Well I had another great week and am now I'm starting spring break week with my children. Not much planned, just normal "kid" stuff all week and catching up with my best friend Jen from South Carolina (she's in town w/her two boys). I hope my boys take it easy on me: )!
I can't let this evening go by though without sharing this story. Yesterday Dan and I were talking about being baptized and the fact that I hadn't been. His words were something like, "Well, what are waiting for?" I agreed but had NO idea how to go about "scheduling" it. I always thought I would know when and it would just kind of happen...not be PLANNED! We also discussed that we've never witnessed our church doing an "unplanned" baptism. So I thought, I'll just look into it soon and see what I come up with...knowing me it would be put off for some time.
So this morning we went to church, like normal, and it was an amazing service. As the service became more and more inspirational Pastor Mike invited anyone, that has never been baptized, to be baptized. I was in shock! Could this really be happening? My hands started sweating and shaking, my heart started racing and after a couple of moments of thinking about "go or not go" I went up and was baptized in front of my church, with NO plan other than God's plan. How awesome is that? You ask for something and you just might get it! I must say today has been one emotional day and I've never felt more loved in all of my life.
Have a blessed week...mine is already off to a great start!
Love,
Jenny
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
5 weeks...
I usually slowly add new tasks to my days and today I was a Nurse. Nolan had a fever, soar throat and belly ache, Gordon has had a cough for several days and a snotty nose off and on for a couple of weeks and Landon...well he was supposed to just be along for the ride.
Off to the doctor we went to find out no strep for Nolan, just viral (as long as they don't call us in the AM with a positive from the lab, fingers crossed). Gordon has a pretty nasty sinus infection, then was sent to the lab to have blood drawn for the first time ever (he did very well I might add) to see if he has allergies (who knows where that's going to lead) and then I was advised to have his tonsils removed. Then Landon had his ears looked at, for no real reason other than he gets lots of ear infections AGAIN since the tubes fell out last summer and I wondered how they looked, (might as well take advantage of already being at the doctor and have them look, right?) Well he will need a second set of tubes, probably. So I guess I'll be making an ENT appointment real soon. I also guess I'M BACK...in FULL swing: )! I'm just so glad they didn't have all of these issues while I was down, lol.
The illnesses have put a damper on our weekend activities but the one thing we can still do is visit the Kid2Kid sale at our church tomorrow (organized by my Mom2Mom group). They are honoring our family and taking donations to help us out with medical bills and to donate to the ANA organization (who, at no fee, supplied us with all of our information to choose the best solution for my tumor). Again God is good!
I promise not to share my every little MOM detail with you all but I just found it funny that God knew when to let it all come at me again and so far I've held up pretty good. I am however heading to bed...pretty tired: )! Hope you all have wonderful weekend!
Love to you all!
Jenny
Off to the doctor we went to find out no strep for Nolan, just viral (as long as they don't call us in the AM with a positive from the lab, fingers crossed). Gordon has a pretty nasty sinus infection, then was sent to the lab to have blood drawn for the first time ever (he did very well I might add) to see if he has allergies (who knows where that's going to lead) and then I was advised to have his tonsils removed. Then Landon had his ears looked at, for no real reason other than he gets lots of ear infections AGAIN since the tubes fell out last summer and I wondered how they looked, (might as well take advantage of already being at the doctor and have them look, right?) Well he will need a second set of tubes, probably. So I guess I'll be making an ENT appointment real soon. I also guess I'M BACK...in FULL swing: )! I'm just so glad they didn't have all of these issues while I was down, lol.
The illnesses have put a damper on our weekend activities but the one thing we can still do is visit the Kid2Kid sale at our church tomorrow (organized by my Mom2Mom group). They are honoring our family and taking donations to help us out with medical bills and to donate to the ANA organization (who, at no fee, supplied us with all of our information to choose the best solution for my tumor). Again God is good!
I promise not to share my every little MOM detail with you all but I just found it funny that God knew when to let it all come at me again and so far I've held up pretty good. I am however heading to bed...pretty tired: )! Hope you all have wonderful weekend!
Love to you all!
Jenny
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Peaceful Moment!
As I sit here this morning, sipping from one of my new coffee mugs my husband gave me my first day home from the hospital, I can't help but think of how truly blessed I'm am. The sun is out, the birds are singing, my flowers we planted last fall are blooming and my three year old just told me I look so pretty in my green shirt (St. Patrick's Day ya know). Looking around at all of these things I realize once again how wonderful God really is and I can't think of ONE thing to complain about. I hope that your day is blessed and while others are taking things away from you, for what ever reason, you take a moment to realize what God has given us...everything we really NEED!
