Snow Day!

Hey there!

Snow days are great because I can stay in my pajamas and I don't have to comb my hair!  I watch my kids dress and undress after playing in the snow, but I would like to pass this time...sorry Garrett! I know how you love to miss school.  

Our plan was to leave for Tulsa Wednesday morning, but that flight was sold out.  We made a reservation for a 2 PM flight tomorrow, but it has been cancelled and we have been bumped to the 3:45.  If we make it, it will be a God thing. The travel guy at Tulsa said they could get 20 inches of snow.  Really?  I don't own any snow boots for that, Pat!  

It is only a 45 minute flight to Tulsa, so Lord, we just need a small window of time and we can get there. Hopefully, I will be sending an update from Tulsa tomorrow night. Stay tuned.

Stay warm!
Paige
xoxo

"Prayers for Pat", February 2nd at 12 Noon

Sunshine in Austin

Hello!

What an absolutely gorgeous day! In Austin it was 84 degrees. This morning Pat and I drove to Austin for a visit with his Aunt Carol, Aunt Ruthie and Uncle Mike.  When we knocked on the front door at 9:45 AM, they were surprised!  Carol recently had surgery, so we wanted to go and make sure she was okay.  Pat's Uncle Mike lives in New York City, but he has been taking care of Carol (his sister). We had such a great visit.  Carol is known for her cooking and today was no exception.  Although she couldn't get around very quickly, she made sure we had a great lunch.  We had the largest boiled shrimp I have ever had....a "three biter" we called them.  We loved seeing you guys and Carol, we pray for a very quick recovery.

On our way home from Austin we stopped in Georgetown at the outlet mall to see if we could get Pat some new jeans at the Levi store.  The store didn't have his size, so he was ready to leave.  I told him that leaving that mall that quickly was like taking candy from a kid!  It was a perfect day for shopping and since it was an outdoor mall, we could enjoy the sunshine.  Well, it didn't happen. We got a smoothie and headed home.   :(  We have had a fabulous weekend and it has been nice having the extra week between chemo as he has had some great days and we are so thankful.

We leave Wednesday for Tulsa and I hear the weather will be very cold (single digits) with ice and snow heavy on Tuesday.  I ask that you pray with us that the weather will not hamper our travel so that we can keep our appointments as scheduled.  Pat has his scans on Wednesday and then on Thursday we have a full day of doctor appointments.  

This week is also an important week because we will be celebrating three birthdays: Elizabeth, Matt and Pat's Mom, Chris.   

I am a little anxious and a little excited about Pat's scans Wednesday, but I read this devotional on January 22nd it helps me. I feel like God is taking his hands and putting them on the side of my face and saying...

"Strive to trust me in more and more areas of your life.  Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity.  Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties.  If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations.  Don't waste energy regretting the ways thinks are or thinking about what might have been.  Start at the present moment---accepting things exactly as they are--and search for My way in the midst of those circumstances. "

Have a blessed week!
Paige
xoxo

Garrett's Shot

I wanted to share this great play....

A Full Day

Hello!  Again what a beautiful day!

It was just about perfect to me. We began our day by watching Garrett play basketball at 11 AM at Haltom, but they played Saginaw.  It WAS not pretty when the Spartans beat them 84 to 24.  I am sorry, I just can hold back.  This mom has to say it....G scored 25 points! Woo hoo!  Elizabeth rode with us and Dianne met us there. We had a lot of fun!

Following the game I dropped off Pat and Elizabeth at home and drove to Fort Worth to catch Becky speak in the afternoon session. I believe I have heard her speak now five times, and she still , motivates, stretches and encourages me, not to mention laugh! I told her today that she was just good medicine for me this weekend!  

After that I made a stop at the Sunflower Shop and met Pat and Cash at the park as we wanted to wear him out and we did!  He loves his red ball and will chase it and bring it back to you over and over again.  

Pat and I had date night tonight, as I call it.  We went out for some some fajitas, went to Lowe's and home to watch a movie.  My friends on Facebook were making fun of me when I posted that.  I was told we were party animals and to take it down a notch! Whoa...We will try!  The movie was Secretariat and it was so good. As we sat down to watch the movie I told Pat that this was a perfect night for me and he agreed.  The only thing that would make it even better would be if the kids were with us enjoying the same things we do! bahaha! Elizabeth is at the Mavericks game texting me from a suite! Matt and Garrett are with friends, so not going to happen.

