Miserable Monday

Grab the lysol folks I have the stomach flu. I started feeling yucky last night, just not quite and right. Then I woke up this morning running fever, throwing up and just hurting all over. I called in to work and called the Doctor. I went to see him at 9:30 and low and behold I have the stomach flu. He put me off till Thursday. Guess it's a good thing I had some sick time saved up.

He put me on codeine syrup with phenergen to help with the achyness and the nausea. Thank goodness for feel good in a bottle. I'm no longer throwing up but I am still queasy and am still feeling like crap. I slept for like 6 hours this afternoon. Which I needed I just hope I can sleep tonight.

I wanted to thank you all for your kind words and advice concerning Calob. He is now off of being grounded after 5 days. Reason being his teacher allowed him to complete all the assignments that he hadn't turned in. Which brought Calob's grades up to A's and B's.If this ever happens again the teacher will not allow him to make up assignments and that he will have to accept the grade that is given. I don't think he would have allowed Calob to do this if it weren't for this being a very unusual behavior something that he has never done before. Calob and his teacher made a deal that as long as he would continue to do his classwork on a daily basis, that he could continue to stay in the RLC program. Calob is glad and has promised to not do this ever again. He realizes the consequences and understands that this is unacceptable. Richard and I both praised him for doing the right thing and completing the assignments and also to let him know that we understand that everything that is going on is very hard on him and Jacob but that we are here to listen to him. But that he has to let us know that he is having a hard time.

Also wanted to update ya'll on Richard. He is still feeling puny for the most part. But all in all he's hanging in there. About an hour ago he was complaining about his underarm being tender and he discovered another lump this one is about the size of a quarter. We know the cancer is spreading and the Doctor has told us this is to be expected as it is in the lymph nodes it can show up anywhere in the body. Like the fact that we know it is now in the node next to his collar bone also. It's just a little more of reality when you can actually feel it beneath the skin and to be able to touch it, is just beyond me. It's scary... really scary.

Handbag Heaven

So I seen this contest on Aubrey's blog and I had to enter.



Handbag Planet is giving away one of their awesome handbags every hour for 24 gours. I picked the one I want. Have you?



I can't sleep due to the long nap this afternoon. So I was reading and checking up on everyone and thought winning a new handbag would be awesome.

Sunday Silence

The boys have left for Church and Richard is still asleep. It is way too quiet here. But it's nice. There are seldom moments when I have the house to myself, with the exception of getting ready for work at 5:30 in the morning during the week.

Jacob is doing much better. The rash from the shingles has dried up and is almost gone. He is still having a little discomfort but not much. He will be going back to School tomorrow.

Richard is feeling about the same. Just kind of run down and puny. The new steroid lotion that the Doctor prescribed seems to be helping a little with the rash.

Found out the other day that Calob hasn't been doing his classwork at School. When we asked him about it he said he just doesn't want to do it. Not because he doesn't know how or because it's hard, oh no just because he doesn't want too. I don't know what is wrong with this child of mine. He has always loved School, has always made straight A's and A honor roll every year. He is in the RLC program for gifted children because of his grade point average and SAT scores. And now he has C's, D's and an F in math. I just don't know what to do with him. His Teacher sent home all his books and allowed him to make up the assignments that he hasn't turned in to try and bring his grades back up. He's gotten it all done so I hope this helps. He is grounded from everything. The only thing he is allowed to do is read a book. Ya know starve the senses, feed the mind. I just don't know what I am going to do with this youngen. Any advice? I would really appreciate it.

Well I hear my coffee calling me so I'm off. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Blessings to you and yours from me and mine.

****Update**** Calob goes to counseling. He's been going for the past 2 years. But thanks for the advice. He also has a very good relationship with the counselor at his School.

Somewhat better

Jacob seems to be getting a little better. He has managed to work on some of his schoolwork for this week. He has only been taking the pain medicine at night which I am glad of. So maybe we are getting on the upswing of things.

