Sunday, November 06, 2005
Autumn On Our Street
I took these today while everyone else was resting. I wish it had been sunny instead of overcast, but the colors are still amazing. Click to enlarge if you like.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Cooking/Cleaning Co-op
I'm so excited!My good friend, C, cooked up a great idea. Since we already spend so much time together for playdates we are going to put it to good use and start cooking and cleaning for each of our families. We get together with another friend, E, several times a week as it is since none of us have jobs outside the home, so we are planning to make 2 of those days in our homes. The children will still play. We will still have coffee and chat. But while we visit, we can be working.
On one of the days we will do meal plans and some light cleaning or laundry for that day's host. The second day we gather, we'll cook. Because we don't work outside the home, we can move the days around as needed between appointments and obligations as our lives require. We have picked out 4 recipes for this coming Monday. I'm so eager to try this! The kids will play, we will tend to babies and cook. Hopefully when we all go home that afternoon we'll be taking 4 meals home for each of our 3 families.
If it works we hope to share the idea with our playgroup so others can hook up in their own groups of 2-3 and do the same. It will be a benefit to our entire families. The kids get playtime, the moms get mental health time with friends and the daddies get full bellies! Hahaha!
I'll report back after Monday's trial run.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Sweet Patricia - Calling For Prayers
Me and Patricia in 2004
during a trip to Philadelphia
One of my girlfriends has just been diagnosed with cancer. It seems the walls are falling down around me some days. Arrrgh! I could just swear. My mom, and now one of my strongest and dearest girlfriends has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. She had an ultrasound yesterday because of some pain in her back. It showed a mass so they did a CT. She has a cancerous 8cm tumor in one of her kidneys.
Patricia and I met online when we were pregnant in 2002. She has a 3 year old, Ava, and a 4 year old, Leo. Can you imagine facing cancer treatments with two preschoolers? Mind boggling. I've met her in person twice, spending girls weekends together with other girls who have October '02 babies. She is a tremendous source of strength for me. I only pray I can return the favor to her now.
No prognosis yet, she'll have lots of diagnostics going on over the next week. We would appreciate your prayers!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
2nd chemo treatment today
Mom is in Birmingham today getting her second chemo treatment. She's feeling much better going into this one, 6 weeks post surgery, having had more time to recover. And she knows more what to expect, so I think she's feeling positive about what is to come over the next 5 days or so.
Ahhh... I'm not the only one who had a haircut this week. Mom's hair began coming out this weekend so she had dad shave it off on Monday. She decided she didn't want to deal with waiting for it to come out little by little, or deal with the mess. They went out for bloodwork yesterday and she wore a baseball cap with a sash tied on the side. She said she was styling! Hehee!
Ahhh... I'm not the only one who had a haircut this week. Mom's hair began coming out this weekend so she had dad shave it off on Monday. She decided she didn't want to deal with waiting for it to come out little by little, or deal with the mess. They went out for bloodwork yesterday and she wore a baseball cap with a sash tied on the side. She said she was styling! Hehee!
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Qcumber
Andrew came down the stairs the other day and said, "daddy, cucumber starts wiff Q!" We both smiled and Don said, "sounds like it!" Of course it doesn't, but he's starting to pay attention and we need to encourage his interest in reading.
Today he said, "mom, the number 8 starts wiff A!" Again, it surely sounds like it. So I said, "great, buddy!"
Its a wonder any of us ever learn to read and write the English language, isn't it?
Today he said, "mom, the number 8 starts wiff A!" Again, it surely sounds like it. So I said, "great, buddy!"
Its a wonder any of us ever learn to read and write the English language, isn't it?
Sunday, October 30, 2005
New Do
You know that itch you get when you want a 
new hairstyle? It was time I scratched it. I had been letting my hair grow out over the last year. I had it trimmed a couple weeks ago just to keep it healthy but it was a TERRIBLE hair cut. The stylist put too many layers in it and made it look stringy in the back. I was really frustrated so I decided to start looking for a new hairstyle.
I wanted to get something sleek and stylish. I decided on the spur of the moment Friday, while we were at the mall with friends, that it was a good time. Abi slept in the sling on my chest and Andrew played with E and C's kiddos in the play area.
I LOVE it. Don walked out to help me get the children out of the car when we got home and said, "hey! Look at my wife!" He adores it! I'm so glad.
new hairstyle? It was time I scratched it. I had been letting my hair grow out over the last year. I had it trimmed a couple weeks ago just to keep it healthy but it was a TERRIBLE hair cut. The stylist put too many layers in it and made it look stringy in the back. I was really frustrated so I decided to start looking for a new hairstyle.I wanted to get something sleek and stylish. I decided on the spur of the moment Friday, while we were at the mall with friends, that it was a good time. Abi slept in the sling on my chest and Andrew played with E and C's kiddos in the play area. I LOVE it. Don walked out to help me get the children out of the car when we got home and said, "hey! Look at my wife!" He adores it! I'm so glad.
Hand-Her-Downs
Mom has been getting around a bit more. Yesterday (Saturday)
their church had a rummage sale and chili cook off. Dad cooked on Friday, making his delectable entry to the competition. So they headed over around 10am for the cook off. Mom said she stayed about 3 hours and did pretty well. Dad won 3rd place!
Today they are going to church again for Sunday school and services. Mom really sounded wonderful on the phone today. She went on Thursday to have her fluid drained again. She was frustrated that it was coming back, but encouraged that it took a bit longer this time. Hopefully Wednesday's chemo coming up will eliminate that from happening again.
She got yet another HUGE blessing this week. A friend of a friend had outgrown some clothing and was planning to get rid of it. Since mom has lost about 5 sizes, nothing she had fit her anymore. So she received heaps of clothing through her friend. She said there must be a hundred belts alone! And just container after container of clothing. God just keeps showing us how he takes good care of her!
their church had a rummage sale and chili cook off. Dad cooked on Friday, making his delectable entry to the competition. So they headed over around 10am for the cook off. Mom said she stayed about 3 hours and did pretty well. Dad won 3rd place!
Today they are going to church again for Sunday school and services. Mom really sounded wonderful on the phone today. She went on Thursday to have her fluid drained again. She was frustrated that it was coming back, but encouraged that it took a bit longer this time. Hopefully Wednesday's chemo coming up will eliminate that from happening again.
She got yet another HUGE blessing this week. A friend of a friend had outgrown some clothing and was planning to get rid of it. Since mom has lost about 5 sizes, nothing she had fit her anymore. So she received heaps of clothing through her friend. She said there must be a hundred belts alone! And just container after container of clothing. God just keeps showing us how he takes good care of her!
Saturday, October 29, 2005
I love the weekend!
Chilly Ride...
Last night, Andrew and I went to our church's annual fall hayride and hot dog roast. We had a fun evening. Andrew got to run around in the barn lot with the other young boys. He really enjoyed tagging along, being the youngest. He handled his responsibility of holding the dog's leash very well when it was his turn. They got to see baby goats and chickens as well.
The hot dogs, marshmallows and brownies were delish! The hayride was so much fun. Andrew really enjoyed it. He didn't take his eyes off the tractor pulling us the whole time as we sat toward the front of the wagon at his request. It was quite cold but we were bundled up. He cheered when we began moving and pointed out every little thing he noticed along the way.
Girl time and boy time...
Mary Grace called me this morning to get my brother's (her uncle's) phone number. She wanted to call and talk to her cousin, Lindsay. A little while later she called to ask for his cell phone number. It appears the girls have been scheming! LOL My brother and wife are coming over to MG's area to shop and they are going to drop Lindsay by while they do their thing. MG is 9 and Lindsay is 10. Should be a loud afternoon. Mom said she called her today as well. That girl is getting way to close to being a teenager for my comfort level.
I'll be having some girl time this evening myself. My friend E and I are headed back for another round at Target, then probably either dinner out or dinner back here while we enjoy some chat time. The boys, Don and Andrew, are going to his friend C's house for guy time, which means football. Somebody is playing somebody that makes it worth getting together.
Last night, Andrew and I went to our church's annual fall hayride and hot dog roast. We had a fun evening. Andrew got to run around in the barn lot with the other young boys. He really enjoyed tagging along, being the youngest. He handled his responsibility of holding the dog's leash very well when it was his turn. They got to see baby goats and chickens as well.
The hot dogs, marshmallows and brownies were delish! The hayride was so much fun. Andrew really enjoyed it. He didn't take his eyes off the tractor pulling us the whole time as we sat toward the front of the wagon at his request. It was quite cold but we were bundled up. He cheered when we began moving and pointed out every little thing he noticed along the way.
Girl time and boy time...
Mary Grace called me this morning to get my brother's (her uncle's) phone number. She wanted to call and talk to her cousin, Lindsay. A little while later she called to ask for his cell phone number. It appears the girls have been scheming! LOL My brother and wife are coming over to MG's area to shop and they are going to drop Lindsay by while they do their thing. MG is 9 and Lindsay is 10. Should be a loud afternoon. Mom said she called her today as well. That girl is getting way to close to being a teenager for my comfort level.
I'll be having some girl time this evening myself. My friend E and I are headed back for another round at Target, then probably either dinner out or dinner back here while we enjoy some chat time. The boys, Don and Andrew, are going to his friend C's house for guy time, which means football. Somebody is playing somebody that makes it worth getting together.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Pumpkin Man
We had a wonderful playgroup party today to celebrate the fall. Lots of the children dressed up in the Halloween get-ups. So cute. We don't celebrate Halloween, but we enjoyed the friends and goodies nonetheless.
Andrew joined in the craft and made (with my help) this little pumpkin. A mommy friend had already put the foam pieces together, gluing each of them to a golf tee. The children were able to choose from lots of colors and shapes of eyes, nose, mouth, ears and hands, expressing their own personalities. It was so much fun! Click on the picture to enlarge it and see others like it!
Andrew joined in the craft and made (with my help) this little pumpkin. A mommy friend had already put the foam pieces together, gluing each of them to a golf tee. The children were able to choose from lots of colors and shapes of eyes, nose, mouth, ears and hands, expressing their own personalities. It was so much fun! Click on the picture to enlarge it and see others like it!
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
2 ballerinas, a race car driver and Sleeping Beauty... and 3 babies!
It was rainy, cold and generally nasty today so we invited some friends over to play. They arrived just before it was time to walk down and get Andrew from school and stayed until after 5pm. It was a fun filled afternoon of smiles, snacks and sillyness. Oh how we do love our friends!
The kids demolished every room in the house while my lovely friends E and C sat with me, scarfing left over baked potatoes from the birthday shindig, tending to babies and heaping upon each other precious friendship. The children played very well today and the babies enjoyed all the aparatus that today's spoiled babies could stand.
