However Long

Wondering if I’ll be on my blog very often over the next
“however long.”

As I write this, I am sitting in a hospital room next to my Step-Dad, Tom. He has stage 4 lung cancer. He went for his first chemo treatment on Aug. 4th and on Aug. 9th was admitted into the hospital having had severe reactions. We weren’t prepared for this. We didn’t consider that within just a few weeks of learning of his cancer that he’d be here, as sick as I’ve ever seen anyone. Sure, I’ve had skin cancer. Just the pesky basal cell. Not life threatening. Not serious. This is stage 4, Incurable. We were told that he would never be healed. We were told that without treatment he would have just months to live. But there is no way that we could have grasped the reality of it all. I’ve never watched anyone die.

Tom is not dying today. He is “fragile” they say. He’s developed an infection. His kidneys are struggling. He is lethargic. He opens his eyes, but I wonder what he sees. His stare is completely blank. He wouldn’t take his medicine tonight. He clinched his teeth as I tried to feed him the crushed pills mixed with applesauce. The machine next to him signaled that his fluid bag was low. Tom reacted to the beeping. He was alarmed. He groaned, he opened his eyes! He reacted… He’s in there!!

Day by day we wait. The doctors can’t give any prognosis right now. He may recover from this “bad reaction.” He may not. We may get him back for a bit, but eventually we will lose him.

Less then 2 weeks ago I was sitting in paradise. I saw rainbows every day. I know God is watching over all of us. I understand that I'm not suppose to understand. I only know to acknowledge Him in all my ways and in return He will direct my path.

More Hawaii pictures... Aren't I blessed?! Hard times will come, but it makes the good times that much sweeter!

Here we are under the banyan tree in maui. It's one of the oldest banyans in the US and it takes up an entire city block. It's amazing!

Toot Your Horn while I take a break

I'm home safe and sound from Hawaii and just in the nick of time it seems. My Dad started chemotherapy and as of yesterday is having a really hard time of it. He's in the hospital trying to recoup from the horrible side effects. I've not had a minute of time to spend on my blog.
As I write this, at 11:20pm I'm sooo tired! I have so much on my mind, but no energy to put it down on this computer. I hope to be able to share soon. Hawaii was wonderful and cancer sucks! Stay tuned my friends. And if you've written yourself a Toot Your Horn Tuesday post then please share!

I'll leave you with one photo from Hawaii. This was our favorite snorkeling spot.

Toot Your Horn Tuesday - Just a few days left

I'll be home in just a few days, keep tooting without me!

Not a good connection

I'm here in Hawaii! I've had time to get on the computer in the evenings, but just don't have a great connection. Just wanted to say what a great time we are having. It's been relaxed and fun. Today we traveled the Road To Hana. Unfortunately it was closed at the halfway point so we didn't see it all, but 2 of my boys did get to jump off a cliff!! (yeah, there was water below.)

I only have time to post one picture (because this connection is so lame.) So here is Chris, his dad, brother and sister. To the right of them is the small creek that we released Glennie's ashes. It was a beautiful sight. Tears flowed and her ashes were carried away, but smiles followed. God is great! Glennie will always be with us.

Tomorrow we're going snorkeling. I will post pictures when I can, but again... I don't have a good connection here. :(

Blessing to all!

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Toot Your Horn Tuesday - Gone To Maui

I'm on a plane today! Heading to MAUI!!
But just because I'm not posting today doesn't mean you guys at home should miss out on Toot Your Horn Tuesday!

Toot Your Horn Tuesday - In Advance

Here we go with another Tootin' Tuesday and I'm hurridly trying to prepare my pets, my house and my family for our vacation. I'm going to Toot In Advance for all the cleaning, list making, shopping, organizing and packing that I have to do over the next few days. I'm already off to a good start. Over the last few weeks, everyone in the family has gotten to do a little shopping. New swimsuits, new flip flops and new travel toothbrushes. What else do you need for Hawaii, right?

