Mainly with paint and a few new and inexpensive nic nacs.  And, ONE new ceiling fan.  The rest of the fans can be moved around to different rooms to get a new look at zero cost (my kind of redecorating!!!).

My before shots of . . .

THE DEN

I removed the floral pictures from the den walls. 

I moved one frame from over the TV to another blank wall . . .for NOW, anyway.

I'd like something new on the mantle.  And, a new bronze with dark wood blades ceiling fan.
 
The den's ceiling fan would work well in our bedroom and cost nothing.  Our bedroom ceiling fan is REALLY ugly!

                                       
                                        This is a poem about fathers that is framed in mahogany.
                                                 Temporarily moved from one blah colored wall
                                                                          to another!

It's still a little plain, but better than it was.
  

                                     
                                      The color in my photos is horrible - but the framed pics
                                      have a type of dark red background with cream flowers.

THE FOYER

I'm happy with this room, except for the odd, blah colored light walls.  I'll keep the eggplant accent walls, but I want to use a light taupe or tan throughout the entire foyer, living room, and dining room.

This is what you see when your first walk in the door.  On the other side of this wall are the shelves.
A. blah colored wall with burglar alarm pad.  Isn't it quaint?!!! LOL!
                               
The rectangle is a shiny black background with gold writing of the different names of God
                    "the bread of life"  -  "the good shepherd"  etc.
Another piece of horrible photography!  My flash did NOT capture true colors at all!

THE DINING ROOM

LAST (but not least) the dining room
  
I NEED a new centerpiece.  Chirper has chewed this purple flower, twig thing up for the past year and now it is more twigs than purple flowers!  I'll put the cut crystal bowl back in the china cabinet.

                  
Interesting.  This was NOT blurry when I took the picture.  BUT, that's the accent eggplant colored wall in the dining room with a taupe pillow against the wall - a color I think will look good throughout the three formal rooms.

My photography stinks today.  Maybe things transformed when I tried to edit the photos.  I should have left them alone, because I think the photos on the camera are more realistic (and definitely not blurry) as the ones I've posted today.

EDIT: 
Late this morning, I went to Lowe's with JoAnn to gather paint samples (those little paper squares of color) for the den's gold and the taupe color for the three big rooms.  I think I gathered 92 million colors and will slowly take my time choosing which ones to use!

After that, we met Jesse for lunch at Chili's.  Couldn't taste a thing - but it was nice to think about the memory of their chipotle burger with blue cheese!!!!

Next, we went to a warehouse (floral and housewares).  I walked VERY slowly with the cart as a prop.  I got some white florals and a new clear glass vase for the dining room table.  I will arrange those flowers and take a picture sometime soon.

Then, I found some new things for the fireplace mantle (half price, and originally CHEAP, too!)

Now my decorating desire has taken me to the kitchen where I think I'll repaint some country blue pieces.  I have NO country blue in my kitchen and haven't since the 1990's!!!  I'll maybe used a red first and then wipe a flat, black for a distressed look to match my kitchen table.  I also want to paint that white bookcase in the kitchen - the same black.  

Pictures of my purchases will be tomorrow.

I over did it.  The fact it was hotter than all get out didn't help me much. 

I came home drenched and had to get into my VERY lightweight cotton nightgown.  Then, I suffered spasms in my toes, feet, calves, and shoulder blades for a couple of hours.  Maybe dehydrated?  Maybe I wasn't supposed to do all that I did? 

Who cares!  It doesn't seem to matter WHAT I do . . . I never feel very good, anymore.  Not like I used to.  So I don't really care what the cause of the spasms was about.  I'm okay now.  The shopping is done, and I'm happy with my purchases.  I'll have to see (tomorrow) if the size of everything works.

AND . . . My order from Yankee candles arrived today.  It smells wonderful in here and I haven't even opened the candle's wrappers!

Be Blessed  ~

The fact I walked into the kitchen (where the floor had just been mopped) this morning and found the handy work of Sushi, didn't please me!  Coffee grounds from the trash!
          

