What Makes Me Smile

Friday night Shirley and Mike had Steve and I over for dinner. It was delicious. Steak, potatoes, corn, the works. After dinner, we sat on the deck with a fire lit and just talked the night away. The weather was perfect. It was a wonderful evening ... Thank you Shirley!!!

Saturday Shirley, Mom and Sam spent the day at the Renaissance Festival. That afternoon Shirley brought Sam and Alex over to spend the night with my kiddos. Something that is very important to know...Nik, Jake, Sam and Alex are best friends. They call themselves "the gang". I'm not sure they are ever as happy as when they are all together. They had a wonderful time together Saturday night eating pizza, playing video games and of course staying up very, very late.

Now, to what makes me smile...When I took Sam and Alex home Sunday, we first stopped by Grandma and Grandpa's to visit for awhile. When we got ready to go they all insisted on riding in the back of the truck. (I know it's against the law). As I was driving down the country road, I looked in the mirror. I saw four wonderful children, hair blowing in the wind and the biggest smiles I have ever seen. They were so happy and content just being together and riding in the back of this truck. So innocent and not a care in the world. For that moment anyway, neither did I. I wanted it to last forever.

So this week, when I get stressed or worried, I will think of that moment. And hopefully it will bring back that same feeling I had yesterday. I wish for all of us we could just live in that moment.

But this week does bring some stress and worry. Tomorrow Shirley will have her appt. to have her CT scans done and see her doctor. We will get update on those tumor markers and see where we are at. Friday, Dad will have his procedure for his arteries. Please pray for our family this week that by Friday night, we will have had all good news.

Until then, I'm taking myself back to that country road with 4 kids in the back of my truck!!!!

Love,

Teresa

Some Inspiration

THE SUN IS STILL SHINING

Did you know the clouds simply hide from your sight...
The warmth of God's love and strength of his might?
And these days filled with rain, flood a desperate soul
Where once there was joy and your spirit felt whole.

Did you know there is hope as you rise from despair?
On the wings of His mercy, He'll carry you there...
High above clouds filled with worry and pain
You'll see much more clearly His love never changed.

So let's rise above storms that obscure hopes and dreams
Where our future is hopeful... not what it now seems.
Did you know that God loves you... His love shining bright?
That together you'll triumph through day & through night?

Let us run to God's side when the clouds dim our sight...
Through His eyes we'll see clearly...
The "Son's" love shining bright!

A Dog Named Sue

We would like to introduce you to our new baby. Our dog named Sue. For those of you who like Johnny Cash you will get the meaning...because it's a boy!!!

A Dog Named Sue.

It's Finally Friday

It's been a really long week. And I am glad it's Friday. I was told by a little birdie (Kathy) that Shirley was extremely tired yesterday. Not feeling very good:( I did get to talk to her last night. She wasn't doing too bad, but heading back to bed. Kathy had stopped by earlier in the day and she just saw Shirley walk out of her bedroom, to the bathroom, and back to the bedroom. So Kathy went in and gave her a kiss and a hug and let her go back to sleep. Those days make me and Kathy ... and I am sure everyone else...very sad. But it's just the way it is. And it makes it better knowing that today, she had enough energy to get up and go to work. And work all day. Shirley's a fighter!!!!

This weekend I gave Shirley instructions to rest up. It's her week off of the evil drugs and I want it to be a good one. We will all need the week to rest up to get ready for the next week. The 30th Shirley goes in for her full day at the Cancer Center. We start off early with CT Scans, blood work, Doctor, and Chemo. Oh and we can't forget dinner after that. Of course. And then on that Friday dad will have his procedures done. Don't ask me what they are, because I don't know, but I do know that it will make him feel better. I am thanking God that he at least made that appointment.

So before I leave this blog for the weekend, I am asking everyone to pray extra hard for Shirley to feel good. Let's all pray for her tests to come out with good results and for dad's procedures to go well. And let's get these two healthy again.

Teresa

More PIctures From the Birthday

Happy Birthday To You!!!!!

It's officially Shirley's birthday. Yea!!! We had a great time last night. The group included Mom, Shirley, Cindy, Bea, Kathy and Teresa. It was a great time. After Shirley opened her birthday gifts, we went and had dinner at Red Lobster. Dinner was really good and then we went to see the movie "The Women". It was a really late night and actually I think Shirley did better than a lot of us. I attached some pictures of our night out.

Kathy and I had spent the day before we went out shopping for Shirley. We decided to get her the Christmas Carolers that she wanted for Christmas this year. I think she really liked them. We had so much fun shopping for them at Old Time Pottery and we are definitely going back there to do some more shopping. She got some other great gifts and if I did not have early Alzheimer's disease I would remember what they were. But considering my condition, I can't remember them at all. Sorry. If you talk to Shirley, I'm sure she will be glad to tell you what she got.

Tomorrow we go back to chemo. It will be a late appointment and then out to dinner. Get through this week and then try to have a healthier week off next week. Get your rest Shirley...you are a little older now.

Happy Birthday Shirley!!!!!

Shirley's Work Birthday

How nice are these people. Shirley's co-workers made her feel very special on Wednesday. Guess how I know that...she told me. She had a wonderful pre-birthday celebration. I hope they read this blog so they know how much they are appreciated. Thank you!!!!

Teresa