So, you're probably wondering how we got so lucky to have scored this trip to Hawaii (Maui, to be specific.) My Father-in-law is taking us! He'd been planning this for a year or so. We're going in memory of his Wife, my Mother-in-law, Glennie (our daughter was named for her.) She passed away just over 3 years ago. She loved Maui, so we're taking her ashes with us. There will be 16 of us all together. My husband's siblings and their families. And the kids have the adults outnumbered! 9 to 7!

Glennie's passing was a shocking and painful experience. We continue to mourn for our loss and often have trouble understanding why she was taken from us in this way. Now, I pray that this trip will be a revival to our hearts that God loves us. That His thoughts are higher than ours. That He has purposes we can't comprehend. And that this parting from Glennie is not the end, but only an interruption until the day that we also come home.

While I get back to my list making and packing, I hope you'll find some time to give a little toot for yourself. You are wonderfully made by God. He does great things through you! So tell us all about it!!! Write your post, add the cute little button from the side bar and then sign up on Mister Linky or just leave a comment!

Blessings!

I Heart Faces - Feet

Seems like I haven't visited I Heart Faces in forever.
I stopped by this morning and discovered that this week, all cameras are aimed at
FEET

So, here we have several feet captured on film. Actually, this is funny because there are very few pictures of me in our family photo albums! At least my kids will know I was there. Or maybe they'll just look back in 50 years and say
"Who's feet are those?!"

And it's Monday! Get your Toot Your Horn Tuesday posts ready and come back tomorrow!!

Photostory Friday - Doggie Door

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Doggie Doors aren't just for Doggies!

Toot Your Horn Tuesday - Life Altered, yet I toot

Habakkuk 3:17,18
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the field produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

It's hard to be happy when your loved one has been stricken with a horrible illness. These last few days have been a wave of emotion. The flow of tears, the flow of good wishes from friends and family, the flow of prayers that will hold us afloat, the flow of life....

I'm tooting today for my decision to be joyful! Life is a gift and it's not always tied with pretty bows. Sometimes the wrapping is lovely, sparkling and elegant, but other times, it's just covered in... POOP!

I hope that you'll still join me this week with your toots. I just know you've done something wonderful that really needs sharing. And I promise, it will lift my spirits to hear about it!

Write your post, add the button and then sign Mister Linky or at least leave some little chirps!!

Life Altered

Dear Friends,

Our family has received bad news this week. My step-father, Tom, has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Doctors have been trying to understand why my Dad's back pain was so severe and the last couple of tests have revealed the news. Now he must meet with an oncologist to discuss his treatment. Stage 4, is ultimately "end stage cancer." Our hearts are broken yet we must continue down the road with this dear man who means so much to so many. Tom married my Mother when I was just finishing high school. He treats me like a princess.

I always try to keep things light on my blog, but with this going on in our lives, there will obviously be some down times. I plan to post regular updates as we muddle through. Tom's attitude is amazing. He lives on faith and trusts in our Lord. We can all takes some cues from him. Maybe our story can be a blessing to you in some way. I've started a Discussion over at my BlogFrog community and I'm hoping that you'll join in if you have a similar story to share. I would love to have a community of support right here! Click here to add your thoughts or story.

Toot Your Horn Tuesday - Back to my old self

Hi All! It's time again to step into the limelight. I hope you'll step in with me!

Today, I'm gleaming, because after 2 years of failed attempts, I have finally reached my weight loss goal. Yes, I've shed 10 pounds!! I hadn't felt comfortable in my body since Glynis was born. (Mostly because I refused to buy a new wardrobe to fit my larger self and my clothes were restricting my breathing.) Now I can breath freely again. =) I really must tell you how I did it too.

I cut all sugar and carbs! I only ate lean meat, vegetables, nuts and low fat cheeses. I ate whenever I was hungry. I must have been pretty determined too, because I have a huge sweet tooth. It's not unlike me to sit and eat 10 chocolate chip cookies in one sitting. So, they call this the South Beach diet in case you're interested. It works in phases and the first two weeks are very restrictive. Slowly you can add more variety, but the idea of the restrictive phase is to curb your cravings. I believe that is the main key! After a week, I had no problem resisting those M & M's! I'd like to add, that my exercise regimen only consisted of several walks a week and a few quick exercises in the living room. Not to mention chasing a toddler around tirelessly!

