Wow!

Could you hear the boys jumping up and down and screeching last night all the way in Alabama? Could you hear the tears that hit the hard wood floor as they streamed down mine and Richard's faces? Could you hear the laughter and the unbelievable blessing that was bestowed upon us? Could you just feel the excitement in the air?

Boy I could.

I have been dying to blog about THIS since last night when I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to Janice over at

Be sure to go read the wonderful post Janice wrote about our family. It is amazing.

*****Grab some Tissue*****

We feel extremely blessed that we were chosen to receive this wonderful gift by everyone at 5 minutes for mom. God is so Good all the time. Richard is elated. Now those long days at home alone and the 2 weeks stays in the hospital, well... they might just be a little more tolerable for him.

Thank you to everyone that went over there and put a good word in for us. I can't tell you how much it meant to know that ya'll thought we were deserving enough.

Childhood loves and GIVEAWAYS!

So ok on my way home I'm flipping through the radio stations. And guess what was on...

Hangin' Tough by New Kids on the Block. I died laughing. I remember being 9 years old in my bedroom with my NKOTB tape in the radio dancing in front of the mirror and singing into my hairbrush. I also remember they used to have a 900 number where you could call and you could actually hear them talking to you.

Oh yeah I called it more than once. And boy oh boy did I ever get a whipping from my daddy when the phone bill came. I loved Jordan Knight and Joey McIntyre. I had a huge life size poster on the back of my door, posters on the walls. Oh I was so in love.

I just thought it was so funny that they were on the radio almost 20 years later. I had to share it with you guys.

So I have a little something for ya'll to do.

This is like my 105th post and since I won the pay it forward I figured it was time for me to in turn pay it forward. There are rules to this. You have to spread the love if you are in fact the winner. It doesn't have to break the bank just something from the heart that you want to give and send to some of your blog readers.

Now for my own little set of rules. Bwahahahaha... all you have to do is tell me who your childhood love was. Leave a comment here and post all about how you thought you were destined to marry Uncle Jesse off of Full House on your blog linking back to me of course. This should be loads of fun. I hope everyone will participate.

All entries will go into a hat and I will draw out 3 names. There will also be a fourth name drawn for the Grand Prize.

Final day for entries will be... oh let's say Labor Day at Midnight that's 3 days ya'll. Better get crackin'.

Dirty water down the drain

As I was taking a shower and washing the grime from my body. I came to the realization that it is up to us as to what others see. Do they see the dirt and grime of our lives that has plagued us? Or do they see the love and light that is within us?

Jesus loves me and I love Him. I am saved by His grace. I am a Christian. I will continue to Praise Him no matter what my future holds.

When people look at me I want them to know that yes I am not perfect. I have my faults most definitely. But Praise God, Jesus knows and loves me regardless. I have turned my back on Him more than once. I have yelled, screamed, cried and begged for a lot of things that I now look back on and realize He is the reason I got through it all.

It was Him that gave me the strength to drive to the Hospital that day last June when my Husband was weak and weary from the news he had just received. It was Him that held my hand while I waited for 8 hours through the surgery. It was Him that put someone in place to take care of my children while I stayed at the Hospital day and night. It was Him that was there in that room in April when the Doctor said it was back. It was Him that listened as I weaped when he said it was Stage 4. It is Him that carries me from one day to the next.

It is Him and Him alone.

Bad made Good

It all started this morning Jacob was emotional to say the least. Some days are better than others for all of us. And I guess today wasn't one of his better days. But it got better for him. I'm so glad it didn't effect him at School. Jacob is my sweet tenderhearted child. (see a few post back for what I mean) He is truly wonderful in how loves with and open heart. The relationship him and Richard have is amazing to me. And I think this morning was just where it started to sink in just how bad Richard has been feeling. None the less we got through it and Jacob went off to School and I to work.

Although Jacob's day got better mine did not. None the less I put on a smile and my big girl panties and dealt with it. I have just come to the realization that certain people continue to put their two cents in where it doesn't belong and no matter what they think their really not helping. And no matter how many times you may try to tell them the way it REALLY IS they just don't get it. Ugh glad ya'll let me vent about that.

