Good News, Bad News

Last Friday I had the awesome privilege of riding my bike from Westerville to Easton with my "buddy" Lori Muschott.  What a gorgeous day the Lord blessed us with...beautiful blue skies, white puffy clouds, sunshine and no humidity...perfect.  Once we arrived at Easton we decided to eat lunch at Brio on the patio that overlooks the fountain.  It was fun to watch the young moms with all their children playing in the fountain...wonderful memories flooded my mind of being a stay-at-home mom and the fun adventures we had.  What a fun meal we had along with great conversation.  I am so blessed with such a friend.  Lori has such a way with listening with her heart and always quick to bring laughter through the tears...thanks, Lori.  We shopped for awhile before heading back to the bike trail.  A total of 14 miles logged...woo-hoo!

Friday afternoon I finished my bed painting project.  I wanted to get that done before Matt left so he could help with setting up the "new" bed and take down the twin bed.  It was a crazy night with getting the house rearranged and packing him up for college!  We were even able to go out for dinner, Tom, Matt and I as we celebrated his last night at home.  We made stops at Costco and Meijer to pick up some of the last minute items he still needed.  It was a fun, busy night.
Saturday morning started with Matt going to the eye doctor for a regular check up.  He needs new contacts and glasses...nothing like waiting all summer and then going the day you leave for college!  He then went to mow grass at the home of his "lawncare job".  While Matt was mowing there, Tom mowed here at our home.  I didn't want Tom to mow here because we had already decided that he would go with us to MVNU (good news).  Tom won that "battle" and did a great job.  When Matt got home we loaded his fan, full!  I know girls usually have a lot of "stuff", but boys I'm now realizing do too.  Matt maybe doesn't have as many shoes, but just the size (13) of them takes more space than the average!  I fixed us some lunch and we headed to Mt. Vernon on another beautiful day.  Matt's basketball coach, Coach Moore, along with a team of people had the van unloaded in record time!  We are so thankful for the hands of help so that Tom wasn't doing more work than he needed to.  We had the opportunity to meet Katelyn's mom and uncle who were there dropping her off too.  Tom settled onto Matt's couch while Matt and I tackled his room.  It didn't take as long as we thought and I think we all were pleased with the outcome.  It is a smaller space than he had last year so it was tricky getting it all organized.  His roommate is another basketball player, Caleb Williams, who is 6'8"!  Two big boys living in tight quarters will make for an interesting year.

Matt's "dorm/apartment"

Matt & Katelyn

Saying "Good Bye"

It was dinnertime when Tom and I got back to Columbus on Saturday night and Tom wanted to go out to eat, I didn't argue with that!  We decided to call my sister and see if she and Terry wanted to join us and they did!  What a fun evening we had together.  After just being down to one anti-seizure pill a day we could all notice a positive difference in Tom...it was like "old times".

Sunday was the day we commissioned our new pastor and his family.  What a special service we had with Tom Julien preaching.  Tom shared about "perspective" and I appreciated his thoughts on seeing life from God's point of view...looking down vs. trying to "look up" through the clouds and wonder what God must be doing.  He shared from Ephesians 4:1-16 and our responsibility as the body of Christ.  After the service "the body" gathered for a potluck picnic outside.  It, once again, was another beautiful day with no humidity and beautiful sunshine.  It was so special for me to "officially" meet Pastor Mike and his wife, Letitia.  What wonderful, genuine and sweet people who love Jesus!  We are so thankful to have them here.

Sunday afternoon Tom took his nap and when he woke up we went on a walk.  We are trying to get out an enjoy this weather and get a little exercise too.  We try to take it slow and not rush past the the beauty God places all around us.  I stopped, with Tom's encouragement, to take a picture of a beautifully formed thistle.  It reminded me of my sailing days years ago.  I sailed on a "thistle" boat that had the thistle logo on the sail.  I loved that boat named "Pogo".  Slowing down to take life in and let memories be recalled.

While on the walk Tom mentioned that he felt that he was having to think too much about how to walk...egh.  Around 6:00 p.m. he started having his "seizure/episode" just like the one he had in Florida where he couldn't talk and became very frustrated.  I was immediately alarmed and sat down with him to get him to quit trying to talk, breath deeply and relax.  After about 30 minutes he started getting better.  He claims he could "feel" it coming on.  (bad news)  It had only been three days since we cut his medication back and we didn't anticipate this.  My sister "popped" in just after this and we brainstormed about the similarities of the time in Florida and then now.  We came up with the fact that Tom had not had naps both times on the day before.  When I talked with the doctor he said that fatigue definately will play a role in seizures and that could be the reason.  He wants to keep Tom on the single dose a day and see how he does.  We will watch him closely and make sure that he gets his daily nap!