It was a sunny day here inside, despite the rain.
The kids demolished every room in the house while my lovely friends E and C sat with me, scarfing left over baked potatoes from the birthday shindig, tending to babies and heaping upon each other precious friendship. The children played very well today and the babies enjoyed all the aparatus that today's spoiled babies could stand.
It was a sunny day here inside, despite the rain. World's Largest Whoopie Pie!
My new friend, Margie, from our playgroup went to the Whoopie Pie Festival in Hershey this weekend. I just had to share her blog post because who can miss the world's largest whoopie pie? The Buzzaroni on the Whoopie Pie Festival
Getting out
Going and doing...
Mom has started getting out of the house a little. Last week when they went for a doctor's appointment in Birmingham, they stopped for lunch out on the way home. She felt up to it and had some energy left at the end of what is a fairly long outing. On Sunday she decide to go to church. The original plan was just for the main service, but that morning she decided she would take a stab at Sunday School AND the main service. Hooray! She said she needed a nap once they got settled back at home, but it went pretty well. I'm so glad!
Tuesday...
Today she has to swing by the local doctor's office for some labwork. They they are headed over to the wig shop. The wig she ordered came in and the owner will cut it today in the style of mom's hair. And show her how to care for it. Still no sign of hair loss, but the doctor said it usually happens after the second chemo, which is next Wednesday.
Fluid...
Mom has had a couple weeks of easier breathing. But just yesterday, she said she's starting to get winded a bit more. Likely the fluid is beginning to build back up. Its definitely been slower since her chemo, but still a nuisance. She sees the pulmonologist this week and, if need be, will have the fluid drawn off before her chemo treatment next week. We are praying diligently that the next chemo will take care of this recurrent problem.
Mom has started getting out of the house a little. Last week when they went for a doctor's appointment in Birmingham, they stopped for lunch out on the way home. She felt up to it and had some energy left at the end of what is a fairly long outing. On Sunday she decide to go to church. The original plan was just for the main service, but that morning she decided she would take a stab at Sunday School AND the main service. Hooray! She said she needed a nap once they got settled back at home, but it went pretty well. I'm so glad!
Tuesday...
Today she has to swing by the local doctor's office for some labwork. They they are headed over to the wig shop. The wig she ordered came in and the owner will cut it today in the style of mom's hair. And show her how to care for it. Still no sign of hair loss, but the doctor said it usually happens after the second chemo, which is next Wednesday.
Fluid...
Mom has had a couple weeks of easier breathing. But just yesterday, she said she's starting to get winded a bit more. Likely the fluid is beginning to build back up. Its definitely been slower since her chemo, but still a nuisance. She sees the pulmonologist this week and, if need be, will have the fluid drawn off before her chemo treatment next week. We are praying diligently that the next chemo will take care of this recurrent problem.
Monday, October 24, 2005
The holidays are coming!
Ack! Tomorrow is the 25th of October. Two months until Christmas. How did that happen. Wasn't it just summer? Didn't I just have a baby? Its been three months this week since Abi's birth. How does this happen? I think little gnomes come in at night and speed up the clock. There is just no way we can be approaching winter. No way.Abi. I'm trying to get a jump on things. I've gotten Abi's gifts sewn up. I was perplexed for a while about what to get for her, since we have more baby toys now than we could ever possibly need. Then a friend shared a link with me for a fabulous sale of Angelina Ballerina items. So I decided to go that route... buy now and give it to Abi for Christmas this year... for later. Its not like she'll care right? She's going to be fascinated with lights and bows for a while. Meanwhile she can be playing with the things we already have, and new goodies will be waiting in the wings when she is ready for them.
Andrew. He's pretty easy to shop for. And I'm actually going to a Discovery Toy party tomorrow night. So I'm hoping to get some things for him take care of. Boys are generally easy... things with wheels, things that bounce, a few outfits and its done. I figure we'll focus on Thomas Train stuff this year too. I was talking about that with Grandma last night. He does love Thomas.
Mary Grace. She's a bit harder to shop for. Clothes seem like the obvious choice for an almost 10 year old, but she's going through the awkward time of her pre-adolescence where her body is an awkward shape. So it doesn't pay to buy things ahead... she simply must try them on. She's beyond dolls and barbies. But not ready for teenage things. She loves art goodies, so perhaps we'll focus on that.
Don. He's put in his request already, so I just need to get that goodie before Santa makes his appearance. So. Maybe this Christmas-Shopping-2005 thing is not as daunting a task as it seemed 10 minutes ago when I started tying this post.
Lets get shopping!
Sunday, October 23, 2005
The boy has wheels!
Andrew's birthday party was a so much fun! He chose 10 friends to come for a Wiggles birthday bash. Despite our original hopes of having a backyard party, we were driven inside by a 2 day rain fest. But it was cozy (read crampt) and fun (read chaotic). Hehee!
We enjoyed "Anthony's Workshop" where the kids had total run of the dining room as they hammered, cut, squeezed and rolled 12 cans of playdoh until all of it now resembles a psychadelic rainbow. Then they moved on to "Music with Murray" where they had run of the living room coffee table to decorate paper plate shakers filled with beans and rice with a world of colored markers and stickers.
The menu was based on the Wiggles song, "Hot-Potato." We had a Hot-Potato Hot-Potato bar, Cold Spaghetti-Cold-Spaghetti pasta salad and Squased-Banana Squashed-Banana pudding. And cake of course!
Before everyone left, the kids played "Captain Feathersword's Treasure Hunt" where they dug in an old trunk of mine, through packing peanuts, to find treasures such as whistles, markers, happy face tom-toms, candy and semi-precious (plastic) gems. They filled goodie bags to take home. The kids really enjoyed it!
Don was amazing. For a man who barely noticed little people before he had his own, he was enraptured by the children at this party. It was partly his Mr. Checks and Balances personality that made him keep things moving, but mostly his desire for Andrew to have a wonderful day with is friends. I am so proud of my husband, for the daddy that he has become. (swoon)
Of course Andrew enjoyed being the star of the show. So much that when he woke up this morning the first thing out of his mouth was, "I'm going to have another birthday soon." Haha! They are fun days indeed. I'm so glad it was so great for him. It was worth all of the time planning, shopping, prepping, cooking and setting up to see his face, and the faces of his friends full of smiles and wonder.
Friday, October 21, 2005
"I'm free today!"
HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY, ANDREW!
I can't believe it. My precious baby boy turned 3 years old at 5am this morning. It seems like just yesterday that we brought him into our little world. Praise God for the blessing that he is to this family!
When he got up this morning he yelled from his bed, "Mama! Come wake me up!" Hehee... I asked him whose birthday is today? And he said, "I'm free today!"
I can't believe it. My precious baby boy turned 3 years old at 5am this morning. It seems like just yesterday that we brought him into our little world. Praise God for the blessing that he is to this family!
When he got up this morning he yelled from his bed, "Mama! Come wake me up!" Hehee... I asked him whose birthday is today? And he said, "I'm free today!"
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Best day in 2 months!
Wednesday mom had what she describes as her "best day in two months!" I'm so glad to hear that news. She even helped with the sorting and folding of some laundry. Yay! She's not felt like doing anything since late August. I'm so happy!
Today she went to see her oncologist for a follow up to her 1st chemo. He gave her a great report and she doesn't have to see him again. YAY! She'll have her 2nd chemo in two weeks. By then, hopefully she'll have some strength back so she won't be down for so long.
Doing the happy dance today!
Today she went to see her oncologist for a follow up to her 1st chemo. He gave her a great report and she doesn't have to see him again. YAY! She'll have her 2nd chemo in two weeks. By then, hopefully she'll have some strength back so she won't be down for so long.
Doing the happy dance today!
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Sickos!
Germ season is here and its hit us quite hard in the last 3 weeks. Andrew came down with a mild cold about two weeks ago. He shared it with daddy. By the first of last week they were both on the mend. Then on Friday, Andrew was particularly crabby and had a short fuse. His cold was back with a vengeance. This time he shared it with me. 
Finally, I think we are both on the downside of this nastiness. Thankfully Abi has not had this bugaboo. Pray some healthy prayers for us!
Update on Nana
After 4 good days...
Mom had four pretty good days after her chemo. But on Monday she has some tummy troubles. She was a bit frustrated to have made it through the days that are usually the hardest, only to be hit by surprise with the queasies. Tuesday was better. And she got out to the lab to have some bloodwork drawn to check her blood chemistries post-chemo. She has an appointment with the oncologist tomorrow (Thursday) to follow up after her first treatment.
Another blessing...
Some close friends who mom and dad go to church with stopped by on Monday night for a visit. They have been a constant support for my parents during mom's bought with ovarian cancer. They surprised them with a card from the members of the church, which contained a cash gift of $400! It is especially helpful since Dad has not been able to work much in the last two months. Dad is an auctioneer and antique handler. He pretty much drums up his own paycheck depending on what he get refinished in the shop and he's been able to spend very little time out there recently. Again, God just comes through with just what they need. I'm so encouraged!
Mom had four pretty good days after her chemo. But on Monday she has some tummy troubles. She was a bit frustrated to have made it through the days that are usually the hardest, only to be hit by surprise with the queasies. Tuesday was better. And she got out to the lab to have some bloodwork drawn to check her blood chemistries post-chemo. She has an appointment with the oncologist tomorrow (Thursday) to follow up after her first treatment.
Another blessing...
Some close friends who mom and dad go to church with stopped by on Monday night for a visit. They have been a constant support for my parents during mom's bought with ovarian cancer. They surprised them with a card from the members of the church, which contained a cash gift of $400! It is especially helpful since Dad has not been able to work much in the last two months. Dad is an auctioneer and antique handler. He pretty much drums up his own paycheck depending on what he get refinished in the shop and he's been able to spend very little time out there recently. Again, God just comes through with just what they need. I'm so encouraged!
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Busy couple of days
Tag sale...
Whew, I'm beat. We've had a busy couple days around here. Saturday especially. I joined in with about 15 other moms from our playgroup for a combined yard sale on Saturday. We were there setting up before daylight and finished up by 2pm. As usual, despite advertising a start time of 8am, folks showed up before the boxes were unpacked and tables set up to see what we had to offer. It was quite successful, netting over $1000 in sales. Each mom contributed part of their monies to the group to fund an upcoming Christmas event. We are all very much looking forward to that!