It feels like stupid stuff is happening.  Like things are unraveling because no one is making sure whatever needs to be done is accomplished.  I feel like I have to prompt and prod my children (and others) to do every little thing.  I despise having to check up on people and act like a patrol officer.
 
     

JoAnn left, JUST NOW, to get the prescription for Abreeana that SHOULD HAVE BEEN received yesterday around noon.  Nothing like a 24 hour delay when your mouth is in pain and you are 2yo and can't understand!  The pharmacy lied last night (the one I ALWAYS have problems with) and said the doctor had JUST called in the prescription (anesthetic lollipops) and proceeded to tell JoAnn they don't carry those.  The truth is, the doctor had called the prescription in BEFORE JoAnn had pulled the car out of the doctor's parking lot yesterday around noon . . . NOT 9pm!!!
  

Last night, the pharmacy said they had told the doctor to call the prescription into another pharmacy across town - WAAAAAY across town from *us*!!!  This morning JoAnn called the new pharmacy.  They had never heard of the prescription, never heard of Abreeana's name, NOR had *any* doctor called them about anesthetic lollipops.

I called the doctor's office.  (I hate it when I have to get pushy and have to try SO hard to keep my voice even, but I've watched this little girl suffer needlessly and it's beginning to bother me . . . A LOT!)  The receptionist said I could leave a voice mail for the doctor.  I refused.  We're talking 24 hours later and we are no closer to giving Abreeana any relief.  I told them WHERE to call in the lollipops (they are made up special - "compounded" - and only a few pharmacies can do that) and picked a pharmacy in the city we live . . .  NOT clear across town.  I told the receptionist I would wait on the line while they called in the prescription and then they could confirm with me WHERE they had called.  I didn't want Abreeana to have to wait any longer for pain relief.  The receptionist got back on the phone and said the lollipops had been called into our local pharmacy. 

I called the pharmacy (just up the street) and, not only did they have the call from the doctor, they had the prescription READY!!!!  Amazing what happens when people do what they are supposed to do.

My girls are fighting (or bickering) like cats and dogs.  Everyone is in the middle of the other's business and not doing what they are supposed to be doing. 

Example:  "Rissy, brush your hair."   Rissy goes into Annamarie and Luci's room to break up an argument. 

It's been just like that - all three of them - for several weeks - and I can't bear any more of it.  When I ask a question, all three girls look at me with blank stares.  "Did you put that book up like I told you to do?"   . . . lonnnnng pause . . .   "I don't know." 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!

I've decided to give them challenging games to play or activities to occupy their minds.  I don't have it in me to start up "real school" just yet, but something to MAKE THEIR BRAINS WORK!!!!!!

  
                                            Lavender crepe myrtle.

It's too hot to play outside - a little bit in the pool in the afternoon is about all they can take.  The triple digit figures should stop after tomorrow.  It's like their brains won't function in the excessive heat - but they aren't IN the heat.  That's why I'm guessing they need something more stimulating to do with their time.

      
                                                                    White crepe myrtle.

Yesterday, I offered a library challenge.  I told them each that I wanted them to give thought the rest of the week to two subjects they would like to know more about.  After each child selected two topics, we'd go to the library next week and find books on those topics.  THEN, each child could present her findings orally to the rest of the family.  I figured each child would learn about their own two subjects and four more subjects from the other sisters.  Since no writing is involved, all three girls can compete equally - adults can read books (that are hard) to the nonreaders.

  
                                          My favorite color (fuchsia) crepe myrtle.

Anyway, I'm tearing my head apart to come up with something to keep them from biting at each other's throats.  If they don't stop, I will be the one tearing at throats.  I can't stand children bickering or always correcting each other.  It's to the point that I've even heard, "That's not how you hold a bear, Annamarie."  There's a proper way to hold a stuffed bear?  Someone help me out, please!!!

  
                                               The neighbor's crepe myrtle tree - MY delight!

I went outside early this morning (after a great night's sleep) to see what I could photograph in the morning sun.  The sunshine and flower colors (and the different colors of greenery) were glorious, but I was limited by our small backyard and the same five or so bushes.  My rose bush isn't doing well, right now.  Probably dying for a drink!