Tom went ahead Monday with his early morning bus duty at school which I wasn't happy about but, he said "I love seeing the kids come to school", how do you argue with that?

We rejoice with Tom's mom as she has come through her second cataract eye surgery in 2 weeks!  This morning she had her other eye done and with success...yeah!

Tom's Mom with "her boys"

Update

Tuesday, August 23, school started.  We are so thankful that Tom is back in the swing of school life and hopefully 'holding down the fort' that holds his heart.  It seems to be a great start of another school year and we have so much to praise the Lord for regarding Tom and his ability to be back at the job he loves.  We are so appreciative to all the friends/staff who have come alongside of Tom to help him not only with tasks at work but with rides to and from school.  THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for accommodating our needs.

First Day of School - Dave & Tom

Many people have been calling or texting with regards to Tom's doctor appointment yesterday.  We met with the surgeon, Dr. Zerick, and he thought Tom was doing great!  We talked about the possibility of lowering the dose of the anti-seizure medication and Dr. Zerick was all for it!!  Tom will now start taking just one a day instead of two.  We will try this for a time and then possibly go to every other day.  We will not totally wean him off like last time but we think this will be a huge help with the "sluggishness" Tom has.  The doctor will like to see Tom back in October after his next MRI.  He shared with us some very hard things too...such as "you know this type of cancer is going to come back, it's just a matter of time".  Tom and I both shared that "only if it's the Lord's will".  We know what the medical experts and books say...bleak and grim are the common words used, however we know the Great Physician and we are totally trusting Tom and his GBM to Him and Him alone.  We take the words of doctors and medical journals with "a grain of salt." 

Projects loom over me here at the house.  So many things I want to get done before Matt leaves on Saturday so that he can help me with the lifting and moving.  I took on the garage Monday as my "project".  Since March things have come to a halt and the garage was a mess.  I literally removed everything, cleaned, pitched and reassembled much to Tom's surprise when Tim Kraynak brought him home that day.  If you want to put a smile on Tom's face there are three things you can do:  1) feed him, 2) wash his car and 3) clean the garage!  He had quite the smile and I was quite satisfied, but very tired too.  I was too embarrassed to take a "before" pic and even after it was clean because I know some of you and have been in your garages to know ours still wouldn't "pass the test" (Mike :).  I still have many more projects and I'm not sure if you ever run out of projects because by the time you cross off your list of "to do" the first one needs re-done!

Yesterday I took on a painting project.  When I was 2 years old my parents moved me into a "big blue bed"...my iron bed from childhood.  It was moved into our basement for Zac and Sarah one day.  Since my parents will be coming to stay with us September 10-25th I needed two guest beds.  So I asked my mom if I could paint my blue bed and she responded, "it's been blue since you were two!"  Now I'm not sure that was an answer...am I violating her sentimentality with paint?  I've never been too sentimental so I painted!  We will now have two guest bedrooms (three with Matt gone) so please come and visit!

Blue Becoming Off-White

Notice the paint drop cloths?  Those were Tom's sheets from his college days!!

Please pray for us as we decide if Tom will go with Matt and I to MVNU on Saturday.  I know there's not much Tom can do to help with the move in, but I selfishly just want him there.  He has always been with me on these move-in days.  It will be a long drive home alone for me if he decides not to go.  I can say that Matt has been my "right hand man" during this summer and I'm going to miss him more this year than I thought possible.  I'm tearing up as I type.  He brings joy, laughter, and life to our house.  Not to mention he is our lawn care, garbage man, and even helps with the laundry!  Our house will become very quiet again.