Richard hasn't been feeling the best the past couple of days. I forgot to mention with all the craziness that has been going on that they added a Chemo drug to the antibody treatment that he has been doing. So he started that Monday and it has him feeling a little sluggish. Hopefully he will start to feel a little better. The rash is still really bothering him. But the doctor gave him some lotion that has been mixed with some kind of steroid. Richard hasn't been able to tell a difference yet though.

I am doing okay I suppose. I have my good moments and my bad moments. Of course that is to be expected. Had my performance appraisal at work today it went very well. YAY! Cause I was nervous I tell ya. I try very hard not to let everything that is going on in my personal life affect my ability to do a good job. Some days this is really hard. I consider alot of my co-workers to be some of my closest most amazing friends. I am glad that I can come to work and tell them that I am having a crappy day and that they listen and try to help because they care. Sometimes I may not always agree with the advice they have to give but I love them and am glad they are apart of my life none the less. Thanks guys. Love ya.

One more thing. I got my swap gift today from Joni but since my camera is broken I can't take a picture of all the amazing things she sent me. So I'll list them for you a decoupage box that has my name on it (oh yeah it rocks it's the cutest little thing ever), Some bath and body works antibacterial hand soap that Joni said will make me want to eat my own hand, vanilla raspberry coffee that makes me salivate, Cute little ribbons and beads, vintage postcards that I love, pampered chef clips that will not let my crackers go stale, fruit leather that I have already had to try and it is amazing and all these things came in the cutest little box with a lovely card. Thanks Joni you rock! Although I haven't been the greatest return swap partner. I have a few things bought specifically for Joni but I am making her a gift that is taking more time than I expected. But she will be surprised none the less when i mail it off in the next week or so. She is soooo gonna love it.

Little bit of everything

Thank you all so much for the kind words, the prayers and the emails. I/we can't thank you enough.

Ya'll know how Jacob got tripped by the kid at School? Well apparently my sweet little boy has some nerve damage. Why you ask? Well because the rash that he has we found out today from the Doctor that he has the shingles. I am so not believing this. He is on about as much medicine as Richard is now. Poor little guy just hurts. He can't go to School for a week. Although Richard did go pick up his books and all of his assignments today. So maybe when he feels like it he can work on them some. He's having alot of pain and discomfort. Thank goodness for children's liquid lortab or I don't know what we would do.

Richard and I talked last night about our frustrations. All we know is that there is alot of uncertainty of what's going to happen as this continues to progress. It's not like there is someone that has gone through this and come back and said "hey this is how it's gonna be" I think that is the most difficult part for both of us. We love each other so much that it just hurts to know what we are facing is not going to go away. This is our life and this is how it is. If it wasn't for our Faith in God I don't know how we would continue with the day to day. He is the reason that we continue to have the strength to continue to put one foot in front of the other everyday and to keep moving forward no matter how scary it may be.

We have been married for almost 8 years and I am still head over heals in love with my husband. He is the strongest most wonderful man I have ever known. And as long as he lives I will continue to tell him this everyday and when he's gone I will make sure everyone I meet knows that a love like this really does exist and that I was privileged enough to experience it because these are and have been the best days of my life.

Where to begin...

Just got through seeing the Doctor. The scan showed that the largest tumor that was 2 1/2 centimeters has shrunk to 1 centimeter although all the others have pretty much stayed the same. Also there are more which mean it is still spreading. But the Doctor wants to have a conference with the Radiology team to review the scan. He said he is concerned and they look suspicious.

We are currently sitting in the waiting area at the Infusion lab. Richard has decided to do 6 more weeks of treatment. which is 3 treatments one every other week. He is already scheduled for other scan and to see the Doctor on November 3rd.

I'm really disappointed. I thought we would have seen a more significant change. But only one really showed any signs that the treatment is working. And it still continues to spread. Yeah I guess you can say I'm really disappointed. And maybe I think to much but I feel like if it's not working, I mean really working why does he still want to continue. Maybe I'm just being selfish but I would much rather have my husband feeling better and able to do stuff than not to be able to do anything and to feel like crap all the time. I am trying really hard not to bust into tears right now, not to let my frustrations get the better of me. Not to let Richard see how upset I am.