Ok so now that I am off my soapbox I just want you all to know that this Blog has been an unbelievable blessing to me. The wonderful friends I have made in you guys is wonderful. I am truly blessed by God to have you all in my life and for the amazing encouragement that you continue to pour out upon us. Thank you.

Also I got my goodies today from Jennifer. I won this awesome basket of Lush bath products in the Giveaway she had. And let me just say that before I even opened the box the smell coming out the cracks was heavenly. Also I won the pay it forward contest and got some amazing Almond Soap.

I will be doing my own pay it forward contest in the next few days or so. SO be sure to keep an eye out.

I can't wait to use my new "Rock Star Soap" so that I can be as Rockin' as she is. I love her stories about Patrick, Teddy, Gooser and Pickle and Andy with his amazing talent of making up a wonderful song. All her kids must be using the same soap because they all Rock. Thank you Fun House Gang!

Shoot

I almost forgot today is my feature on

So ya'll come on in and make yourselves comfortable.

Alabama is great. I have lived here for almost 8 years now and I love it.

Of course when you first move to this great State you have to pick sides. It's either one or the other. Alabama Football is not taken lightly in these here parts.

Milo's Sweet Tea is coveted by many. So don't say anything bad about it.

We are home to Vulcan it is the largest cast iron statue in the world and the largest metal statue ever made in the United States. Vulcan stands 56 feet tall, from toe to spear point, upon a 124-foot pedestal rising to a height of 180 feet and weighs 101,200 pounds.

We also have some very starnge laws. Here are just a few...

Bear wrestling matches are prohibited. (Apparently someone must have tried this once. I wonder who lost?)

Incestuous marriages are legal. (yep you can marry your cousin, brother, uncle)

It is considered an offense to open an umbrella on a street, for fear of spooking horses. (I haven't seen very many horses on the streets but I suppose it could happen.)

It is illegal to wear a fake moustache that causes laughter in church. (Idon't really know what to say about this one)

Boogers may not be flicked into the wind. (good to know)

Men may not spit in front of the opposite sex. (that's right, how rude)

It is illegal for a husband to beat his wife with a stick larger in diameter than his thumb. (you've got to be kidding)

It is unlawful to wear women's pumps with sharp, high heels. (strippers beware)

Women are able to retain all property they owned prior to marriage in the case of divorce. However, this provision does not apply to men. (poor guys can never catch a break. It's mine all mine bwhahahaha)

It is unlawful to howl at ladies inside the city limits. (construction workers take notice)

Well I hope you all have enjoyed your visit here. Ya'll come back now and stay a while. We're always up for company.

Lookin' good

Well besides the rain this day wasn't a total wash.

I accompanied Richard to the Doctor today as planned. And up until the very last minute I had no idea what his decision was. I didn't know if he was going to hang his hat and be done with the treatments or if he was going to keep going. Richard was very uncomfortable having to sit in the waiting room with everyone looking at him. He has not been out of the house really since he first got the rash. The only way I can describe the way it looks is well... it looks like a bunch of little warts. They are everywhere in his hair all over his face in every crevice except his eyelids. All over his chest, neck back their just everywhere starting from his waist up to the top of his head. Anyway he didn't like people looking at him. He was very glad to get back in the room to see the Doctor.

Dr. P. came in and looked at Richard and said lookin' good, lookin real good, feeling bad but lookin' good. It was pretty funny it made Richard laugh. (which I always love to hear) He said that he didn't think that the rash has hit it's full peak yet. Richard was very much disappointed by that. He did say that the rash is a very good sign especially one as severe as Richard's. He seemed pretty confident that because of the severity of the rash that the drug would be working on the tumors as well.

After we talked and asked a few questions Richard decided to continue the treatment. He only has one more left now after doing the one today. Dr. P. decided to do 3 treatments. The last one will be September 8th and then he will have to wait 2 weeks before going back to have a scan and see Dr. P. to find out if the antibody worked or not.

I'm proud of Richard for deciding to keep going. I know he is miserable but hopefully it will have shrunken the tumors. Only time will tell. He prescribed some ointment for Richard to just use on his face and neck to see if it helps at all. So we continue on... praying without ceasing.

Thank you all for all the prayers today.

Wonderful Day!

Lasagna, Bread, Salad with all the fixings, Birthday Cake (Happy Birthday Shae!) and plenty of sweet tea all of this with the wonderful family you love so much.