Weekend Fun

Last Thursday I had the privilege of giving a home perm to my niece, Emily.  Emily is getting married on September 24 and I wanted her to sign a disclaimer before we started just in case it was a disaster!  I didn't want to be held responsible for a bad outcome.  Anyway, we had a great time talking as we rolled, rinsed, sprayed, waited, rinsed and rinsed!  She is a brave woman.  I do believe it turned out just fine and it was an honor for me to have her trust me to do it.  You see, my mom is the "perm giver"...Emily and I both wondered just how many perms mom has given in her lifetime...too many to count!  With mom in Florida Emily had to settle with me doing it.
Friday night Tom and I enjoyed a date night at home.  I had been to the grocery store that day and purchased some fresh scallops...one of our favorite sea foods...and decided to make a special dinner for two.  After dinner we played our usual Skip-Bo and Tom's temper flared with me beating him quite badly!  He did come back on the second hand and beat me with a much closer finish.  He has definitely kept his competitive spirit!

Saturday morning Julie McIntosh picked me up to go to the Worthington Farmer's Market.  What a beautiful morning we enjoyed together.  We were not able to get everything we wanted so we have another trip planned.  I was able to get some delicious sweet corn and some organic cheese.  Julie came home with a watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, apples and honey.  Thanks Julie for a fun morning!

After getting home from the Farmer's Market, Tom and I loaded up our bikes to meet up with Dave and Lori Muschott for a trail ride.  While unloading the bikes Tom scraped his shin which started to bleed.  Lori jumped into first aid mode and had band-aids ready!  We rode about 10 miles with Tom keeping up the whole time.  It was a perfect temperature in the shade of the trees and with the breeze of the ride.  What fun we had.  Lori had prepared a very healthy lunch for us when we returned.  We treasure their friendship and so enjoy our common interests together.  We definitely will be doing that again on into the Fall until the snow starts to fly.  It was great exercise for Tom as well as me!

One they way home from biking I had a voicemail message inviting Tom and I to dinner at Kevin and Anne Marie Weakleys!  Tom said "yes" he wanted to go and thought after his nap he should be rested enough.  So we enjoyed the evening with the Weakley family and Homoelle family too!  Anne made chicken Parmesan (that was amazing) along with a delicious Cesar salad.  I picked up some bread from Raisin Rack and made a fresh fruit salad.  Suzanne brought dessert and had Tom in mind with Organic Raspberry Sorbet with fresh red raspberries that Tom thought was out of this world.  Thank you to our friends for understanding and accommodating Tom's new eating habits...we both appreciate it.  After dinner the Weakley girls, Katherine and Megan, wanted to see the "boys" have a dance off to Wi Dance!  They made Mr. Homoelle wear some special "props" to help with his dance moves!  He was a good sport.  So Kevin, Tom and Kent hit the dance floor and we all laughed until our cheeks hurt...what a special memory.

I can't remember who "won", but I'm sure if you ask them they will be sure to remember!  We are so thankful for the wonderful friendships the Lord has blessed us with...we are blessed.  Just when we were about to leave, Troy, Julie and Emma McIntosh stopped by.  We are just sorry that Troy wasn't in on the "dance off"...now that would be fun!  Next time...

What a fun group...notice how equally tall each of the gentlemen are!?  I think some of the younger men must still be growing.

Sunday we were blessed by our new pastor Mike Yoder's pledges to God, His Word, his family and now us as his extended family.  We are looking forward to this new chapter at Grace Brethren Church - Polaris.  What an honor to see Pastor Jim and Triceine and Mrs. Plaster join him on the platform as Pastor Yoder honored them for their commitment to the same.

Matthew left on Friday afternoon for a "surprise" visit to see his friend Katelyn.  She was quite surprised to see him when he showed up at her work late Friday afternoon!  My brother lives not too far from Katelyn, so it's nice for Matt to spend the night at their home when he goes to visit.  Matt called on Saturday to ask if he could spend the night Saturday night also.  He went to church with my brother's family and then enjoyed a round of golf (& humble pie) with my nephew Braden.  Matt has been playing some great golf this summer but not so on Sunday.  Braden is a high school junior and plays on the varsity golf team at his high school.  I'm sure it was a great feeling for Braden to beat his "big cousin" for a change!

School starts tomorrow, August 23, and I know it will be a big adjustment for Tom with the added people, noise, names to remember and much more activity.  He told me yesterday that he's a little nervous knowing he won't know people's names.  I know that God will give him the grace and stamina to see him through.  We continue to take one day at a time...that's all we can do and all that God asks.

"Give us today our daily bread."

