Make Your List

We are at the Center and Pat is getting chemo and I have been visiting with my nurse friends who truly are such a comfort here.  God has blessed Pat and I with such wonderful people here. 

Pat has his ERCP today and all is clear.  Dr. Yoeder visited with Pat and I before the procedure and he said he is amazed at Pat's reports and how well he is doing.  Actually when Dr. Yoeder walked away, Pat asked me if I saw his face light up when he said it.  Yes, yes I did.  When examining the stent it was all clear and the tumor that once was growing within the old stent that was placed in October is now completely gone.  Also while looking around "in there" all other areas look well.

Tumor markers went from 178 to 223.  That is a disappointment but really not a huge indicator on what is actually happening with the tumor.  The radiologist said that the liver ablation that was done in April continues to work as time goes on and he wants to give it another 8 to 12 weeks before considering doing another ablation on the liver.  So, we leave for Colorado next week for a two week stay. Return to Tulsa in three weeks and reevaluate.

Every Monday at the office, which is my church, all the staff meets together and one of the ministers lead us in a devotional before our prayer time.  Josh is teaching a Bible study on Wednesday nights from a book called "The Good and Beautiful God", so he took a chapter from this book and focused on Matthew 20  which is about the parable of the workers in the vineyard.
Verse 9 says: 

The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

 

   13 “But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

It is so easy for us to say and think that things are unfair.  We have said that since we were kids.  I hear my children say it and I have said it a few times myself within the past few months.  Specifically, I have said that it is not fair that Pat has had to suffer and go through this cancer journey again.  But, I know that we live in a fallen world and simply, life isn't fair.  

Josh gave us a little exercise and I want to give you the same one too.  Make a list of all the things in your life that you have been given that you do not deserve.

 

Tuesday morning I was driving to work and I started making my list:

Things I do not deserve:

1.  To be happily married 26 years.
2.  To have three healthy children.
3.  To have been raised by two loving parents.
4.  I have a job that I love and look forward to every single day.
5.  I have so many friends.
6.  I was given the opportunity to earn a college education.
7.  I have very good health.
8.  My family has health Insurance.
9.  I am a member of Life Group that has been together 3.5 years.
10. .....the list goes on and on.  I do not deserve any of the above.  None of us do.  We can all say that we have many blessings, but when you ask yourself what you have that you do not deserve, it feels different.  Try it.  

Thank you for all of your sweet words of love and encouragement today.  Your prayers have been felt!  

I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!  Be safe!  Make your list!

Hugs!
Paige
xoxo

Just A Wednesday!

Hello!  All is well around here and Pat is feeling fair.  I think he feels better than he did  a day or two ago.  Each day is so different.  He may feel really good one minute and awful the next.  We thank you for your prayers.

It is pretty uneventful this week and that is okay.  Elizabeth is working a lot of overtime, but she really loves her job.  She has some wild stories to tell!  Garrett is doing conditioning camp four days week at the school, so he gets up early.  Matt has been working everyday for Pat and he says he likes it, but he too likes his sleep. Actually, sleep is very important around here and there are huge nappers in this family.

This would be one of those ho-hum posts, so I am delighted that you stopped by....we couldn't do this journey without you!

I close with this:  "When we believe God for a blessing, we must have an attitude of faith and begin to act and pray as if the blessing were already ours. We should respond to God as if He has granted our request.  This attitude of trust means leaning upon Him for what we have claimed and simply taking it for granted that He has given us our request and will continue to give it" --Streams in the Desert. 

Smiles, 

xoxo

Gan-Gan!

Hi from Tulsa!

Pat and I went for our appointment today at 1 PM with our oncologist, Dr. Stheresta .  All of the nurses said that they have been watching Pat play with Cash for the past two days as their office windows face the parking lot where we parked the RV.  Pat was just grinning ear to ear sharing stories about Cash. 

We are not cancer free but the scans are good.  The liver spot that was ablated (burned) in April shows some slight elevation or activity which is probably causing the tumor markers to go up to 178, but stress can do that too. Dr. Stheresta does not want to to change any of the treatment for one spike in the tumor markers so we will continue same treatment, Gemzar and the oral chemo pill, Tarceva, a couple of more rounds.  She is consulting with the radiation doctor about doing another ablation on that spot.   The good news is that there is no evidence of anymore of the cancer in the bone or the pancreas. 