& the waiting begins...

**** UPDATE**** Just as I was finishing they called Richard back for his scan. Thought ya'll might want to know.

Well we're here. The hubby has allowed me to use his new shnazy notebook pc to be able to Blog while here. I know he is soooo a keeper.

He's already had labs and now we are waiting on the scan. Thye don't start till 7 so we have a few minutes to wait. So far we are the only ones here which makes for a good thing as far as the waiting goes. Hubby is hanging in there. I think he's a little nervous cause he sure is quite. I can't say much I'm nervous too.

My wonderful MIL is with us. she keeps us both sane. lol

On the way here this morning Richard tells us that he has discovered a knot right next to his collar bone. He noticed it a few days a but didn't want to say anything. He didn't want us to worry but he told us this morning so that way when we're in there seeing the doctor we won't be surprised when he mentions it. So now I'm worried about that.

So far the cancer has been contained in the same general area. What if it is spreading elsewhere now? I mean I know it is eventually going to happen anyway but, not this soon.

Say some extra prayers you guys. Thanks. Love ya'll.

I totally dislike Emergency rooms

I have been to the E.R. twice in the last four days with Jacob.

He fell at School Tuesday when this little kid with a cast on his arm thought it would be funny that he use it to trip all the other kids while they ran around and played touch football. Well Tuesday night Jacob said it was sore so of course I didn't think nothing much of it. Just thought it would take some time to work the soreness out. But then on Thursday when I got home he was crying and saying he needed to go to the Doctor. Jacob doesn't like doctors so I knew something was wrong.

So off we go to the E.R. they do x-ray and they poke and prod at him. He has broken the top piece of his growth plate (not a big deal) and torn the tendon between the joints. Ok this definitely explains the pain. So they put his arm in a sling has to wear it for a couple of weeks but they still want him to try to use his arm as much as possible. Give him Motrin every six hours for pain. Okay great.

Jacob goes to School Friday spends the night with a buddy and I go pick him up yesterday for our dinner over at my friend's Linda's. Well about 6 last night he starts crying I mean seriously crying and writhing in pain. He went and washed his hands and said that he had shooting pains all up and down his rm from his pinky finger all the way up to his shoulder. So I gave him some Motrin an hour later I gave him some Tylenol because the Motrin was obviously not working. We came home and I put him to bed and laid with him until he finally calmed down and fell asleep which was about midnight.

This morning at 7:45 Jacob comes busting into my room screaming and crying about the pain. So I throw some clothes on and off we go back to the E.R. They come in and poke and prod him the whole time all the while Jacob is crying and carrying on about the pain. They go and review the x-ray from Thursday night. The doctor come in and says that Jacob has sprained some kind of muscle that lies on the top of your shoulder and your scapula. And the reason for the shooting pain is because it's sprained and the tendon that he pulled is swollen and causing some pinching of the nerves. After another co-pay and a prescription for Lortab we are home. Jacob is still in pain cause I can't give him the Lortab yet because they gave him Motrin at the E.R. and I have to wait till noon. Oh wait it is noon. Ok better go give my baby the meds.

Also be sure to say a prayer for us in the morning. We have to be at the Oncology Lab at 6 CT scan is scheduled for 7 and we see the Doctor at 9. Just pray for peace and strength in whatever the scan shows and that Richard will be at peace with whatever decision he makes as far as treatment goes. Thank you all.

Saturday plans anyone?

Not much going on around this place today. I am desperately trying to get my swap gift done. It slow going I tell ya.

Also I have some pork tenderloins in the oven cooking away in some Coca-Cola. Going to make some barbecue potatoes over at my friend Linda's tonight. We're going to have dinner over there and maybe play some cards while all the kiddos play. I'm just glad that the Hubby agreed to go and get out of the house.