Seeing the Husband enjoying spending time with my in-laws and not thinking so much about the pain from the rash. Yeah I would say that made for a pretty wonderful day. Hope yours has been just as wonderful.

I can't thank you enough for all your prayers for us. I don't know if I will post anymore between now and Monday. I think I'm just gonna spend sometime lovin' on the hubby and the boys. Please pray for Richard to find peace and reassurance with whatever decision he has to make Monday whether it be continuing on with this treatment that gives him so much discomfort or stopping all treatment. Just pray. I know that God will have his Hands in it no matter what Richard decides.

Ya'll have been wonderful for listening to my whining, crying with me, laughing with me, and for all the prayers and kind words they have truly been a blessing. I never expected to receive this kind of outpouring when I first began this blog. But I am so glad you all continue this journey with us. I will let you know how things go Monday. If you would like to say a prayer for Richard and our family at the exact time he sees the Doctor his appointment is scheduled for 10:30am our time. Love and blessings to you all from me.

Also the following was posted originally on Friday, August 15, 2008. They will decide who they want to pick from on August the 27th and announce the winner the 29th. I would love nothing more than for it to be Richard. I know it would make him so happy that someone felt that he deserved such a wonderful gift. The best part would be that he could write on his blog or play solitaire anywhere he could find comfortable for him to sit or lay. So if you feel that he is deserving of this please read the following and go cast your vote.

If you have already voted for Richard. I can't thank you enough.

Blogs can change lives

Over at 5 minutes for Mom they are having not really a contest but an amazing opportunity for one family/ person in need. It's for a new HP laptop and printer. At first I thought nope I am not going to do this. But then I thought well why not.

So I am nominating my Husband Richard for this wonderful opportunity. Alot of you know Richard has Cystic Fibrosis and was just recently diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic Colon Cancer.

He is currently undergoing treatments not to have it cured but to have more time to spend with us. There are many days when it takes all of Richard's energy just to get up in the mornings. He pretty much lives on the sofa or in the recliner for the remainder of the day. He loves to play solitaire or get on the computer just to look at the weather and Nasa's website. Something about guys and space.

But alot of days he can't do these things because he feels so bad. He can't sit there for long periods of time.

Also when he goes in the Hospital he stays for 14 days at a time. No more no less. This happens about every three months. It gets pretty boring in the hospital if you guys didn't know. As well as it takes a huge toll on Richard being away from us. The boys are unable to go visit him that much because of School and me working. So we spend our weekends there. We play games, watch movies and just try to make it as normal as possible for Richard. Since I work at the Hospital where he stays I try to go over everyday on my lunch break. But none the less it is desperately boring for him.

I think if he was to be rewarded with this gift. It would make his day. He would feel like he was able to communicate with others and just to have something to do. He could lay on the couch or in the bed and play his beloved solitaire or check out websites.

And maybe even write some more on his Blog which is being seriously neglected.Also with Jacob being in Middle School now alot of his work is required to be typed and printed. We do not have a printer due to the cost. So that would be great to have for the boys and their School projects. Instead of having to venture to the Library every time a report is due.

Anyhow whether it is us that is picked or not I know that it will go to someone well deserving like Tammy.Also if you think we deserve this extremely generous gift. You can leave a comment over at 5 Minutes for Mom telling them so.

Favorite Things Swap

This sounded like loads of fun to me and I hope it does to some of you too.

Here's how it's gonna work...

1. Let Wendi know you want to participate.
You will need tp RSVP by August 30, 2008.

2. If you choose to participate, you will simply pick three (or more) of your favorite things to share with your partner.
I am sure no one would complain if you wanted to send more.
This does not have to be expensive.

It could be your favorite book, a new mascara, or a book of your favorite recipes.
It might even be some personalized note cards, or a box of your favorite chocolates.
Items can be new, bought, or even homemade.

Just remember to send a package that you would be excited to receive.
Be creative!

3. Email Wendi at becausewendisaidso@gmail.com with the following information.
Your name
Your mailing address
Your email address
Your website/ blog /or flickr address.
(you must have one of these)
A little something about yourself.
Please let her know if you would be willing to ship internationally.

4.She will email you the information about your swap partner shortly after the sign up deadline.
The delivery deadline is September 22, 2008.
Be sure to have your packages ready and postmarked by then.

