to the grandma's love nicole

There are a couple very special women that I have been meaning to write about. That would be Grandma Paula and Grandma Mosey. Both of these ladies regularly visit to assist me with Kaitlin.
Kaitlin loves to see her grandma's, she always greets them with a big hug.
Both my mom and mosey help with cleaning along with watching snugs. This is doubly awesome. It has been amending for me to have my mom stay at our house, as she has seen me through the worst times in my life, and has always been there with loving arms!

I am so grateful to you ladies and Kaitlin adores you both.

She also loves grandpa buba and grandpa Tommy!

xoxo,

Nicole

From Nicole

I just read Kevin's blog. I was so inspired I needed to write myself. Yes, a huge thank you to all the bands, Tom Gaffey, Matthew and Lila.

Thank you to all my friends and family who have supported me through this battle. I really sank into a self pity/ resentful state last week that took me down harder than the chemo.
I have found through this journey continual support which has assisted me to get up and out physically and mentally. It is to easy to slip into depression, which in itself can be fatal, so I am extremely grateful to have made it to the other side. I could not have done this without you.

Also, I wanted to express a major THANK YOU to Kevin. I can't imagine what this is like for you, but I assume it is very difficult. I have been extremely challenging to be around since you've known me, but more so lately with the added stress.

Love,

Nicole

Event in Petaluma June 25th

As I have mentioned we have a solid line up for the event in Petaluma. The Velvet Teen, Siren, Cropduster, aim low kid/stoner dad, and the 50/50's, throw in a little Jeff Bretz, a silent auction and raffle including items from Metallica, Skateboards from our friends at deluxe, some gift certificates from Everlasting Tattoo and much more. We are in for a fun night.

My good friend Jayson Taylor and 2nd Wind Printing in Santa Rosa has taken on the responsibility of posters and screen printed shirts, etc. He sent me the image. Nicole loves elephants.

We are also lucky enough to have the event at The Phoenix, thanks to Tom Gaffey! You can always show your love for them with a donation to support their community programs. Tom has stayed the course and kept the Phoenix the only all ages venue in the North Bay since the 1980's. This is truly a homecoming for me, as a musician, member of the audience and of course as a husband and father. I am so grateful to our fantastic community for making this happen. Oh and a special thanks to Matthew Izen & Lila Cugini for encouraging me to do this.

kindness always comes back to you

I got home from work to find a big bag of lemons waiting at the door. This is truly one of those life lessons. When I was in high school 22 years ago, there was a new kid that no one talked to right away. Of course we became friends and have remained so through the years. Today he text messaged me telling me that he had lemons from his tree for Nicole's life saving tea. Then he followed up with a message telling me he will never forget that I was the first person that was kind to him at SR High.

Every single thing we do for each other comes back, and often when we least expect it.

AC day 3

So Nicole got her first round of AC on Monday, and spent Monday night in the emergency room. This stuff is nasty. She was still really nauseous today. We have some amazing friends! Rob drove Nicole to the ER. Amelia and KeaLani met her there so I could stay with Kaitlin. Today Kealani and Suzanne came out to the house and helped out. Everyone is sleeping now, and the house seems so peaceful. Sometimes I don't remember what it was like before this, but then I have a night like tonight where everyone is peaceful and resting.

Thank you so much to all of you, and I mean everyone. Your help, thoughts, prayers, and love is what is getting us through this. I am certainly out of patience most days, and one comment on the Facebook page, a phone call or well timed email makes all the difference in the world. I can't honestly imaging how frustrating it is for Nicole to be unable to do the things she normally does with ease. So the love and support of the women in her life has been literally a saving grace. I am posting the photo tonight that was taken by Amelia on Day one of treatment, to remind myself that the last day is 7 short weeks away, and she can say good bye and good riddance.

Nicole started A/C today. Thoughts and prayers please.

Yoga Fundraiser by Nicole

Today was amazing. I am completely floored by everyone who made this great event happen. A big thank you to Melody for coming up with the idea and Andrea for hosting.
The fundraiser was like a surprise party of goodness. The auction items were incredible. Beautiful gift baskets, massages, in-class private yoga classes, hand made clothing, yoga bags and jewelry, acupuncture, wellness consultation, gift certificates for other avenues coop, Ergonomic assessments, birthing from within classes, and a family photography sessions. Pretty amazing talents were brought together for this very uplifting event!
The yoga class was sweet and filled with emotions. I am still in awe of the support I've had through these very trying times. When I want to give up, there has always been someone there to assist me. I know I would not be able to do this with out your help. Thank you to all that showed up and those who were there in spirit!
I swear I have the best friends in the world. What is healing me most is YOU!

Love,
Nicole

This has been a rough vacation. Kaitlin is in the hospital with RSV

A note from Spring Training

Nicole needed the sun, and we got it today. It was 80 and clear, and she feels so much better. That last dose of Taxol really knocked her out. Kaitlin loves it here, and I am, well all I can say is,"Let's Go Giants!" We owe a big thanks to my parents, we could not have afforded to make this trip, and it was really needed.

So two photos. One of Nicole & Kaitlin waiving to everyone on the train, and one of Buster Posey taking his first at bat for the day.

Off to Spring Training

Yesterday was an eventful day. I practiced with Siren for the 1st time in 15yrs, and we prepared for our trip to Arizona to watch the World Champion San Francisco Giants get ready to defend their title (it still sounds good to say that).


As you can all see from the attached photo's, Kaitlin is ready to swim, and Siren is right down to business. Funny how resilient kids are. She was so sick the past few days, and today it's like nothing happened.

I need to give a huge thanks to Melody & Andrea at Satori for coordinating the event on March 13th.

Kaitlin is ready:

Siren is getting there

Opening A Box of Joy

Nicole opened a box the other day and there were a bunch of hats from Gypsy. Thanks again Gypsy.

Benefit at Satori Posted for RSVP

Satori Yoga Studio is doing a great event for and with Nicole on Sunday, March 13th. The details are now posted Here

Please register early if possible so we know how many friends to expect.

Bye Bye Taxol

Thanks to everyone's support, Nicole finished round one of treatment. To quote Tim Lincecum, "F**k Yeah!"