Matthew 6:11

This morning in "One Thousand Gifts" I read:

"All fear is but the notion that God's love ends.  Did you think I end, that my bread warehouses are limited, that I will not be enough?  But I am infinate, child.  What can end in Me?  Can life end in Me?  Can Happiness?  Or peace?  Or anything you need?  Doesn't your Father always give you what you need?  I am the Bread of Life and My bread for you will never end.  Fear thinks God is finite and fear believes that there is not going to be enough.  In Me blessings never end because My love for you never ends.  If My goodnesses toward you end, I will cease to exist, child.  As long as there is a God in heaven, there is grace on earth and I am the spilling God of the uncontainable, forever-overflowing-love-grace."

Please be in prayer with us as we meet with the surgeon, Dr. Zerick, on Thursday.  Once again we have accumulated some questions for him and we trust that we will get some answers or at least some insight to them.



Catching Up

When I take breaks from blogging it makes my brain work extra hard recalling all that has happened!
I'll start with my girls night out on Friday.  Terri Parrish, Carylee Meyers and I went to see the movie "The Help".  I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it as a "chick flick".  After the movie we went to "Orange Leaf" for frozen yogurt.  This was a new experience for me and it also comes highly recommended.  There are many different flavors of frozen yogurt to choose from and you don't just have to have one!  After sufficiently filling your cup to your liking you proceed to the topping area...overwhelming!  Too many to try them all, so I guess we'll have to go back!  At the end you weigh your bowl and pay accordingly.  Not that that was enough we enjoyed a table outside and chatted away the night.  What great fellowship shared with two very dear friends.

We found out on Friday that my niece, Brittany and her husband, Dan, are expecting a BOY!  Our family who has been predominately of the female persuasion is now being taken over by the male species!  We can't wait to meet the "little Mr." at the end of the year or possibly at the beginning of 2012...whenever he chooses to enter the world it will be a special day.

Kelly, Cheryl, Christian, Aunt Margaret, Kim & Lisa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIM! I hope your computer is fixed so you can get your birthday greeting!

Saturday started with my sister and I going to Ashland, Ohio (please forgive me Elaine for not calling you) to a special bead store before going to my cousin's daughter's bridal shower in Mansfield.  Kelly and I were hard-pressed to select just the right beads since the selection was great.  After making our choices we went to the shower.  What a beautiful shower with a great opportunity to visit with my aunt and cousin.  I pray I'm as fun, sweet and young as my Aunt Margaret when I'm 82!!

Sister Kelly, Sister-in-law Cheryl, Aunt Margaret & Me

After the shower Kelly and I enjoyed a leisurely shopping spree through Gabriel Brothers!  We arrived back in Columbus in time for me to catch up with Tom and he even beat me in a game of Skip Bo.

Cousin Randy, Aunt Margaret & Cousin Kim

Our new beads!

Before leaving on Saturday for the day I text several of Tom's friends...Elden, Kent, Kevin & Terry...to see if any of them could at some point stop in to visit with Tom (but not during nap time!) to help pass his day alone.  Tom said that they all stopped at some point!  Elden brought a bounty of fresh corn, tomatoes and cucumbers.  Terry and Zac picked up Chipotle for their dinner.  Thank you to all of you who took time out of your busy Saturday to encourage Tom.

Once again God blessed us on Sunday morning.  Two recent WCHS graduates, Annie Barlow and Ally Butterworth, sang "Blessings" for the offertory.  This is the song that has encouraged me through this trial and I had posted here earlier on the blog.  It's still here if you want to listen...you'll be blessed.  Let's just say that I needed a tissue during that and they did an amazing job...thanks Annie and Ally.  Pastor Beau Stanley then took us to II Timothy 4 for our last sermon from the series on Paul. 

"In the future,

there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness,

which the Lord,

the righteous Judge,

will give me on that day,

and not only to me,

but to all those who have loved His appearing."

II Timothy 4:8

The future is very near to our hearts and Tom and I both look forward to meeting our "righteous Judge" to receive our crowns.  We are only here on this earth for the time God allows.  We pray that, like Paul, we have fought the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith during our short stint here.  In verse 2 Paul calls us to "proclaim the message, persist in it whether convenient or not" so if you're reading this and you're not absolutely certain of your future, please call out to the Lord and He will hear you.  God has given Tom and I this "platform" and we want to proclaim the message of Christ through this trial, giving Him all the glory.  The service ended with another WCHS student, Crista Anderson, singing "Give Me Jesus" what a powerful way to end a message on Heaven!...more tissues...