Days like today are huge God hugs and I just relish in them.  You see, God knows this.  You know how it feels when we doing something awesome for our kids  and you can see their joy all over their face?  God gets great pleasure in this. I am so glad because we want more days like this.  Oh how I have learned to appreciate the small things these past three months.  
I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

We love you,
Paige
xoxo

"Prayers for Pat", February 2nd 12 Noon.

My Friend Becky

Hello! I am loving this warm weather and we get another day of it tomorrow....I love 70's weather.

The picture attached is me and Becky Tirabassi. It was a treat tonight as I went to Fort Worth and had dinner with Becky. Tonight is Becky and Roger's 33rd wedding anniversary. I am sorry you didn't get to have dinner with your bride tonight, Roger, but I was excited that I was able, so thanks for sharing her with me and the rest of us Texans!   Several months ago I mentioned Becky in one of my blogs. She is a Christian author and speaker from California, and she is speaking tomorrow at Arlington Heights Methodist Church in Fort Worth. We became friends in 2007 when she came to our church to speak. Meeting Becky is part of my testimony and she truly has had a major influence upon me, particularly her passion for prayer and journaling.

Spartan Basketball tomorrow morning at Haltom City. I am getting sad as the season is about to end.

I don't mind the fact at all that I am able to report again today that Pat is doing good. Once in a while he feels like he hits a huge wall of fatigue and just has to rest or take a nap. He is in really good spirits and his attitude is so positive. I wore my "My Husband Rocks" t-shirt today....a great conversation piece!

I hope you have a great weekend!
With love and hugs,
Paige xoxo

"Prayers for Pat", February 2 at 12:00 noon

Praying in One Accord

Hey there!  It is late, but I wanted to jump on here quickly and tell you that it has been a good day and we are so thankful.

I do have one thing I would like to ask of you.  Many of Pat's old friends from high school have agreed to pray for Pat at 12:00 noon on February 2nd, so I am running with it too.  Pat will have his first scans since chemo began in October, so February 2nd is an important day for us.  Matthew 18:20 (Message) says "Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."  Please mark your calendar and I will be reminding you.  You, our friends and family, are so faithful and loving.  When we all lift our voices to Heaven in one accord, God will hear our prayers.

The weekend is here tomorrow!  My favorite weather will be here and I can't wait.

Hugs!
Paige
xoxo

"Prayers for Pat", February 2, 12:00 Noon
Pass it on....

Meet Loco

Hello!  Hope you had a good Wednesday.  Today was a good one for Pat and I love it that he is feeling so well.  We are thankful that we have another week before we leave for Tulsa.

My heart hurts today for Carolyn as Ray died last night.  I got a text from her about 9:20.  We did text each other before bed. She said that she was feeling the strength and peace from our prayers and she said it really felt weird and unexplainable.   I have felt that indescribable peace before and it is truly a gift. Thank you for praying and caring about our friends.  

The picture attached is Matt with his new dog, Loco. He has been sending me pictures everyday and he says that he really  loves his new sidekick that follows him around everywhere.  

Signing off and sending you blessings!
Paige
xoxo

Carolyn & Ray

Surprise!  I am updating early!  

I have a date tonight and I might be in late!  Ha!  It won't be late!
Pat and I are going out with friends, Conny and Angela and his brother, Benny.  Conny, Benny and Pat have worked for many years when Pat was at Kinro.  Benny is from out of town, so we are going to eat a very tasty hamburger and I WILL be ordering the french fries!

My heart is heavy and I have tried to write about this all week. If you have been reading my journal then you might remember me telling you about Carolyn and Ray who are our friends at the Cancer Center.   Just a short recap for you.  Carolyn and Ray who live in Addison, Texas eloped to Las Vegas in August.  When we arrived about the third week in October at CTCA, we met them about a week later.   Ray also has pancreatic cancer and his symptoms came on quickly for him.  Ray and Carolyn are such a cute couple and when I first met Carolyn I knew that we would be fast friends. After all, this cancer was new to both of us, we are close in age, we are both from the metroplex, our husbands have the same cancer and we both are believers.  She has been a huge comfort to me.

