Where did the month of May go?

Well, I haven't written on this blog for a while, and I thought I would catch it up a bit. We've had quite a few crazy days (see the family blog) and unexpected happenings.

Most of you read to find out about me, so my news is no changes. I still feel good and made it thru the 2 weeks of chemo without overnight help! I got really tired a couple of days, but my "angels" from church and friends took care of me. I went to chemo today and had no issues. My blood counts were a little lower than last week, but I have next week off, so maybe they'll come back up. I haven't been sticking to my "diet" much lately, but have avoided caffeine, ate as little sugar as possible and very little cheese. I did indulge in chocolate a couple times, so I guess I had a teensy bit of caffeine? Anyway, it's back to the veggies this week! :)

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We received very sad and shocking news on May 24. Gunner's Bible class teacher unexpectedly passed away. Melinda M. had a heart of gold and loved teaching that class. Although I didn't know her very well, I knew her enough to say I will definitely miss her smiling face and her spirit. She was a beautiful person and her extended family and church family are going to dearly miss her. Melinda - I hope you know how loved you were on this earth! I know that you are in the most beautiful place that God created. You are missed so much!

Several other members at our church have lost loved ones recently as well. It has been a very sad couple of weeks and I pray for them and their families during these difficult times.

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Both boys had well child visits last week. Both are doing great!

Gunner is in the 97th percentile on height and 80th percentile on weight. He got two of his 4 shots required for Kindergarten. The other two are live viruses and he cannot get them and be around me because of my chemo treatments making me susceptible to diseases. Anyway, we're working out a plan for him to visit grandparents for two weeks in late July/August so he can go to kindergarten!

Brandon is finally above the 3rd percentile! Yipee! He was in the 25th percentile for weight, 15th for height and 10th for head circumference.

I had to take Brandon to the after hours pediactric office on the Sunday night of Memorial Day weekend. He had a rash around his mouth....I thought it was due to teething (all the slobber) and sucking on the pacifier. By Sunday afternoon the rash had spread to neck, hands, arms, legs and feet. I called the pediatrician and they told me to go to the after hours office. The dr. there said he seemed to have a viral rash, but the part around his mouth was infected. He gave me two handouts, one for Hand, Foot & Mouth disease and the other for Impetigo. He didn't make a clear diagnosis, but prescribed an antibiotic cream for impetigo. I waited at the pharmacy for about 45 min! Mind you, it was bedtime for Brandon. Not fun. Just not fun. Finally we got home and I got him to bed. We were gone about 3 hrs for this little deal. The rash has since dried up and gone. Just had to take lots of disinfecting precautions so no one else got the ugly mess. Also had to boil the pacifiers all the time.

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We've had the opportunity to visit with friends from afar the past couple weeks as well. Our Oklahoma friends came for vacation and we spent a day with them at DW. See the family blog for photos. Also, my best friend from high school senior year is here this week. She and her family members (her hubby, parents & brother & his family) have rented a house in the area. The boys and I took the short road trip to visit them yesterday and swim in the pool. It was great to visit (although it was too short). I hadn't seen Melissa since 2000, so it was really good to "see" rather than just email. Hope y'all have a great week Melissa!! :)

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Jeff's dad found out recently that he has an incurable disease himself. I do not know all the details to write about it, but he will be on lifetime medications to control it. Please continue to keep him in your prayers as well.

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Jill arrived here safely yesterday afternoon. She is going to be my helper for a couple weeks. We're HOPING to find some time to scrapbook. he he With both boys here and the things I must get done, who knows if we'll ever get to it. We are HOPEFUL..........

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I can't think of anything else to update. I've mostly had good days. I had a what I call a "self pity" day not long ago, then unexpected things and sad things happened to other people. I felt terrible for being so self-centered and am now back on track! Thanks again and again for all the prayers, emails, cards, etc. Thanks for sharing my blog with others....many of you say it is an encouragement and I appreciate that. I use it for the convenience of letting you, my prayer warriors, know what I need prayers for and for the fact that writing out my feelings helps me feel better.

We've continued studying I John in Bible class on Sunday. Chapter 5 is so encouraging!! These verses are what's been on my heart lately:

I John 5:13-15 (NIV)

"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him."