I want to share with you my conversation with our care manager, Adeline.  She knew I was upset as the doctors left the room as I so wanted to hear cancer free.  I saw her in the hall a little later and she asked me to walk down the hall with me and she sat me down in a vacant office.  She said that in all of her years of practice, she has never seen a patient with pancreatic cancer do as well as Pat is doing, much less continue to work as he has.  Adeline said that most of her patient's scans get worse each time they scan and very rarely stay stable.  With tears in her eyes, she said that Pat  is doing absolutely amazing and that she and her life group pray for a miracle of healing for Pat each week.  She reminded me that this is God's timing and not ours and she is right.  I am truly thankful for these precious people who are part of our lives here in Tulsa.  Walking into this center feels like a refuge of hope, love and encouragement.

When It was time for Pat to have his PET scan yesterday, Wayne, the radiologist, came out to greet us and take us back to prep Pat for the procedure.  I have talked about Wayne here in my journal before and his beautiful prayers.  He has become our friend as he has now prayed over us now three times since we began this journey here at Tulsa.  Wayne told Pat that he was put on another project for that day, but he wanted to be there for us so he asked to get Pat prepped.  That just touched my heart. 

One of our appointments today was with Dr. Yoeder, Pat's gastroenterologist.  He sat with us and looked over the scans.  He said that he knew that these good results were part of our faith in God and how important prayer is.  He wants do a procedure on Pat in two weeks that will check out his bile duct, pancreas and other areas to make sure that the stent and other areas are working properly.

We feel so loved by all of our friends and family and you truly are part of this journey.  We could not do this without your prayers and support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Hugs!
Pat & Paige
xoxo

Great Report

Hi from Tulsa!

Pat and I went for our appointment today at 1 PM with our oncologist, Dr. Stheresta .  All of the nurses said that they have been watching Pat play with Cash for the past two days as their office windows face the parking lot where we parked the RV.  Pat was just grinning ear to ear sharing stories about Cash. 

We are not cancer free but the scans are good.  The liver spot that was ablated (burned) in April shows some slight elevation or activity which is probably causing the tumor markers to go up to 178, but stress can do that too. Dr. Stheresta does not want to to change any of the treatment for one spike in the tumor markers so we will continue same treatment, Gemzar and the oral chemo pill, Tarceva, a couple of more rounds.  She is consulting with the radiation doctor about doing another ablation on that spot.   The good news is that there is no evidence of anymore of the cancer in the bone or the pancreas. 

I want to share with you my conversation with our care manager, Adeline.  She knew I was upset as the doctors left the room as I so wanted to hear cancer free.  I saw her in the hall a little later and she asked me to walk down the hall with me and she sat me down in a vacant office.  She said that in all of her years of practice, she has never seen a patient with pancreatic cancer do as well as Pat is doing, much less continue to work as he has.  Adeline said that most of her patient's scans get worse each time they scan and very rarely stay stable.  With tears in her eyes, she said that Pat  is doing absolutely amazing and that she and her life group pray for a miracle of healing for Pat each week.  She reminded me that this is God's timing and not ours and she is right.  I am truly thankful for these precious people who are part of our lives here in Tulsa.  Walking into this center feels like a refuge of hope, love and encouragement.

When It was time for Pat to have his PET scan yesterday, Wayne, the radiologist, came out to greet us and take us back to prep Pat for the procedure.  I have talked about Wayne here in my journal before and his beautiful prayers.  He has become our friend as he has now prayed over us now three times since we began this journey here at Tulsa.  Wayne told Pat that he was put on another project for that day, but he wanted to be there for us so he asked to get Pat prepped.  That just touched my heart. 

One of our appointments today was with Dr. Yoeder, Pat's gastroenterologist.  He sat with us and looked over the scans.  He said that he knew that these good results were part of our faith in God and how important prayer is.  He wants do a procedure on Pat in two weeks that will check out his bile duct, pancreas and other areas to make sure that the stent and other areas are working properly.

We feel so loved by all of our friends and family and you truly are part of this journey.  We could not do this without your prayers and support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Hugs!
Pat & Paige
xoxo

Waiting

It is a lazy afternoon here at the Center.  Pat had to fast until his tests that began at 11 and finished up at 2, so we ate an early dinner.  I try to fast when he does, but he did tell me to get some coffee mid morning...sweet guy!

Pat had the CT at 11:00 and then about 1:00 he went to have the PET which takes about 90 minutes.  This included that lovely berry drink before the CT.   He tried to share!