I made my cut floral arrangement (from Wal-Mart) last a little over 2 weeks.  I had to throw it away today.  Ten dollars for 17 days isn't too bad, is it?  LOL!

I have decided to get paint for the den's remaining few walls.  The den with the chili pepper red accent walls.  I'm going to use some sort of light gold, that will look okay next to the kitchen's yellow walls and the red den walls.  My idea for a light taupe in the formal rooms (off of the den and kitchen) looks like it will turn out nice, too.  I just have to go to the store and pick the paint samples and decide which EXACT color to use.  JoAnn and I could do the den in a few hours.  The formal areas have tall ceilings and big furniture to move.  It will require someone being hired.  I don't have it in me to climb ladders, hoist furniture around, etc.! 

I'm revamping the den a bit today to give *me* a new look.  I think something a bit different (for a VERY small amount of money) will give my spirits a lift.  A little hobby to keep me occupied!

I'll be able to use some of the pictures from the den in Sampson's little hallway between the foyer and kitchen.  There is nothing in that hallway now except off white walls.  BORING!!!!

Stephanie is on her way over here to pick up Luci and Rissy.  Annamarie is complaining of an ear ache again and I want to make sure she takes her antibiotic and gets NO swimming pool water in her ears.  This ear ache problem has been another thing that has been a round robin of trouble this summer.

Change of plans.  Jesse just called.  He thinks ALL girls should go to Stephanie's and give them (and us) a break from each other.  Sounds good to me!  I'm off to get the last of the girls' things rounded up for the suitcase.

Be Blessed  ~

After seeing Karen off at the airport (where she had to drag her own luggage to the desk, because sky cap jobs have been eliminated!!!!!!),  JoAnn returned with a headache.  Either, circumstances, excessive heat, lack of sleep, or a combination of all of the above, produced a throbbing pain in her head.  She took some Excedrin, cola, and a short nap in her room.  Then, awoke to Abreeana crying miserably from pain.

                              
                              My bed is empty, and the loveseat Luci slept on is, too.

===================

Abreeana has been suffering with diarrhea for over a week.  We thought it was beginning to clear up and were waiting for her mother to contact the Washington doctor and mail us a prescription.  It never arrived and the stomach problem has continued to plague the poor little thing.  Yesterday, as tired and achy as JoAnn felt, she had to deal with mouth sores in Abreeana's mouth.  We're talking some MAJOR pain in that poor itty bitty mouth.  She wailed and wailed and I felt so very sorry for her.  Between stomach pains and mouth sores - she's been miserable.  She allowed her sister, Aolani, to hold her while I plied her with shavings of peppermint candy.  I know how important it is to keep liquids down her, and she just couldn't do it last night.  EVERYTHING causes her pain.

After calling around and finding the best way to handle a doctor visit and what "medicine/food" to use until she could get in to see someone, I made the decision to call (early this morning) the girls' doctor's office.  Sure enough, they have agreed to see her at 11:30am this morning for cash.  JoAnn doesn't have medical permission to treat Abreeana, nor does Oklahoma accept the medical insurance carried on Abreeana in Washington.  What a mess!  The girls' doctor will discount the bill since it will be paid the same day and cash will be used.  THEN, hopefully, Abreeana will get some relief.  I remember having those mouth sores back in February, when I first when to the doctor for the lump in my breast.  The doctor was more worried about my mouth sores than the other problem!  They were horrible open, bloody-looking sores - the same as Abreeana.  I remember that even applesauce burned when I swallowed.

===================

                                   
                                        JoAnn and her grandchildren are up and outta bed.

Everyone is out of bed - animals included.  I didn't sleep well last night, nor did JoAnn.  She was up with Abreeana who kept crying to her about her, "mouth, mouth" in her sleep.

    Sampson's bed.                                                                Sushi's crate bed.
 

==============

I was restless and felt like crying last night.  So, JoAnn was worried about me, too.  She came in at midnight and I told her there was nothing more she could do for me.  I told her she should go back to bed.  She said she got up around 4am this morning and I was asleep - but moaning in my sleep.  She has had her hands full between Abreeana and me - for sure!  Who would EVER sign up for this job???!!!!