Sunday was a typical "day of rest".  Late in the afternoon we received a call from our good friends, Scott and Kathy Weakley who wanted to come visit.  We decided to have them join us for dinner.  I was able to "throw together" some stuffed red peppers, fresh green beans and some blueberry crisp and Kathy tossed together an organic lettuce salad and we had a great evening!  I said the impromptu gatherings work better than most planned events!  It was so fun to see recent pictures of their new grandson, Jonathan...he's adorable.  I know it's sad that they live so far away in Texas.

I was able to clean a friend's home for her on Monday.  After cleaning I picked Tom up from the HS.  He took his afternoon nap while I mowed, edged and weeded in the yard.  To say the least...I was very tired that night!

MVNU Men's Basketball Team - Belize, Central America

Tuesday was very busy.  Tom had his freshman orientation on Tuesday morning and evening.  Thanks to David Stoll for bringing Tom home in the afternoon while I was back at The Uniform Store working 10-7 for Steve and Jill Coon while they took their daughter Emilee to Liberty University.  Dave Muschott then picked Tom up for the evening session of orientation.  I was home for a short time before picking Matt up at the airport from his MVNU Men's Basketball Missions Trip to Belize!  What a fun time to hear him tell of their adventures in Central America.  I now have my camera back.  I was surprised to see all 350 pictures he took while there.  It's so good to have him home safely and know that God used the team.  They stayed at a primitive camp in a bunk house with no air-conditioning!  They did service projects in the morning and then ran a basketball camp for the local children.  One of Matt's highlights was sharing his faith with a young believer and hearing his teammates share their faith drawing them all closer to each other.  We pray that each of these opportunities God gives Matt, makes him into the man God desires him to be.

We are so grateful to the Lord for seeing Tom's mom through cataract surgery on Tuesday.  She had little to no pain and will go back in two weeks to have the other eye done.  We are so glad to live in a day when technology allows for the medical treatments to make our daily lives better!  Way to go Granny...you're a trooper.  We just wish we were closer to pamper you.

Granny Anglea





Happy Birthday Uncle Jim & Brinley Jo!

Yesterday was my first "official" day back at work and while I was there I got to thinking maybe it was March 11th and the past 5 months were just a nightmare!  I checked the calendar and no, it was August 11th...pinch myself, yes...the last 5 months were real...bummer!  Work went well.  I was able to recall most things...we'll see how I do when Steve and Jill aren't there next Tuesday and Wednesday...a true test.
Today my Uncle Jim celebrates his birthday and Tom and I both want to "shout out" to him...thank you so much for the "special" card we received yesterday.

"Happy Birthday"

We pray your day is blessed...we love you!

Our dear nephew and his family are missionaries in Madagascar!  Their second daughter, Brinley, celebrates her 3rd birthday today.  We know God has special things planned for her as she follows dad and mom around the globe to serve Christ.  Even though we haven't met sweet Brinley in person (just Skype), she is very near and dear to our hearts and in our prayers...we love you Brinley.  We pray your day is as special as you are!

Good Bye Compazine, Hello Zofran!

We are rejoicing in a full night of sleep.  It is obvious that the new anti-nausea medication, Zofran, was the trick.  Tom is still asleep as I write.  I pray that he will "bounce back" quickly after a rough Monday night and a full day of work Tuesday.  He has two meetings at work today, one at 11 and the other at 2.  We are thankful he could sleep in today.
Last night we received this text from my niece, Emily:

License Status:  ACTIVE

Emily Herbst, RN, BSN

Way to go Emily!  We are so proud of you and know you will be used by God as His instrument to hurting people at Licking Memorial Hospital.

I am planning on going into The Uniform Store on Thursday and Friday to re-acclimate myself to my old job!  I am so thankful to Steve and Jill Coon who have been more than "bend over backwards" for me these past five months.  Their flexibility and love for both Tom and I has been extreme.  I look forward to being in the new store, getting into a routine again and "hanging" out with my friend!  Steve and Jill live around the corner from us and have put in an amazing garden that we get to partake from!  Before we left for vacation they blessed us with a bounty basket that was amazing (see pic below).  They will take their daughter, Emilee to Liberty University next week so I will be full go at the store.  I know that Emilee will thrive there and that God will use me to help them through that "first child flying from the nest" emptiness.