Love to you all!
Jen
In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich. (Henry Ward Beecher)
Love to you all!
Jen
In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich. (Henry Ward Beecher)
Monday, March 15, 2010
First Day Alone...sort of!
Well I survived my first day alone with no additional help (during the day anyway...Dan still helped getting the kids off to school and another wonderful family still made a meal for us...I can't do it all yet). I feel pretty good and no headache. I was even able to attend Nolan's 2nd grade music program at his school. My mother-in-law went with Gordon, Landon and me and that was nice. Nolan was so happy to see us. However, once again I am finding that I need to strategically place myself when I sit somewhere. My bad ear was to the stage and made it hard for me to hear the songs and instruments. I'm learning...just another small thing to get used to that's all.
I know this one is short and sweet but I thought it would be better than 2-3 pages every 7-8 days or so. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers!
Off to bed to get ready for day 2: )!
Love,
Jenny
I know this one is short and sweet but I thought it would be better than 2-3 pages every 7-8 days or so. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers!
Off to bed to get ready for day 2: )!
Love,
Jenny
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Welcome spring
Although it is hard to believe it has been a full month since the surgery, it’s really hard to believe it has only been 3 months since this entire ordeal began. Reality hit me yesterday. As I looked over our tulips that are starting to poke their heads out of the ground, I remembered Jenny and I had planted them on the first anniversary of my fathers passing last fall. I thought it appropriate that today (yesterday), on what would have been dad’s 82nd birthday; I took time to notice they have started to come out of their slumber. It then hit me; when we spent that day last fall planting bulbs to celebrate a life well lived, we had no idea what life or the looming winter held in store for us. We were only concerned about strategically placing our bulbs deep enough so they may survive the cold of winter until spring. I am happy to report that the bulbs we planted are now sprouting. They’ve survived their harsh winter, and so did we.
Dan
Dan
One month Anniversary!
Hello Everyone!
I just can't believe it's been a month already. Some days I don't even feel like it happened (which is crazy but amazing) and other days are still a little tough.
Wednesday I went to see my neurosurgeon for the first time since the surgery. He was pleasantly surprised with my progress. The incision is healing very well, my balance is getting back to pre-surgery “normal” (I was having balance problems prior to the surgery and it's not completely restored) and my smile isn't as lopsided: )! He said I'm way beyond schedule but I still have lifting limitations for up to 8 weeks or more. He did say I can drive but only locally (no highway or at night) until my balance is better. I'm so excited about that b/c now I can go to the bank, post office, park or wherever!
On Friday (that was actually my 4 week anniversary) my friend cut my hair for me and made it look a little nicer (I'll have to post a new picture) and then we were able to go out to dinner with another couple to celebrate. Seriously...a grown up dinner with my husband, woo-hoo! They were all very patient with my lack of hearing considering I kept moving everyone into different chairs until I could hear the conversation better...there goes that "high maintenance girl" I've turned into: )! The waitress was very confused; )!
The boys have all had basketball games this weekend and we were able to spend time with family. It's been rainy but rain or shine I'm just happy to be feeling better and more and more normal.
Next week will be interesting...I'm going to attempt a few days with the kiddos by myself. Dan helps me get them ready for school and on the bus in the mornings and then it's Landon and me until 12:30 (that's about the time one of our moms would come over...how amazing are they?). Gordon gets home from school then and the big boys get home at 3:50. I feel like I'll do fine but I promised the moms I'd let them know if I needed help again. This is just all soooo weird for me...having folks in my house doing my work for me...I'm just so blessed to have the choice but I really don't want to set myself back any either. Wish me luck!
That's all I really have to report right now...obviously ALL of everyone's prayers have been and are working b/c no news is definitely GOOD NEWS! I thank GOD everyday for life, family, friends and His love. Without those things I wouldn't be where I'm at today so THANK YOU!!!!
Love and Blessings to you all!
Jenny
I just can't believe it's been a month already. Some days I don't even feel like it happened (which is crazy but amazing) and other days are still a little tough.