Unfortunately, Ray has been very sick since October and he and his new bride have not been home since October.  They had to spend Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year there. They have lots of family that visit and I have to tell you that Carolyn is the CTCA cheerleader!  She knows everyone and is there to love, pray and encourage her new found family that comes and goes from the Center.  This week she texted me to tell me that Ray can't get any more chemo  and he can't get rid of the infection because the tumors have made him so weak.  All week she has been texting me asking me to pray for strength, wisdom and for the medicine to do its job as well as an appetite for Ray so he can keep his strength up.  Today she told me that Ray has taken a turn for the worse.   Carolyn is so strong.  I know she is hurting, but she is clinging to our Father praying for the miracle.  She says that if the miracle does not come then he will graduate to his mansion in Heaven.  

I ask you to join me in praying for this sweet couple.  It is tough to watch and it is hard.  Although he has pancreatic cancer, it is different than Pat's, but nevertheless it is cancer.  I hesitate in telling you this because it is so sad, but I am promising to pray and I am asking my prayer warriors to join me.  I have attached a picture of Carolyn and Ray so that you can put their names with their faces.  What comforts me the most is that Carolyn is leaning on our Heavenly Father to carry her and she is depending on Him to give her wisdom and guidance in the days to come. Ray still has a positive attitude and he is willing to fight.  

On a lighter note, Pat worked most of the day and he feels good. His lab work came back excellent and his ankle is back to normal.  

I talked to Matt today and he loves his new dog (Matt, what was his new name again?  You threw so many out there that I can't remember). Karen, I know you want to see a picture so I will post that tomorrow.   

Miss Elizabeth went to the doctor today and she has bronchitis and a sinus infection.  I hate it when my kiddos are sick.  

Thank you for your faithfulness and your friendship!

With much love,
xoxo

Rambling

Hello!  Hope you had a good Monday!  We all did, but Elizabeth is feeling like she has some bronchitis coming on or severe allergies. Matt came in today for an orthodontist appointment and Garrett's game, but the game was cancelled this afternoon.  

When Matt came home this afternoon he had a side kick.  I thought he might be joking when he called and said that he got an early birthday present....a dog! My reply was "no you didn't".  Well, he did.  It was a rescue, one year old male dog named "Cocoa Vanilla Bean".  He is a chihuahua.  He is a sweet dog, but we are not digging his name, so when Matt left he hadn't quite decided on a new one.  While I was cooking dinner, I heard him and Pat discussing different names.  Poor Cash was outside because some new dog was occupying his space.  Cocoa Vanilla Bean went home to Waco!

This afternoon I drove over to the Sunflower Shop in Fort Worth. I was there close to two hours looking and comparing supplements that Pat takes everyday. The employees there are so educated and my brain was jammed when I left. If you are interested in vitamins, supplements, and healthy alternatives, and if you have done any research at all, you know what I am talking about.  This is new territory for me, so I am trying to learn all that I can.  One of my important jobs is to make sure Pat eats healthy, calorie-dense, high protein throughout the day, so I am always looking for variety.  If I offer him a nut of any kind right now, he might give me a dirty look. 

Days like today I cherish.  There was not much to write home about, but it was a normal day because Pat felt good, went to work and came home smiling and cheerful, which makes "mom" (that is what he calls me) happy!

So, I say good night now with a smile!

Paige

xoxo

I Love Sundays

Hello!  It is Sunday, my favorite day and this has been such a sweet one!  Pat felt good this morning when he woke up, so we were able to go to the Home and Garden show for several hours and it was well worth our time.  It was a good turn out this weekend.  

We just returned from Life Group just a bit ago.  What an amazing group of men and women!  Pat and I are so thankful to have these men and women to live life together for the past three years and now  walk this journey together.   I did tell them a few weeks ago that they didn't sign up for this, but we sure need them.

Our Life group is doing a new study called 20/20 and Week 2 is entitled "Healed".   We have devotions that we are to read each day, but Pat and I were behind and we decided to do them this morning together.  God sure knows about perfect timing as you will read a little later.  Yesterday was one of those hard days.  A hard day for me is seeing this disease stare right into my face.  Pat feels bad, he is thin and he is just exhausted.  It causes fear in me, and it causes me to doubt.  It is just an emotional roller coaster.  It still feels surreal.

