Splendid

I can't think of any other word to describe the past couple of days except for... splendid.

It has just been the four of us here at home in the peace and quite enjoying each others company, watching movies, eating leftovers and lots of pie with Hot chocolate, coffee for me and the hubs of course, lounging in our pajamas. Does it get any better?

Nope.

It's just been Perfectly Splendid.

Tomorrow is Monday which in turn starts another crazy week. Exactly 25 days till Christmas and I can't seem to get into the spirit of it all. I did go out Friday for a little bit after taking Kim to work. I picked up just a couple of things. The crowds were just more than I felt like dealing with.

December 11th seems to be the only day on my mind. I am dreading it. I don't know why this time I am so anxious. We have done these scans and visits with the Oncologist so many times you would think it would be like second nature. Maybe it's just because I don't want to hear anymore bad news especially here before Christmas. I am slightly more stressed than normal. I have been having these crazy dreams about the scan, waking up in cold sweats. What is that about? Seriously. I think maybe that dirty old Devil is trying to break my spirit. But Oh no sir. I will continue to Pray it Up. Cause God hears me and knows all the wants of my heart. He is Good, He is Mighty, He is Mine. He knows. It is all in His hands and in His time.

Also be checking back in on Tuesday I have a little something I want to show you all. It has to do with just how wonderful of a Dad my Hubby really is.

I wanna be a Weekend Winner!

My BFF Kat is having a another contest. This time it is Awesome Books and microwavable decadence in the form of CHOCOLATE. Oh. my. goodness.

Does it get any better than that?

Seriously?





So go see, what are you waiting for?

Gimmee a...

So a couple of days ago my super cool friend Kat did a meme and you had to name 10 things but they all had to start with a letter that you were given. I thought it was AWESOME and so I decided to play along. Ok so here we go. My letter of course is H.

1. I love Him as in my Heavenly Father.

We love because He first loved us.

1 John 4:19

2. I am totally and completely in-love with my Hubby. He is wonderfully amazing.

3. I adore and love my Heathens also known as Jacob and Calob. They are my boys my loves.

4. I love Hot Sauce on everything. But it can only be the Louisiana brand.

5. Hershey's Bliss. I mean Chocolate. Who doesn't love that.

6. Habenero's is the best Mexican food on the planet. Ok I love all Mexican food from anywhere really.

7. My Home because it's where we live together. It's where memories are made and I love you's are always heard.

8. Ok this is going to sound vain I know. But I love my Hair.

9. Humor. I can pretty much find some in everything. It's the spice of life.

10. Love Hugs. They are the best. There is nothing like a good long hug to make you feel better.

Ok so I have to admit this was not easy. But it sure was fun. So if you wanna play along just let me know and I will get you a letter.

Love and Blessings to you and yours from me and mine.

I am thankful for each and everyone of you.

Q & A Part 3

Oh it is Wednesday and I couldn't be more thrilled. Four day weekend coming up. Yay! Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

Kat over at Sunshine and Lemonade asked:
Favorite Pearl Jam song?
Yellow Ledbetter

Favorite concert?
I would love to say my beloved Pearl Jam but believe it or not I have never seen them in concert. Sad yes I know. So my choice is Limp Bizkit. They use to have concerts all over Jacksonville before they were famous and all you had to pay was a cover. Did ya'll know that Fred Durst the lead singer was actually a tattoo artist back in the day?

What are you going to read when you are done with the Twilight series?
I haven't a clue. But I bet you got some good suggestions for me.

When are you coming to Atlanta again?
As soon as Christmas is over.


Betty from Weins World wants to know:
Which faith are you?
Technically I am Southern Baptist. But I have never been one to fully understand how we all got separated into different faiths. For me their is but One God and I feel like no matter what faith we are, we pray to the same God.


And what church do you go to (not the name, just the denomination)?
It's Baptist. You can check it out here and listen to a sermon or 2 or 3.


LarryG at Yesterday, Today and Forever asked:
How about Philippians 4:10?
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.


What do you think of it?
I am beyond thankful that God has brought me to this place where I know the concern of others for me and my family.Yet I can trust fully in Him to carry the heavy load for us all.


Rhea at Texas Word Tangle asked:
If you could own your own restaurant, what kind of food would you cook, any certain theme or atmosphere?
Right now I am feeling like a PieMaker. Could I just serve pie and awesome coffee 24-7? Cause you know it's all about the coffee.