So...are you ready to join in the fun?

Share this with your friends!

Tell your neighbors!

Email your associates!

Okay.....are you ready to swap?
Me too!

*Contact Wendi at becausewendisaidso@gmail.com with any questions

I love you...

For having nothing but good things to say when I cut it all off...

For finding this sexy...

For letting me be just me...

For keeping all my secrets...

For the way I feel so safe and secure in your arms...

For always making me laugh...

For being the man of my dreams...

For never letting it get boring...

For always having a good time no matter how cold it is...

For sticking to wrapping presents no matter how long it takes...

For being the Coolest guy I know...

For loving all our babies even the furry ones...

For being the Best Dad there is...

For the long walks along the broken roads...

For loving Space...

For making the best Snow Ice cream no matter how little snow we get...

For always holding my hand...

For being a great Big Brother...

For giving me In-Laws...

For our little Family of 4...

For marrying me...

For just being you!

Update & a meme

I know that my posts haven't been the most upbeat these last few days. but honestly can you blame me? I didn't think so.

Richard is the same, the rash continues to get worse everyday. The antibiotic that the Doctor called in doesn't seem to be helping. He is going to give it till tomorrow and if he still doesn't notice any change he is going to call and see if he can come in to see him. As of right now he still hasn't made a decision one way or another about whether or not he is going to continue this treatment. This is just the first week and he doesn't know if he can handle the pain for the next 2 months. If he decides not to continue I don't know what the next option is or if there is one. Please continue to pray for him for us. Thank you.

Now since I need a little pick me up and I am extremely hyper hence my 5 cups of coffee 2 of which were from Starbucks. whoo hoo.(still not sleeping very well at all maybe a couple of hours)

I thought I would do a little meme of sorts. I was tagged by my sweet friend Tracy to list 6 unimportant facts about myself. So here it is for all your viewing pleasure.

1. I have a tattoo on the top of my foot. It's an eclipse. It represents the time that I spent my life in the dark and the now that I live in the light. (yes it hurt, no I didn't cry almost. I can't wait to get another one.)

2. When I was a kid. I hated my freckles. I would wear long sleeves and long pants in the middle of summer while living in Florida. Now I love them and they don't bother me.

3. I didn't get my driver's license until I was 21. And for about 6 months afterwards I refused to drive on the interstate it was strictly backroads for me.

4. I have never had a ticket of any kind be it parking, speeding whatever. Knock on wood.

5. I tend to be a little OCD about certain things. Like if I see a stranger and there tag is sticking out their shirt I have to tell them and fix it same thing applies to shoes being untied , zippers down whatever. I have no problem telling you if you have soemthing on your face, in your teeth or hanging out of your nose. It drives me nuts and I feel like it is my duty to save you the embarrassment.

6. I absolutely do not mix my food together and I can't stand for it to touch. Also I do not eat anything soggy ie. bread, cereal anything.

Ok so there you have it I could list more but I figured I probably bored you enough with my 6. Now I tag everyone that wants to play along. So get to it. chop chop

My Prayers and I...

So with everything going on I just really don't know where to begin my post. Guess I'm a little stumped. I would like to ask you all to please pray for Richard. He is having a difficult time with the rash. It has become very painful and extremely uncomfortable for him. It is all over his head, face, neck, upper torso. He is having a hard time getting any sleep at night due to the pain. The doctor did call him some medicine to take. Hopefully it will help. He is also taking Benadryl and using a very good cream. Also please pray for the boys. We had to tell them the knew news last night. They are handling the best they know how. I know it's hard on them to have to function through their daily lives and then come home to this. I know because I do it too every time I leave to go to work. It hurts us that Richard hurts. We just love him so very much.

Since all I got is prayer request I thought I would take a second and do this little ditty from my friend Lizzie. Sorry if it seems a little down. Probably not the best time for me to do this. but it's my Blog and I'll be sad if I want to.

I AM ... a God follower, wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter, ME.

I WANT... to be optimistic instead of realistic.

I HAVE ... more than I ever could have dreamed of having.

I WISH I COULD ... fix it all.

I HATE ... watching the man I love suffer.

I FEAR ... the future.

I HEAR ... the tears in the silence.