Let the words of Jan Greenwood from our devotion this week explain to you what I am trying to describe:

Despite the evidence of God’s Word, many of us are often afraid to believe for healing. We don’t trust that God is good or that He is willing to heal. Some of us are so terrified of being disappointed that we fail to stretch our faith and exercise obedience. Others of us begin the battle strong but lose our momentum, because fear wears at the corners of our minds and day by day steals a piece of our faith. Sometimes, we listen to our symptoms more than we listen to the voice of God. A hurting body, grueling treatments and many tests simply scream sickness so loudly that we believe the lie. Many of us can’t get past our experiences. We’ve seen a friend or family member suffer and die, and the disappointment stands like a mountain in the way of our hope and faith. Leaping across what is “bad” to believe that God is “good” becomes a seemingly insurmountable obstacle for us. However, if we don’t learn to overcome fear, we will walk in constant anxiety and thwart God’s plan to bring healing and victory to us.

I understand that believing God and choosing to be brave isn’t easy, and it doesn’t mean that we won’t ever have doubt or fear. It simply means that we obey in the face of great obstacles, symptoms and intimidation. Eventually, there comes a season in our battle when we can fully rest in the hope we’ve placed in God, surrender the outcome to Him and trust in His faithfulness rather than in the manifestation of our healing. We know that whether we are healed in this life or not, God is faithful. When we diligently guard our hearts against fear and steadfastly hold to God’s promises, we experience the rewards of peace and hope.

I told Pat she pretty much described what I felt yesterday.  I felt scared and fearful, but today I was filled with joy after hearing this message.  I felt rejuvenated and refueled.  It was like taking a big deep breath and saying "I can do this...let's start over, Lord".  

We had a great discussion tonight discussing healing and my take is that God is still in the business of miracles today.  If you asked me if I believe that Pat will be healed, my answer is yes, although we may go to hell-o and back. I know that God loves me and our family and he knows all about our desires as well as our fears.  2 Kings 20:5 says "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you." As God's children, we are already healed.  But, no matter what our future holds, I will lean on Him and I will continue to love Him.  He works all things according to His good purpose, so I will just trust. Many days it will be a half a day at a time.  

I ask you to continue to pray and ask God to release His power for healing, but most importantly, I pray that you know Him personally.

With much love and thankfulness,
Paige
xoxo

Thank You John

Hello!

The day started this afternoon with basketball at North Crowley High School.  It wasn't a very entertaining game as we beat them 70 something to 20 something.  Garrett did tell me tonight that it was their JV second team.  Since Centennial is a new school, they are not in a district, so they have an unusual schedule.
 
The Home & Garden show went on without Pat today. He has extreme fatigue today, so we hung out at home after the game. Days like today are very frustrating for him as he wants to feel good and tries hard to overcome it.  Being home this afternoon was a good time for me to get a jump start on the dreaded taxes.  

John Lisby, my hat is off to you and I am so very thankful for you and the many hours you have put into Clear Choice.  God knew what he was doing when Pat found you and you joined the Clear Choice team as our salesman.  Many times Pat and I have said "What would we do without John?"  I have thought of you over and over today as you have put tireless hours in this weekend's home show and in the week's past without one complaint, but with your "let's get it done" attitude. I know that you are approaching your one year anniversary with Clear Choice and I just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me. As my friend Wendy said to me after meeting you at the home show this afternoon, "Good people surround your family".  She certainly had you in mind.  

We have so much to be thankful for and some days are harder than others, but we are always reminded of how much we are loved by our family and friends. 

In His Grip,
Paige
xoxo

Thankful Saturday

Hello!

The day started this afternoon with basketball at North Crowley High School.  It wasn't a very entertaining game as we beat them 70 something to 20 something.  Garrett did tell me tonight that it was their JV second team.  Since Centennial is a new school, they are not in a district, so they have an unusual schedule.

The Home & Garden show went on without Pat today. He has extreme fatigue today, so we hung out at home after the game. Days like today are very frustrating for him as he wants to feel good and tries hard to overcome it.  Being home this afternoon was a good time for me to get a jump start on the dreaded taxes.  