What book world would you like to jump into?
I would have liked to have been a YaYa. Seems like they had loads of fun.

If you could excel in one art form, what would you choose?
Photography. I have always said when I get a fancy schmancy camera I am going to take some digital photography classes. I just love the art in it all.


Tiffany at The R Family Diaries asked:
At what moment did you know Richard was the love of your life?
Gosh. Was there ever a time when I didn't know? I guess I always new there was something there. But I tried to surpress it because he was here and I was down there and I knew that he had CF and was on borrowed time and I wasn't really sure if I was ready for that, not just for me but for the boys as well. But after the 5, 6, 7 and 10 page letters he sent I knew that this was a once in a lifetime kind of love. Some people wait forever for what we have. I am truly blessed.

What has been your biggest lesson in the past year?
To cherish everything, absolutely everything. To always say I'm sorry whether it was your fault or not. To not always be the strong one. To hug a little longer. And to always end with I love you.

Do you love me as much as I love you? :)
Of course I do, Absolutely! Was there ever any doubt?

Jane from Jumpin' in the Jungle asked:
Where is Brookside Al.?
Just north of Birmingham about 20 miles. Why? You coming to visit my little po-dunk town?

Who's your favorite college football team?
FSU Baby! It's the Florida girl in me. But since I live here and Hubby's favorite is UofA I cheer them on as well. Except when they are playing FSU of course.

If you were a tree, which kind would you be?
A Magnolia. I love the smell and the southern-ness of it all.

Karla over at Zander and Me wants to know:
Do you ever talk to Jacob and Calob's biological father?
WOW I wasn't expecting that question. The answer is NO I do not. Our relationship was very difficult to say the least. He was very abusive towards me. Very. When I moved from Florida to Alabama he wasn't aware that, that was my plan. We actually lived in the same house but lived completely different lives. By this time the abuse had pretty much stopped because I learned how to fight back and not lay down and take it anymore. And he didn't like that. So Ok anyway. When I moved here we did talk on the phone some. I offered him visitation he said that Alabama was just to far for him to come for a weekend. Ok fine. So Richard and I talked about it and we agreed to meet him halfway in Macon Georgia. We would all stay there and he could see and spend time with the boys. His words to me were you took the boys to Alabama if you want me to see them you can bring them back to Florida. Um no, not gonna happen. So we talked a few more times I told him I didn't want anything from him and that was it. We moved got a new number and I haven't spoken to him in well over 7 years. The boys know about him. Jacob remembers alot and none of it is good. Calob doesn't know anything about him. I have his address and phone number and if there comes a day when the boys want a relationship with him. I will not keep that from them. But right now they are happy and content and Richard is the only man they call Daddy. Because he is their Daddy. I have made alot of mistakes in my life and that relationship was one of them. But my boys were the best thing that ever came out of that whole mess.

Looks like there will be a part 4. So stay tuned.

Not Myself

I know that I haven't been by much to comment or to show any lovin' to you guys. I just haven't been myself lately. Sorry.

I really can't pinpoint any one thing that is bothering me. It's a whole compilation of things.

One minute I'm fine and then the next something is said, or emailed, I hear a song, someone gives me a hug and I just fall to pieces.

Maybe it's just the Holidays that are making me this way. I don't know.

I am glad that I only have 2 days left of work before my 4 day weekend. I plan on eating bunches and sleeping lots. As well as just being Thankful for the here and now.

Col 4:2

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

I will.

Weekend is never Long Enough

So I'm taking a little break from the Q & A sessions. Don't worry there are still many questions I haven't got to yet. There coming just be patient.

Why is it that we work 5 days a week to only be rewarded with 2 days off that seem to just fly by? Hmmm... That's alright though Thanksgiving is this week and that means I get a four day weekend next weekend. Whoo Hoo.

Not much has been going on around here. The boys left late yesterday going camping with some friends of theirs. They won't be home until tomorrow. So it has been pretty quite here. I miss them and the little rascals haven't even bothered to call their overprotective Mother to check in. I was going to call them but Richard said they were fine and not to worry. Hmmph

I know they are getting older and growing up. But I do wish it would slow down a little. Feels like sometimes if I just blink I will miss so much.

Richard has been feeling good lately. We have talked quite a bit about the decision he has to make about whether or not to do this last treatment option. As of right now he has decided not to do it. But it is still a few weeks before his next scan on December 11th. Alot could change between now and then.

