, and something we too would recommend.

After that it was a coffee buzz, and the bus home for a little rest. Another gorgeous day on the Gold Coast came to a close with kebabs and salad.

Imogen's Make a Wish Part One

Wow where do I even start this blog update..Imogen’s Make a wish trip was awesome, super fun, relaxing and full of big belly giggles.

We left on the Friday, at 8.30am from Perth, arrived in Sydney at 2.05pm and then after a few plane shuffles and delays got on the plane to the Gold at about 6.30pm. We arrived into Gold Coast and were transferred to our accommodation, arriving there at 8 pm.
Our shack for the week of fun was a penthouse in Broadbeach, 316 sqm floor space for just us, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, three toilets, panoramic views of the mountains to the sea, white carpets (very funny with kids), plush everything…far away from our normal life.

Saturday we spent the day adapting and catching up on rest, by the pool, then on the beach…then a little trip to the Oasis Shopping Centre and Pacific Fair Shops.

Sunday was the big guns..MOVIEWORLD!!!. The look’s on Kody and Immie’s faces was priceless they were so excited and happy just to see the front gates. Once inside we spotted Tweety Bird and Bugs Bunny, after travelling all this way Imogen would not even have a bar of them, so hence there is a picture of me, Imogen, Tweety and Bugs.

Just a skip down the streets of Movie world Imogen was in her heaven, rides everywhere and you could go on as many times as you liked. Her favourite was the Little Bummer Cars. We dragged Kody on a few rides too (he is a bit more hesitate than Immie when it comes to rides etc.). After Jason, Granpa and me ventured on the Scooby Doo ride it was time for lunch. Junk..Junk..and more junk, isn’t that what holidays are about : P. After that everyone had a go on the White Water Raft Ride, with everyone's funny faces photo snapped and plastered onto key rings and in albums.
Then it was time for the Stunt car drivers show, an action drama involving Batman, more rides for Imogen, 3 D Shrek movie and the end of the day parade. Granma, Ashton and me thoroughly enjoyed a coffee and ice cream, while the rest ran around like crazy people. The day come to a close with two,,ok six happy smiley people (Ashton was not that appreciative being dragged around – funny that!!).

We went back to the hotel and collapsed, with a yummy serving of Chinese : ).

This is the first instalment of Imogen’s and Our Make a Wish Trip, we had way to much fun to post it into one blog update. Continue to watch this spot for more updates and photos to come.

On a slightly back down to earth note, we had our first visit from the Silver Chain nurse today. This was to admit Imogen to Silver Chain. They will come every Tuesday after school to check on Imogen, this allows us to escape the walls of the resort. The nurse who came was very nice, and only stayed a short time. My favourite moment of it all, (yes you have to look for the silver lining in every moment) was when the nurse filled in the routine chart on pain levels etc. and all the scores were 0. The nurse said “I never have filled out this form will this many 0’s before”.

It has now been 2 months since we received Imogen’s relapse news, she is still going forth into the world in “Imogen style : )"

Please keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming,

With Hope and Love

The Holmes Gang

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang

The true Imogen spirit : )

What a gorgeous week of sunshine, we have had this week in Perth. On Sunday, Imogen, her friend Penny and ourselves were picked up by the trekkers via fire truck and taken to Whiteman Park. The top of our cul-de-sac was full of trekker vehicles and people. These incredible people travelled from place such as Bunbury to Donnybrook, just to put a smile on our girls face. Imogen was also then officially declared the princess for the trekkers for 2009.

Imogen was very privilege as she got to hold a Joey, baby possum, rabbit, baby rabbit, guinea pig, bob tail lizard and a most precious Koala named Karen. Imogen had an awesome time at Whiteman Park, thanks to the very generous Pat for allowing us all entry and organising a VIP tour with the lovely guide Tracey. Then as if that was not enough the Kids Cancer Support Group (Thanks Sue: ) organised a little car ride and BBQ for us and all the trekkers.

Both the trekkers and Kids Cancer Support Group are incredible people who tirelessly volunteer their time and hearts to supporting Kids with cancer. Without them our jobs as parents and families with children with cancer would be even harder. A Big Thankyou to both groups with Love from the Holmes Gang.

www.thetrek.org.au/

www.kcsg.org.au/

On Monday this week Jason turned 1..ok 31, but Immie has been telling everyone he turned 1, so who’s to tell her any different : P. We celebrated this special birthday by having breakfast at Hillary’s Boat Harbor. This time last year Imogen was doing her stem cell rescue.

Back to school on Tuesday for Imogen and Kody …a much welcomed moment by all. I can tell you the silence on Tuesday morning was deafening.