Friday night I have plans to go see the new movie "The Help" with girlfriends!  It's always fun to have something to look forward to.

Saturday Tom will be on his own for awhile as my sister and I travel back to our hometown, Mansfield, for a cousin's bridal shower.  We plan to make a special trip to the bead store there too.

Temodar Trials

Only God could know all that would transpire in 24 hours since I was sitting here yesterday!  We went into round 2 of chemo thinking we were wiser and prepared...not.  Yes, I did fix a milder meal...yes, Tom took the anti-nausea medication an hour prior to the Temodar and last night was very reminiscent of a month ago.  At exactly 1 a.m. Tom woke with vomiting.  It had been 4 hours since last taking it so I headed downstairs to retrieve the compazine when the dog decided she needed out.  It wasn't 30 minutes later Tom was back in the bathroom.  After 4 trips to the bathroom every 30 minutes his tummy was empty.  This was not how we wanted the night to go.

Matt left this morning along with the MNVU men's basketball team to Belize for a mission's trip.  I took Matt to the airport at 6 a.m.  Yes, we're all a little tired today.  Please pray for Matt and the team as they minister and share Christ with the people God has for them there.  Matt took my camera with him so I won't be posting any new photos.  I feel lost without my camera now...it has been close at my side for the past 5 months!

In spite of our night, Tom still wanted to be at work today.  A family interview at 9:30 and then a Principal's meeting at 11:30 is what was on Tom's plate today.  I will pick him up at 2:30 to come home and rest.  I just may take a nap today too!  I am so proud of Tom's "gumption" for getting up and going, pushing himself past his "cancer world" and back into the christian school realm of life.  They say you can't keep a good man down...he's an example of that!
After taking Tom to work this morning I made a last minute decision to run some errands.  Now please understand that this is true...when you don't put on make-up, brush your teeth, wear jewelry, change your clothes from the day before and feel pretty gross...you will run into at least 4 people you know!!  First Anne Marie saw me in the parking lot and pulled in to "catch up" as she was on her way (without the kids) to meet a friend for breakfast.  She is always an encouragement to me and was the one who gave me the book "One Thousand Gifts" that has changed my life.  As we were standing in the parking lot laughing, crying, hugging and catching up, Sandy Long came over to hug us both and bring more encouragement.  It was an 11 year battle with brain cancer that Rick & Sandy's son, Ryan had so many years ago...but always fresh on her heart.  On into the store I went where God ordained I meet up with Claudia O'Donnell.  I haven't seen Claudia in quite some time and I was reminded of her fingerprints on my heart as she was instrumental in my christian growth over the years leading, teaching and discipling me through God's Word.  I miss you, Claudia.  Not 5 minutes after Claudia walked away Colleen King (a friend of my moms) brought more encouragement.  Colleen had recently had her 5 grandchildren with her and she said without fail every morning and every night they were faithful to pray for Tom!  What a blessing God had for me when I changed my mind and decided to go ahead with my errands and not back home to sulk or primp before then going out!

"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19

After speaking with the nurse at the oncologists office, they have called in a new anti-nausea medication to use tonight.  We pray that, like last time, this will be a one night affair.

Wow...are you ready for my "Barefoot Landing" vacation highlights?  "Barefoot Landing" is the name of the home we stay in.  It is true that you don't need shoes there, except my feet are not used to a tiled kitchen floor and I needed shoes in the kitchen!  Prior to our trip my sister, sister-in-law and I plan our meals for the week.  Each of us have two nights we are responsible for the main meal.  We have kept the same meals over the years that work well for us.  Well this year we had to mix it up a little.  My niece, Cassidy, was diagnosed with celiac disease last year and now with Tom's food restrictions we had to change a few things.  I had roast turkey breast and turkey tacos.  Kelly had turkey burgers and a meal we weren't there for...bad for you brats.  Cheryl had chicken Alfredo and spaghetti with turkey meatballs.  Tom and I appreciate our family for putting up with our change.  It was exciting for me to see Cassidy so happy and she didn't get sick once the whole week...that's a praise!  Our last night we have a leftover bar and clean out the fridge.

Because we were a day later than the group on our arrival, they made an executive decision to put Tom and I in the owner's apartment where Tom could have more peace and quiet.  It worked out great for him to sleep in, take naps and go to bed early at night.  You have to understand that when you have 24 people in one house it can get rather loud.  Thank you to our family for making that executive decision.