I can't say that I'm upset about him not wanting to do this treatment. There are so many risks involved as far as infection and low white blood count. It just worries me alot. And I think we have both come to the agreement that we would rather have 10 good days together instead of having 100 days where he felt bad all the time and was unable to do anything with the boys and myself. We just want to relish in each others company and be grateful and faithful to the Lord.


Sometimes I guess you just have to weigh the odds and even though the good may not be great it's always better than the bad.

Job 6:8

Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for!

Q & A Part 2

****** Ok let me just say that I have tried upteen times to fix my font and the spacing. Blogger will not let me fix it the way I want it. I do it and then it post only like this. I'm sorry guys I know it's all screwy looking.*********

Ok so here is Part 2. I'm afraid this section will be longer than the last. Enjoy!

Mere over at The Babblings of Mere wanted to know:

If you could have any prayer answered what would it be? (big or small)

For my boys to grow up and always have their father here in the flesh not only in their memories.

What's behind your unique (and MARVELOUS) way you spell your name?!

My parents were kind of Hippie-ish back in the day and they wanted something a little different.

CJ over at The Purple Diva asked:

What colors do you use to decorate for Christmas with?

Primary colors mostly.

Colored or white lights on the tree?

Colored, the boys like those better.

What store would you pick Christmas decoration from if money were not object? Gee I don't know. I really would like to have all the ornaments from the Wizard of Oz. So I'm gonna say Hallmark.

What does CFers stand for?

Richard has Cystic Fibrosis a chronic lung disease for more infor go here. Therefore a lot of Cystic Fibrosis patients refer to themselves as having CF. And in turn I am a Cystic Fibrosis patients wife so I am a CFers wife. (Geez I hope that makes sense.)

Have you ever colored your hair?

Yes a few times.

What's your favorite past time before coming a mom?

I had the boys at such a young age and pretty close together I didn't really have a past time.

If you could visit anywhere for the Christmas holidays, where would you go and why?

California, because Richard wants so badly to go there and meet his Brother and Sister and their families that he hasn't got to meet yet.

Does Santa fill stockings at your house?

Of course he does.

If so, what does he put in them?

Mainly the boys get things in their stocking. Richard and I don't buy for each other to cut out costs however the boys do make us letters every year and put them in ours. The boys are really different so Calob is happy with Hot wheel cars, and little men and things. Jacob usually gets an itunes card, a DVD, small cans of Axe spray things like that.

What's on the top of your Christmas tree?

A bow is on top and then I have little bows stuck in between going all the way around and down my tree. I worked 4 years at a Florist and I can make some pretty awesome bows.

Linda at Another Piece of the Pie asked:

What's the best holiday memory you have?

Last year we got the boys a Wii. And they were so excited jumping up and down running around the house screaming. It was the best.

If you could live just one day as someone else, who would you choose, and why?Bill Gates, simply because I can't even imagine having that amount of money at my disposal. And hopefully for that day I could come up with some sort of plan for our economy.

Where is one place you'd like to visit?

Oh I want to go lots of places. Italy, Ireland, and Hawaii just to name a few.

What's your specialty in the kitchen?

The boys would say my frozen Pistachio Cookies, Richard would say my Million Dollar pound cake and Kimberlee would say my Mac & Cheese. I would say everything.

How's that?

Because I always add a little love to it.

Elizabeth, Beth, Lizzy, Pumpkin over at Journey to the Hot Tub asked:

Where should we get jobs in Atlanta?

You mean we have to work?

Should we get houses right next door to each other or just look for a duplex?

I say we get Kat to have a Duplex built for us in her backyard. I mean it is big enough and we'll be right by the little creek. Oh it will be lovely.

Should we just rotate (with Kat) cooking supper?

I don't know she does like to cook you know. I suppose we could rotate between Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on a week to week basis.

Which grocery store are we going to shop at?

There's that Kroger's right there close by. That works for me. or we could just let Michael do all of our shopping since he is soooo thrifty.

What kind of church should we look for?

One that preaches the TRUTH.

Will we wear matching clothes?

Of course we will. Except for our socks. And we will so accessorize our outfits with lots of plaid.

Tara over at Our Princess in Pigtails was wondering:

What is the meaning behind your tattoo on your foot?

Well as you can tell from the pictures it is an eclipse. The moon represents all the years I spent my life living in the dark. The Sun represents my life now living in the Light of Jesus. I want my light to shine for all to see that he saved me from myself.