Okay well back to work on my gift. Boy I sure do hope she likes it. I promise to take some pictures when I'm done.

So tell me what are you doing on this Saturday?

Always there for me...

Heard this on my way home from work. It's one of my favorites.

I cried, I wept, I prayed and I wanted to share it with you. Some days just suck but with a love like this... it doesn't seem so bad anymore. I can't describe what I feel on some days. But today for me was not a good day. This song made it a little better.

Spoiled? Why yes, yes HE is.

Yep, ya'll my hubby is spoiled and I don't mean a little bit.

The weekend has been splendid. We have watched tons of movies and just have had a good time.

Hubby was a little bummed about the Alabama game being on pay per view last night. I know he really wanted to see it. Sooooo... being the incredibly wonderful wife that I am I agreed to pay the $29.95 just so he could watch it. So there he sat all curled up on our couch with his pillows and cover cheering on his team. It was definitely like the MasterCard commercial... Priceless. Oh and yes Alabama put a spanking on Western Kentucky 41 to 7. ROLL TIDE!!! It was some kinda good game I tell ya. Was it worth the $29.95? Yeah it was to make the hubby happy. Gosh I love him.

Then today I cooked. No you don't understand I really cooked. Like dirtied all the pans kind of cooked. We had ribs, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and stewed squash. Yes I know that'stoo many starches. Oh well. I have one kid that will not touch mashed potatoes or squash so that's where the mac and cheese comes in. I also made Richard's favorite cake. Oh no it's nothing extravagant. It's a yellow cake made in a bundt pan so it gets kinda crunchy on the outside with no icing. Wow exciting I know.

Anyways my Hubby has been spoiled none the less this weekend. Is he worth it? ABSOLUTELY! He's wonderful.

So glad

It's the weekend. Yay!

I know I have been slacking in the blog world. It's just sometimes I don't know what to say. And sometimes I am in such a foul pitiful mood I figure you guys don't want to hear it. I can't tell you how many times I have started and stopped before posting.

Anyhow not today. It's Friday and I am so glad. There is nothing like family time on the weekends. Board games and old movies with the family in our pajamas all weekend is just fine with me.

Oh and I've been meaning to tell ya'll that I got to meet a Bloggy Buddy. It was Tracy and her husband Steve. They are awesome and amazing. Molly has been in the hospital the last couple of days due to a flare up with her CF but they are supposed to be going home sometime this evening. And she will continue on home antibiotics for a few more days. Pray for Tracy and her family as this is no easy task. Anyhow they came over to UAB and we chit chatted for a bit. It was nice. I really enjoyed it and hope we get to do it again soon.

Also Richard blogged today. Thought ya'll might want to check it out. Hopefully once his laptop gets here he'll do it more often. there is only 9 days left until the scan and he is really struggling with what road he wants to take as far as continuing on with treatment or not. So go give him some encouragement and let him know how many of ya'll are praying for us. I think he could use it.

Compliments

So today I have been told that I am...

Pretty - ( of course was there ever any doubt? We're all pretty in one way or another)

Smart - (only sometimes. I try not to use my intellectual abilities to intimidate anyone. oh gee lol)

Generous - (this is most definitely correct. I am a giver of all things whether it be my time, gifts, my heart. And the person that loves with their whole heart not half... it's the only way. Trust me)

Funny - (I like to think so at least sometimes)

All of these wonderful compliments have been bestowed upon me from Tiffany and all her lovely Blog readers. Tiffany was one of my Pay it Forward contest winners and now she is spreading the love. She has an awesome prize for some lucky person. You might want to go check it out. She just ROCKS like that!

We have a Date...

No it's not the kind of date you're thinking of.

It's the date for Richard's next scan. It is September 22.

Richard has been over at the Oncology Lab all morning getting his infusion treatment as well as another type of medicine for his low magnesium. He has never had any trouble with his labs until today. Apparently this is not a big deal so no worries.