Tomorrow morning our first appointment is at 9 AM with pain management.  We meet with Dr. Shrestha tomorrow at 1PM to get the results.  Praying.......

Cash and I just had a walk.  It is not as hot here as it is at home.  It actually rained last night. 

I will give you a report tomorrow as soon as I can. 

I already miss my kids....I am so blessed to be their mom!

Hugs!
Paige
xoxo

Tulsa Time

We arrived Tulsa safe and sound! Thanks to those who were praying for our safety. I did drive most of the way except through downtown Fort Worth and OKC. We are just relaxing at the moment, but ready for bed. Cash came with us and he has already konked out.

Pat had a better day today. Scans begin at 11 am tomorrow. Praying for peace tomorrow as we wait for results Friday!

Sweet dreams

 Xoxo

Change Requested

It has been a busy day and now packing and getting ready for Tulsa tomorrow.  What a tough week for Pat, and I am praying that medications and prognosis all change this weekend.  He told Matt and I tonight that he would give up absolutely everything he owns to be cancer free. I am right there with him.  Some days are tougher than others and this one was tough, but God has put some special people in my path today who has made the day easier.  I can't tell you how thankful I am of our friends and family who are there for us day in and day out in this journey.  It would be hard to imagine traveling throughout these days alone.  I have my constant Savior with me daily, but he knows when I need a big huge hug.

Thank you if you called your senator and representative today on behalf Pat and Pancreatic Advocacy Day today.  Purple took Congress by storm today. 

Let me share a little miracle happening on the other side of the pond!  I have mentioned to you several times about Baby Cooper, who was born prematurely at 25 weeks weighing 1.6 lbs.  Cooper's mom, Karen, was able to hold him for the first time for an hour today.   She also posted on her FB a video of little Cooper with hiccups.  What an amazing journey we are watching unfold before our eyes.  Click here to follow Cooper and see his precious photos.  Cooper's papa, (our pastor and friend) came into my office today grinning ear to ear telling me what new and wonderful things Cooper did today.
No matter where you are in your life right now, whether you are on a mountaintop or in a valley, please remember that life is precious and it can change in a split second.  When it does, there is only one hand to hold.... His. Look up and grab it.

In His Grip,
xoxo

Quick Hello

A very quick hello. I would call it a long day when you are at the grocery at 9! Ugh. Garrett's summer league basketball started tonight so he has two games.

Pat has had a really rough day and one of the worst In awhile. The word weary would describe him right now. Please pray for strength and stamina, and that he will feel better tomorrow.

I'm very anxious to get the scans done and hopefully remove the oral chemo and even a few other meds. We feel your prayers...please don't stop.

Hugs!
Paige
Xoxo

Mavs! National Champs

Watching the Mavs!  Last quarter and lookin good!

Pat, Garrett and I made it home safe and sound from the basketball tournament.  Today Garrett's game was payed in Denton, so our drive from Allen wasn't that far. 

This is a short week, as Pat and I leave for Tulsa Wednesday.  We are going to take the RV since we will be there through Saturday.  Please begin praying now for Pat's PET and CT Scans that will be done on Thursday.  We are both encouraged, hopeful and very prayerful as we wait. 

Pancreatic Advocacy Day is Tuesday, June 14th. Please consider participating in the annual National Call-In on Tuesday, June 14th. You will be asked to make three brief, yet very important calls that day.

What is the National Call-In?
The National Call-in is an opportunity for all Pancreatic Cancer Action Network supporters across the country to join together with one voice to tell Congress that while you can't attend Advocacy Day in person, you believe that the time has come for Congress to take action and make pancreatic cancer research a national priority!

How does it work?
On Monday, June 13th, 2011, you will receive an email with instructions on how to place the calls to your two U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative. The email will include their office phone numbers, and what we'd like for you to say. The calls should take less than 5 minutes of your time, but will significantly impact our efforts to make the pancreatic cancer community heard. To ensure you receive the email with these instructions, sign up here to become an e-Advocate. Information about the National Call-In will also be available at www.pancan.org on June 14.

Mark your calendar today!
More than 2,000 phone calls were placed to Congress during the 2010 National Call-In. These calls were a tremendous help in augmenting the in-person meetings with elected officials and their staff on Advocacy Day. Please mark your calendar now for the 2011 National Call-In on June 14th and ask your friends and family to do the same. With your help, we can double the amount of calls that are placed to members of Congress during this year's Advocacy Day and make sure that legislators hear our message loud and clear: Pancreatic Cancer: Know It. Fight It. End It!