(see John's tattoo on his head... OUCH)

2 and 1/2 hours of sitting their getting tattooed I still think it was worth it and besides

It's sooooo AWESOME!

Did it hurt?

Absolutely it hurt. In the picture below I was praying for it to be over.

This is a picture my friend Linda took of my white knuckles. I held on to the chair the whole time.

And would you recommend it to someone else who is wanting another one but is afraid of it hurting to bad to finish it?

I would. I want another one so bad I can't stand it. But according to some people *you know who you are* after the first of the year I think we will be hopefully all going to get one.

And Sweet Melissa at My Version of Sanity asked:

Toilet paper....over or under?

Over

If you could pick one place in the US to live where would it be?

I'm gonna say just outside of Atlanta. so that way I could live there with all it's awesome-ness and not have to deal with the traffic. It's really pretty there.

Favorite Movie of all time?Wizard of Oz. It has always been my favorite ever since I was a little girl I have loved this movie.

Favorite Book (besides the bible)?

Last year for Christmas Kimberlee got me the Centennial Edition of The Annotated Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. It is amazing. It tells all the history of the Wizard of Oz and has pictures and everything. It rocks!

Coffee or Tea?I drink Coffee a lot during the morning and early afternoon. But I like sweet iced tea any other time.

Do you ever leave the house without makeup?

Very rarely. But I do have my moments yes.

Do you wash your dishes before your dishwasher does?

I don't own a dishwasher so all my dishes get hand washed in really hot water with lots of Antibacterial Dish soap.

Do you like your cereal soggy or crunchy?

I loathe anything soggy or mushy. I eat my cereal crunchy and when I make myself a bowl I don't even bother to put the milk back in the fridge because that is valuable cereal crunch time. I take no chances in letting it get soggy.

Sleep in or get up and go?

I get up early everyday. I do hit the snooze a few times but I'm just laying there awake. And on the weekends I am usually up by 8Am at the latest.I would say I'm a get up and goer.

Warm weather or cold weather?Warmer weather than freezing.

Q & A Part 1

So you guys really came through with some great questions. Thanks for making me feel so loved. I thought I would work on answering a few and if the post gets to long I will just separate them into different parts over the next couple of days. Ok here goes...



Britt over at Quietly Chaotic asked:
If you woke up one day and found that instead of water, money flowed from your faucets .. what would be the one thing you all would want to do as a family? First off let me just say that this is an awesome question. The main thing that we all want to do as a family is take a trip to Disney World for about a week. Just the four of us and Mickey.


What would be your family ideal fun day? Jumping in the car and driving out to the river and just spending the day. We used to camp out there but we haven't been able to in over a year with Richard being so sick and doing all these different treatments.

Krystyn over at Really, are you serious asked:

Where are you originally from? Jacksonville, Florida

Are you a fan of the mani/pedi? Most definitely!

What is the best day with your family? Any day that we are together and everyone is feeling good.

What is the best day with just you (and money is no object of course)? Any day that I can go shopping, or get my hair done or a mani/pedi. it has been a long time since I have done any of these things.

Who is your favorite blog designer? Oh my Blog designer? She is awesome and amazing. She has the most adorable girls you have ever seen. And she is always so caring and will drop me an email when I haven't blogged in a while just to make sure I'm still hanging in there. She ROCKS! You can check her out here or here.

Jennifer at the FUN House asked me to:

Describe your perfect day!! A day with no worries to just be with the family doing the things we want to do.

My real life friend Kimberlee over at this place right here asked:

What do YOU want for Christmas? For the boys to have a great Christmas.

What does DAD want for Christmas? For the boys to have a wonderful Christmas.

(she didn't ask about the boys cause she already has a list from both!!)These next 2 questions are an inside thing for me and Kim so just read past.

Why do you love carrot? Because my carrot is more than wonderful and it sees me for I am and doesn't try to make me someone I can't be. It loves me for me. And IT the same for ME. I think...

What color would you let carrot paint their room? Any color carrot wants. It's just paint. I love Carrot!

My friend Stephanie over at The Road Less Traveled asked:

Whats your favorite flavor of ice cream? Ben & Jerry's Coffee Heath Bar Crunch. Mmmm num yummy.