Proud Grandparents

I will have to get a copy of the whole group from Aubrey to put on the blog.

Every year we take family and group pictures.  Each family is designated a different color so that when my mom pulls out her brag book each family is distinguished.  All I can say is that the girls love picture night and the boys merely tolerate it.  As a new member joins the family we always warn them about the picture night...if they can endure that then they're in the family for good!  We enjoyed welcoming our newest member this year, Travis.  Travis and Emily will be united in marriage on September 24th!  Travis and Emily met at MVNU where he studied business.  He graduated in 2010 and has been working as a bank manager in Newark.  They have purchased their first home in Newark and Travis has been doing his handyman/remodeling projects while Emily decorates and studied for her nursing board exam which she took yesterday.

Travis & Emily

Each day, one by one we would awake to quiet times in God's Word on the screen porch or deck.  As the chairs would fill more chairs were found and brought in!  There were a brave few who would rise early enough to get out on the boat to catch a ski run on water like glass with the fog still lifting before breakfast.  As tummy's would start to grumble the kitchen crew would start in on the big breakfast.  One of my highlights was watching the girl cousins make a plethora of pancakes...whole wheat, blueberry, plain, gluten-free and chocolate chip!  I've never seen so many pancakes or seen so many get eaten so quickly.  Fun times usually are around food...at least with our family.

After breakfast clean-up, packing coolers with snacks and getting slathered with sun-screen we would one-by-one descend the many steps (105 to be exact!) for a day on the water/dock.  My dad normally brings his boat, however this year traveling from Florida my parents didn't want that extra burden, so my brother-in-law, Terry rented a ski boat from a nearby dock for the week.  Along with my brother's boat, john boat, and jet ski and my niece & nephew's jet ski we almost have enough floatation devices, but not quite!  We 8 adults found ourselves enjoying the peace and quiet once the 16 kids left on both boats for the day.  Between skiing, wake boarding and tubing they would find many places to jump from rocks (cliffs).  We get freaked out when in the evening they show us the video's they've made and the crazy fun they have had together! 

 

Seventy somethings still acting like kids...love it!

Tom would enjoy the dock time quiet and then after a bite of lunch head to nap in the peace and quiet of the owner's apartment.  He would then make his presence known for our dinner meal and evenings of games or movies.

This year Terry and Kelly brought a DVD video series on marriage.  We laughed ourselves silly as the married (& engaged) couples enjoyed hearing the differences between men and women.  It always amazes us how different we are and yet how well we compliment each other when we are obedient to God's Word and His plan for marriage.  BINGO and 2 minutes have new meaning to all of us!

Morgan's Baptism

Braden's Baptism

The ultimate highlight of the week was seeing my niece and nephew be baptised!  My brother shared that a parent's greatest joy is seeing their children be obedient to Christ...and Tom and I agreed.  We knew that God has been tugging on Morgan's heart and she had asked her dad if she could be baptised at the lake.  Mike and Cheryl had contacted our son-in-law, Zac to see if he could share too.  We knew that if they had been baptised at their church we probably wouldn't get to be there.  So we are so thankful and blessed that God put it on Morgan's heart to be baptised at Norris Lake.  It was an added bonus for us to realize that Braden decided he wanted to also.  We pray that both Morgan and Braden will walk closely with Jesus and that their lights will shine brightly for Him as they journey in this life.  Zac was able to share truth from God's Word and wrap up the "service".

My brother's family...

Tim, Lauren, Cheryl, Braden, Morgan, Mike & Erin

Another highlight of the week was as the 8 adults were headed out on the boat, my sister was checking out the rental boat and the different compartments.  As she opened one she slammed it shut and screamed and jumped out of the boat saying there's a rat in there!  We have quite a few manly men in our group, but all seemed a little fearful of a rat!  Tom managed to be the calmest of all and ready to defend himself should the rat head his direction.  After finding the right "tools" for the job my brother "rescued" the rat into the lake...who knew rats could swim so well!  The adventures we have on this earth.

Ready for the rat...with a karate chop!

(see the gray, round compartment with the slot handle...it was in there,

the rat didn't know that dropped 2' down with no food when he went in!)

Home Again!