Wednesday I went to see my neurosurgeon for the first time since the surgery. He was pleasantly surprised with my progress. The incision is healing very well, my balance is getting back to pre-surgery “normal” (I was having balance problems prior to the surgery and it's not completely restored) and my smile isn't as lopsided: )! He said I'm way beyond schedule but I still have lifting limitations for up to 8 weeks or more. He did say I can drive but only locally (no highway or at night) until my balance is better. I'm so excited about that b/c now I can go to the bank, post office, park or wherever!
On Friday (that was actually my 4 week anniversary) my friend cut my hair for me and made it look a little nicer (I'll have to post a new picture) and then we were able to go out to dinner with another couple to celebrate. Seriously...a grown up dinner with my husband, woo-hoo! They were all very patient with my lack of hearing considering I kept moving everyone into different chairs until I could hear the conversation better...there goes that "high maintenance girl" I've turned into: )! The waitress was very confused; )!
The boys have all had basketball games this weekend and we were able to spend time with family. It's been rainy but rain or shine I'm just happy to be feeling better and more and more normal.
Next week will be interesting...I'm going to attempt a few days with the kiddos by myself. Dan helps me get them ready for school and on the bus in the mornings and then it's Landon and me until 12:30 (that's about the time one of our moms would come over...how amazing are they?). Gordon gets home from school then and the big boys get home at 3:50. I feel like I'll do fine but I promised the moms I'd let them know if I needed help again. This is just all soooo weird for me...having folks in my house doing my work for me...I'm just so blessed to have the choice but I really don't want to set myself back any either. Wish me luck!
That's all I really have to report right now...obviously ALL of everyone's prayers have been and are working b/c no news is definitely GOOD NEWS! I thank GOD everyday for life, family, friends and His love. Without those things I wouldn't be where I'm at today so THANK YOU!!!!
Love and Blessings to you all!
Jenny
Friday, March 5, 2010
3 Weeks Later Already!
Hello Everyone! I know it's been a while since I’ve posted and I apologize...I've been trying not to bore you all with every little, daily detail: )!
This past week has gone really well. My dad left to head back to Florida on Sunday, and we miss him terribly, but he needed to get back to his normal life and we're able to do a little more for ourselves now. He sure was amazingly helpful. My mother-in-law, Joy, and my mom came over each day in the afternoon so I wasn't by myself with the boys all day. I still have lifting and driving restrictions plus by late afternoon I'm pretty tired. My sister-in-law even came and cleaned our house (twice now)...I really could get used to this, lol!
Monday and Tuesday were okay days...I still felt worn out, had headaches and earaches but nothing like it could be. Then there was Wednesday, Thursday and today. I must say I have turned a corner. I feel so "normal", like the surgery was months ago not just 3 weeks ago. The headaches have really died off, the balance is much better, my scar doesn't have the ache and pressure it once had and my eye is not hurting or as dry as it used to be. I'm hoping to start on my "thank you" notes now that my eye is working better. I do have to be careful not to bend over and have my head completely upside down...that's a little painful...but seriously I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER! I'm not rushing time away but I can't wait to see how great I feel next week: )!
Yesterday my girlfriend drove Landon and me to mom2mom with her. AWESOME...to see all of those women and do the bible study again was amazing! They sure made me feel good too with all of the hugs, complements and interest in how I was doing. It was even more wonderful to hear some of their new news and know how they are doing so I can help pray for them too. They are a wonderful group of sisters in Christ and I feel so blessed and honored to be a part of that ministry.
The blessings did not stop there. Our friends, as well as the new people that have come into our lives, the ones that we have reconnected with, the ones that have reached out that don't even know us and will probably never meet us and of course our wonderful, supportive family; have all been so amazing, helpful, caring, generous and selfless. Without ALL of you, we could have never made it through this so smoothly. We've had cards, emails, calls, meals, gifts, PRAYERS, encouragement, support and on and on. I can't thank you all enough, or individually like I would like to, but I sure hope you all know how much we appreciate each and everyone of you. God has really worked through us all and made this a huge success story...a true miracle!
You know so many people have told me how inspirational I or my story has been to them. I am so flattered but I have to say that b/c of you all and of course God I've been able to stay focused and positive. So in return YOU ALL have been just as inspirational to me...love to you all! If you'd like to share your inspiring story so I can return some prayer and praise I would love to hear them. I just feel like I was chosen to fight this tumor and not b/c there was a tumor to be beat but because lives were meant to be touched...including mine. So the story at hand here is NOT that some girl beat some tumor...it's that a collection of wonderful, loving people listened to God and came together to help some girl beat this tumor. And while the tumor is long gone, thank God, the lives touched are still going and now touching others and in the end making a HUGE difference in someone else’s life. How AWESOME is that?!?!?!
