Cheering for the Warriors!

Thank you to the Development Team at WCS

(Hope & Julie)

for our Warrior Wear Shirts!

This past Wednesday, Tom and I were able to go to the first WCHS Boy's Tournament game. We are so glad we could be there to see Kevin Weakley (head coach) get his 200th career win! Congratulations to Kevin and his warriors.

Thursday evening we were blessed with another delicious meal...

Thank you, Wendy Feusse!

Not only did she bring a delicious meal, but also an array of goodies too!

Friday Scott Weakley was able to come and stain the ramp in our garage.

We enjoyed lunch conversation and much laughter with him when he finished!

Thank you, Scott!

Friday night Tom was feeling well enough for us to go and cheer on the Lady Warriors at their District Final game against Shekinah Christian.  It was a well fought game with the Lady Warriors ending their season with the District Runner-Up title.  Congratulations Coach Heath and team for a great season.  Thank you too, to Ann Wheat and the students of the Warrior Warehouse who graciously gave us the Warrior sweatshirts we proudly wore to the game!

Happy Birthday Travis!

Travis is our newest "nephew in love" married to my sister's third daughter, Emily.  Tom and I have amazing memories from their wedding...it was the last time we danced together before Tom's recurrence.

September 24, 2011

"Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband."

Ephesians 5:33

Travis & Emily are the proud "parents" of Roxy, their black lab!

“Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

Matthew 15:27

Travis & Emily

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves."

Philippians 2:1-3

One of my favorite pictures...cousins & their "country boy" husbands!

Tim, Lauren, Zac, Sarah, Emily & Travis

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3:14-19

Travis was an amazing catcher for the MVNU Cougars!

"Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."

I Corinthians 9:25

Thanks Travis for playing the game of life with the imperishable in mind. We love you and pray your birthday is one to remember!

Love, Uncle Tom & Aunt Lisa

Last Saturday night the whole Kline Clan (26 of us) gathered here for dinner, minus Papa and Granny.  Thank you to my sister who pulled off another challenging meal.  Not only is it a challenge to cook for 25, but with three people having dietary restrictions, makes it even more challenging.  We enjoyed grilled chicken, herbed sweet potato pan fries, baked potatoes, and green beans.  Aubrey made two delicious salads, I threw in some rolls and the plethora of desserts were cupcakes and apple dessert (Kelly), peanut butter brownies (Cheryl) and strawberry shortcake (Lauren)!  What fun it was celebrating Declan's introduction into the "crowd".  We certainly missed mom and dad, however we realize our size is making each gathering a challenge...next time we may need to rent a larger facility!

Sarah introduces herself to Declan!

Tom started another chemotherapy drug Monday night.  He will take this medication daily for two weeks.  So far, Tom is tolerating it well.  We made it to therapy yesterday with no "roadside incident" and we are so thankful.  He is sleeping well at night and for that we give thanks.

So often when I write I think whoever reads this must think all we do is eat!  Sometimes it does seem like that.  I want to honor and say thank you to all who have brought food and I have found that this is the best way to do that...and, maybe it will bring inspiration in your meal planning!  Last night we enjoyed a Mexican Fiesta compliments of Tari Hooley.

White Chicken Chili

Chips & Black Bean Salsa

Individual Coffee Cakes for Breakfast & Pineapple Cake for dessert!

Thank you Tari...you're a blessing!

Last Fall while the leaves were piling up and gathering in our gutters, we noticed our neighbor was having an estimate on gutter guards.  We decided it would be a smart decision for us to do the same.  This past Monday and Tuesday the gutter guards were installed so now this Fall Tom will not have to worry about the gutters getting clogged with leaves.  Another task that Tom always took care of and now is unable to.  With all of his limitations, he continues to be so positive and never complains about what he can't do...he is amazing.  I think the two hardest limitations he has is walking and reading.  We who enjoy those things can't begin to imagine what it would be like to not have them, yet he perseveres with an amazing attitude...just like Tom!

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

James 1:12

Surprise Friday Visit!

Friday afternoon there was a knock at the door...we weren't expecting anyone...who could it be?  What a flood of emotion when we saw our niece, Brittany and her new son, Declan!  What a joy to finally meet, hold, love, snuggle and welcome him to Ohio!

A bundle of pure joy!

Matt is home for the weekend so he could meet Declan!

We knew Dan, Brittany and Declan were coming to Columbus for the weekend, but had no idea that they were coming earlier than planned.  We have a family dinner planned here Saturday night and I knew there would be many arms to hold this precious baby so it was nice we could have the one-on-one time Friday.  Thanks "B" for making our day...he's a "gift from the Lord"!

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward."

Psalm 127:3

After getting through Tuesday's "episode", Tom seems to be handling the first dose of chemo well.  The new medication arrived in the mail this week ready for Monday.  We both are trusting the Lord to see Tom through these next two weeks without any "episodes".  Pray that we would place any anxiety at the foot of the cross.

Another delicious meal provided by Erin Camerlengo!

Beth Beatty made the slaw...

Thank You to two precious ladies!