=============

I'm not sure what will happen with the girls visiting Stephanie this week.  Annamarie came in from the pool yesterday complaining of an ear ache and Rissy confirmed that Annamarie had told her that her ear was aching, again.  I guess Annamarie will be the one to stay home from Stephanie's this time.  I can't take a chance on her ear problems flaring up again, as HER ears have been giving her so many problems this year.

                                              
                                              Rissy and Annamarie slept in Annamarie's king bed last night
                                                                                            - they're up and around this morning.

=================

I don't know what's up with me, either.  Why the restlessness, yesterday???  I teared up and was weepy, much of yesterday afternoon.  I was mainly missing my friend Lori something fierce.  She was here this summer (for a short visit on a Sunday afternoon) and sat on my bed with me, while we talked and held hands.  That memory was burning a hole through my mind all day, yesterday, and I wanted Lori by me, more than anything.  I was afraid to call her and start crying - afraid she would think something bad was going on with me.  I didn't want to scare her. 

Fortunately, God urged her to call me last night and we talked for close to an hour - which helped a lot (hearing her voice).  I still want to see her and hate the miles between us.  She is one of those girlfriends who's a comfort to me and always has the right thing to say or the right silly joke to tell. 

I love her oodles and gobs - which (translated) means a whole lot!

               
                    Rissy's bedding needs to be washed, now that Karen is gone
                                         - the only bed that's made this morning.

====================

I'm not sure that some of my medication isn't the culprit that is making me feel so melancholy. 

The doctors and nurses said all of the chemo drugs can cause depression; but, it isn't *depression* I'm feeling.  More like an antsy, "I gotta break outta here" feeling.  I've done so well up to this point - sitting inside these four  walls day after day.  Everyone keeps shooing me back into the main part of the house from the garage and backyard. 

I'm not supposed to get overheated or be exposed to the sun (thanks to steroids), so I can understand their concern over my being outside. 

But, the 1500sq ft garage is like an extension of our house (not used as a garage for our cars) - pantry, craft storage, extra pots, pans, and appliances, etc.  I'm out there quite a few times a day.  I feel like I'm escaping from prison, once I set foot over that extended threshold into my extra 1500 sq ft!!!!  I guess everyone has my best interest at heart, but I sometimes miss companionship and fresh air!!!

The pain medicine could be making me feel restless, too.  I suspect that is more the cause of my melancholy, than the usual chemo therapy stuff I have been receiving.

                            
                               Aolani will go to her dad's house to visit him, today.

==============

At any rate, I feel like we're all up out of bed and *I* have no where to go.  If Jesse can't come home when JoAnn leaves for the doctor with Abreeana, I'll have to do the "wise thing" and stay on my bed with a book.  This time, the chemo hasn't made me have as many black-out experiences.  However, I've been very careful to not bend over and stand up too quickly - nor have I jumped out of bed without dangling my feet first. 

Dangling my feet  first . . . a new way of life!

                                   
                                    The three girly munchkins trying to wake up in the den.

=============

Someone from church brought dinner last night - Laura.  I haven't seen her since I stopped going to a Christian child raising class through the church.  A group of us were watching a video and discussing the topics regarding our own children.  It was really enjoyable and nice to be with "big people" - and NICE ONES, too!  The meetings were held at her house each week.  It's been last February, I think, since I've seen her.  She didn't stay long - but the visit was really nice for me.

I'm sounding pretty boring and depressed here - at least that's what I think when I read over what I've typed - so, I'm going to get off of here and see what trouble I can get into before JoAnn leaves for the doctor!

Be Blessed  ~

Yesterday afternoon and evening, we had a surprise birthday party for Karen.  Her birthday is actually later this week, and she was SO *not* expecting anything from us.

 
      ABREEANA'S HEART WAS BROKEN WHEN SHE WAS TOLD THE GIFTS WERE NOT FOR HER!!!