What is your Christmas wish? FOR YOU--btw. Ok so Kimberlee asked the same question but I'm sure you want a different answer. So if money was not an object I would really like a fancy schmancy new camera like a Nikon or Canon with all the bells and whistles.

Are you being swept by the Twilight phenomenom and going Friday with the masses?? I have been swept away by the book known as Twilight. Although I haven't read any of the others I am sad to say. Maybe after the first of the year I will pick those up. I would absolutely LOVE to go see the movie Friday but that is not in the cards right now either.

Are you a part of your Santa Swap? (is that weird that I wondered about that?) I am part of my own swap and no it is not weird for you to ask that. I get to know who I'm getting from and who I'm sending too. Oh yeah go me. haha

What is your favorite things to do with the boys? Oh I love my boys and spending time with them is what parenting is all about. They really like it when we all play the Wii together. It is the best investment we have ever made. And for the record I totally ROCK at Guitar Hero!

How did you and Richard meet? We were introduced by the woman that helped raise me after my Mother died and my Dad was on the road alot. We had met 3 times before Richard moved back to Alabama we wrote letters and talked on the phone for those 2 months he was gone. I was still living in Jacksonville at this time. I had called him one day and he said he was coming back to Florida to get the rest of his things and he wanted the boys and I to come back to Alabama with him. Now remember we had only met 3 times and wrote a bunch of letters. We never even kissed or anything up to this point. After much debate I decided what the heck. So on October 25th 2000 my knight in a shining U-Haul truck showed up and we packed everything up and moved back together. Then two weeks later on November 6th 2000 we were married and never looked back.

What's your favorite childhood memory? Spending Holidays with my Daddy at my Grandparents house in Georgia with all my aunts, uncles and cousins and eating good southern cooking. It don't get no better than that ya'll.

How are the boys personalities different? Oh the boys are alot different. Jacob tends to like to be more private about things and shy at first. Calob is the go getter he just jumps right in. He never meets a stranger. Jacob like to be entertained he doesn't like to do things alone like playing and such. Calob has a huge imagination and can play with his batman, power rangers till the cows come home. Jacob is a big ole Daddy's Boy and Calob is a Mama's boy. But they are both very loving and giving sweethearts.

Alright I think this will end Part 1 and we will do part 2 tomorrow. There may be a Part 3 as well. Do you have questions for us you would like answered. Well spit it out already. Don't be shy.

Bring it on ya'll

Alot of you have asked me about Jacob and Church. Well...

Saturday he got his shower, handed me a shirt to iron and went to bed by 9:30. On Sunday he got up, got dressed, grabbed a yogurt and went and sat on the front porch and waited for the Church van to come pick him up. He went and had a great time and said the service was awesome. Then the rest of the afternoon he walked around the house humming
"What a friend I have in Jesus" My kids so ROCK!

Now I know that my post have been really on the serious side here lately. So I decided to do a little Q & A session.

You guys can ask me anything and everything that you would like to know about us. When I say us I mean Richard, Jacob, Calob and myself.

I will post answers within the next week.

I have tried this before but never had much luck. Now is your opportunity.

So ask away my friends!

Humbled

The word humbled means meekness or modesty in behavior, attitude, or spirit; not arrogant or prideful.

Over the past few days I have been trying to evaluate several things in my life. And the only way I can express how I feel is truly humbled.

I have been praying lately in a completely different way so to speak. I have never been one to pray for help with things that are going on in our life. But I have prayed for a miracle several times over the last few months. I have prayed for a sign from God that he hears me.

But not lately.

My prayers lately are more of thanks to God. I am no longer praying for a miracle but I know that God knows the wants of my heart.

I want to thank Him and praise Him for all the beautiful things in my life. I want Him to know that He is my all in all. My Savior, My King, My Father.

Instead of asking for more years together with the husband I love so much. I want to thank God for the 8 years he has given us and I want Him to know that I am happy and content with that.

Instead of asking Him why?, I want Him to know that I know it is Him and His plan not us and ours.

I want to thank Him for the roof that shelters us from the weather,and the food that fills us so that we will know no hunger.

I have wept. I want my heart to be Humbled before the Lord and for Him to know that I am thankful for all of His daily gifts.

2 Chronicles 34:27 says

Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what He spoke against this place and it's people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord. (NIV)


-- When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

The Real Me

Sometimes I feel very overwhelmed. I am so glad that this, my blog, is a place I can come and let it all out. Cause I tell ya there is never a dull moment.

Here is a compilation of all our latest happenings.