On Wednesday we had our official appt at the resort. It was here we experienced a priceless moment. Jason and I had been talking about sad and serious stuff with Immie’s oncologist, the liaison officers, and then it was Imogen turn to be checked out. Imogen had been busy playing with the gorgeous OT Beth in the OT room. Suddenly into the appointment room bounded Imogen with a huge smile on her face, without a worry in the world. When checked she had full movement of her legs, had lost a little weigh due to being sick recently and looked great. Imogen oncologist was shocked, so much to the fact she repeatedly said “She really looks great”. We walked away from that morning, very comfortable in the fact we are doing the right thing for Imogen. We also firmly believe Imogen’s health and happiness right now stems from previous radiation, Mr Renier’s natural medicine, our faith in him, positive thinking and the powerful thoughts, prayers and hopes from everyone for a true miracle (please keep it up!!!). We now move away from the hospital care, just slightly and get linked up with Silver Chain. What happens with Imogen now will be played out by how Imogen is in herself and how she seems to us. Imogen and Kody finished the school week, happy but very tired.

Ashton and I have been trying to forge some normality in our crazy world this week. We have really enjoyed being home, having some regular sleeps, feeds and exciting household duties – oh yay.

To more exciting news, we fly out to the Gold Coast next Friday. Make a Wish have organised some incredible experiences for our beautiful girl Imogen and all of us. We are very lucky to have my mum and dad joining us too. Kerry the Make a Wish representative will come out next week and present Imogen with her trip. We can’t wait to see what they have come up with…woo hoo…

Looking forward to capturing some more gorgeous pictures of the girl and us next week and when we fly out to our once in a lifetime trip.

Love, Hope and Positive thoughts,

The Holmes Gang

P.S. There is a whole heap of new photo albums located on the Picassa website link below, even of all the fun we had on Sunday at Whiteman Park.

http://picasaweb.google.com.au/theholmesgang
(you may need to cut and paste this link into the browser, I can't seem to get the direct link to work)

School Holidays : )

Just before you read the blog update I must add a little note to all...Imogen does not know anything about us getting a pool. We have not told her, due to the fact we did not want to disappoint her if we could not fulfill this dream and also can you imagine or remember a 5 year old's concept of time in regards to how long it takes to make a pool or actually anything they desperately want, for our sanity please remember this when asking us about the pool : ), Thanks for your time xx

Hi all

Firstly I must send a huge Thank you to all who have responded to my sister, Olivia about the dinner rooster. It is great to be able to spend more together as a family, and just take off for walks at Immie’s request at 5.30 pm when I would normally be preparing dinner. Also thank you to all who have given generous gifts of money, to help Imogen do what ever she desires to achieve or pursue.

Well Holidays have ended up being wonderful, tiring and full of lots of happy memories and moments.

In the first week, Jason had the whole week off. On Wednesday we celebrate Big Boy Kody’s 11th birthday, with a day at the show. It was beautiful weather and Kody got a stack of money that had to be spent on show bags – of course : ). On Thursday we went to Narrogin for two days to get Ashton approved by my Granny and Granpa Littlemoor (fondly renamed by Imogen – their real last name is Middlmoor). He was welcomed to the family, with lots of Granny and Granpa cuddles and smiles (not sure what we would have done if he had not been approved : P). Imogen had a great time an even got to go for TWO motorbike rides with Granpa. Back Friday afternoon, with a quick and wonderful pit stop on the way at Boddington to see our friends Sam, Russ, Blake and Rhys. To a Saturday filled with Holmes’s, we had Colin (Jason’s brother), Jacinta, Rhylee, Tayah and lil Sienna here for lunch. The kids always have a blast together and this Saturday was no exception with beautiful weather. Kody and Imogen both got new bikes the previous week, they were keen to test them out and show them off. Later the same day, Nana and Pop (Jason’s mum and dad) also arrived, so the bikes got a real workout and showing off that day. A quiet Sunday, turn into a lunchtime movie (Ashton’s first : ) of the new movie “Up”, everyone thought it was very funny.

The second week of the holidays was revved up. This week involving a 7 year old birthday party (Happy Birthday Lizzy), battles of DS I’s (Nintendo game consoles - thanks Jeanette), Cuddly animal farm, Whiteman park, thoroughly fabulous visits to friends (Thanks Karen), Ten Pin Bowling (with Cherrie, Vanya, family and friends : ), Araluen Botanic Park, Orthodontists appts (just super), Coffee breaks with my special sister, Teeth x rays, a little bit of lazing around and most importantly no hospital visits or scans.