John Lisby, my hat is off to you and I am so very thankful for you and the many hours you have put into Clear Choice.  God knew what he was doing when Pat found you and you joined the Clear Choice team as our salesman.  Many times Pat and I have said "What would we do without John?"  I have thought of you over and over today as you have put tireless hours in this weekend's home show and in the week's past without one complaint, but with your "let's get it done" attitude. I know that you are approaching your one year anniversary with Clear Choice and I just wanted to tell you how much you mean to me. As my friend Wendy said to me after meeting you at the home show this afternoon, "Good people surround your family".  She certainly had you in mind.  

We have so much to be thankful for and some days are harder than others, but we are always reminded of how much we are loved by our family and friends. 

In His Grip,

TGIF

TGIF!  Hello there!  Hope your weekend has had a great start.  
Pat's oral antibiotics are working and we saw improvement in his ankle the first thing this morning.  We are relieved and very thankful for his new med.  Thank you for praying with us!  
We love it that Pat is hearing from his old friends from junior high and high school.  As a matter of fact, Pat is talking right now to his coach from junior high.  Coach Kuhlow was Pat's junior high basketball coach and now lives in Louisiana.  Pat pointed him out to us on the DVD we were watching a couple of nights ago.   How cool is that? All of you mean so much to Pat and I have heard most of all of your war stories more than once!

The picture was taken the day before her graduation! These were the party hats!
 
Glad you stopped by sweet friends and family!  
Hugs!

The Ankle

Hi there! I am sitting in front of a beautiful fire, which is the only thing I think is good about cold weather.  You should see Cash right now sitting in the recliner with Pat.  Matter of fact I just heard Pat ask Cash if he was comfortable.  They are such a pair and you should see their morning routine.  He is definitely Pat's dog and sometimes Cash just snubs me.  That is okay because I think it is just a "man's best friend" thing.

This morning Pat had an appointment to get an ultrasound on his ankle.  They definitely ruled out a blood clot on the spot.  The doctor didn't give it a name but just called it an infection, so Pat began antibiotics this afternoon.  If his ankle is not any better by 2:00 tomorrow, he will have to go to ER to get an IV antibiotic. This is your cue please to pray for the oral antibiotics to do their job by tomorrow.  He will also see the his primary doctor tomorrow afternoon to do another round of blood work.

It is going to be a busy weekend around here.  Garrett has a game Saturday at North Crowley and The Home & Garden Show in Fort Worth begins tomorrow.  Clear Choice will have a display, so if you are in the market for residential replacement windows (just a small plug here), stop by and take a gander.  This is one of the bigger home shows of the year, so we hope there is a good turn out.

Your prayers, love, encouragement and support mean so much to us.  It is amazing to feel so loved!  We are so blessed.
Hugs!

Swollen Ankle

Hey there!  

I went to the airport again today to pickup Elizabeth, who had a grand time in San Diego with her BFF!  I would like to say it was uneventful, but I can't.  My car battery died in one of the parking garages and had to have a jump start from the airport "helpers".  A really nice guy who wouldn't let me tip him and he just said "God Bless You"!  

Pat's blood tests ruled out gout, so we are having an ultrasound in the morning.  It could possibly be a blood clot or maybe cellulitis. I will keep you updated. Unfortunately, it is about the same as far as the pain and swelling. Other than his ankle, he is feeling really good today.

I worked a lot today and spent some time in the office.  I really miss my friends at FBC!  Things are getting busy around the church this time of year.

I hear it is suppose to be cold tomorrow, so bundle up!

Until tomorrow!

Hey there!  

I went to the airport again today to pickup Elizabeth, who had a grand time in San Diego with her BFF!  I would like to say it was uneventful, but I can't.  My car battery died in one of the parking garages and had to have a jump start from the airport "helpers".  A really nice guy who wouldn't let me tip him and he just said "God Bless You"!  

Pat's blood tests ruled out gout, so we are having an ultrasound in the morning.  It could possibly be a blood clot or maybe cellulitis. I will keep you updated. Unfortunately, it is about the same as far as the pain and swelling. Other than his ankle, he is feeling really good today.

I worked a lot today and spent some time in the office.  I really miss my friends at FBC!  Things are getting busy around the church this time of year.

I hear it is suppose to be cold tomorrow, so bundle up!

Until tomorrow!

The Good Ol Days

Hello! We just got home from Garrett's game against Lake Country Varsity near Saginaw.  Spartans won 74 to 11, so it was not pretty for Lake Country.  From what I can see at the end of this Spartan season, our guys will have a very good team in the next two years!