Our oldest Jacob loves Church. Not just because his friends are there but because he loves Christ. For an eleven year old boy he his wise beyond his years. But yesterday his love for Church took a turn.

When Jacob arrived at Church yesterday evening he was going upstairs to where the youth meets when suddenly a boy that we will call N. pulled him into a room and held Jacob with his arms behind his back. N then called to the other boy B and B came over and proceeded to punch Jacob in the stomach several times knocking the wind out of him. All the while B's girlfriend is telling them to let him go and leave him alone. These boys are in 9th grade and twice the size of Jacob at 4'10" and 68 pounds. Jacob went to tell the Teacher and they brought him home. He was crying and really shaken up about the whole experience. He was scared. He didn't say or do anything to these 2 boys and they just felt the need to beat him up.

Jacob's spirit is broken. He doesn't know if he wants to go back and I can't say that I blame him. If you aren't safe at Church then where are you safe? The boys parents were made aware of the situation. I really pray that they didn't take this lightly and that these boys suffered some serious consequences.

I know way to much about injuries caused by simple mistakes and accidents because of where I work. They could have seriously hurt him just because they made poor decisions.

Anyhow after all this. Somehow Richard hurt his wrist. After me asking him for a couple of hours if he needed to go get it looked at. He finally decides that Yes, Yes he does at 10:50 at night. So I call Kimberlee and she comes to our rescue and stays the night just in case the boys were to get up out of bed or something.

Off we go to... you guessed it the E.R.

Thankfully we went to the smaller hospital and were in and out in less than 30 minutes. The Doctor didn't even do an x-ray which I thought was odd. But Richard was in so much pain he thought he was going to throw up. (he didn't thankfully) The Doctor said he felt like it was just a really bad case of tendinitis. Richards fingers and wrist are all swollen. They put it in a splint thing to stabilize it and gave him a prescription for pain meds. If it's not better by tomorrow he is supposed to call the Orthopedist. Great another Doctor to keep up with.

It is still swollen and hurting him but not as bad as last night. Thank goodness.

Things with me are changing at work for the better. I am taking on a new position with new responsibilities which I am excited about. So that's a good thing.

Richard's rash is clearing up nicely and he's been feeling pretty good the past couple of days. He's even talking about trying to go to Church this Sunday. So I know he has really got to be feeling some better. Finally a silver lining.

I still don't know what his thoughts are on doing this last resort Chemo. We have kind of talked about it. And we both agree that the Doctor wasn't near as adamant as he has been in the past about encouraging Richard to do treatments. We understand that we are closer to the end of this journey with or without the treatment. God is still Good all the time... all the time.

I am still really concerned about Christmas and have been thinking about taking on a second job just to get us through. But if I do that I will rarely be at home at all. I already work a full 40 hours a week and then with a second job working part time during the week and on the weekends. Things could get a little crazy. Then in turn I will be missing more of the time I have to spend with Richard and the boys. Richard doesn't want me to do it. But I really don't know what else to do.

I really appreciate every ones advice on ways to cut back some. But at this rate there isn't much extra left to shop with after I pay all the bills and get Richard's meds since our Flexible spending has run out until the new year starts in January.

Ugh sometimes I just really wanna scream. But it is in those times that I look around and realize that I have so much to be thankful for. And that regardless if I take notice or not God continues to bless us with everyday he allows us to be together.

I know this post is all over the place but I had to get it all out there.

Thank you guys for accepting and letting me be... The real me.

I got nothing

I give you this simply because the things I should blog about, I'm not, not today. But maybe later.

Your Blogging Type is Kind and Harmonious

You're an approachable blogger who tends to have many online friends. I like to think I'm approachable. What do you think? People new to your blogging circle know they can count on you for support. I hope so cause I know I count on ya'lls alot to get me through most days. You tend to mediate fighting and drama. You set a cooperative tone. I don't like Drama or fighting. You have a great eye for design - and your blog tends to be the best looking on the block! OH YEAH GO ME! Don't be jealous that's what it said.

What's Your Blogging Personality?

Take a Moment

The picture above is of Duane and Becky Summers. I don't know either one of them personally but I have said their names many times in my prayers.

Becky and I share alot of things, knowing the Love of Christ, strength when we think we have none, amazing children. The one thing that I wish we didn't share is the fact that both of our husbands have Stage 4 colon cancer. Becky and I have exchanged emails, encouraged one another and have commented on one anothers blogs over the past month or so. She truly is wonderful and I am glad to have her in my life.