Carmel Apple Dessert!

We are so grateful how our Lord provides for us.  Today I am meeting with Sarah Fudge who has our taxes ready to sign!  This is a task that Tom has always done...and being the math man I think he always enjoyed it somewhat...really!?  The thought of it makes me nauseous!  What a blessing that she took on this task, I am confident that she did a great job and it can be crossed off my "to do" list....whew!

Thank you again for your continued love, support and prayers on our behalf...we are blessed to have you on our "team".

Remembering Gary Edmund Carter

Last May we became aware that Gary Carter (former MLB Expos/Mets player) was diagnosed with the same brain tumor that Tom has, GBM.  It was bittersweet for us to read that Gary went home to be with his Lord last Thursday.  Bitter that he is gone from this life, sweet that he is with Jesus!  What a delight for me to read the family's Caring Bridge blog and see their great faith and love for God and His Word.

GARY EDMUND CARTER "The Kid" Gary Edmund Carter "The Kid" 57, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL went to be with the Lord on February 16, 2012. Born April 8, 1954 in Culver City, CA, he was the son of James H. and Inge. Gary will forever be remembered by the love of his life, his wife Sandy, with whom he enjoyed 37 years of marriage, three children, Christina (Matt) Kearce of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Kimberly (Kyle) Bloemers of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Douglas of Los Angeles, CA, his brother, Gordon (Linda) of Santa Ana, CA, three grandchildren, Carter and Brady Kearce and Alyse Bloemers (who has a sibling on the way in August!), along with countless other family, friends and fans who were blessed to know him. Gary was pre-deceased by his parents. Nicknamed "The Kid" for his infectious smile and enthusiasm, Gary spent the last two plus seasons coaching baseball for NCAA Division II Palm Beach Atlantic University following a Hall of Fame playing career in Major League Baseball. Inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 following a brilliant 19-year career, Gary is known as one of the greatest catchers to ever play the game. Spending the majority of his career playing for the Montreal Expos and New York Mets, Gary helped lead the Mets to a World Series Championship in 1986 as he started a two-out rally in Game Six to help propel the Mets to an improbable victory in seven games. Gary leaves behind an incredible legacy in many circles for his athletic abilities, charitable endeavors, and unyielding faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The number of lives Gary touched is countless. The founder of the Gary Carter Foundation, he was instrumental in raising funds and awareness for such causes as leukemia, juvenile diabetes, the Autism Project of Palm Beach County, and providing educational resources to benefit local schools. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful people at Hospice of Palm Beach County and Visiting Angels for helping Gary rest comfortably the past several weeks. Additionally, the family would like to thank Dr. James Harris for his personal attention and care for Gary throughout this journey. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Friday, February 24 at 7:00 PM at Christ Fellowship Church, 5343 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to The Gary Carter Foundation, 580 Village Blvd., Suite 315, West Palm Beach, FL, 33409. Your donations will go to support the Autism Project of Palm Beach County, Hospice of Palm Beach County, and Palm Beach Atlantic University Baseball.

Published in The Palm Beach Post from February 19 to February 27, 2012

Chemotherapy...

Last night Tom started his first round, of six, chemotherapy treatments.  About an hour before he took the chemo he took the anti-nausea medication.  Prior to bed, with much trepidation and angst, Tom swallowed the four menacing pills.  We prayed before bed and turned out the lights.  I am all about "believing in faith", however my practical side said to have the "puke pail" ready.  The devil speaks to me on every detail of this journey questioning my faith...such as, "if you really had faith you wouldn't need the puke pail".  I quickly turn my thoughts to God and say, "is my practicality not faith?".  I toss these thoughts constantly before my God who assures me with His sweet word:

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete."

II Corinthians 10:3-6

My mind is a battlefield and I refuse to allow the devil an opportunity.  This journey has taught me more than I wanted to know about having faith.  Anyway, the night was restless with Tom experiencing sleeplessness (which causes me sleeplessness, especially when he turns on the TV) and his muscle spasms were especially bothersome.  We were so thankful that he didn't experience any nausea during the night.  Other than feeling a little "blah" he said he was fine.  We routinely went through our morning ritual and prepared for therapy.  While driving 65 mph in the center lane, heading south on 315 in the pouring rain, Tom says, "I have to puke"....eghhhhhhhhh!  I quickly got to the side of the road (God even allowed it to be under a bridge), jumped out, popped open the back end where I had a new "puke bag" from the last ER visit, grabbed it and got it to Tom before he hurled!  As prepared as I think I am..."it" always catches me by surprise!  As we sat at the edge of the road, the world zooming by, I called the rehab center and said Tom wouldn't be there today.  We turned around and headed home.