Pat got a HUGE God hug in the mail today!  Phil Chaney, and old friend from the "Good Old Days" sent Pat a DVD of an old home video of their basketball team when Pat was in the 8th grade.  Oh my gosh!  It was so cool to watch Pat play. On the video he made a lot of baskets, rebounds and some free throws!  He was number 58 and he had very skinny legs, longer hair and very short shorts!  What a hoot! Garrett got home from the game just in time to watch too! Also on the video was the 8th grade Homecoming ceremony and much to my surprise, guess who was an escort?  Yes, Pat!  The girl he was escorting won the homecoming title. I hear it was a shock because she was new to town!  Bahaha!   Pat was decked out with his blue sport coat and slacks.  I am still smiling after watching the video twice.  Phil, I cannot thank you enough for sending Pat the DVD.  I wish you could have seen his face while he was watching it. Phil, you weren't too bad of a basketball player yourself!  

I met a new chiropractor today and I really like him. My stress settles into my neck, so needless to say, I need a chiro now! My favorite one moved off to medical school and I have not had one in a couple of years.  I am thankful for the referral, Lisa!   Actually at 9:00 tonight he called to check on me and follow up.  I am impressed.

After my appointment, I picked up Pat and took him to see his primary care doctor, Dr. Vargas.  As I mentioned last night, Pat's ankle is very swollen, red, and painful and Dr. Vargas thinks it could be gout.  If it isn't, he will have an ultrasound to make sure it isn't a blood clot.  Prayer warriors, please pray!

It is getting late, so I am going to hit the sack!  I am looking forward to seeing Miss Elizabeth tomorrow when I fetch her at the airport.  Matt, miss you already!  

Sweet dreams,

Three God Hugs

Greetings!

Wow!  What a great day I had!  God gave me three God hugs today. My two girlfriends from high school, Patti and Carla drove down from Madill and Durant to spend the afternoon with me!  Patti and I were inseparable from the 6th grade all through high school.  Carla and I became friends when I was about 16, but we all cheered and played basketball together.  Patti and I have stayed in contact all of these years and this spring she opened her home to me for a week when dad was in the hospital in Durant.  

I truly saw Carla for the first time a year ago at a restaurant in Madill after 30 years.  Our visit was only a brief five minutes, but God had his hand in this reunion.  Just weeks after our chat, she and her husband, Rick, were going to MD Anderson for an extended stay to treat Rick's leukemia.  Our kindred spirits connected and I tried to be the best prayer warrior I could while they were in Houston.  She also kept friends and family updated through Caringbridge.  Rick and Carla were asked by God to do hard. and they had a huge battle to fight.  Their journey touched many lives with their faith and strength and they certainly were a huge inspiration to me.  So, you see what God had in mind for this renewed friendship.  She is now here for me as Pat and I  walk  this journey that is so similar to theirs.   

The picture attached of the three of us this afternoon is one of those "stretch your arm" photos, as our photographer, Pat, left so we had to resort to this major closeup!  You girls made my day!

My third God hug was the opportunity to go to Keeno with my neighborhood gals.  Our group has been together over 11 plus years.  I have not attended since September, so I was thrilled to see them all again.  It is always a lot of talking, giggling and just silliness sometimes.  I love all of you Keeno girls!

Gosh! Does that Matt melt your heart likes he does mine?  Yes, he is my son, but he touched me with his words last night here on the journal.   Bubba, you make me so proud. 

I have many prayer requests too numerous to list here, but my ultimate prayer through this journey is that my three children will be come MOGS and WOGS (Billy Beacham, my former ABF teacher, always says this) and that means Men and Women of God.  I want my children to see God clearly through this journey and that they feel His presence.  Pat and I have talked about this, and we both believe it will be worth it all.

Pat is having swelling and pain in his right ankle, so he has a doctor's appointment tomorrow to check it out. All of the extra fluid and swelling went away after the surgery, but the ankle has not.   Please pray with me that this is something minor.  Other than that, he is feeling much better.  

My devotion today came true.  It read: "Search for all that I have prepared for you, anticipating abundant blessings and accepting difficulties as they come.  I can weave miracles into the most mundane day if you keep your focus on Me."  Today the blessings were abundant!  

Sweet Dreams!