Her Husband, her Superman has been battling his cancer for a little more than a year now. He lost that battle yesterday after giving it a good fight.

Duane and Becky have 7 amazing, beautiful, extraordinary children. They have lost their Daddy, their Hero.

So please go here and here. Read their remarkable story and lift them up.

The Summers Family Fund has been established to help this wonderful family with the trials ahead. If anyone would like to help please inquire at any Bank of Oklahoma or mail donations directly to:

The Summers Family Fund

Bank of Oklahoma

PO Box 2300

Tulsa, OK 74192

They Did Their Share

On Veteran’s Day we honor

Soldiers who protect our nation.

For their service as our warriors,

They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;

Some were volunteers;

For some it was just yesterday;

For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,

On land or on the sea,

They did whatever was assigned

To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.

They defended us everywhere.

Some saw combat; some rode a desk;

All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,

For low pay and little glory,

These soldiers gave up normal lives,

For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;

Don’t let politics get in the way.

Without them, freedom would have died;

What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,

Who kept us safe from terror,

So when we see a uniform,

Let’s say "thank you" to every wearer.

By: Joanna Fuchs

Feeling the pressure.

Ya know my kids don't get alot during the year. They rarely ask for anything. Of course they get new shoes for school. And usually new clothes except this year they didn't. But that was ok a lot of their clothes from last year still fit because they are tall and lanky. So that was good. And not to mention the coule of hundred dollars I had to shell out for School supplies.

Christmas is fast approaching. And I just don't know if it is going to happen at our house. The boys are getting older and the things that they ask for are expensive.

My flexible spending account at work ran out about 2 months ago and it won't pick back up until the new year starts in January. So any extra has been going to co-pays, prescriptions and hospital bills. I have been bringing my lunch to work to try and save whatever I can which in turn ends up going into my gas tank or groceries to feed my growing boys and husband.

I know that Christmas isn't supposed to be about gifts and such. But my boys deserve to have a good Christmas especially after the year we've had.

I guess you could say I'm stressing a little. Ok... a lot.

Am I the only one feeling the crunch of the holidays? Do you set a budget? If so how do stay within that budget?

The main 2 things that Jacob wants, one is close to 200 bucks and the other is 60 bucks. I mean 260 dollars for 2 things under the tree is it just me or is that insane? And that's only Jacob, grant it Calob's stuff isn't too bad. How do you even set a budget with things being so outrageously priced?

I know all of us want our kids to have everything their hearts desire at Christmas but with prices like these is that really possible?

My Boys

Are addicted to... Me on the other hand I agree with Jim Gaffigan.

Hope you at least had a little chuckle.
So what do your kids like ALOT?

You Make it Real for ME!

8 years ago on November 6th 2000 my life changed and I became someones wife.

One fall afternoon I was sitting in a porch swing with a man I knew I loved like no other. This is the conversation we had...

(Him) So tell me something, Do you like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?

(ME) Yeah, more peanut butter not so much jelly.

(Him) That's good to know.

(Me) Ok?.

He moved from the swing and knelt down in front of me.

(Him) So Kori... will you marry me and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches when times are tough?

He opens up the ring box.

Tears are falling from my eyes as I slide out of the swing, onto the floor of the front porch and into his arms crying while saying... Absolutely.

Sparky,

Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches have never tasted so good as the ones I have shared with you over the past 8 years. These have been and continue to be the best days of my life.Thank you for making my storybook romance come true. You will always be my Knight in Shining Armor. Happy Anniversary!

I love you more today than yesterday and more tomorrow than today.

Kori

My Heart Burdened Be... Oh but YOU!

Beautiful Glimmering Circles of Hope

Today did not start off with with the greatest of ease. My alarm clock is possessed and instead of going off at the scheduled time of 5:15AM it decided to just hang out and wait till 5:50AM to start making that annoying buzzing noise.

So after running around the house grabbing clothes, applying makeup, and straightening hair we were off after stopping to pick up my wonderful Mother-in-law.

We arrive just a little behind schedule. Richard gets his labs done, has his CT scan and we wait and anticipate for the news the Doctor is going to give.

All I want is a glimmer of hope just to know that there has been a "good" change.

When the Doctor came in "good" was not a word used. There went my glimmer of hope.