                                           
                                                            BEING CONSOLED BY JOJO 

We had several gift bags of goodies and some sweet and funny cards mixed in ALL for Karen. 
      
Things were happening on a more positive note, when Abreeana was assigned the title of "helper"!!!!!

In Karen's final birthday card from Jesse and me, she was presented (a running joke before she even GOT here) with a final bill of her stay with us - hotel, food, concierge service, as well as guided tours!!!)
                              

A birthday cake and gift from Marie, who couldn't stay for dinner . . .   

 
Rissy and Marie

I made a chicken and vegetable stir fry meal - quick and easy, she enjoyed it, and wanted to watch me make it, so she could duplicate it when she got back home.  Quick and easy (and even CHEAP) are words that bring our ears to attention quickly around here!

 
The candles are in "code" and represent different numerical values that shall remain nameless!

                 
                                        
                                         And what would a birthday be around my house without
                                         some cat or dog involvement in the tissue paper????!!!!!!

OR . . . *any* day without us and our pets???

 
                                                     A man (*my* man) and his dog!

Also, in other trivial news, yesterday would have been my paternal grandparents' 92nd wedding anniversary.  I always have a secret celebration in my heart on July 12 - remembering all of the sweet times I spent with my dear grandparents.

   
Blurry - but my grandparents!!!!!

This ring was given to me by my grandmother before she died.  I've worn it for around 20 years.  It was the ring given her in the picture above on July 12, 1917 and is inscribed with their initials and the wedding date.  I never take it off of my right ring finger - except to take the picture below.

 
Chemo sure has changed my hands to dried-up-looking claws.  I have been told by many that my younger looking skin will come back after all of the chemo drugs are out of my body.  I sure hope so!!!

  Jesse, Abreeana, Luci and Annamarie last night.               Luci, Annamarie and Rissy at today's breakfast table. 

Unfortunately, this weekend didn't get by without me experiencing some bone pain.  Yes, "pain" and not "aches" this time.  It hit me Saturday evening, fairly hard, and Saturday night I was told that I moaned in my sleep all night long.  I was aware of some moaning, and knew I had been awake more than I had been asleep.  It was well after 1am before I started to doze, and then finally near "gettin' up time" before I slept a little more soundly.  Sunday was a long day and I felt sharp tongued and short on patience with the girls.  I hate it when I get like that.  They weren't exactly little angels yesterday, but they don't need to hear me speaking crossly or sharply - ESPECIALLY when I'm *supposed* to be a teaching example.  Well, suffice it to say, yesterday I was NOT *any* sort of an example!

The pain is still with me this morning, but more of an ache.  It feels like my thigh bones, knees, and hips have a pulse beat of their own.  Yesterday when I woke up, I told everyone I felt like a Barbie doll whose legs had been screwed into the hip sockets just slightly off kilter!  The only doll I could thing of with screw-in legs! 

                                                                     
                                                       Aolani -bright and early this morning!

PRAYER REQUEST:

Total change of subject . . . . I haven't mentioned it, but, my Daddy went to the hospital about a week ago after falling at home.  He falls every now and then, but this time Mom couldn't help him up.  I called just as he had landed on the floor.  He was in a hospital (virtually down to the street) and then transferred to one that required an hour's drive each way.  The drive was really hard on my mom and she almost fell asleep one night driving back from visiting him.  Finally, and fortunately, he was transferred back to a place 5 minutes from their home.  They will try to exercise him and strengthen him.  He's had a lot of back issues and has suffered strokes (some mild and one more serious).  They aren't trying to explain what happened this last time with his fall - just charting the experience for future reference.  It's exceptionally hard on him to be in a place where some look so deathly ill and sick.  I know how that feels since I see the same thing at my chemo appointments.  On top of everything else, there is a family reunion planned (his side of the family) at my sister's house in August.  We are praying he is able to be released and join the fun. 

Please pray that his body is strengthened and that he is encouraged to eat - despite the flavorless facility food!  He's a dear person to me, as are all of my family members.