I SEARCH ... for peace and understanding.

I DON'T THINK ... I will ever find a love like this.

I REGRET ... nothing.

I LOVE ... the way he looks at me, the way he says my name, the way his lips lightly brush mine, the way he smells and feels. I just love.

I ACHE FOR ... the good ole days.

I ALWAYS CRY ... always.

I AM NOT ... as strong as I appear to be.

I DANCE ... with my boys.

I SING ... praise.

I NEVER ... have had to face my fears like this before.

I RARELY ... complain.

I CRY WHEN I WATCH ... my 3 guys together.

I AM NOT ALWAYS ... who I could be.

I HATE THAT ... this happens to anybody.

I'M CONFUSED ABOUT ... why God chooses not to fix these things. But I also understand why he gives them to us to bare.

I NEED ... to throw some clay.

I SHOULD ... try to sleep.

And on a happier note. I have some pretty awesome Co-workers. Minnie Mouse sent me some flowers to cheer me up. Thought that was pretty awesome. I love her she rocks.

And the best part. This arrangement was done by my friend Mandi aka Manj. She owns Hot House Deign Studio. She makes some of the most awesome contemporary pieces in flower arranging ever.

CT results

Even though this is not the most flattering picture of myself. I love it for many, many reasons.

When I got home yesterday I could tell something was up. I got off work early and came home so I could surprise the Hubby. He was definitely surprised to see me home earlier than usual. I was thumbing through the caller ID on the phone when I came across a UAB number that wasn't mine. I asked Richard if the Doc had called after some hesitation he said yes. I knew it wasn't good right then.

The 4 Tumors that are in Richard's peritoneum cavity the largest one has grew significantly. also the report said that they seen the original four tumors but that there are a few more. The Doctor said that once there is so many they no longer count them. Well a few is like 3 or more. Which means he has at least 7 now. The "few" were not there when he had the scan in June after he finished the Chemo treatments. So these are new. Which SUCKS! We've known that this was going to happen we just didn't expect to happen quite this fast.

The Cancer is spreading but it is staying contained in the peritoneum. The Doctor said that the liver and the pancreas still look clean. This is at least some good news. I would have wrote about this last night. But we had to tell all the family first.

I can't tell you how much we appreciate everyone of your prayers for our family. It means the world to us. Love you guys.

Also check out Kimberlee's Blog. She wrote an awesome post on what our Family and Richard mean to her. I love her so much. She is like my little sister. She is awesome the most rocking sitter ever. The boys love her so much as do we. She plays a big part in our family.

Blogs can change lives

Over at 5 minutes for Mom they are having not really a contest but an amazing opportunity for one family/ person in need. It's for a new HP laptop and printer. At first I thought nope I am not going to do this. But then I thought well why not.

So I am nominating my Husband Richard for this wonderful opportunity. Alot of you know Richard has Cystic Fibrosis and was just recently diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic Colon Cancer. He is undergoing treatments not to have it cured but to have more time to spend with us. There are many days when it takes all of Richard's energy just to get up in the mornings. He pretty much lives on the sofa or in the recliner for the remainder of the day. He loves to play solitaire or get on the computer just to look at the weather and Nasa's website. Something about guys and space.

But alot of days he can't do these things because he feels so bad. He can't sit there for long periods of time.

Also when he goes in the Hospital he stays for 14 days at a time. No more no less. This happens about every three months. It gets pretty boring in the hospital if you guys didn't know. As well as it takes a huge toll on Richard being away from us. The boys are unable to go visit him that much because of School and me working. So we spend our weekends there. I try to go over everyday on my lunch break. But none the less it is desperately boring.

I think if he was to be rewarded with this gift. It would make his day. He would feel like he was able to communicate with others and just to have something to do. He could lay on the couch or in the bed and play his beloved solitaire or check out websites.

And maybe even write some more on his Blog which is being seriously neglected.

Also with Jacob being in Middle School now alot of his work is required to be typed and printed. We do not have a printer due to the cost. So that would be great to have for the boys and their School projects. Instead of having to venture to the Library.

Anyhow whether it is us that is picked or not I know that it will go to someone well deserving like Tammy.

Also if you think we deserve this extremely generous gift. You can leave a comment over at 5 Minutes for Mom telling them so.