Basically the tumors have grown some more (this time the doctor did not mention if there appeared to be even more than the last time) and they seen something in the lower part of one of Richard's lungs. The Doc would not elaborate as he is not certain it is more cancer or just some scar tissue from Richard's Cystic Fibrosis. They will be keeping an eye on it from scan to scan to see if there is any change.

He did tell us that there was 1 more treatment process we could try. But that the side-effects are not to be taken lightly. The main one is the lowering of white blood cells and making Richard more at risk for infection. Ok the problem with that is, Richard always have infection in his lungs, always. So by doing this treatment it could in turn cause an adverse effect with his CF. He said that they would start Richard on a lower dose than what they normally use and then raise it up as he goes along. We'll see what Richard decides to do.

As of right now he is not doing anything. We are going to wait and let his skin heal up and let him get back to his old self. On December 11th we go back once again for another scan and to see the Doctor. Richard will make his decision then as to whether or not he wants to pursue this treatment.

If he does or doesn't it will not change the fact that this is the last attempt at a glimmer of hope for just a little more time together. If he decides to go forward with the treatment he will not start it until after Christmas. His decision.

After we left we went out for Mexican just the 3 of us and talked about alot of things. I'm glad we did. I checked the mail when we got home it was bills, bills, and more bills. Ugh!

But in the midst of the bills there was a package from my wonderful friend Susie. After praying for the past few months for a glimmer of hope and still not getting one. It has been disheartening. My Faith has not wavered for I know who carries me when I am too weak to walk this path alone.

In my package was a lovely card and a pure white box.

My heart was touched by the sweet message I read within the card.

My spirit however was lifted and I could feel the love contained in the box as I seen

2 glimmering silver bracelets and one that was encircled with the word "Hope"

Thank you Susie for my lovely gift.

Thank you God for the message that was within the gift. You are Good All The Time!

Let Go, Let God

This is what I heard on Saturday while sitting around a table with 5 of the most amazing women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Angie you are beautiful with the never ending smile upon your face that spreads like wild fire to the rest of us. I adore you and your willingness to try new things like Calamari. I knew I loved you when I seen the beautiful gold bag with the black lettering which read "Godiva" The love of Chocolate is only one of the many things we have in common.

Shannon just so you know I gladly will take that purse off your hands whenever you get tired of it. Hand-me-downs are always welcome here when it comes to purses. You are even more than I could have imagined. Your sweet persona is a wonderful attribute and I'm glad I got to experience it by sitting next to you while wearing a chocolate spoon on my nose. And the fact that you find Mike Rowe as sexy as I do makes you even that much more wonderful.

Kat if it wasn't for you, none of this would be possible. The fact that you are willing to open your home and your heart to us is beautiful. I now know that all my secrets are safe with you with your crazy mad skills in secret keeping. Thank you for always being there with a shoulder to cry on, a laugh to make me happy and a cell phone when I'm lost. You are AMAZING!

Lizzy my little Pumpkin. Me and you have been friends the longest. You always know the right thing to say to just make my day a little bit better. I thank you Lizzy for just being you and for always just... being. Essie and Gert are growing up to be beautiful girls just like their Mother. You have a lot to be proud of with those two and Mr. B is a very lucky man to have such an amazing lady in his life.

Lula. The person who said those words without even knowing what I was thinking when I heard them. Let Go, Let God. Ever since I heard those 4 words I have thought alot about what they mean. I needed to be reminded to Let Go of the things I cannot change, and to Let God carry my ever so heavy burdens. There are days when I feel like I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders with everything that is going on in my heart, in my life, in my family. My Faith and Love for God is strong and I know that he doesn't give us more than we can bare. But sometimes we all need a reminder to continue to Let Go, Let God. Lula you were my reminder. Thank you.

Please remember us today in prayer as we go to the Hospital for Richard to have another scan and to hear what the Doctor has to say. With him stopping treatments I constantly remember what the Doctor first told us when Richard first got diagnosed again. Without treatment 8 months to a year. That sentence rings through my head. And as we celebrate holidays like Halloween and our upcoming Anniversary on the 6th as well as all the Holidays and Birthdays that are coming up I can't help but think, is this our last one of this together? How do I fit a lifetime of memories into 8 months to a year? How do I savor all the things I love so very much about him, his voice, his smell, his touch, How? How will I go on without him? How will we go on wihtout him?

I just want my How's and Why's to have answers.