The best part?... the exchange of clothing between moms. Several of the gals have toddler girls and a few of us have baby girls. We were jumping on the opportunity to get some deals. I had a good time ribbing one of the new moms in the group who I just love, K., about wanting what each other had. We did actually exchange one outfit. Haha! She found something I'd missed after going through boxes several times and I just adored it. So she said, "let me go through what you picked out and take something, then you can have this one." It was like black Friday! We were laughing and having a great time. Love my mommy friends!
Grown up time...
Don and I had a date last night! My good friend H. watched both Abi and Andrew while we celebrated our 4th anniversary. We dropped them off at 6pm then headed for our dinner reservation at Romano's Macaroni Grill. Oh it was divine spending time with my husband without distraction. We had a very slooooooow dinner, enjoying an appetizer, salad and bread... even drinks and dessert! It was so nice to be served and waited on by someone instead of going to a fast-tracked buffet with kids. We lingered over each course as long as we could. The waitress came back twice before I'd even looked at the entrees. Every bit was delicious, especially the time we shared with each other.
We really need to do that more often. It was hard leaving the kids, especially with Abi not even being 3 months yet, but so good for us. And H.'s 2 girls really enjoyed our kiddos. We hope to pay them back in November, as they celebrate their anniversary, by keeping their girls.
Maaaahh!...
Mary Grace called this morning, excited to tell me about what she has coming up tomorrow. She joined 4-H last school year and has really enjoyed the projects. She recently moved up from the Discovery level to Homesteader. The Homesteaders are going tomorrow to milk a goat. She was SO excited. And they plan to make goat's milk soap from their collection. I can't wait to hear how it goes. I'm sure she'll get a case of the giggles, knowing her. How fun!
Whew, I'm beat. We've had a busy couple days around here. Saturday especially. I joined in with about 15 other moms from our playgroup for a combined yard sale on Saturday. We were there setting up before daylight and finished up by 2pm. As usual, despite advertising a start time of 8am, folks showed up before the boxes were unpacked and tables set up to see what we had to offer. It was quite successful, netting over $1000 in sales. Each mom contributed part of their monies to the group to fund an upcoming Christmas event. We are all very much looking forward to that!
The best part?... the exchange of clothing between moms. Several of the gals have toddler girls and a few of us have baby girls. We were jumping on the opportunity to get some deals. I had a good time ribbing one of the new moms in the group who I just love, K., about wanting what each other had. We did actually exchange one outfit. Haha! She found something I'd missed after going through boxes several times and I just adored it. So she said, "let me go through what you picked out and take something, then you can have this one." It was like black Friday! We were laughing and having a great time. Love my mommy friends!
Grown up time...
Don and I had a date last night! My good friend H. watched both Abi and Andrew while we celebrated our 4th anniversary. We dropped them off at 6pm then headed for our dinner reservation at Romano's Macaroni Grill. Oh it was divine spending time with my husband without distraction. We had a very slooooooow dinner, enjoying an appetizer, salad and bread... even drinks and dessert! It was so nice to be served and waited on by someone instead of going to a fast-tracked buffet with kids. We lingered over each course as long as we could. The waitress came back twice before I'd even looked at the entrees. Every bit was delicious, especially the time we shared with each other.We really need to do that more often. It was hard leaving the kids, especially with Abi not even being 3 months yet, but so good for us. And H.'s 2 girls really enjoyed our kiddos. We hope to pay them back in November, as they celebrate their anniversary, by keeping their girls.
Maaaahh!...
Mary Grace called this morning, excited to tell me about what she has coming up tomorrow. She joined 4-H last school year and has really enjoyed the projects. She recently moved up from the Discovery level to Homesteader. The Homesteaders are going tomorrow to milk a goat. She was SO excited. And they plan to make goat's milk soap from their collection. I can't wait to hear how it goes. I'm sure she'll get a case of the giggles, knowing her. How fun!
Thursday, October 13, 2005
4 Years Ago Today
I married the sweetest man I know.
We wed at
Fellowship Baptist Church
in Mount Joy, PA.
Don's $1 estate
auction suit
I snagged. Still
the best wedding
story we have.
Our beautiful
flower daughter, MG.
She was 5 then.
I love this picture
of my mom.
I have
no idea what
she was doing!
Nana (my mom) and
Grandma (Don's mom)
MG
being radiant
Cutting
the cake
We wed at
Fellowship Baptist Church
in Mount Joy, PA.
Don's $1 estate
auction suit
I snagged. Still
the best wedding
story we have.
Our beautiful
flower daughter, MG.
She was 5 then.
I love this picture
of my mom.
I have
no idea what
she was doing!
Nana (my mom) and
Grandma (Don's mom)
MG
being radiant
Cutting
the cake
Thumbs up
Mom had a great night! She went to bed early because the chemo had made her expectedly exhausted. But she's had no nausea at all and has actually had a bit of an appetite. That is such a victory! We were so worried about her being ill and already having little appetite.She said the whole atmosphere was very relaxing for the treatment. She sat in a comfy recliner the whole time, there were drinks and snacks available and they staff was as sweet as could be. Her nurse told her she was doing wonderfully. She said the others taking treatment were helpful with information and discussing things. Mom admitted that she wasn't so much worried about the proceedure itself, but more the unknowns of what it would be like to get the chemo, then how it would effect her. So far the only side effect other than fatigue is achy muscles, which is also a common side effect.
But all in all, things are going fabulously, 24 hrs later!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
1st Chemo
Today...
My mom went for her first chemotherapy treatment today. They started at 9am and it lasted 3 hours. My dad called when they arrived back at home and said that so far things are going well. She had eaten some butter crackers and had a soda on the way home and though she's feeling drowsy from the meds they gave her to relax, she's not been nauseated as of yet. That's positive news.
As the chemo was administered she was in a room with four other women receiving treatments. A sort of support group. The women could talk while they got the meds. I think that's very cool. I'll be interested to hear from mom what she thought about it when we talk tonight.
Yesterday...
Mom went to pick out a wig yesterday. She felt pretty strong after having the fluid drawn off on Monday so it was a good day. When they got to the shop, the woman at the counter asked if she was Gayle. Puzzled, she answered yes. They were expecting her... someone had called and said they wanted to anonymously cover the cost of the wig. She was instructed to pick out anything she liked and was not shown to be shown any prices. Isn't that an amazing blessing? Mom said she wanted to cry. God really provides and comforts in the most incredible ways.
My mom went for her first chemotherapy treatment today. They started at 9am and it lasted 3 hours. My dad called when they arrived back at home and said that so far things are going well. She had eaten some butter crackers and had a soda on the way home and though she's feeling drowsy from the meds they gave her to relax, she's not been nauseated as of yet. That's positive news.
As the chemo was administered she was in a room with four other women receiving treatments. A sort of support group. The women could talk while they got the meds. I think that's very cool. I'll be interested to hear from mom what she thought about it when we talk tonight.
Yesterday...
Mom went to pick out a wig yesterday. She felt pretty strong after having the fluid drawn off on Monday so it was a good day. When they got to the shop, the woman at the counter asked if she was Gayle. Puzzled, she answered yes. They were expecting her... someone had called and said they wanted to anonymously cover the cost of the wig. She was instructed to pick out anything she liked and was not shown to be shown any prices. Isn't that an amazing blessing? Mom said she wanted to cry. God really provides and comforts in the most incredible ways.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Sleepy Head
Andrew is at that stage where he still needs to 
nap but is getting old enough to go without one some days. We had friends over to play today. He was a very good boy, only a few minor sharing incidents. When they left, it was getting late so I didn't put him down for a nap. I figured we'd just have an early bedtime tonight. A few moments ago he asked me to read a book with him. I instructed him to go get in my chair and I'd come read it once I'd gone to the bathroom. Well in the two minutes it took me to get to him, here's how I found him. I can't believe my baby boy is going to be 3 in just ten short days.
nap but is getting old enough to go without one some days. We had friends over to play today. He was a very good boy, only a few minor sharing incidents. When they left, it was getting late so I didn't put him down for a nap. I figured we'd just have an early bedtime tonight. A few moments ago he asked me to read a book with him. I instructed him to go get in my chair and I'd come read it once I'd gone to the bathroom. Well in the two minutes it took me to get to him, here's how I found him. I can't believe my baby boy is going to be 3 in just ten short days.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Back at Radiology
Breathing better again...
Mom was at the hospital today for an outpatient procedure. They drew the fluid off from around her lungs for the 3rd time. We are praying that the very first chemo treatment, scheduled in just 2 days, will eliminate this nuisance symptom of her cancer. It really labors her breathing and talking. She's feeling much better this evening, thankfully!
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Sometimes you feel other people’s pain worse than your own. We’re armored against our own troubles. We can’t afford to give in to despair. Then you see someone else struggling, and it breaks your… heart. - Sean Steward
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Mom was at the hospital today for an outpatient procedure. They drew the fluid off from around her lungs for the 3rd time. We are praying that the very first chemo treatment, scheduled in just 2 days, will eliminate this nuisance symptom of her cancer. It really labors her breathing and talking. She's feeling much better this evening, thankfully!
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Sometimes you feel other people’s pain worse than your own. We’re armored against our own troubles. We can’t afford to give in to despair. Then you see someone else struggling, and it breaks your… heart. - Sean Steward
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Pics from Grandma
We generally visit with Don's parents on Sunday afternoons and last weekend Grandma snapped some pictures that I had to share. Here's Andrew and his Dziadzi (Polish for grandfather) cleaning up the front yard. I mentioned it in a previous post (Male Bonding). They both enjoyed each other quite a lot. Despite the 70 year difference in age, they are both still just boys playing in the yard.
While there, Grandma wanted to see Abi in her bonnet that Aunt Linda, Don's sister, had crocheted before she was born. Unfortunately its been quite warm and Abi has not had a chance to wear it yet. We brought it along so Grandma could take some pictures. Its beautiful on her little round, pink head. What a treasure!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Cows Don't Hop
First rodeo...
There's not much on TV tonight so Don was flipping around the channels for something with animals to watch with Andrew. He came across the Outdoor Life Network and a rodeo was on. Both boys' eyes locked on to the action. I asked Andrew if he would ride a bull. At first he said yes. Then when Don pointed out the danger, Andrew said, "I would ride a cow. They don't spin around, and they don't hop like that." Wise boy.
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Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one. - Charles Mackay
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There's not much on TV tonight so Don was flipping around the channels for something with animals to watch with Andrew. He came across the Outdoor Life Network and a rodeo was on. Both boys' eyes locked on to the action. I asked Andrew if he would ride a bull. At first he said yes. Then when Don pointed out the danger, Andrew said, "I would ride a cow. They don't spin around, and they don't hop like that." Wise boy.
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Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one. - Charles Mackay
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Workin' with Dad
Tool time...