Questions? If you have any questions about the Fifth Annual Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day, please contact our Government Affairs and Advocacy Department at advocacy@pancan.org or 202-742-6699.

The above was on the Pancan website.  I wanted to pass this along to you to help us fight!

Hug! 

xoxo

Pancreactic Cancer Advocacy Day 2011

National Call-In 2011

We need YOU to Call Congress on Tuesday, June 14th

Registration for the Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day 2011 is now closed, but your voice can still be heard on Capitol Hill.

If you are not able to join us for the Fifth Annual Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day, please consider participating in the annual National Call-In on Tuesday, June 14th. You will be asked to make three brief, yet very important calls that day.

What is the National Call-In?
The National Call-in is an opportunity for all Pancreatic Cancer Action Network supporters across the country to join together with one voice to tell Congress that while you can't attend Advocacy Day in person, you believe that the time has come for Congress to take action and make pancreatic cancer research a national priority!

How does it work?
On Monday, June 13th, 2011, you will receive an email with instructions on how to place the calls to your two U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative. The email will include their office phone numbers, and what we'd like for you to say. The calls should take less than 5 minutes of your time, but will significantly impact our efforts to make the pancreatic cancer community heard. To ensure you receive the email with these instructions, sign up here to become an e-Advocate. Information about the National Call-In will also be available at www.pancan.org on June 14.

Mark your calendar today!
More than 2,000 phone calls were placed to Congress during the 2010 National Call-In. These calls were a tremendous help in augmenting the in-person meetings with elected officials and their staff on Advocacy Day. Please mark your calendar now for the 2011 National Call-In on June 14th and ask your friends and family to do the same. With your help, we can double the amount of calls that are placed to members of Congress during this year's Advocacy Day and make sure that legislators hear our message loud and clear: Pancreatic Cancer: Know It. Fight It. End It!


Questions? If you have any questions about the Fifth Annual Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy Day, please contact our Government Affairs and Advocacy Department at advocacy@pancan.org or 202-742-6699.

Goin purple!

Weariness

When I picked up the computer to journal in Caringbridge last night, I literally couldn't think of anything to say.  I typed something about the Mavs playing tonight.  I also said it was a simple night and I like simple.  Nothing else would come to mind. So, I erased it.

As I was in the tub I just told the Lord I was weary.  That term keeps coming to mind a lot lately.  Nights are so hard for Pat as he is extremely tired and his body has an ache that is hard to describe.  There is also frustration and the feeling of "I am sick and tired of this." He explains that it is just like he hits a wall.  He usually goes to bed to overcome.  Watching all of this causes weariness. 

I have started a new Bible study written by one of my favorite authors, Angela Thomas entitled "Brave Honest Questions Women Ask".  I discovered her when I read her book "Do You Think I Am Beautiful" and liked her so much I have read all of her other books. So, when I saw her study in Lifeway, I didn't hesitate to buy it.  Today I am studying day three of week one and the subject is weariness. (Hmm..not surprising)  She writes:  "Hear me say something clearly:  We can do great things in this world to live in strength, wisdom and courage.  Lord knows most of us are trying everything.  But here is the big, hairy truth: Many of us are doing great worldly things to care for ourselves and yet not living with an inside strength to counter our soul weariness.

Her question then is "Who or what do you run to when you are weary?"  The Sunday school answer is correct: God.  We are to ask God.  "Do You know that I'm worn out?"  She directs the reader to scripture from Isaiah 40:28-31. "Do you not know? Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint".

We have to run directly to Him.  The answer is: The holy transfer of God's character happens when we come into His presence and put our HOPE in the Lord. He gives us his strength.  We only have to hope. Hope is waiting.  Waiting is the tough part and that was what I was discussing with God last night. I feel like my life is in waiting mode and the weariness comes with it.  This journey is an emotional roller coaster that dips and turns causing joy and happiness in one minute and sad and tired the next.

So, I am thankful I went to The Lord last night. He talked to me this morning through the study and He made sure that I knew He heard me last night.  I felt him say, "I know that you and Pat (and kids) are tired and weary, but I will give you renewed strength for each day."  That is all I need to hear.  That is why I love Him so much and crave my sweet moments with Him.  The Lord knows me intimately and gives me just what I need when I need it.

Gotta get to work...I am late!

In His Grip,

xoxo

Worry

Mavs are playing and as I type it is Heat up 47 to 45 just before half. Go Mavs!