I haven't been over there today. Things have been a little hectic around here with Minnie Mouse being on vacation. (if you are reading this I hope you know how much I miss you. Please come back NOW!) But Richard assures me everything is fine.

I have to tell you when I left the house this morning I wasn't sure if he was coming for treatment or not. He has been a little indecisive here lately. I can't say that I blame him.

I am really nervous about the upcoming scan. (yes Susie I know what I am always saying to you) I don't know what Richard will do if it shows that it has worked in shrinking the tumors some. Will he continue on with this treatment and the pain that it brings? What if it hasn't worked?
Then what?

I'm just really worried about what his decision will be. It is not mine to make. I have expressed my concerns to him and he knows how I feel. And we have both agreed that these are not the memories we want to make for the boys. We want to be able to get out and do the things we would normally be doing this time of year. Camping, day trips to wherever the road takes us. Those are the memories we want to make.

All I or you can do is pray. Pray for guidance, Pray for peace in whatever the decision may be.

1 Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament.
2 Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:1-3

Don't

A lot of people say things that make you think.


I am not one to not state what I am thinking. I have always been this brutally honest person. I have hurt a lot of peoples feelings along the way. I feel that you, as my friends deserve to know the truth.


If you ask me "Kori, do these pants make my butt look big." If they do I am sorry but I will tell you that "yes they do and please don't wear them out in public with me." I'm just trying to save both of us from embarrassment.


These types of questions I haven't a problem with. The questions that stump me are questions like...


How are you doing?

My response is normally "Fine and you?"

Really I want to say, No scream that I am in fact Not Good. But I don't.



How is Richard?

My response "He's hanging in there"

Really I want to say, He's hurting, he's in pain, he's miserable and I can't help him. But I don't.



How are the boys?

My response "They seem to be doing ok"

Really I want to say, They aren't doing so swift. Richard can't do all the things he used to with them and they are disappointed but they understand. They shouldn't have to understand. But I don't.


Why can I not be as brutally honest with questions like these but I can with the stuff that really doesn't matter. Maybe I suppose it's because I feel like people won't understand. And after spending several times throughout the day trying to explain what is going on with Richard. I just feel like these answers suffice.

But they don't.

Maybe I should have some cards with my blog address made, then I could just say you can read all about it here. Hmmmm... maybe I'm on to something.

Feeling the Love

Gina at Lattes and Lipstick gave me an award. (Oh yeah how about them apples? Doing a happy dance.) I really love Gina, she is an amazing person in all that she does for her husband George. I totally relate with her because all though our battles are somewhat different they are very much the same. Any of us would do whatever it takes for more... more of everything.
So here is my award.

Here are the instructions for this award.
1.The winner puts logo on her/his blog.
2.Link the person you received your award from.
3.Nominate 7 other blogs.
4.Put links of those blogs on yours.
5.Leave a message on the blogs of those you’ve chosen.

So I have to continue to send the love. Ya'll know I'm just a lovey dovey kind of girl. (Kim not a word) Anyways here is my 7 lovey dovey award winners.

Susie at Nothing Clever to Say. She has been through so much yet she always has a kind encouraging word to say. She's amazing.

Just a Flip Flop Mom. We haven't been friends long but she is amazing in all sense of the word. Anyone that would pay almost 10 bucks to send my hubby some breadn' butter pickles just because I told her how much he loved them. Well is just absolutely wonderful. I adore her.

Kristin at The Sweeney 4. What can I say? She is beautifully amazing. Her spirit is unbreakable. Her faith is inspiring. She leaves me in awe. She makes me want to be more humble before the Lord. (for this I am not)And those sweet twins Lily and Wyatt are just the most precious little kiddos ever.

Lizzy at The Journey to the Hot Tub. Everyone that knows her loves her. I mean how can you not? She's so sweet when she talks about her love for Mr. B. And the antics of Essie and Gert are hilarious.