We decided for Imogen going to Cuddly Animal farm was much more fun than scans, so we cancelled them indefinitely. The scans were to reveal how successful the radiation has been. Imogen’s lack of pain complaints has shown to us how successful radiation has been. Next week we have the most dreaded meeting with the oncologist at the resort, to talk about how “to them” Imogen’s life with proceed, and the contacts we may need. We of course have now placed our faith in Mr Reniet and his natural medicines; he is to us a very wise man. Anyway it is one meeting where I wish I could just have an invisible pair of ear plugs to slip in, and just sit there and nod.

This week we contacted “Make a Wish” in regards to Imogen’s wish. On Thursday Imogen had a call from a lovely lady named Kerry. Imogen was very excited and promptly answered the phone when Kerry rang. Imogen had a good chat to her telling Kerry that her favourite colour was bright yellow, and what she would wish for – a dragon ride, to meet the looney tunes and a plane ride. This equalled to Kerry puzzling out that the best place to produce this wish would be a trip to Queensland. We spoke for a while after and the approval of the wish involved quite a few hoops to jump through. Much to our surprise today upon contacting Imogen’s oncologist, Imogen’s wish has had immediate approval, with the suggestion we could leave next Saturday. I was shocked, excited and sad, due to the fact Make a Wish had rushed through Imogen’s wish due to what the hospital had said…I don’t even want to know : (.

After a lovely day at Araulen Botanic Park today, where I spent a majority of the day, trying to separate my two sweet hearts to stop arguments : P. We have decided we would rather wait for at least another two weeks. Due to fact Jason already has work booked, the kids only return to school on Tuesday next week, and their Mummy (me) and them need a little time separated before we all go on a jam packed holiday together. I want this to be the truly magical adventure it can be, not the two of them fighting because they have been in each others pockets too much (ok I know I may be dreaming…but humour me : ).

This brings me to how Imogen has been prior to the last blog post. With the assistance of natural medicines we have had the return of a fully sleeping “all night” 5 year old girl. Imogen has no longer complained about her sore sinuses or head aches – another big relief. Imogen especially in the last week of school holidays has been awesome, her normal, full on, cheeky, great self. For this we are hugely grateful, we are thankfully Imogen is feeling great and that we get to enjoy our little girl..ok big girl, as she keeps telling us.

Imogen and Kody have been incredible towards Ashton, they are both incredible siblings. They sit there for ages, cooing and telling him how cute he is, even when he is yelling. Imogen makes songs up and sings them to him and is a super little mummy. I never imagined that both of them would be so maternal towards him, another thing we are grateful for. Unbelievably Ashton turns a month old this Sunday, time has a way of quietly slipping past. This is why we should be grateful for every moment.

Well I will leave you with that update knowing that this week’s excitement is still not over. On Sunday we have the “Kids Cancer Support Group” trekkers coming to take Imogen and us to Caversham Wildlife Park. She is going to be very excited about that.

Thanks once again for the love, prayers and thoughts we are constantly surrounded by all who know us or read our blog. Without you we would struggle to keep up the strength needed to fight this battle.

Lots of Love, Hope and Faith
Fiona, Jason, Kody, Imogen and Ashton aka The Holmes Gang

A new day

Hi

Well, I had not reblogged before now as life with Immie had not changed a lot since the weekend. She was still having screaming fits of pain every four hours. Though after being in consultation with the resort last Thursday, Local Doctor on Monday (antibiotics prescribed as it looked like a secondary infection had occurred - two ear infections), Mr Reniet on Monday (detox and herbal medicines applied) and Second local Doctor visit (steroid sinus sprayer and phenergan prescribed), yesterday and last night we finally got some sleep. Too pinpoint what was actually wrong, who knows? I am just grateful for some sleep and hoping for continually relief for her.

Imogen is such a incredible and brave little girl, even with all the pain we still managed to see her smile, chatter and beg to go to school (much to Kody's disgust, who would WANT to go to school : P). After yesterday's doctor's appt, she went back to school for the afternoon. I was anxious to see how she would go (apparently she had a moment but was quickly distracted). On Tuesday the day previous Imogen and Granma went on a excursion with the school to the FESA museum, during this Immie had one of her screaming fits. Picture a huge fire building, a high pitch screaming Imogen, my mum with four other kids to watch and a bunch of people who had never experience Imogen's screaming = slight chaos. Luckily she calmed down after another dose of panandol, Granma cuddles and distractions from her fabulous teacher Mrs Barker.