Once home and now totally out of routine, Tom wasn't sure what to do with himself.  He decided he would lay in bed while I read to him (becoming one of our favorite past times).  We finished the book Unbroken, which held us by it's amazing story of survival and God's plan for a life.  Sarah gave Tom the book for his birthday and she actually has met Louis Zamperini who is a WWII veteran and some 90+ years young!  We look forward to meeting him one day too.  We encourage everyone to read it, especially if you are a history buff like our nephew, Timothy!  (hint)

Many of you have faithfully prayed for and asked about my mom.  She sounds great and is looking forward to going home from the hospital today.  She had hoped that yesterday she could go home, however her INR levels were not where the doctor wanted them.  Today they are in a good place to go home.  Please join me in praying that mom will "lay low" while her body continues to heal.  She is not one to "lay low" and busy is her middle name!  Thank you for lifting her up in prayer. 

Great Harvest Cinnamon Bread for Sunday Morning

Compliments of Carylee Meyers

Always a hit at our house...thank you!

Sunday Evening Asian Feast

Compliments of Scott Nishisaki

Delicious treat, thank you!

Tonights Pot Roast, Potatoes, Carrots & Bread

Compliments of Linda Homoelle

Nothing like a good old fashioned pot roast dinner, thank you! 

My Mom

"Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day.
Darkness and light are alike to You.

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well."

Psalm 139:12-14

Barbara Kline...aka "granny"

Last night while I was at bible study I received a call that my mom was in the hospital in Venice, FL.  My dad took her when her arm, chest and neck pain worsened.  You have to know my mom well enough to know she wouldn't go the hospital until the "discomfort" (not pain) was at an extreme level.  She is no wimp and her pain tolerance would blow the "average" person out of town!  So when she agrees to go to the emergency room...it's serious.  Of course, our initial thoughts are heart related, however when the nitroglycerin tablets had no effect, other diagnosis' were pursued.  After many tests, admission to the hospital for the night and more tests scheduled for today the final diagnosis was three blood clots in the lungs...pulmonary embolism.  She is now on blood thinners and will be hospitalized for three days and on Coumadin for six months.  I'm praying those new knives I got her don't cause trouble!  Will you join me in praying for her recovery and no further complications.  I broke down in the car upon arriving home last night wondering how much can I handle and I heard:

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden,

The God who is our salvation."

Psalm 68:19

Without Him bearing my burdens I'm not sure how I'd do this...life.  One breath at a time.  I normally say "one day at a time", I've moved to "one breath at a time"...He is sustaining me through His Word and those of you who faithfully lift me to the throne of grace...thank you.

Herb Roasted Chicken, Wild Rice, Broccoli, Homemade Wheat Bread with Cinnamon Butter & Homemade Applesauce

Compliments of Mindy Barlow...Thank you, Mindy

Warm Berry Cobbler for Dessert too!

Gifts from today:

From sweet friends...

Thank you Linda for the CD

Thank you Mindy for the Grace plaque!

Thank you to those of you who prayed about the disability application process.  It is complete and I received a phone call yesterday that Tom has been approved for disability!  Wow that was fast...untypical for our government process!  I am so thankful for the help of Terry and Kelly with the paperwork details.  I am now working on the insurance side of things as this will be changing too.

Today I spoke with the nurse at the neuro-oncology office who said Tom is lined up to start chemotherapy treatments on Monday.  I then spoke with the pharmacist who said the medicine will be delivered on Monday.  I am working with two separate pharmacies on the two different chemo drugs, one here locally and the other is in Tennessee!  The second chemo drug will start on day 8 and continue through day 21.  Please pray that Tom will respond positively to these new drugs in his system and not experience any negative side effects.  We ultimately trust The Great Physician and His healing hand upon Tom.

Yesterday while Tom was at his therapy session I was able to make a quick visit to the Riverside Acute Rehab unit to visit a dear friend who is on that floor.  I was amazed that a nurse, physician and therapist all recognized me and gave their best to Tom.  It was a sickening feeling going back.  I was able to "conquer my fears" and I am so thankful for the sweet visit that allowed me to have reason to go back and cheer on a friend.

Food Tom is to AVOID

"And has rescued us from our adversaries,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting;
Who gives food to all flesh,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting."

Psalm 136:24-26

Cross references:

1. Psalm 136:24 : Judg 6:9; Neh 9:28; Ps 107:2
2. Psalm 136:25 : Ps 104:27; 145:15
3. Psalm 136:26 : Gen 24:3, 7; 2 Chr 36:23; Ezra 1:2; 5:11; Neh 1:4

Milk & Dairy:  Aged Cheeses - Bleu Cheese, Parmesan, Feta, Muenster, Gouda, Provolone, Gargonzola, Romano, Mozzarella, & Swiss
                        Non-pasteurized Dairy Products
                        Yogurt
Meats:            Wild Game Meat
                        Meat Extracts
                        Dried Meats
                        Sausage
                        Bologna
                        Pepperoni
                        Salami
                        Bacon
                        Lunch meats
                        Hot Dogs
                        Corned Beef
                        Meat Tenderizer
Fruits:            Raspberries
                        Figs
                        Bananas
                        Raisins
                        Prunes
                        Avocados/Guacamole
Vegetables:     Italian Green Beans
Misc:               Soy Sauce
                        Sauerkraut
                        Pickles
                        Olives
                        Teriyaki
                        Chocolate
                        Caffeine