I think I may have been putting off "blogging" because there is so much to recall and I know it will be long!
Anyway...here we are back home safely after many miles on our tires.  We are so thankful to the Lord for His hand upon us as we traveled.
We are so glad we were at Luke & Jessica's beautiful wedding celebration.  We arrived in Clinton, IL on Friday (7/29) in time for Tom to lay down for a bit before joining in on the rehearsal dinner festivities.  What an awesome greeting from family we had at the hotel!  Tom's brother Tim and our nephew Timothy did the grilling for the dinner!  If you know Tim anything he puts on the grill is amazing.  We enjoyed grilled chicken, BBQ brisket, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans and a trifle bar for dessert.  Terry and Joyce...you did good!  Joyce had the tables beautifully decorated and the fellowship was sweet.

We missed you, Ben!

It was on this night that Tom's Uncle Y.T. and Aunt Patsy said I was a "hero".  I have pondered their comments long and hard as I don't see myself as a "hero".  As I have taken time to think about what a hero is, God has given me this:
H=Honoring - I am honoring God by honoring my marriage vows as I care for Tom with the ability and strength God gives me daily.  Hebrews 13:4 "Let marriage be held in honor among all..." and then in verse 18 "...desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things."
E=Equipping - God is equipping Tom and I to get through one day at a time.  I am equipping (helping) Tom to get through each day.  Again in Hebrews 13:20-21 "Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen."
R=Respecting - How can I miss my husbands greatest need apart from Christ...respect?  It is very clear in Ephesians 5:33 "Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband."  Tom is easy to respect because he has loved me unconditionally for 26 years!
O=Obeying - We taught our children a song that sticks with me even today..."obedience is the very best way to show that you believe, doing exactly what the Lord commands, doing it happily, action is the key to immediately and joy you will receive..." and through this trial I want people to see my obedience to God and my husband.  Even though I don't always feel "joy" I know that real joy is coming = hope.  Even Jesus learned obedience...Hebrews 5:8 "Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered."  Our greatest times of growth are through the suffering.  I guess I'm growing!
So after some thought...I guess I am a "hero".  I pray that my humility will stay in check.

  Uncle Y.T., Aunt Patsy, Lisa & Tom the Bomb!

Saturday morning we all gathered for breakfast at "The Shack".  What a fun morning of more fellowship and food.  The girls gathered at one end of the table while the boys at the other.

Girls Table

Boys Table

You have to understand that Luke and Jessica are both "PK's"...preacher's kids.  This means that both daddies want the ceremony to be extra special...well that's what it was.  Through tears, laughter, God's Word, vows, rings, candles and a kiss the ceremony was spectacular.  As parents they have so much to be thankful for...Luke and Jessica have been obedient to their parents and now we will watch them grow as a couple committed to Christ.

Terry Anglea Family

(Missing Ben, Ashley, Makenna, Brinley & Nellie...and Max, home with a fever)

Before we could get to the reception Tim & Timothy had to get to the airport to catch their flight back to Orlando.  Once that happened Tom was ready to get on the road to start our 8+ hour trip to Tennessee.  Of course Sarah and I were very sad not to get to be a part of the reception.  But remember what the "O" in hero stands for?  We were obedient to go.

Bride & Groom drive off in red wagon!

Abbie, Cherith, Sarah, Aunt Lisa & Leah

The next "groom" and "father-of-the-groom" May 11, 2012!

Jason, Hannah & Kyle (missing Max)

Happy Birthday, Jason! (8/11)

I do want to remember Ben & Ashley who are serving as missionaries in Madagascar.  They were unable to be at the wedding and we missed them.  We look forward to their home ministries come December.  Also, Ben & Ashley celebrated their anniversary on August 6!  We love and miss you.

Then...

Now!

I've received some phone calls and texts regarding Tom's doctor appointment today.  We met with the oncologist and all of Tom's blood work was normal...that is a praise.  However, since the blood work was normal that means that they have increased the chemotherapy dose.  If you remember a month ago we doubled the dose from radiation which caused him to be quite sick that first night of chemo.  We learned quickly that the anti-nausea medication was for a reason.  Tonight we will be on target to get that into his system prior to the Temodar.  He went from 340mg to now taking 440mg for the next 5 rounds.  We pray that he will tolerate it and there will be no complications.  Thank you again for your love and prayers on our behalf.

Stay tuned...Tennessee family vacation recap to follow!