Tara at Our Princess in Pigtails. Has the most amazing pigtailed daughter one has ever laid eyes upon. Tara Rocks! No really she does rock... Kenley to sleep.She also has some comment lovin' to give so go check her out.

Karla at Zander and Me. She is so funny. And her french fry eating kiddo is just the most handsome little guy ever.

Last but not least, there is another blog I love to read. And it would be Angie's over at Bring the Rain. Angie has a ton of readers and I don't even know if she knows I am one of them. I comment sometimes but alot of times I don't. Her strength is amazing. Everything she and her family has faced over the last year has not made her faith waiver a bit the loss of her precious daughter Audrey Caroline has touched the hearts of many. But it is Angie's undying Faith in God that is such a blessing to everyone. Her testimony is one that has truly touched my heart.

You all are a blessing to me. And I give this award to all of you. God Bless you and yours today.

Also wish me luck I'm going to see about buying a few clothes for work this evening. This is never an easy tasks for me. Minnie Mouse told me that they had all their Summer stuff marked down at Belk's so we're going to see about that. If it were shoes and purses I was shopping for that would not be a problem. But clothes are not exactly my forte. I am dragging Kim along for support during my shopping endeavor. Pray for her she's gonna need it. lol I'll be sure to let ya'll know how it goes.

Blocked?

Oh my goodness. I think I have blogger block. I have been sitting here looking at a blank screen for a little while now and I can't seem to think of what I want to write. Is this really happening? To me? I always have something to say.

I know ya'll probably don't want to hear about how Diet Coke stumped me this weekend. Kim and I were driving in the car after being at Wal-Mart for like half a day.

And Kim says "did you know that if you drink half of this bottle of diet coke it contains 31 grams of caffeine?"

Of course I said "No I didn't know that." (I am not a label reader mind you)

Kim then proceeds to tell me that the label says if you consume the entire bottle of Diet Coke it contains 76 grams of caffeine.

Do you see why I am stumped by this? Last time I checked 31 and 31 made 62. So how did they get 76 does something change if you drink the whole bottle at one time instead of drinking it in halves?

I'm also pretty sure that ya'll don't want to know that I am working on some things for my blogger buddies in the upcoming months.( this would be you) Ok maybe you would like to know that but... Oh I'm so not telling. Have you sent me your address yet?

See I have blogger block. Maybe I'll be better this evening.

I think I'm just in a slump with everything. I really wanted to have a date lunch with my hubby. But ya know that whole not going out of the house because I have this rash kind of interferes with that. Maybe I'll go get us something for dinner and we can have a date night at home when the boys are gone to Church.

We'll see.

well, well

Things are going pretty good around here. Richard has been feeling somewhat better. We have learned that if he doesn't get warm or hot then the rash seems to be a little more tolerable. My Mother-in-law and I made a late night trip to Wal-Mart Saturday to purchase a fan. (btw wal-mart has fans on clearance. I got a remote control stand-up oscillating fan for 15 bucks) We put the an in our bedroom so it blows directly across the bed and he has been sleeping a lot better ever since. Thank goodness.

Now on to the news you have all been anticipating. I had 17 entries into my little pay-it-forward giveaway. Some of you missed the boat and I'm sorry. But I have a plan for ya'll. Keep reading...

So here are the winners.

Melissa at Another Day in Paradise

Jenn at Life on the Roof

Tiffany at The R Family Diaries

And the Grand Prize Winner is... Tracy at A Simple Country Life.

Congratulations Ladies please email your addresses at b4him@bellsouth.net

This was a ton of fun and I hope to do this again sometime in the future. As far as everyone else, my loyal readers. I have a little something up my sleeve. So if you would send me your addresses as well. You will be receiving goodies from me to in the weeks and months to come. When you least expect it. I am a surprise kind of girl and I think this will be fun for all of us.

Payin' it forward

It is now 10 o'clock here in Alabama that means you have 14 hours left to tell me who your crush was when you were a kid. Who you thought you were destined to marry.

Have you told me yet?