Don assembled Abi's crib yesterday with help from his assistant, Andrew.
He was quite helpful and very patient when it came to "using" the tools. Don let him try each one as the process moved along. The best part is that they had such a great time together. I could hear them discussing each tool and what it did. It was so precious.
When they were done, Don brought the tools downstairs and said, "Now the last thing we do when the job is done is put away the tools." Andrew was not ready for them to be put away and voiced his opinion on the matter so Don decided just to sit with him in the living room and explore them more. Andrew really enjoyed checking each one out... until he dropped the hammer on his toe! Oh no! He cried a bit, but was tough. After that, they put the tools away in the basement together.
Don assembled Abi's crib yesterday with help from his assistant, Andrew.
He was quite helpful and very patient when it came to "using" the tools. Don let him try each one as the process moved along. The best part is that they had such a great time together. I could hear them discussing each tool and what it did. It was so precious.When they were done, Don brought the tools downstairs and said, "Now the last thing we do when the job is done is put away the tools." Andrew was not ready for them to be put away and voiced his opinion on the matter so Don decided just to sit with him in the living room and explore them more. Andrew really enjoyed checking each one out... until he dropped the hammer on his toe! Oh no! He cried a bit, but was tough. After that, they put the tools away in the basement together.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
No small bag of meat
Good Eats...
I spoke with my dad tonight and he shared with me a blessing they received today. A couple that they know from auctioning showed up a the door today with bags brimming with food for them. They knew mom, in her battle with cancer, has had a very poor appetite. So they wanted to load up the freezer in case mom had a craving for a certain food, it would be on hand. Dad said there were steaks, honey baked ham, pork loin, ground beef, chicken and much more. As well as ice cream! The outpouring for my mom has been overwhelming. Meals, cards and now groceries are showing up. God is SO GOOD!
Grand Opening...
My dear friend E. and I went out to Target this afternoon. It was the grand opening. We had a girls evening out with our infants... her little man is 11 days older than Abi. We strolled around Target for almost 2 hours checking out the new store. It was so lovely. I just adore Target. I was good though, I spent less than $5 and that was on some training underwear for Andrew with Thomas the Tank Engine on them. I was hoping for Bob the Builder, but they didn't have his size. We are trying to convince Andrew that its time to potty train, but so far he's not been enthused. Don had a nice long chat with Andrew before bed tonight about the undies and he's very excited to give it a go in the morning. Ooooh, I hope he can do it!
After Target, E. and I went to Applebees for dinner. We laughed at ourselves juggling two babies at dinner out. And we both admitted we'd never have even attempted that with our first or second children. Something about the third one puts you at ease. Like I've said to her on several occasions, they can either fuss or sleep at home or fuss or sleep on the go. Dinner was so-so. They were way to busy for any of the kitchen staff to have been paying much attention. Dessert was delish though... Maple Butter Blondie YUM!
I spoke with my dad tonight and he shared with me a blessing they received today. A couple that they know from auctioning showed up a the door today with bags brimming with food for them. They knew mom, in her battle with cancer, has had a very poor appetite. So they wanted to load up the freezer in case mom had a craving for a certain food, it would be on hand. Dad said there were steaks, honey baked ham, pork loin, ground beef, chicken and much more. As well as ice cream! The outpouring for my mom has been overwhelming. Meals, cards and now groceries are showing up. God is SO GOOD!
Grand Opening...
My dear friend E. and I went out to Target this afternoon. It was the grand opening. We had a girls evening out with our infants... her little man is 11 days older than Abi. We strolled around Target for almost 2 hours checking out the new store. It was so lovely. I just adore Target. I was good though, I spent less than $5 and that was on some training underwear for Andrew with Thomas the Tank Engine on them. I was hoping for Bob the Builder, but they didn't have his size. We are trying to convince Andrew that its time to potty train, but so far he's not been enthused. Don had a nice long chat with Andrew before bed tonight about the undies and he's very excited to give it a go in the morning. Ooooh, I hope he can do it!
After Target, E. and I went to Applebees for dinner. We laughed at ourselves juggling two babies at dinner out. And we both admitted we'd never have even attempted that with our first or second children. Something about the third one puts you at ease. Like I've said to her on several occasions, they can either fuss or sleep at home or fuss or sleep on the go. Dinner was so-so. They were way to busy for any of the kitchen staff to have been paying much attention. Dessert was delish though... Maple Butter Blondie YUM!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Out of breath
Dashing to the phone...
I called my parents to check on mom and dad answered out of breath. He says to me (this is shocking)... "I was just downstairs ironing and ran up the steps to get the phone so your mom wouldn't get up."
I'm not shocked that he ran up the stairs. But its shocking to hear him say he is ironing! Then he tells me that he spent yesterday cleaning the house. I joked and said, "when you're done, you can come clean mine." He replied, "oh its never done, I just had worked in the yard mowing the day before so I had to catch up." Hello. My dad just realized that housework is never done. How cool is that?
I'm so proud of him! He's really taking great care of my mom and keeping things up around the place.
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Silent gratitude isn't very much use to anyone.
- Gertrude Stein
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I called my parents to check on mom and dad answered out of breath. He says to me (this is shocking)... "I was just downstairs ironing and ran up the steps to get the phone so your mom wouldn't get up."
I'm not shocked that he ran up the stairs. But its shocking to hear him say he is ironing! Then he tells me that he spent yesterday cleaning the house. I joked and said, "when you're done, you can come clean mine." He replied, "oh its never done, I just had worked in the yard mowing the day before so I had to catch up." Hello. My dad just realized that housework is never done. How cool is that?
I'm so proud of him! He's really taking great care of my mom and keeping things up around the place.
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Silent gratitude isn't very much use to anyone.
- Gertrude Stein
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Trapped in the car
I'm soaked...
Eeesh, its raining cats and dogs here. (What does that really mean anyway?) We were out this morning for toddler gym then went to the mall with our friends. While there the rain really picked up. I managed to get both kiddos in the car to head home before the buckets full started falling but when we arrived and the deluge had hit, I decided just to sit in the car with my slumbering children instead of waking them up just to drench them during the dash inside. ICK. Radar image from AccuWeather
It was nice to sit and think for a bit. I made some mental notes about things I need to get for Andrew's 3rd birthday coming up in a few weeks. I closed my eyes for a while and listened to both kiddos snore. I thought about Don at work... and said a little thankful prayer that its Friday and he'll be home the next two days. I thought about my highschool girlfriend Celeste who is due with her 4th child this month. I need to call her and see if the baby has arrived. I thought about my mom and prayed for her a long while.
It was a nice little unexpected blessing to be trapped in the car. It made me stop in my own tracks, though I was frustrated at first, and realize I needed a few quiet moments. Slow down, Wen.
Speaking of liquid...
Mom's appointment with her pulmonologist yesterday went well. Unfortunately she learned that the fluid is building up around her lungs again. Boo hiss. They are checking with the oncologist to see if he wants them to remove it. The good news is that she's not struggling to breath, so its not so much as before. Her blood gases looked pretty good.
Eeesh, its raining cats and dogs here. (What does that really mean anyway?) We were out this morning for toddler gym then went to the mall with our friends. While there the rain really picked up. I managed to get both kiddos in the car to head home before the buckets full started falling but when we arrived and the deluge had hit, I decided just to sit in the car with my slumbering children instead of waking them up just to drench them during the dash inside. ICK. Radar image from AccuWeatherIt was nice to sit and think for a bit. I made some mental notes about things I need to get for Andrew's 3rd birthday coming up in a few weeks. I closed my eyes for a while and listened to both kiddos snore. I thought about Don at work... and said a little thankful prayer that its Friday and he'll be home the next two days. I thought about my highschool girlfriend Celeste who is due with her 4th child this month. I need to call her and see if the baby has arrived. I thought about my mom and prayed for her a long while.
It was a nice little unexpected blessing to be trapped in the car. It made me stop in my own tracks, though I was frustrated at first, and realize I needed a few quiet moments. Slow down, Wen.
Speaking of liquid...
Mom's appointment with her pulmonologist yesterday went well. Unfortunately she learned that the fluid is building up around her lungs again. Boo hiss. They are checking with the oncologist to see if he wants them to remove it. The good news is that she's not struggling to breath, so its not so much as before. Her blood gases looked pretty good.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Up with Bob
So its 5:30 am...
I've been awake since Abi had her early bottle at 4:30am. Why can't I sleep? You'd think it was because I have so much to do today, but actually its because I have the Bob the Builder theme song stuck in my head. And I'm certain I'd not have noticed my belly growling if it were not for Bob keeping me up.
Andrew has fallen in love with Bob and the crew. We saw an episode on PBS last weekend and he was glued to it. I suggested Don use a free rental coupon from Blockbuster for a BtB DVD. It was a hit of course, and its been in the player quite a lot. Unfortunately it was due back yesterday. We still have it here... I wonder how long Blockbuster's "No Late Fees" really can be stretched before we get a nasty phone call. Or just a bill for 10 times what one would cost to purchase. Oh well, I'll start explaining the "rental return" idea to Andrew today.
Since we rented it and he's gotten more familiar with the characters, (we just had 2 books before) Andrew has started role playing. I have been Muck or Dizzy on several occasions. He has no idea just how right he is assigning me those names. Maybe he's more insightful that I give him credit for! Its so funny to hear him do the dialogue. He likes Lofty's tentativeness and when I ask, "Can we fix it?" sometimes he replies, "yeah, I fink so" instead of a resounding, "yes we can!"
Farm Show Week...
This week is the Manheim Farm Show here in our little town.
On Monday night we went to the baby parade to see the daughters of a dear friend march down the street as Dora and Boots. They won second place in their category. Yay! 
After the parade was done we walked over to the farm show for fair food and to check out the tractors, animals and exhibits. Andrew is so VERY into all of it this year. We had a blast.
Last night was the farm show parade. It was a nice evening, not too hot, not too cold. We sat out on our street and watched about 2 hours of parading. Loads of fire trucks, baton twirlers, marching bands and tractors coming by. Two families from our playgroup joined us and the kiddos had a spectacular time dancing and clapping and collecting candy. Andrew has discovered tootsie rolls and candy corn! Two of mommy's favorites!
I've been awake since Abi had her early bottle at 4:30am. Why can't I sleep? You'd think it was because I have so much to do today, but actually its because I have the Bob the Builder theme song stuck in my head. And I'm certain I'd not have noticed my belly growling if it were not for Bob keeping me up.