I am back to walking again.  I think that I have now walked a total of four times since October and I am in the worst shape that I can remember. There are a lot of hills in my neighborhood so needless to say I am sore. Walking is almost perfect at 5:45 in the morning, but the summer humidity just kills my hair!  

After my walk this morning, I had only a few minutes during my quiet time, but I read my devotion from Jesus Calling.  The subject was worry. "My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me.  Many things can block this awareness, but the major culprit is worry.  My children tend to accept worry as an inescapable fact of life.  However, worry is a form of unbelief; it is anathema to Me. Who is in charge of your life?  If it is you, then you have good reason to worry. But if it is I, then worry is both unnecessary and counterproductive.  When you start to feel anxious about something, relinquish the situation to Me.  Back off a bit, redirecting your focus to Me.  I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you how to handle it.  In this world you will have problems, but you need not lose sight of Me.  Luke 12:22-21; John 16:33.

Worry!  As I said before, it can consume me. I have no control over any situation, so why worry? I would rather trust God, who knows what is going to happen anyway. Why not leave it up to Him and walk the path he has designed? A path that could be hard or painful, but we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His good purpose. (Romans  8:28). It all makes perfect sense in my head until my heart gets involved.  

Tonight I received a phone call of a situation that could be a major hurdle for us.  Honestly, my first reaction was calmness.  I remembered what I read this morning.  I said, "Okay, Jesus, you said to give this to you. So, here it is.  I am handing it over, but trying not to take it back. Oh, it has been nagging me all night, but I just keep saying "Jesus, you are in control."

Pat has felt good during the days, but these past few nights he has really struggled with extreme exhaustion and has to go to bed by 9.  Oh how I pray that the Tarceva can be discontinued next week and we are cancer free.

Today was a sweet day for me as far as receiving several God hugs from some special girlfriends. God used them to whisper words of affirmation and encouragement that I need. We are so thankful for your cards, messages, texts, emails and phone calls. Many times you send them just when we need them. 

Sweet dreams!

xoxo 

God Is Big Enough

What a game last night Mavs!  Soooo close.  We will see what happens tomorrow night!

I call today the official first day of summer because I didn't have to wake up Garrett for school.  No more "Garrett, do you want biscuits or toaster strudel for breakfast?" because he is on his own in the summer time.  I do believe he starts workout camp next week so I am sure he will be wanting his mom to make him breakfast. Every time that I have to be gone overnight on a school night, Pat says, "Garrett, when you push start and open up the microwave there will not be any food in there and your milk will not be poured and waiting for you in the fridge."  I know there are a other moms out there who spoil their babies.  I have always made my kids their breakfast when they are school, but the two older ones have seem to have forgotten.

There is nothing more rewarding or harder than being parents.  They are such a blessing, but being a mom is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done.  There is nothing worse than watching your child hurt.  My children have been through some tough times, and I have cried a lot of tears on their behalf.  I know that God uses their trials to mold them and build their own testimony, but knowing that doesn't make it hurt any less.  Now that two of my kids are young adults, I can tell you that is exactly what God did with my kids' hurts.  Looking back at the tough times they experienced, I can see where God used it to transform them.

In order to allow them to grow, we have to surrender them.  I truly know that has been my biggest challenge in my spiritual maturity and I have to pray about it every single day.  Some days I fail.  Whether their worries or big or small, I think I have to fix them or catch them.

I am the peacemaker in my family and I have been that way my whole life.  Recently, I was struggling with this journey and I saw a counselor at the Cancer Center, which was my first time to visit with one. (I am not counting the free sessions I get from my boss, who is a counselor!)  After we visited for awhile and she got to know me she said she thought she knew what was causing me to stress out.  You have seen people twirling plates on a pole and trying to keep them going without falling and breaking.  She said that was me. I am trying to fix everyone's hurts and anxieties and when I fail, I feel guilty.   I am not surrendering my family; therefore, I am not trusting God. 

This whole journey is about: trust, faith. perseverance and waiting. 

As I am wrapping this up, I am listening to the news and they are talking about a young man at JPS Hospital, a local hospital, with a fight of his own.  They showed his wrist.  He was wearing the same wrist band Pat and I are still wearing "God Is Big Enough".  He is.  This I know.

Sweet dreams!
xoxo

Remindingus all to pray for Pat to have cancer free scans on June 16th!

Happy Birthday, Kelton!

