Project 365, Week 12

Aiden told me it feels like we've been in the 20's of March for forever. Sometimes it works that way. 

March 20

Six years ago, we suddenly found ourselves with six children. Once it became apparent that they'd be staying a while, we traded in the Acadia that I loved for an 8-passenger Suburban. Days after bringing the it home, we loaded it with people and suitcases and road-tripped to Florida.

It served us well for many years as the faces in the seats changed as children came and went. Over this past year we have spent many thousands of dollars trying to keep the old vehicle alive, but finally it was time. It saddened me a bit, as it felt like the ending of an era but also I know that is the way with things.

First time loaded up...

...last time loaded up.

Over the past year Shaun has researched on and off but our time was getting shorter. The dealership we like to work with had a single Acadia that essentially fit what we were looking for. The kids and I went to test drive it and it was approved by all. 

Good-bye, Suburban.

March 21

This was the verse of the day on an app. "Planted", from this passage was my One Word for 2021 so it will always be very special to me. 

March 22

Treatment days are possible because of the support and care of those who love me...without that, I couldn't/wouldn't go. It was x-rays and treatment day, with a hope that this #16 could be the last for a bit. 

Amy is a trenches girl. If there was a fire, she'd be the one running towards it to pull people out. Countless times for countless people, she's been the first one to show up with a meal or to babysit or to sit in a waiting room, pacing and praying. She makes herself available and always knows what to do in really difficult situations. I'm beyond grateful she's mine.

March 23

No picture

March 24

It is a great delight to have "from this day" photos pop up. What a difference a few years make!

March 25

Amanda and I went to pick up the new car, I noticed the the "trunk" of this large plant in the showroom.

March 26

With a significant lack of enthusiasm, Aiden helped me begin our spring cleanup efforts.

 

Numbering Days, Week 34 & 35

Off weeks are better than treatment weeks. Duh. And now that I'm 3-months removed from my Eiffel Tower surgery, I'm getting around pretty well and feeling good when its time to feel good. The sunshine, flowers, walks, sunrises...its all just a little sweeter and more beautiful than it used to be.

The changing seasons marked by the cancer center is always bittersweet for me. I know it should be, oh yay...I'm here to see another season. But when I see the spring flowers and also know I was around for the pumpkins, well, it can feel discouraging.

This was treatment #16. S I X T E E N. Thirty total, including the ones in 2014 and 2015. How does that even happen? I really don't know. It's one at a time, doing the next thing. Its people praying and standing with us. And its stinking hard.

On Monday we met with the spine surgeon, who reviewed the x-rays and said everything looks to be where it should be post-surgery. I'm truly grateful he was willing to operate and give me so much quality of life back.

And then, (the best for last!!! 😄) today we met with my oncologist, who reviewed my scans and blood work from earlier in the week. She is VERY pleased with how my scans look! And we are taking a break from treatment!! 

Which means, I have many, many weeks off at least. And I will live my life which means...having my house full of people for Easter, finishing tax season, sitting on a beach in Florida with my family, watching my daughter graduate from high school and all the other goodness I can pack in. 

This feels like such a good report and such a good place to stop and breathe.

I will do a PET scan in a couple weeks to check everything against the labs and then a CT Scan in two months, but today we are rejoicing, grateful for all we've been given. Grateful for all God has brought us through. Grateful for time.

 

Project 365, Week 11

Everyday, ordinary, precious life.

March 13

Family Night was a movie at home (while doing homework, judging from the blue lights)

March 14

A snowday was called the night before even though we had just brown grass and it didn't actually start snowing until evening. Amanda and I were interoffice couriers so she could get hours driving and we stopped and had a lesson at the pump.

Jack came over for the evening and together they cooked a delicious dinner for the family.

March 15

We woke up to several inches of fresh snow and there was not even a school delay. No complaints here, it was just pretty comical.

I always have a candle going at the front desk, and I thought the added subliminal message of "Relax" couldn't hurt. ;)

March 16

The ever-annoying Student-Led Parent Conference. Aiden made a presentation to tell me what he's learning and doing in school, but none of his teachers are present. Its strange, but he and I made the best of it and had a little date.

March 17

Crowd pleaser!

March 18

About half the Bible Quiz group got together for an event night of food and games. Meg made beautiful cupcakes!

March 19

Dad and Kiki came to church and after a small group of us went out to brunch. Dad regaled us with stories from ages ago. He had us laughing and, as always, admiring his unmatched memory.

We did some cleaning and maintenance at the office and I was delighted to find these right in the middle of the lawn. I also replaced the winter planters with something more spring-y. They are fake flowers until the threat of frost has passed.

 

Project 365, Week 10

Tax season, treatment week and active kids. All is grace.

March 6

Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,

    so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.

March 7

Love mild days and walks with Aiden.

March 8

This guy. By my side, strong, patient, loving.

March 9

Quiet day, with a little company after school.

March 10

Eastern Connecticut State University wants Avery. :)

March 11

So happy to be sitting at a game.

March 12

The youth group team lead worship for Sunday services and Amanda got to be a part of it. Its a special thing to see her using her gifts.