Okay, I feel like I just wrote a "Lifetime Movie" and I got a little corny so I'll move on. I go to Cincinnati next Wednesday to see the neurosurgeon...not Dr. McDreamer (but that's okay I have Mr. McFunny here at home)! I'm hoping he'll feel like I have progressed nicely and will lift some of these lingering restrictions. But even he doesn't I am physically able to do more and more everyday so I'll listen and mind and try not to get too antsy about it. It's just weird to ask people to do such "silly" stuff for me sometimes but at least I'm here to ask for that help, right?
Okay I’m going to close (and try to write more often so it’s not this long…sorry). I wish you all a wonderful weekend and lots of sunshine…it’s finally out here…woo-hoo!
Love to you all and God Bless,
Jenny
This past week has gone really well. My dad left to head back to Florida on Sunday, and we miss him terribly, but he needed to get back to his normal life and we're able to do a little more for ourselves now. He sure was amazingly helpful. My mother-in-law, Joy, and my mom came over each day in the afternoon so I wasn't by myself with the boys all day. I still have lifting and driving restrictions plus by late afternoon I'm pretty tired. My sister-in-law even came and cleaned our house (twice now)...I really could get used to this, lol!
Monday and Tuesday were okay days...I still felt worn out, had headaches and earaches but nothing like it could be. Then there was Wednesday, Thursday and today. I must say I have turned a corner. I feel so "normal", like the surgery was months ago not just 3 weeks ago. The headaches have really died off, the balance is much better, my scar doesn't have the ache and pressure it once had and my eye is not hurting or as dry as it used to be. I'm hoping to start on my "thank you" notes now that my eye is working better. I do have to be careful not to bend over and have my head completely upside down...that's a little painful...but seriously I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER! I'm not rushing time away but I can't wait to see how great I feel next week: )!
Yesterday my girlfriend drove Landon and me to mom2mom with her. AWESOME...to see all of those women and do the bible study again was amazing! They sure made me feel good too with all of the hugs, complements and interest in how I was doing. It was even more wonderful to hear some of their new news and know how they are doing so I can help pray for them too. They are a wonderful group of sisters in Christ and I feel so blessed and honored to be a part of that ministry.
The blessings did not stop there. Our friends, as well as the new people that have come into our lives, the ones that we have reconnected with, the ones that have reached out that don't even know us and will probably never meet us and of course our wonderful, supportive family; have all been so amazing, helpful, caring, generous and selfless. Without ALL of you, we could have never made it through this so smoothly. We've had cards, emails, calls, meals, gifts, PRAYERS, encouragement, support and on and on. I can't thank you all enough, or individually like I would like to, but I sure hope you all know how much we appreciate each and everyone of you. God has really worked through us all and made this a huge success story...a true miracle!
You know so many people have told me how inspirational I or my story has been to them. I am so flattered but I have to say that b/c of you all and of course God I've been able to stay focused and positive. So in return YOU ALL have been just as inspirational to me...love to you all! If you'd like to share your inspiring story so I can return some prayer and praise I would love to hear them. I just feel like I was chosen to fight this tumor and not b/c there was a tumor to be beat but because lives were meant to be touched...including mine. So the story at hand here is NOT that some girl beat some tumor...it's that a collection of wonderful, loving people listened to God and came together to help some girl beat this tumor. And while the tumor is long gone, thank God, the lives touched are still going and now touching others and in the end making a HUGE difference in someone else’s life. How AWESOME is that?!?!?!
Okay, I feel like I just wrote a "Lifetime Movie" and I got a little corny so I'll move on. I go to Cincinnati next Wednesday to see the neurosurgeon...not Dr. McDreamer (but that's okay I have Mr. McFunny here at home)! I'm hoping he'll feel like I have progressed nicely and will lift some of these lingering restrictions. But even he doesn't I am physically able to do more and more everyday so I'll listen and mind and try not to get too antsy about it. It's just weird to ask people to do such "silly" stuff for me sometimes but at least I'm here to ask for that help, right?
Okay I’m going to close (and try to write more often so it’s not this long…sorry). I wish you all a wonderful weekend and lots of sunshine…it’s finally out here…woo-hoo!
Love to you all and God Bless,
Jenny
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