Jacob my incredibly big-hearted son Jacob

Jacob is adjusting well to Middle School. He loves it. It could be because he thinks he's almost grown or because his Homeroom Teacher is Hott. Oh and let's not forget the Science Teacher that is also Hott. Maybe I should just send him to School blindfolded. What do you think?

Anyways the Teachers have been giving him these exercises. Of questions like My favorite color is? Ya know the ones. Well I'm looking at them this evening and I stumble across this.

It reads... "My one wish is" and then Jacob wrote "to cure my dad of cancer"

Wow I mean talk about almost having a complete meltdown. Then I come across this...

It reads "Who's your best Hero ever?" Jacob writes "My Dad"

Ok I knew that my kids were/ are great. I've always considered Richard a Hero of sorts. I mean all the things he has to go through day in and day out. But for Jacob to write this it's overwhelming for me. It bothers me that my Son's one wish is to cure his Dad. It upsets me. I don't know why. Maybe it's because all the other kids got to write things like they wanted a Dirt Bike or to be an MLB all star or a Nascar Driver or a Millionaire like Bill Gates. But No my son just wants his Dad. Wow talk about humbling.

Then as I read I come across this...

It says "What's the best thing you've ever done for a friend?" And my Jacob wrote "Talk to them about God." Praise God! My wonderful son knows that the best thing he can do for his friends is to tell them about Sweet Jesus. I have never been more proud as a Mother, as a Christian as a firm believer than at the very moment I read this.

And then I seen this.

It reads "In my future I see..." And Jacob wrote "Success and Happiness"

Oh Jacob I wish you nothing but plenty of Success and Happiness. You make me so very proud to be your Mother. I love you.

We have RASH!

Yes folks you read that right we have RASH!

Richard as you know started the new Antibody treatment on Monday. And the Doctor said that most people develop a rash if it is working due to something with the skin and the Tumors. But Richard has a rash. Isn't that exciting. Oh I am so relieved I was getting worried because there was nothing. Yes I know it has only been two days but I am slightly inpatient. Ok alot inpatient. Anyway he has red splotchy patches all over his face and upper torso. YAY! I have never been so excited about a rash before. But this one is awesome. Rash = Antibody working!

Also I got my prize today. This is the Warmer that Laurie sent me. Isn't it pretty? And the best part is it totally matches my furnishings in the living room. That's another great thing. The Warmers come in so many different styles there is something for everyone.

These are the Scentsy Blocks you put them in the top plug it in, turn the light on and they melt and smell so good. I mean there smokeless, wick less and if you want to switch scents you just melt the wax pour it back into it's original package wipe out the warmer and voila you can put new ones in. I love, love, love love it!

You know the one that I won from Scentsy. My house smells so fresh and clean and wonderful. With two boys, two dogs and a husband sometimes my house leaves less to be desired on the whole smell factor. But not anymore. I am a Scentsy addict from here on out. I think I am giving these lovely little jewels of smelly goodness for Christmas presents. So be sure to check it out. Once you go Scentsy you won't want anymore candles.

Read all about it.

First off Richard went yesterday morning for his CT scan. No news on the measurement of the tumors yet.

Talked to my Dad last night. His test went fine. He has to wait till next week to see the Doctor so they can review everything to try and determine what is causing his liver enzymes to be so high. So it's just the same old routine hurry up and wait. UGH!

The boys started School today. Jacob was nervous about his first day of Middle School and switching classes. Calob was very excited he got the teacher he wanted. So that just made his day. I can't wait till this afternoon to hear all about their day.

Kimberlee got back from her Panama City Beach vacation last night. She brought us all presents back. Guess what I got...

Yep that's right. It's a salt and pepper shaker and a toothpick holder. I love it. I collect all and any S &P shakers. I don't know what it is I just love them. I guess because there is just so many different ones. I'm serious just go to Ebay and type in salt and pepper shakers and see how many you get. It's crazy. I want them all.

Kim is the greatest for bringing me back this super cute one. Love you Kimmie!

Contest

So my new friend Jennifer over at the Fun House is having an AWESOME GIVEAWAY for some amazing bath products. I want them and I bet you will too. So go check it out!

Why?