A big happy birthday to my nephew, Kelton!  Wish I could have been there tonight to eat cupcakes with you!  Since he is 15 today, he will be getting his learners permit soon!  Yikes!  Love ya, Kelton!

I told Pat earlier this afternoon that this was one of those days that I love and appreciate.  This morning after coffee I started cleaning out my office.  I cleaned every file, drawer, nooks and hiding places!  That felt so good that I headed to the laundry room, my bathroom and closet and I just kept on going like that silly bunny on TV.  It feels so good.  I get so overwhelmed with all that I have to do when my house feels disorganized. 

While I was inside, Pat was outside working on his trailer and finishing up mowing the yard.  He has really felt good these last few days.  Good days for him are priceless.

Remember a few days ago I told you about Baby Cooper.  He is doing exceptionally well.  If you want to read the sweetest letter that his Nana wrote him on the blog his Aunt Katy created for Cooper, click here.  This letter will warm your heart, but I must warn you to grab a tissue.   Please continue to pray for Baby Cooper and his Mom and Dad, Jason and Karen.

Christ may delay coming to us during our times of distress, but it is simply so our faith may be tested and strengthened. His purpose is also that our prayers will be more powerful, our desire for deliverance will be greater and when deliverance finally comes, we will appreciate it more fully.  "With Christ in my vessel, I smile at the storm."...Streams in the Desert.

Hugs!
xoxo

Reminder:   On June 16th, Pat will have a PET Scan and a CT.   Join me in praying for Pat to be cancer free!  

Beat the Heat! Go Mavs!

It has been a really good day today for all!  Pat realized tonight that he has another week off and that just thrilled him!  I do ask that you join me in praying for Pat now for his scans on June 16th.  How awesome it would be to for him to be cancer free!

Elizabeth started her new job today and really loved it!  It is so exciting to see how God has opened and shut the doors for her to find a job that suits her perfectly. 

Matt is really enjoying working for his dad installing windows.  I know he is enjoying being at home and Loco does too.  You should see Loco in his Mav's t-shirt.  I have attached a picture for your viewing pleasure!

Hope you have a great weekend!
Paige
xoxo

Happy Birthday Wendy!

Hello!  The picture I have attached is a picture of Wendy Stowe, Jeannie  Carlson and myself.  We celebrated Wendy's birthday last night along with Elizabeth (Jessica, we missed you!).  There are no words to express how much you are loved by this family, Wendy.  All three of my kids think of you as their second mom and they have spent many hours hanging with you and your family.  You and I have been friends since our girls were in the 7th grade and our friendship has grown closer each year.  The very first time I officially met Wendy, I picked up Elizabeth at her house after attending Jessica's birthday party and when I arrived, everyone had a slice of birthday cake and a nice big carrot on the plate!  Wow!  I knew then she really was from California!

Pat and I consider Wendy our nutritionist too and has been there every step of the way in this journey by beginning research immediately the day Pat was diagnosed.  She shops for us, makes sure we have the best supplements and stays on top of what is new in the naturepathic world for fighting cancer.  She has juiced so many vegetables and made ice cubes and make sure we have plenty on hand and not to mention the many Costco runs.  She has bought us groceries and cooked many meals for us.  I know that I am embarrassing her right now, but I just want you to know, Wendy, that you have taught me what it is to give.  You have a heart bigger than anyone I have ever met and there is no way we could repay you for all that you do for us daily.  We love and adore you.

Pat's 107 year-old grandma, "Gan Gan" passed away. She was spunky, cute and full Czech!  I know that she is dancing in Heaven right now and is reunited with her sweetheart, Robert Earl!  Please keep Pat's mom, Christine and all of the family in your prayers.

Two more days of school left for Garrett!  Woo hoo!  Also, he got his braces off yesterday and he is smiling pretty! 

Tonight I have a very special prayer request for a very little Cooper Grayson Chandler.  He was born premature Sunday at approximately 25 weeks with the weight of 1.5 and 12.5 inches long.  He is my pastor's grandson, but I am also good friends with Cooper's Aunt Katy.  Cooper's grandmother, Gala, was Matt's second grade teacher, so you see we are connected and love this family very much.  He is doing remarkably well and breathing on his own, but the doctors say that he has many hurdles ahead.  God is still in the miracle business and so far little Cooper has been given God's grace (which is where they got Cooper's middle name, Grayson) and he is being  prayed for from coast to coast.  Lord, go before this precious little boy and hold his mom and dad's hand tightly as they walk each day trusting in you.

Sweet dreams!
xoxo