On that note I must gratefully acknowledge Imogen's teacher and aid, Mrs Barker and Mrs Mc Donald for the fantastic job, love and support they give our Imogen and us. Imogen has had both of them as her teacher and aid for the last almost two years, in that time they have assisted Imogen to reach many school goals and create and establish her absolute love of school. A big Thanks to Mrs Barker and Mrs Mc Donald.


Master Ashton and myself checked out of Osborne Park Hospital (OPH) on Saturday afternoon. I should actually rephrase that, we went sprinting from the OPH building on Saturday afternoon. After spending a lot of time in hospitals you get incredibly good at packing up very quick and getting out of there. Ashton's numbers for jaundice had decreased enough for the pedestrian to be happy for him to go home. In the pediatrician words "that lady needs to go home" ( I had told him the day previous between tears about how we had just got home from PMH that day). Home we went for a glass of wine and some brie cheese : ). Ashton has been very good, feeding every four hours, I have been able to get a little sleep between feeds. It's amazing how you forget the intensity of those first few weeks of a baby's life. The child health nurse came yesterday and declared him a perfect baby. My sista Livi arrived Tuesday from Kalgoorlie, and has been a huge help...making sure I get to have some rest during the day as well. We are so grateful for family xx.



Kody...the fantastic big boy, turns 11 next Wednesday - wow. I really can't believe it, it just seems yesterday he had his 10th Birthday. Kody has been busy..busy with trombone, choir, drawing and creating all sorts of things. He has been fantastic with Ashton, he loves having a new baby brother. As always he has been very tolerate also with the very grumpy and bossy Imogen, Kody is such a great kid.

Well I think that is about all,

Thanks again for the support and all the positive vibes and prayers,
all of them give us the strength to continue on giving Imogen all the natural medicines she requires (no matter how they taste : P), and the hope we need to provide a normal life for Kody, Imogen and Ashton.

Love
The Holmes Gang

All in an average week???

Just one normal day??

As most of you know, the last three – four weeks for the Holmes Gang have been a little like a rollercoaster – filled with mixed emotions. Devastation over Immie’s relapse – incredible joy on the safe arrival of Ashton.

This week – Ashton’s first week on the planet has not been has simple or relaxed as we all hoped. The week began with rushing around picking up laybys as Ashton arrived two weeks early and my head has really not been on the arrival recently... especially not a early arrival of our beautiful boy. My fabulous mum drove Ashton and myself around collecting the shopping. Visits from Nana and Pop (Jason’s parents) on Monday.

Tuesday involved Ashton’s needles and a hospital visit, where I sat with a huge smile on my face as I was at the antenatal clinic with a baby, while all the other pregnant mums glared at me : ). Wednesday morning was the quiet before the storm...At lunchtime Immie had developed a huge head ache, though after some pain relief stayed at school. Then the homecare nurse arrived, and suggested that Ashton – my yellow bean may need a heel prick to check his jaundice. Off to Osborne Park Hospital for a 2 hour wait...he was borderline with his jaundice.

Home again...to a Immie now screaming in high pitch pain.....very scary!!..By 9.30 pm that night I was on the phone to the resort, after a restless night we arrived at the resort at 8.30am. Immie was continuing to scream, even with every pain relief on board. CAT scan – all clear (thank god). Snot test came back with a respiratory virus, treatment - ride it out. Immie and Jason, stayed at the resort to manage her pain. Ashton (who had been very good and very cute for all at the resort) and myself headed home. Back to the resort first thing in the morning, to send Jason off to get some money : ). Immie had too much relief a better night. Home we came at about 11 am, thanks to chauffeur mum.

Returned to Osborne Park Hospital (maternity hospital) to get Ashton’s jaundice checked. Only to discover it was way to high still...you guessed it checked into Osborne Park Hospital at 5 pm, for up to two days under the UV lighting with mummy the milk train for company : P.

So this is where we sit with no mobile coverage, but plenty of broadband coverage- hurray!!

My hope for next week is a very boring week, or even a day would be great. It’s the week before school holidays, so some order would be nice.

I have to say a HUGE thank you to my mum for being a huge help this and every week, day, minute, second and to dad for keeping her in the life she accustomed too : P.
Also thank you to the many many supportive blog comments, emails and guestbook writings. All of them bring us much hope for a miracle for our beautiful girl Immie and the day everything will be “normal” again. Please keep them coming.

Love

Fiona, Jason, Kody, Imogen and Ashton.

P.S Immies pool order is in, Make a Wish is unable to help us due to time restrictions, though very generously the Kids Cancer Support Group and the trekkers have offered to help us make Immies dream come true. More news soon xx