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