Andrew has fallen in love with Bob and the crew. We saw an episode on PBS last weekend and he was glued to it. I suggested Don use a free rental coupon from Blockbuster for a BtB DVD. It was a hit of course, and its been in the player quite a lot. Unfortunately it was due back yesterday. We still have it here... I wonder how long Blockbuster's "No Late Fees" really can be stretched before we get a nasty phone call. Or just a bill for 10 times what one would cost to purchase. Oh well, I'll start explaining the "rental return" idea to Andrew today.
Since we rented it and he's gotten more familiar with the characters, (we just had 2 books before) Andrew has started role playing. I have been Muck or Dizzy on several occasions. He has no idea just how right he is assigning me those names. Maybe he's more insightful that I give him credit for! Its so funny to hear him do the dialogue. He likes Lofty's tentativeness and when I ask, "Can we fix it?" sometimes he replies, "yeah, I fink so" instead of a resounding, "yes we can!"
Farm Show Week...
This week is the Manheim Farm Show here in our little town.
On Monday night we went to the baby parade to see the daughters of a dear friend march down the street as Dora and Boots. They won second place in their category. Yay! After the parade was done we walked over to the farm show for fair food and to check out the tractors, animals and exhibits. Andrew is so VERY into all of it this year. We had a blast.Last night was the farm show parade. It was a nice evening, not too hot, not too cold. We sat out on our street and watched about 2 hours of parading. Loads of fire trucks, baton twirlers, marching bands and tractors coming by. Two families from our playgroup joined us and the kiddos had a spectacular time dancing and clapping and collecting candy. Andrew has discovered tootsie rolls and candy corn! Two of mommy's favorites!
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Sling baby
I can't believe it but...
My mom is just going to have a fit when she sees this. But I... the one who always said I never understood the whole Attached Parenting movement,...
have a child who LOVES to be attached. During awake times, Abi is very independent. But when she's sleeping during the day, she needs motion. What a challenge. After several weeks of frustration I asked a friend, who is as crunchy a friend as I've ever had and very AP minded, to make me one of her pouch slings to try with Abi. Well. This child loves it. And, I have to admit... I love it too.
She sleeps great in the bassinet at night... up to 8 hours even a couple times. But during the day she needs that motion to keep her slumbering. I thought I'd be able to get her to sleep while we're out and have her snooze in the stroller. Nada. If I put her in her carrier, she wakes up within 5 minutes. Its SO frustrating. But I'm thankful for this solution. Although my mom is surely going to say, "put that baby down!" Hahahaha!
My mom is just going to have a fit when she sees this. But I... the one who always said I never understood the whole Attached Parenting movement,...
have a child who LOVES to be attached. During awake times, Abi is very independent. But when she's sleeping during the day, she needs motion. What a challenge. After several weeks of frustration I asked a friend, who is as crunchy a friend as I've ever had and very AP minded, to make me one of her pouch slings to try with Abi. Well. This child loves it. And, I have to admit... I love it too.She sleeps great in the bassinet at night... up to 8 hours even a couple times. But during the day she needs that motion to keep her slumbering. I thought I'd be able to get her to sleep while we're out and have her snooze in the stroller. Nada. If I put her in her carrier, she wakes up within 5 minutes. Its SO frustrating. But I'm thankful for this solution. Although my mom is surely going to say, "put that baby down!" Hahahaha!
Out of the house
Mom went to have her staples removed today. She got the royal treatment. Since she didn't need to go to Birmingham for that, they went by and had it done at Emergi-Care, a clinic run by a doctor that she worked under at DCH emergency room for many years as unit secretary. One of the nurses had told her just to come by and she'd get her back. And they did, right away. Then Dr. Bobo, the head doc, and another came in to check her out and chat to catch up. Both said to let them know if they could do ANYTHING to help her out. It is nice to have connections.
After that was done, dad took her by Hardee's for a milkshake. Yum! She said she was a bit tired, when I spoke with her around lunchtime, but it was so nice to be out of the house. Its incredible what getting out of the same four walls can do for your attitude. She sounded super!
On Thursday, she has a visit with the Pulmonary doc to check on the fluid around her lungs. And her first chemo is schedule for the 12th of October. Apparently she'll take it in a room with 3 other women... a sort of support group kind of thing so they can chat while the sit for the 2 hour treatment. I think that is such a great idea! I would appreciate if you could make her chemo a matter of prayer!
After that was done, dad took her by Hardee's for a milkshake. Yum! She said she was a bit tired, when I spoke with her around lunchtime, but it was so nice to be out of the house. Its incredible what getting out of the same four walls can do for your attitude. She sounded super!
On Thursday, she has a visit with the Pulmonary doc to check on the fluid around her lungs. And her first chemo is schedule for the 12th of October. Apparently she'll take it in a room with 3 other women... a sort of support group kind of thing so they can chat while the sit for the 2 hour treatment. I think that is such a great idea! I would appreciate if you could make her chemo a matter of prayer!
Monday, October 03, 2005
Male bonding
Andrew had a great Sunday. We went out for breakfast then went to a park to play for a bit since it was cool and sunny. The perfect early fall weather. While I sat with Abi in the shade, Don and Andrew played on the slide. And this is SOME SLIDE. One of those old fashioned metal ones that is about 10 ft high at the top. For a while they took turns going down one after the other, then Andrew decided he liked the idea of going down in daddy's lap. "Again!" he'd shout as soon as their feet touched the ground. It was so wonderful to see those two enjoying each other so much.
In the evening, we went for our weekly visit to Don's parents. The afternoon was just as lovely as the morning, so we sat outside on their front patio. While Andrew was playing in the yard, Don's dad said he needed to pick up some twigs. I suggested he ask Andrew to help. Andrew just loved helping his Dziadzi (Polish for grandfather) clean up the front yard. He was so cute pulling the bucket around and tossing sticks in.
It was a great day all around for the guys!
In the evening, we went for our weekly visit to Don's parents. The afternoon was just as lovely as the morning, so we sat outside on their front patio. While Andrew was playing in the yard, Don's dad said he needed to pick up some twigs. I suggested he ask Andrew to help. Andrew just loved helping his Dziadzi (Polish for grandfather) clean up the front yard. He was so cute pulling the bucket around and tossing sticks in.
It was a great day all around for the guys!
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Question to ponder...
A thought placed in my noodle by Addie... What do you love?
Please feel free to share your list or just your #1 love.
Please feel free to share your list or just your #1 love.
Teddy Bear Picnic
Sandwiches with friends...
Today our playgroup had a picnic at the local park with special teddy bear/stuffed animal friends. Andrew of course took White Doggie. The children had lunch on blankets as parents looked on and chatted. It was a great time and the weather could not have been more perfect. Clear, blue sunny skies with temperatures in the low 70s. Ahhhhhh, fall is coming indeed. They played a game of Hot Potato and passed a little brown teddy bear. It was fun watching 2, 3 and 4 year olds trying to figure out you had to pass the bear NOT hold on to it. Ha! What a hoot. As the children were weeded out by who had the bear when the music stopped, they each got a teddy bear sticker. It was adorable. Don has some video. I'll have him capture some still images and update later with pics.
Homecoming...
Randy (my brother) arrived safely to spend the night with mom and dad last night. I'm so happy they had some time together just to visit without the distraction of grandkids. I'm sure its been a LONG time since those 3 had some alone time. Randy said that mom looks good, but she could really use a hair dresser. I think she was ready to swat him for that one!
She said she got it washed and dried yesterday... which was like climbing a mountain for her. Dad was making spaghetti for dinner. Oh how I wish I could take my old seat at the table with my family. I wonder if mom would still make me sit until I finished my plate.
Sweet messages about HOT stuff...
I got a dear email today from MG's grandmom. She, with MG's help typing, asked for my hot wing sauce recipe. I obliged of course. It was a first... email from my sweet Gracie bug. What a wonderful surprise! I learned that her dad's whole family is together at her aunt's for the weekend. That doesn't happen too often as her uncle lives in Spain. What a sweet treat for them. I can just hear the happiness in the email and it makes me so glad. Mary Grace's dad, aunt and uncle are more like old friends than siblings when they get together and it makes for a special time at ever gathering.
Today our playgroup had a picnic at the local park with special teddy bear/stuffed animal friends. Andrew of course took White Doggie. The children had lunch on blankets as parents looked on and chatted. It was a great time and the weather could not have been more perfect. Clear, blue sunny skies with temperatures in the low 70s. Ahhhhhh, fall is coming indeed. They played a game of Hot Potato and passed a little brown teddy bear. It was fun watching 2, 3 and 4 year olds trying to figure out you had to pass the bear NOT hold on to it. Ha! What a hoot. As the children were weeded out by who had the bear when the music stopped, they each got a teddy bear sticker. It was adorable. Don has some video. I'll have him capture some still images and update later with pics.
Homecoming...
Randy (my brother) arrived safely to spend the night with mom and dad last night. I'm so happy they had some time together just to visit without the distraction of grandkids. I'm sure its been a LONG time since those 3 had some alone time. Randy said that mom looks good, but she could really use a hair dresser. I think she was ready to swat him for that one!
She said she got it washed and dried yesterday... which was like climbing a mountain for her. Dad was making spaghetti for dinner. Oh how I wish I could take my old seat at the table with my family. I wonder if mom would still make me sit until I finished my plate.Sweet messages about HOT stuff...
I got a dear email today from MG's grandmom. She, with MG's help typing, asked for my hot wing sauce recipe. I obliged of course. It was a first... email from my sweet Gracie bug. What a wonderful surprise! I learned that her dad's whole family is together at her aunt's for the weekend. That doesn't happen too often as her uncle lives in Spain. What a sweet treat for them. I can just hear the happiness in the email and it makes me so glad. Mary Grace's dad, aunt and uncle are more like old friends than siblings when they get together and it makes for a special time at ever gathering.
Friday, September 30, 2005
A crowning day
Sparkling...
Fridays are usually pretty busy for us, we have toddler gym in the morning then we're off to the mall to hang out with friends for playtime, lunch and shopping. Today was no exception. Abi obliged me by snoozing while we shopped for some fall shoes for Andrew. I really wanted another pair of those cool swede slip ons by Lands End from Sears, but they were out of his size. Instead we found a very nice pair of brown leather shoes. A bit dressier, but still casual for jeans. And VERY little boy. I love them and so does Andrew. He had
to walk around in them for a bit after we got them before getting back into the stroller. He was so proud, he strutted around a bit. So cute.
While at the mall, we made our weekly stop in the A Dollar Store of course. This week Andrew picked out turtles instead of frogs. He's had a great time with them this afternoon. I found some sparkly pipe cleaners so I tossed them on the counter. Andrew didn't realize I got them and was very excited to see them this evening.
He asked me to make him a crown. Of course Abi had to have one too!