Also, here's a picture of our family from last night. (I was happy to pose!!)

We had some very special visitors. Two lovely couples, all the way from California. They are parents of some of Chris' best friends. They've been vacationing here in the area. It always means so much to Chris when someone from home comes to visit.

Ok now it's your turn. Write a "toot" about yourself on your blog, add the Toot Your Horn Tuesday button from my sidebar to your post then come back to sign Mister Linky. Leave some "chirps" below too. Then be prepared for our AWE. Whether it's a large feat or a small accomplishment, we'll be there to support you!!

Not Me Monday - Dead Crab

I love MckMama's new Not Me Monday logo, don't you?!

Here's another short post for you. It's Monday for goodness sakes. I'm sure you don't have time to read about all of my stupid antics! Just make sure you're back here tomorrow for Toot Your Horn Tuesday!! And this time, play along!!


I did not let Chandler bring home this adorable, yet dead, crab from the beach. Who knew he would take it to church with him?

I did not make 5lbs of mac & cheese for our small (3 family) July 4th gathering. That's a ridiculous amount don't you think? My teenagers decided at the last minute to skip our party and attend another one. I was totally relying on them to eat it all up. Now it sits in the fridge taking up a whole shelf! I suppose it'll be gone soon enough, but it's not helping my diet any.

I did not smash my head on the door when I found a dead cockroach lying on the floor. I swear I don't know how I did it. Bugs don't frighten me at all, especially dead ones. And even so, how could I do that? (Don't worry friends, it's just a small bump.)

I did not get up this morning at 6am! Last week I stayed in bed every day until well after 7. Why would I bother getting up so early? Isn't it summer?

Photostory Friday - VBS

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Vacation Bible School

Toot Your Horn Tuesday - New friends are a special gift

It's time again to toot our horns!

In fact, I'll toot two horns this time. Mimi, from He & Me +3, came to my house for a visit! How cool is that? She lives in Michigan, but was here in Virginia on vacation. I understand she was to have a meeting with some other bloggers in North Carolina too.

We had a great visit! My oldest son was working, but the rest of my kids, plus her 3 were all under the same roof. While the kids jumped on the trampoline and bowled on the Wii, Mimi and I just chatted away. What a wonderful lady she is. Her smile just lit up my living room. We only visited for a couple of hours, and of course we were interrupted by all those active kiddos, but boy did we hit a lot of topics. Family, blogging, weight loss, faith, decorating, health issues and more. She has family here in Virginia, so I look forward to seeing her again. And next time, we'll get a pedicure together! (ok Mimi?)

This was my first experience meeting one of my blogging buddies in person. I'd love to meet a few more. So if you're ever in Virginia, Let Me Know!

And one more toot...
Vacation Bible School has begun. I'm teaching 2nd grade this year along with several other brave ladies. 2nd grade happens to be the largest group this week. I think there are about 16 kids. 3 more days left and let me tell you, it's quite tiring. But it's just as much a blessing for the adults as it is for the children.

Ok, I'm signing off. Hoping that many of you are ready to join in the fun and write a post about how special you are. Sometimes even the smallest task needs a little recognition. So write away! Whether you conquered a pile of laundry or ran a marathon, let's hear about it!

Include the cute little TYHT button on the left side bar in your post and then sign Mister Linky. And most importantly, Cheer each other on!!

Doesn't look like I'll be writing much of a post for Monday. I'm EXHAUSTED!
Vacation Bible School started tonight. It was a blast. Wish we had it in the morning though. I'm much more with it in the morning.

Really the only reason I'm even taking the time to write right now is because I wanted to announce that Glynis went poop in the potty.

Aren't you just jumping for joy?! I know...sorry...I'm a Mom of a toddler. This is a real highlight for me.

I will be writing more interesting things on Tuesday. For one, my great blogging friend, Mimi, came for a visit! I'll post a picture and write the rest of my "toots" then. That's right, I'm looking forward to everyone joining in for another week of Toot Your Horn Tuesday. Make sure you're here!

G'day Mates! (VBS has an Australian theme)

Photostory Friday - Safety First

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Here's what you do with those independent teens and toddlers who think they don't need Mommy anymore...

Bubblewrap!