Paige

xoxo

PS:  Elizabeth, I know you are in the land of sand, surf and sun, and you are having a fantastic time with your BFF, Jessica, but I miss and love you!

Had the Test

Someone was praying today!  Pat was able to have the HIDA test on his gallbladder this afternoon. We were told about 1:00 that the machine was down and they had an appointment for us to have the test at 6:30 in the morning.  While we were waiting around for the discharge papers, a counselor came by to check in on us.  Pat stated that he was frustrated and he went on to say that he doesn't understand why he can't go to another hospital to get the test. The counselor asked Patent's Relations about it and Vicky, from that department, jumped on that question.  She made some calls and made it happen.  Fortunately, the machine was fixed but a "formula" was needed and they were able to get it from another hospital.  We were downstairs within an hour getting the test. Yep, answered prayer! I forget that Patient Relations is patient advocacy. What a great resource.  
We are now in the guest room.  Pat is sleeping and pretty wiped out. I went downstairs and brought my dinner to the room...meatloaf, mashed potatoes and squash...yum.  I have a protein shake waiting on Pat, but I am afraid he won't touch it tonight.  He is not hungry and he has been wrestling the nausea all day.  
Tomorrow we have an appointment at 2 PM with the gastro doctor, so I will let you know.
Hugs to you!

Staff Spotlight

Each month at First Baptist Burleson features a staff member is featured and it is called Staff Spotlight.  This month, January 2011, I was the feature.  You will get a kick out of the pictures that I submitted.  I think you might be surprised of a few if you did not know me when I was growing up.  

Click on the link below which will take you to our church website:

http://www.fbcburleson.com/expressions-newsletter.  Then click to view newsletter.  The article is on page 7.

Hugs!

Paige

Hanging in Tulsa

Hey guys! 

Sitting here with my honey. Gosh, I am so happy that we have his pain under control now.  He is now on a pain pump and that is making a huge difference.  Pat went downstairs about 2:30 for his CT.  It looks like he may be having a problem with his gallbladder.  We are going to continue with the antibiotics, all three of them, and hopefully chat with the surgeon tomorrow.  As I said before, most likely nothing will be done before Monday.

 

Pat was just served his dinner and you want to know what was under the green lid?  Oh, you will never guess....lobster and shrimp with a baked potato and green beans.  Not kidding.  Last night he had a ribeye with a baked potato.  Unfortunately he is struggling with his appetite so I offered to eat his dinner tonight because nothing sounded good.  I did get the kitchen to whip up a chocolate shake.  I talking him into taking the next sip right now.  

This place just thinks of everything.  I forgot to mention yesterday that the nurse, Elliott, brought Pat a piece of birthday cake.  Dietary brought him a little shake that had a "Happy Birthday" card attached. Since it was New Year's Eve, they had some sparkling apple cider, sub sandwiches, chips and chocolates for all of on this floor to snack on last night. While I was waiting on Pat's milkshake a bit ago, I mentioned to the chef that I really liked the sparkling cider.  She said she had a bottle left over, so she gave it to me.  As I was caring the bottle through the lobby, it looked like I had resorted to the "bottle"!  You know what I like about the sparkling cider?  The sparkling is the "burn" that flows beautifully down my throat.  I told you I miss my Dr. Peppers, so this cider has the familiar burn!   

Oh I am so excited about my unexpected visitors today.  Karen and Dewayne Wellman popped into visit us.  Karen was my piano teacher for eight years through high school and she also played the piano in our wedding.  They have a good friend, Jackie, who is our neighbor here on the same hospital floor.  Tom, Jackie's husband, came by and introduced himself in October when we were here for an extended stay as the Wellman's told him about our treatment here. Tom and his wife, Jackie, live in Tulsa and he was a former OBU Professor.  What a small world.  Thanks God for another God hug today!

I miss my kids!  I am thankful that they have good friends that have been there for them and their friends' parents have been so good to make sure my kiddos are taken care of.  If you love my kids, then I am going to automatically love you!  

Going to say goodbye for now!  Hug each other!
Pat & Paige
xoxo 

PS:  Thank you my WWF game pals......Kat, Terri, Kourtney, Toni, Jim, Ronda, Bill, Adrienne, Kelli, CW, Lori, Denise, Craig, Laura, Lana, Cathy, Nancy, and Elizabeth.  I'd be nuts without you!