We rounded out our day by taking a trek to BJ's. It was time for kid supplies... diapers, formula, "chicken nuts". You know, the truckload size packages. Good stuff.
Now everyone is home and tucked into bed. I love my beautiful children. The best news is IT'S FRIDAY!!!!! Daddy's home for the weekend!
Fridays are usually pretty busy for us, we have toddler gym in the morning then we're off to the mall to hang out with friends for playtime, lunch and shopping. Today was no exception. Abi obliged me by snoozing while we shopped for some fall shoes for Andrew. I really wanted another pair of those cool swede slip ons by Lands End from Sears, but they were out of his size. Instead we found a very nice pair of brown leather shoes. A bit dressier, but still casual for jeans. And VERY little boy. I love them and so does Andrew. He had
to walk around in them for a bit after we got them before getting back into the stroller. He was so proud, he strutted around a bit. So cute.While at the mall, we made our weekly stop in the A Dollar Store of course. This week Andrew picked out turtles instead of frogs. He's had a great time with them this afternoon. I found some sparkly pipe cleaners so I tossed them on the counter. Andrew didn't realize I got them and was very excited to see them this evening.
He asked me to make him a crown. Of course Abi had to have one too!We rounded out our day by taking a trek to BJ's. It was time for kid supplies... diapers, formula, "chicken nuts". You know, the truckload size packages. Good stuff.
Now everyone is home and tucked into bed. I love my beautiful children. The best news is IT'S FRIDAY!!!!! Daddy's home for the weekend!
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Home again
Mom just called me from her house. She sounded better already and is looking forward to a good night's sleep with no one to take her temperature, give her a breathing treatment or check her incision. My grandmother, her mom, is bringing lunch over. She has mixed feelings about that... long story. My brother has been in Memphis this week for a special computer school and is going to be coming through tomorrow night and will spend the night with them. I'm so glad... and so jealous. I want to be there so much!
Unexpected happies
Yesterday was such a challenging day for me. A dear friend even noticed that I was not myself and twice asked, "are you ok?" I guess she didn't believe my "yes" reply the first time. Good reason, I was really struggling. I just HATE when one of my children is feeling poorly and I can't make it better. Well today is going much better so far. I have Abi in the sling with me now... just can't bear to put her down after the day we had.
First unexpected happy...
While she was napping earlier, I grabbed a cup of coffee and popped in a picture CD from my baby shower with Abi back in early July. I had not had a chance to check out the photos that my friend Tammy made. I was paging through, looking at the ladies from church and myself opening gifts and found this...
I had warm happy tears to see my sweet MG. That is a moment we've shared many times when people comment on just how much she looks like me. She loves to show them our little turned up noses, side to side. It is my most favorite picture ever now. I think my heart grew.
Second unexpected happy...
When I walked down the block to pick up Andrew from preschool, I was the last parent in the line so I got to talk to his teacher for a good while. I had wondered how it was going as he is the youngest in the "3 Year Old" class... since he will not turn 3 until next month. She said he was getting along fabulously! And that he is age approriate for everything they are doing and his skill level had matched or exceeded each activity so far. That was such great news! She also said his behavior has been near perfect and she LOVES his enthusiam when he wants to tell her something. Weeee! What a good boy he is! Then when we got home, I unpacked his backpack and found this...
Last week they made apple prints by stamping slices of fresh apples into paint. How fun... and how beautiful! I think we'll frame it and put it in his room!
First unexpected happy...
While she was napping earlier, I grabbed a cup of coffee and popped in a picture CD from my baby shower with Abi back in early July. I had not had a chance to check out the photos that my friend Tammy made. I was paging through, looking at the ladies from church and myself opening gifts and found this...
I had warm happy tears to see my sweet MG. That is a moment we've shared many times when people comment on just how much she looks like me. She loves to show them our little turned up noses, side to side. It is my most favorite picture ever now. I think my heart grew.
Second unexpected happy...
When I walked down the block to pick up Andrew from preschool, I was the last parent in the line so I got to talk to his teacher for a good while. I had wondered how it was going as he is the youngest in the "3 Year Old" class... since he will not turn 3 until next month. She said he was getting along fabulously! And that he is age approriate for everything they are doing and his skill level had matched or exceeded each activity so far. That was such great news! She also said his behavior has been near perfect and she LOVES his enthusiam when he wants to tell her something. Weeee! What a good boy he is! Then when we got home, I unpacked his backpack and found this...
Last week they made apple prints by stamping slices of fresh apples into paint. How fun... and how beautiful! I think we'll frame it and put it in his room!
Frazzled Wednesday
Zowie!!...
Yesterday was a crazy day. Poor Abi came down with Andrew's cold and in combination with the shots the day before, she was one UNhappy camper. We did make it out to the park for a playdate, but it was only by the skin of our teeth. I felt so badly for my little girl. She was totally miserable. Thankfully, when I finally got her to sleep last night, she slept through until 6am. She seems a bit better this morning, but warmish... I hope her fever from the cold/shots doesn't sky rocket.
Andrew is feeling loads better. He only has the stuffies now. He's been a sleeping machine this week though, as his body has fought the cold. Its been nice having him sleep a bit later in the mornings.
Better day...
Nana had an even better day on Wednesday. She will definitely be coming home today according to the doctor's visit yesterday. Dad went home last night so he could check on things and bring her portable oxygen tank to the hospital, so she'll have it for the trip home. Chemo will hopefully take care of the recurrent fluid build up and give her better breathing. And she'll start that in just about 2 weeks.
She's going to see about a wig if she's feeling up for an outing next week. The doc said she can expect to begin loosing her hair by the second chemo treatment, if not right after the first one. She's pretty chipper about it all though... what a trooper.
Yesterday was a crazy day. Poor Abi came down with Andrew's cold and in combination with the shots the day before, she was one UNhappy camper. We did make it out to the park for a playdate, but it was only by the skin of our teeth. I felt so badly for my little girl. She was totally miserable. Thankfully, when I finally got her to sleep last night, she slept through until 6am. She seems a bit better this morning, but warmish... I hope her fever from the cold/shots doesn't sky rocket.
Andrew is feeling loads better. He only has the stuffies now. He's been a sleeping machine this week though, as his body has fought the cold. Its been nice having him sleep a bit later in the mornings.
Better day...
Nana had an even better day on Wednesday. She will definitely be coming home today according to the doctor's visit yesterday. Dad went home last night so he could check on things and bring her portable oxygen tank to the hospital, so she'll have it for the trip home. Chemo will hopefully take care of the recurrent fluid build up and give her better breathing. And she'll start that in just about 2 weeks.
She's going to see about a wig if she's feeling up for an outing next week. The doc said she can expect to begin loosing her hair by the second chemo treatment, if not right after the first one. She's pretty chipper about it all though... what a trooper.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
2 months
Check up time...
Abi had her 2 month check-up this morning. She's growing like a weed, or a tree considering she's in the 90th percentile for both height and weight at 13 lbs, 5 oz and 23.5 inches! The doctor checked her over and pronounced her perfect. That's what a mama likes to hear! He was impressed with her head control as well.
Unfortunately it was shot time. She got two, one for each leg, poor girly. Thankfully they had the new combined DPT-HIB-Polio, which she had in the right leg. In the left she recieved her 2nd in the series of Hepatitis B.
Solids...
Its not time for Abi to have solids yet, but mom had her first this morning since last Thursday. When I spoke with her in the early hours she was having waffles. Much better than the pureed vegetable soup and jello she was served yesterday. ICK.
She's feeling a tad bit better, after a very bad day yesterday. The allergic reactions to the meds have really been troublesome and she's gotten a nasty rash all over. They are giving her benadryl to ease the itchies, but its giving her little relief. She was able to get up, with some help, for a shower today thankfully.
They did a thoracentsis yesterday evening, removing the fluid that has built back up around her lungs. Mom said breathing is going MUCH better now. I could tell by her voice that she was much more on top of the pain management. And the weird scratchy voice is gone too... so I had to joke with her that she didn't sound like Sponge Bob anymore. I hope she appreciates my humor!
The doctor came with the pathology report on the tissue removed during the hysterectomy and look-see into her abdomen. He described the cancer cells as a garden variety so he's very hopeful they can get it into remission with chemo. That should begin within 2 weeks of her going home. And if things continue as well as they have in the last 12-18 hrs, they are looking at possibly Thursday for a date to be discharged. We're praying for that.
Abi had her 2 month check-up this morning. She's growing like a weed, or a tree considering she's in the 90th percentile for both height and weight at 13 lbs, 5 oz and 23.5 inches! The doctor checked her over and pronounced her perfect. That's what a mama likes to hear! He was impressed with her head control as well.
Unfortunately it was shot time. She got two, one for each leg, poor girly. Thankfully they had the new combined DPT-HIB-Polio, which she had in the right leg. In the left she recieved her 2nd in the series of Hepatitis B.
Solids...
Its not time for Abi to have solids yet, but mom had her first this morning since last Thursday. When I spoke with her in the early hours she was having waffles. Much better than the pureed vegetable soup and jello she was served yesterday. ICK.
She's feeling a tad bit better, after a very bad day yesterday. The allergic reactions to the meds have really been troublesome and she's gotten a nasty rash all over. They are giving her benadryl to ease the itchies, but its giving her little relief. She was able to get up, with some help, for a shower today thankfully.
They did a thoracentsis yesterday evening, removing the fluid that has built back up around her lungs. Mom said breathing is going MUCH better now. I could tell by her voice that she was much more on top of the pain management. And the weird scratchy voice is gone too... so I had to joke with her that she didn't sound like Sponge Bob anymore. I hope she appreciates my humor!
The doctor came with the pathology report on the tissue removed during the hysterectomy and look-see into her abdomen. He described the cancer cells as a garden variety so he's very hopeful they can get it into remission with chemo. That should begin within 2 weeks of her going home. And if things continue as well as they have in the last 12-18 hrs, they are looking at possibly Thursday for a date to be discharged. We're praying for that.
Monday, September 26, 2005
A froggy kind of day
Ribit...
On Friday we went to Park City as usual and we made our weekly trek to the One Dollar Store in the Boscov's wing. I know, I know its a bad thing to let a kiddo go pick out anything he wants... but its a dollar right? Anyway, Andrew picked out a bag of 5 frogs.
For a buck! That's twenty cents a frog. What mom could complain? Well he just loves his frogs. He's played with them most of the weekend. On Saturday he was in the kitchen while Don was making bottles for Abi and he placed this large acorn cap, collected for a walk a few weeks ago, on to this lovely frog's head and said, "Look Daddy, he's a painter!" Of course we think that he's brilliant for thinking of this. And it made us giggle too!