Can somebody please tell me why in the world Doctor's have you make appointments? Cause I just got back to my office about 20 minutes ago. It was after 2 o'clock. Richard's appointment was at 11:40. Yes 11:40! I mean why not just tell the patients to just show up when you can cause you're gonna have to wait a while.

I walked over to Kirklin Clinic to be with him cause I knew he was a little anxious. (Okay a lot anxious but don't tell him I told ya) Anyways we sat and waited and sat and waited some more. I mean 2 hours past the appointment time is just ridiculous. And then when we finally get into a room the Doctor comes in and talks looks at his watch and says I've got to hurry and get you over to the infusion lab cause they don't like to stay late. Excuse me? Did I hear you correctly? (bite tongue)

He did however answer all of our questions. So Richard is over there now getting his first infusion. He will do 3 of these treatments all together. One a week every other week. Then he will have another scan to see if the tumors are showing any shrinkage. Also Doc is sending him for a scan the end of this week to see exactly where we are starting at as far as the growth goes. Especially since Richard hasn't had a scan or any treatment of any kind in 2 months it will also give us an idea of how fast it is progressing. (this makes me nervous)

Other than the past 3 hours my day has been pretty good. We had a great weekend. Saturday we got up early and went and got all of the School supplies the boys had to have. Except a 9 inch wire locker shelf. Do these really exist? Cause we went everywhere and all we could find was 12 inches.

Anywho afterwards we went yard saling. I found the cutest little snowman candle holder. Yes I collect Snowmen for Christmas also I collect salt and pepper shakers but that would be another post. So we go to this yard sale and we get back in the car and I turn to Richard and say let's go on out this way and see what else we can find. Ok he says. It was a beautiful day so we had the windows down radio going just enjoying the drive. And I was sure that the road we were on ended at the highway. Boy was I worng so we kept on going then we came to a crossroads. Richard said turn left. Of course I did. There was an old timey General Store so we pulled in and Richard asked directions. We were in Arkadelphia Alabama. Neither one of us had ever heard of this place. Although it was very nice there. Anyways the lady told us to go out and take a right and that would lead us to the interstate. It did. We were way up in North Alabama about 40 miles from home.

We got lost alright but we had a good time doing it.



.

Peer Pressure

So last night when I pulled into my driveway. Calob came out and met me at the car.

He says "Mom me and Jacob have done something really bad and Daddy said we have to tell you about it ourselves."

First thought was Uh oh what have they done cause with boys I have learned you just never know what their gonna do next.

So I go inside the house take my shoes off sit down and wait.

Jacob comes out and has a seat. I look at Richard and say "you gonna give me some warning here so I know what to expect." And he says "nope I want you to get the full effect." Oh great here we go.

I then look at Calob with my Mommy knows all eyes and say what is going on Ca (pronounced Kay) And very fast he says we dipped.

So as we all know sometimes I am not the sharpest tool in the shed. And I say skinny dipping because we live next to a creek. And Richard starts laughing.

Jacob then pipes in and says "Mom we dipped tobacco. It was gross and we will never do it again. I felt bad and decided to come tell ya'll about it."

So of course we had the talk about saying no and not doing things just to fit in with your buddies. I think it went very well.

Now I know ya'll are all curious as to where the actual dip came from. No it was not me nor was it Richard. We have a small little rental house next door and their is a guy that lives there with his 2 sons B and T. B is 13 and T is 11. The boys have all become very good friends. Well apparently the Dad buys and lets his 13 year old dip tobacco. Which I think is completely absurd. Why would you do that? Now I may could understand if said son was old enough but there is a reason why you have to be 19 to buy tobacco products. Anyways Richard went over and talked to the Dad. And I think they have come to an agreement that B is not to bring it to our house nor offer it to the boys ever again. B is older and the boys wanted him to think they were cool I suppose. So peer pressure got the best of them. I am just glad that they didn't like it and that they made the right decision to be honest with Richard and I. We have always told the boys that if they do something wrong, if they just come and tell us about it so we can talk about it that their punishment will be alot less worse than if we were told by someone else or found out ourselves. I am so glad that they chose to do the right thing and tell the truth.

Guess I must be doing something right when it comes to this parenting thing.

My randomness...

Thanks to Z's Momma for this one.

Random things about your truly...

1. I am deathly allergic to Sesame Seeds. Like 2 all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese on a Sesame Seed Bun. Um no thanks I'll take mine plain.