And speaking of froggy... Andrew had developed a nice case of laryngitus from his post nasal drip. And now Don is coming down with the same symptoms. Nana is of course froggy too, as I mentioned in the post about how she's feeling... her NG tube was removed and her throat is quite irritated.
Croak croak!
On Friday we went to Park City as usual and we made our weekly trek to the One Dollar Store in the Boscov's wing. I know, I know its a bad thing to let a kiddo go pick out anything he wants... but its a dollar right? Anyway, Andrew picked out a bag of 5 frogs.
For a buck! That's twenty cents a frog. What mom could complain? Well he just loves his frogs. He's played with them most of the weekend. On Saturday he was in the kitchen while Don was making bottles for Abi and he placed this large acorn cap, collected for a walk a few weeks ago, on to this lovely frog's head and said, "Look Daddy, he's a painter!" Of course we think that he's brilliant for thinking of this. And it made us giggle too!
And speaking of froggy... Andrew had developed a nice case of laryngitus from his post nasal drip. And now Don is coming down with the same symptoms. Nana is of course froggy too, as I mentioned in the post about how she's feeling... her NG tube was removed and her throat is quite irritated.
Croak croak!
Getting up
And getting some things down...
Mom had an OK Sunday. She's not jumping up and down by any means. But her NG tube (the icky one that goes in the nose, down to the stomach to keep it empty) has been removed so she is so relieved. She was allowed some cranberry juice and jello yesterday and that stayed down so eating in the near future is looking promising. She joked with Dad yesterday about a steak. He kept wanting to grill her a steak before going in for surgery, but her appetite was so spare she didn't take him up on it. On Saturday she said, "I surely could use that ribeye now."
She did have a second reaction to her pain pump meds. On Saturday the morphine began giving her hives so they switched her to demoral. On Sunday the same thing happened with the demoral. So now they are going to nix the pain pump all together and go with oral meds. They are going to give percocet a go. Lets hope that works!
Her doctor was off on Sunday, but he'll be back in this morning. They did some xrays of her chest yesterday to get a look at the fluid around her lungs. She's eager to hear what the plan will be to remove it and alleviate the pressure. She's still on oxygen, and has been for weeks, since she can't get a good deep breath. We are all eager to hear what Monday brings.
Incidentally, Dad was threatening to have a Wade fit. He is notorious for these and its where I get my sassy hot-headedness from I guess. The nursing staff was stretched this weekend. He said he felt bad for the poor nurse who was caring for mom and about a million others all by herself. So he didn't pop her head off. But he plans to talk to the doc about it this morning and get to the bottom of it. Its probably going to take talking to a nurse supervisor. But if someone doesn't show up for work, what can you do?
Mom had an OK Sunday. She's not jumping up and down by any means. But her NG tube (the icky one that goes in the nose, down to the stomach to keep it empty) has been removed so she is so relieved. She was allowed some cranberry juice and jello yesterday and that stayed down so eating in the near future is looking promising. She joked with Dad yesterday about a steak. He kept wanting to grill her a steak before going in for surgery, but her appetite was so spare she didn't take him up on it. On Saturday she said, "I surely could use that ribeye now."
She did have a second reaction to her pain pump meds. On Saturday the morphine began giving her hives so they switched her to demoral. On Sunday the same thing happened with the demoral. So now they are going to nix the pain pump all together and go with oral meds. They are going to give percocet a go. Lets hope that works!
Her doctor was off on Sunday, but he'll be back in this morning. They did some xrays of her chest yesterday to get a look at the fluid around her lungs. She's eager to hear what the plan will be to remove it and alleviate the pressure. She's still on oxygen, and has been for weeks, since she can't get a good deep breath. We are all eager to hear what Monday brings.
Incidentally, Dad was threatening to have a Wade fit. He is notorious for these and its where I get my sassy hot-headedness from I guess. The nursing staff was stretched this weekend. He said he felt bad for the poor nurse who was caring for mom and about a million others all by herself. So he didn't pop her head off. But he plans to talk to the doc about it this morning and get to the bottom of it. Its probably going to take talking to a nurse supervisor. But if someone doesn't show up for work, what can you do?
Sweet Sleep
Ahhh...
The house is quiet. There are no lights on except for the little red one on the coffee maker and this computer monitor. Ahhh ME TIME!
Little Miss Abi-cakes slept from 9pm until 5:30am. (Insert angelic music here.) I am so proud of her. She ate ALL DAY LONG yesterday. Which meant few naps. But her awake time, sparing the times she was demanding a bottle, were very happy and quite plentiful.
I think I could go climb a mountain! Notice I said "could" and not "will."
The house is quiet. There are no lights on except for the little red one on the coffee maker and this computer monitor. Ahhh ME TIME!
Little Miss Abi-cakes slept from 9pm until 5:30am. (Insert angelic music here.) I am so proud of her. She ate ALL DAY LONG yesterday. Which meant few naps. But her awake time, sparing the times she was demanding a bottle, were very happy and quite plentiful.
I think I could go climb a mountain! Notice I said "could" and not "will."
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Daddy duty
Up in the night...
Don is a sweetheart and likes to get up for Abi's night feeding on the weekend so he can give me a full night's sleep for 2 nights. Last night Abi got up a bit earlier than usual, around 2:45am instead of 3-4am. But he said she sucked 6 oz right down and drifted off immediately. What a good girl.
He was just getting settled for some good sleep when Andrew sounded off at about 4am. I knew right away from his voice that a cold was coming on. He had the raspy bark. Don beat me there though, so I let him see what Andrew needed as I laid listening. He was so tender with him, though Andrew was quite upset. He tried to settle him, then realized he need cold meds, so off they went down to the kitchen. Good old Triaminic nighttime. Then back up they came. I think he must have rocked him for a while, because I drifted back off to sleep after that. But it didn't last because he didn't want put down. And when daddy put him in the bed, Andrew decided it was mama's turn.
He yelped for me, and of course I obliged so we rocked and sang for a while. It took me convincing him he'd feel better with some sleep (how on earth did I manage that with this almost 3 year old?) and he laid down. I climbed back into the bed around 4:45am. We never heard a peep out of him until he came bounding down for the day at 7:30am. He feels pretty good this morning so I'm hoping this cold won't be too nasty.
Don is a sweetheart and likes to get up for Abi's night feeding on the weekend so he can give me a full night's sleep for 2 nights. Last night Abi got up a bit earlier than usual, around 2:45am instead of 3-4am. But he said she sucked 6 oz right down and drifted off immediately. What a good girl.
He was just getting settled for some good sleep when Andrew sounded off at about 4am. I knew right away from his voice that a cold was coming on. He had the raspy bark. Don beat me there though, so I let him see what Andrew needed as I laid listening. He was so tender with him, though Andrew was quite upset. He tried to settle him, then realized he need cold meds, so off they went down to the kitchen. Good old Triaminic nighttime. Then back up they came. I think he must have rocked him for a while, because I drifted back off to sleep after that. But it didn't last because he didn't want put down. And when daddy put him in the bed, Andrew decided it was mama's turn.
He yelped for me, and of course I obliged so we rocked and sang for a while. It took me convincing him he'd feel better with some sleep (how on earth did I manage that with this almost 3 year old?) and he laid down. I climbed back into the bed around 4:45am. We never heard a peep out of him until he came bounding down for the day at 7:30am. He feels pretty good this morning so I'm hoping this cold won't be too nasty.
Saturday, September 24, 2005
2 New Babies
No, not me...
We've been watching a squirrel that lives in the side support of the power pole out front of our home for a couple years.
But recently we noticed that more than one seemed to be sticking its head out. It appears that the resident is female and she has new babies!
You can see mom at the top, then she turned around and called her little ones out. First one, then the other. Andrew will sit at the window as long as they are busy. I just love how fascinated he is with animals. Truthfully, we've all been mezmerized by them when they are active. They will stay out of the little hole in the top of the support as long as no one is around. But if a car goes by or someone walks down the sidewalk, they scamper back in.
The only drawback is that they run up to the top of the pole then across the power lines. I never know what kinds of treats I'll find on my car when they sit up on the lines and have dinner. Most recently it was the green outer skin of a several walnuts. What a mess!
We've been watching a squirrel that lives in the side support of the power pole out front of our home for a couple years.
But recently we noticed that more than one seemed to be sticking its head out. It appears that the resident is female and she has new babies! You can see mom at the top, then she turned around and called her little ones out. First one, then the other. Andrew will sit at the window as long as they are busy. I just love how fascinated he is with animals. Truthfully, we've all been mezmerized by them when they are active. They will stay out of the little hole in the top of the support as long as no one is around. But if a car goes by or someone walks down the sidewalk, they scamper back in.
The only drawback is that they run up to the top of the pole then across the power lines. I never know what kinds of treats I'll find on my car when they sit up on the lines and have dinner. Most recently it was the green outer skin of a several walnuts. What a mess!
I have a tooth berry
But I have no idea what that is...
Andrew just came walking up from the kitchen with something imaginary in his hand. I asked for a kiss but apparently there was no time for that! He held up his hand to me and said, "I have a tooth berry for you." I puzzled for a split second, but held out my hand to recieve this tooth berry. He said, "its just plastic, you can put it in your mouth if you want. Its white."
Hmmm... ok, so I put this imaginary white plastic tooth berry in my mouth and he was SO VERY pleased. Then pop, another appeared in his hand and he offered it up to daddy. Of course daddy obliged too.
Ahh, I love the imagination of an almost 3 year old. I wonder if that will be only every tooth berry.
Andrew just came walking up from the kitchen with something imaginary in his hand. I asked for a kiss but apparently there was no time for that! He held up his hand to me and said, "I have a tooth berry for you." I puzzled for a split second, but held out my hand to recieve this tooth berry. He said, "its just plastic, you can put it in your mouth if you want. Its white."
Hmmm... ok, so I put this imaginary white plastic tooth berry in my mouth and he was SO VERY pleased. Then pop, another appeared in his hand and he offered it up to daddy. Of course daddy obliged too.
Ahh, I love the imagination of an almost 3 year old. I wonder if that will be only every tooth berry.
Beat It
A very positive morning...
I just talked to mom and dad. Mom sounds great, considering she had a stomach tube running down her nose, oxygen in her nose, a foley cathader, an IV and an O2 sensor taped to her finger. Oh yeah, and an abdominal incision. EEESH!
Dad said they are both bright eyed today about the fight ahead of her. The doctor was in already today and he said that they are not giving up on her and she should not plan on taking it lying down. They have sent all of the removed tissue to pathology to see about the makeup of the cancer cells and they will come up with the best recipe of chemo drugs to give her. He says there is a chance of whipping it into remission.