2. I love pretty stationary, stickers, colored ink pens. And no I don't scrap book but I like to send letters and pretty cards.

3. I can say the ENTIRE alphabet backwards in less than 5 seconds. (cross my heart)

4. I hate wearing shoes. I love to be barefooted.

5. My accent is extremely Southern. No seriously you really have no idea. And I get words mixed up alot. For instance I said this earlier "I ain't got no more staples" I know I should've said I haven't got anymore staples. But hey it's Alabama ya know and no one here seems to mind.

6. I have way too many pairs of shoes. (I hope Richard doesn't read this) As well as more handbags than any one person should own in their lifetime.

7. Starbucks and I have a secret love affair. (see previous post for all the details)

8. I love music all kinds. My favorite band of all time is Pearl Jam. My new favorite songs is...

Yes that's right I am also a Country fan. (hey I told you all kinds of music.)But there is just something about this song that makes me glad that I have a love like Johnnie and June.

Ode to Starbucks...

As I am sitting here at my desk eating my super duper yummy Blueberry Scone and drinking my Iced Cafe Mocha. I come to the realization that you and I are meant to be.

Even though we only see each other once maybe twice a week. It is you that gives me the energy and motivation to get through the day. It is you that gives me that extra spring in my step. It is you that makes me giggle at stupid things. It is you that keeps me from going comatose from lack of sleep.

Oh Starbucks it is you.

How I love the chocolaty goodness left in the bottom of my cup. Like a special little surprise just for me. And the green straws they make me look so hip as I sip from the cup of yummy goodness. And the Scones are incredible. How the blueberries just peek through and the pretty crystallized sugar on top that gives you just that little bit of crunch.

Oh Starbucks it is you.

Oh what to Blog

Let's see...

I finally got moved into my new office space, new desk and all. I still think it looks very much like a bar or an island in the kitchen. But it's nice and yes I do love it. Oh gee did I just say that? Ok so I have succumbed to loving my new space. I admit it. ( And yes I know that one of my lights it out. The electrician is coming.)

Took these with my cell phone

Boys are getting anxious about School starting. Although I have not bought the first School supply. And School starts the 13th. They also need haircuts desperately as I'm sure you have noticed from the pictures. Not to worry I am a last minute kind of gal. (ok so not normally I am usually through by now) but I will prevail and get it all done.

Richard has been coughing more frequently here lately as I have also noticed him being short of breath. When I ask I get the answer "Oh I'm fine." Hmm I being his wife for the past 7 1/2 years thinks it's getting to be about that time for an inpatient hospital stay. He thinks... not so much.I guess we'll see if it gets better or worse. A lung infection brewing would not be the best thing to have when he is fixing to start the new drug on the 11th. Hard headed? Why yes, very much so.

Oh and after taking the pictures at the pool Saturday. My camera went all kinds of caddy whompas and now it has met it's demise at the local dump. Richard tried to fix it but after getting shocked and throwing the camera one and the screwdriver another he decided to just throw it away. And hopefully I will get the Nikon or Cannon I have been dreaming and drooling over before to long. I can't, Absolutely CAN NOT live without a camera. I love to take pictures. It's kind of my thing ya know.

So Melissa over at Stretch Marks has given me and everybody else a challenge. I think I will take her up on it. But I will do it later. So stay tuned for my list of 25 things that inspire me.

Splash

The boys and I decided to give Richard a peaceful that he really need. So I took the boys and we went with my friend JJ to her Mother's where the kids swam in the pool. We had an awesome time.

Getting ready...

Whoo Hooo!

Down the slide

Let me introduce you guys to Little Miss Grace. She is the sweetest thing but she's also the Middle child of 5 children. Yes my friend JJ should get an award for having 5 children under the age of 11. There is Emily 11, Kaden 9, Grace 6 and twins Sarah and Tarah 2. Anyways little miss Grace loves the Camera as well as her Kori. What can I say I'm a Mother of 2 boys and well she is just too cute. I've tried many times to get JJ to give me one of the twins. But she hasn't yet and the offer expires when they reach their teenage years.

And Jacob is the only other child that I was able to get a picture of. Emily and Kaden hid from the camera. And the twins were napping inside. But there is always next time...