Today her stomach tube will be clamped off and if she does not aspirate in the next 24 hrs, they will remove it tomorrow morning. Her cathader will be removed today sometime. They also plan to get her up for a shower as well. Go mom! Lots going on.
I just talked to mom and dad. Mom sounds great, considering she had a stomach tube running down her nose, oxygen in her nose, a foley cathader, an IV and an O2 sensor taped to her finger. Oh yeah, and an abdominal incision. EEESH!
Dad said they are both bright eyed today about the fight ahead of her. The doctor was in already today and he said that they are not giving up on her and she should not plan on taking it lying down. They have sent all of the removed tissue to pathology to see about the makeup of the cancer cells and they will come up with the best recipe of chemo drugs to give her. He says there is a chance of whipping it into remission.
Today her stomach tube will be clamped off and if she does not aspirate in the next 24 hrs, they will remove it tomorrow morning. Her cathader will be removed today sometime. They also plan to get her up for a shower as well. Go mom! Lots going on.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Messages in a bottle
Or in a blog...
So many of you dear friends are a daily encouragement to me and have expressed your prayers and well wishes for my mom. PLEASE post them here for her to see by commenting on this thread! I will be eternally indebted to you! Kisses!
Her name is Gayle.
So many of you dear friends are a daily encouragement to me and have expressed your prayers and well wishes for my mom. PLEASE post them here for her to see by commenting on this thread! I will be eternally indebted to you! Kisses!
Her name is Gayle.
Like snow
Not the news we were hoping for...
Mom's cancer has spread. They did the hysterectomy and removed as much non essential tissue that they could but the interior of mom's abdomen is covered with the cancer cells that were floating in the fluid. It looks like snow. The doctor said its hard to say but it looks as though the cancer probably started 3-6 months ago. So fast... so very very fast. No official prognosis as of yet, but the doctor did tell dad that generally speaking, at this stage patients generally live about 2 years at best. The chance of her making it 5 years is only about 4-5%. And it all depends really on how she reponds to the chemo. Mom is still in recovery so I've not spoken to her yet.
Dad is sounding pretty weary. I am pretty weary too. And just plain sick at my stomach. I hate this so much. Hate is not even a strong enough word. Abhorrance approaches what Im feeling.Thankfully I was at the mall with girlfriends when I got the call. If I'd been alone, it would have been so much harder. God has blessed me with a wonderful support group, and most importantly all of you. Thanks so much for being here for me, girls.
Mom's cancer has spread. They did the hysterectomy and removed as much non essential tissue that they could but the interior of mom's abdomen is covered with the cancer cells that were floating in the fluid. It looks like snow. The doctor said its hard to say but it looks as though the cancer probably started 3-6 months ago. So fast... so very very fast. No official prognosis as of yet, but the doctor did tell dad that generally speaking, at this stage patients generally live about 2 years at best. The chance of her making it 5 years is only about 4-5%. And it all depends really on how she reponds to the chemo. Mom is still in recovery so I've not spoken to her yet.
Dad is sounding pretty weary. I am pretty weary too. And just plain sick at my stomach. I hate this so much. Hate is not even a strong enough word. Abhorrance approaches what Im feeling.Thankfully I was at the mall with girlfriends when I got the call. If I'd been alone, it would have been so much harder. God has blessed me with a wonderful support group, and most importantly all of you. Thanks so much for being here for me, girls.
Surgery today
On the ball...
My mom is having surgery this morning. The consult went well with the Oncology GYN specialist. She was ready to get moving on the cancer and the doctor was as well. They admitted her yesterday and she's having a radical hysterectomy this morning. No word yet on a prognosis, her chances of beating it or a treatment regiment for chemo. The doc says he'll have a better idea about those once he sees whats in there. We are praying fervently!!
Gym boy...
Andrew starts toddler gym again today. It runs fall through spring. A church in the neighboring town has the program as an outreach. Its totally free! They have TONS of donated toys and climb-on things for the kiddos to play on for about 45m, then they have circle time and a snack. We just love it! I can't wait to get there at 9:30 today. 3 of our playgroup friends are also signed up. It will be a blast! Afterward, we're headed to the mall for some excersize and playtime. And yummy lunch!
Yesterday...
We had a great time with our friends yesterday. The natural foods place is very cool. But I'm not commited to that kind of eating since its so darned expensive. But it will be a super source of whole grain products whenever we can get ourselves back into the low carb groove. Of course that means Don must stop bringing home boxes of cheese curls and Little Debbies. Rats. LOL After shopping the park was FABULOUS! We had it to ourselves for the whole time pretty much. The babies were wonderful and the kids... well, there kids. Andrew experienced his first face and mouth full of sand yesterday, courtesy of M. He totally deserved it because he was throwing sand. Guys.
My mom is having surgery this morning. The consult went well with the Oncology GYN specialist. She was ready to get moving on the cancer and the doctor was as well. They admitted her yesterday and she's having a radical hysterectomy this morning. No word yet on a prognosis, her chances of beating it or a treatment regiment for chemo. The doc says he'll have a better idea about those once he sees whats in there. We are praying fervently!!
Gym boy...
Andrew starts toddler gym again today. It runs fall through spring. A church in the neighboring town has the program as an outreach. Its totally free! They have TONS of donated toys and climb-on things for the kiddos to play on for about 45m, then they have circle time and a snack. We just love it! I can't wait to get there at 9:30 today. 3 of our playgroup friends are also signed up. It will be a blast! Afterward, we're headed to the mall for some excersize and playtime. And yummy lunch!
Yesterday...
We had a great time with our friends yesterday. The natural foods place is very cool. But I'm not commited to that kind of eating since its so darned expensive. But it will be a super source of whole grain products whenever we can get ourselves back into the low carb groove. Of course that means Don must stop bringing home boxes of cheese curls and Little Debbies. Rats. LOL After shopping the park was FABULOUS! We had it to ourselves for the whole time pretty much. The babies were wonderful and the kids... well, there kids. Andrew experienced his first face and mouth full of sand yesterday, courtesy of M. He totally deserved it because he was throwing sand. Guys.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Nervous
Right now...
My mom is in Birmingham, AL right at this very moment meeting with an Oncology specialist in GYN. We found out last week that she has ovarian cancer. I'm so very worried about my mom... she is my precious. Today is a consult about surgery and follow up treatment. Meaning chemo likely. I can't loose her. Just can't. I need her so much. My children need her. My dad needs her. The world needs her. (bites nails) I will probably jump about 5 ft in the air when they call me with news about the consult. Breathe.
My mom is in Birmingham, AL right at this very moment meeting with an Oncology specialist in GYN. We found out last week that she has ovarian cancer. I'm so very worried about my mom... she is my precious. Today is a consult about surgery and follow up treatment. Meaning chemo likely. I can't loose her. Just can't. I need her so much. My children need her. My dad needs her. The world needs her. (bites nails) I will probably jump about 5 ft in the air when they call me with news about the consult. Breathe.
Its Thursday
Today...
Andrew has preschool in an hour. As soon as I finish tossing this cuppa java down my neck, I'm going to get us ready to get out the door. Its no big deal really, we walk there, as its just a block away. That rocks!
After he's done at 11:30, my dear friends E and C are coming over with their kiddos and we're going to check out a new Natural Foods place that just opened last week. They specialize in whole foods, organics and grass fed beef. E is especially interested in the latter. Afterward we're headed to the park for a picnic and playtime.
Big Rita...
Hurricane Rita is barreling toward TX. We're keeping an eye on that and those folks are in our prayers. Its such a scarey thing. Kudos to the TX officials for being on top of things in contrast to the toothless idiots in LA. Many prayers going up for our fellow Texan Americans!
Andrew has preschool in an hour. As soon as I finish tossing this cuppa java down my neck, I'm going to get us ready to get out the door. Its no big deal really, we walk there, as its just a block away. That rocks!
After he's done at 11:30, my dear friends E and C are coming over with their kiddos and we're going to check out a new Natural Foods place that just opened last week. They specialize in whole foods, organics and grass fed beef. E is especially interested in the latter. Afterward we're headed to the park for a picnic and playtime.
Big Rita...
Hurricane Rita is barreling toward TX. We're keeping an eye on that and those folks are in our prayers. Its such a scarey thing. Kudos to the TX officials for being on top of things in contrast to the toothless idiots in LA. Many prayers going up for our fellow Texan Americans!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
More later? LOL
Intentions...
Well in my last post I said, "more later." I meant later that week... but now its the next year. So much for good intentions.
Abi, our 3rd child, was born in July. She's 8w old today. How very precious she is! But whew... when I thought of a 3rd, I didn't realize how hard it is to have 2 so close in age. MG and Andrew are 7 years apart... having them less than 3 years apart is a LOT more work. A blessing mind you, but a LOT of work!
We've been busy, getting back into the swing of things with the playgroup. Oh how I love my girls! We were at the park just today and Andrew played for 3 straight hours. He even cried a little when I told him it was time to load up. Poor guy does love the outdoors. It was "a great day!" as he would say.
The kids both fell asleep on the way home... gotta love that action! I got a good hour to read the net and have a snack. Ahhh.. me time. Little bits here and there are what make the mommying time go so well. Its all about sanity!
Tonight I'm going to a girlfriend's house. Her DH is out of town and she's hosting a gatering for pizza and a movie. Abi and I are going. Andrew is staying home with daddy for some guy time. Its an impromptu thing and that's just fabulous! Ahhh... more me time! Wahoo! More on that later.
Well in my last post I said, "more later." I meant later that week... but now its the next year. So much for good intentions.
Abi, our 3rd child, was born in July. She's 8w old today. How very precious she is! But whew... when I thought of a 3rd, I didn't realize how hard it is to have 2 so close in age. MG and Andrew are 7 years apart... having them less than 3 years apart is a LOT more work. A blessing mind you, but a LOT of work!
We've been busy, getting back into the swing of things with the playgroup. Oh how I love my girls! We were at the park just today and Andrew played for 3 straight hours. He even cried a little when I told him it was time to load up. Poor guy does love the outdoors. It was "a great day!" as he would say.
The kids both fell asleep on the way home... gotta love that action! I got a good hour to read the net and have a snack. Ahhh.. me time. Little bits here and there are what make the mommying time go so well. Its all about sanity!
Tonight I'm going to a girlfriend's house. Her DH is out of town and she's hosting a gatering for pizza and a movie. Abi and I are going. Andrew is staying home with daddy for some guy time. Its an impromptu thing and that's just fabulous! Ahhh... more me time! Wahoo! More on that later.
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