======================

Well, to say I will miss Karen is an understatement.  Like all of our company we've had recently, she has been so easy to be around.  Despite sending her the fake "hospitality bill" she was a help and a comfort to me, as she has undergone chemo and a single mastectomy several years ago.  A sweet friend and, now, more like family than friend.

Jesse will be home around 1pm to prepare to take her to lunch (if she wants) and then the airport.

                              
                                        We're all smily faces around here this morning!

My day will be used to rest and let my body continue to rebound from this last round of pain.  I felt like I slept better last night, but Jesse said I moaned in my sleep off and on all night.  At least it didn't keep me awake!

Be Blessed  ~

I woke up at 6am and took one Morphine tablet at 6:15am (it only works for 3 hours) to get me by until I could start my Percocet schedule  (9:30am, 3:30pm, & 9:30pm), which seems to work for me.  That allows me to take the least amount of Percocet and is a dose I'm most comfortable taking.  I slept like a rock again last night.  I'm so glad the steroids aren't rendering me sleepless this time!

I made 4 loaves (a double batch) of friend, Emily's, 100 year old banana bread recipe for Karen this morning.  We will eat one and I've frozen the other three for her to take home Monday.  I baked it fairly early this morning, before I began to hurt, and I let the KitchenAide mixer do all the work!  We ran the dishwasher and did some laundry - well, JoAnn did the laundry, until the thermostat in the front of the house started to rise above the desired temperature.

There are parts of Oklahoma that have been hitting 115 degrees - that's up in the Panhandle.  We've been over 100 degrees in our area for several days.  There is talk of a "cool front" coming through in a few days that will lower temperatures "down" to 99 degrees.  That DOES sound rather appealing!  So, you know it must be hot!!!

One of our pastor's family (the ones we were friends with before attending their church) are bringing dinner tonight.  I asked Jesse if he was clear with them about how many people are in our house today!  We have a lot to cook for, if you aren't used to cooking for large numbers of people - 8 of us, in all.

We look forward to their company, always, as the pastor is as silly and funny as Jesse.  If I feel uncomfortable from bone pain, I may have to excuse myself and go back to my bed and lie down while everyone else visits.

I read a book, so to speak, today.  It's an easy read, written for teenagers, and has something like 4 or 5 short stories compiled under one cover.  Each story is only 150 pages (or less) and easy to zip through in a few hours.  It was entertaining and distracted me from my pain.

I should explain what I consider pain.  On a scale of 1 - 10, "aches" rate at 1-5.  Then, somewhere around 5 and rating upwards, from 5-10, it becomes "pain."  I would rate this as "aches" today, rather than "pain," and around a 3 -4 on my pain rating scale.  Of course, it isn't constant, but just twinges here and there.  Very bearable.

I just cleaned up the bar in the kitchen.  I wrapped the banana bread for the freezer and put away the big pans that had been hand washed last night.  I refilled the flour and sugar bins and just kind of tidied things up.  Jesse had the girls empty the dishwasher, but I'm sure the sink is still full of dirty cups, etc. from today.  Oh well - I'm not going to look and then it won't bother me!!!

JoAnn and Karen went to JoAnn's & Jesse's mother's house so their mom could see Karen before she leaves Monday.  Abreeana was cute and told JoAnn she wanted to stay with her Uncle Jesse and go swimming with the girls.  JoAnn told her to ask her Uncle Jesse and Jesse said she was just darling asking if she could please stay with him!  Right now, she is asleep next to him on the sofa while he watches TV.  Dressed and rediapered - thanks to her Uncle Jesse.

Well, I have just been asked by my husband to go back to the bed and rest a bit before people start arriving.  JoAnn just called and she and Karen are stopping at Wal-Mart, but are on their way home.

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend - mine is definitely relaxing!

Be Blessed  ~

It's becoming more comfortable.  I wore it for yesterday's chemo appointment.  I got there at 8:30am and didn't leave until 3:30pm - SUCH A LARGE BLOCK OF MY TIME.  I was bored beyond belief and really tried to tell myself it was a small price to pay for what the drugs were accomplishing.  By 3:00, I had the staff laughing at me.  My, and another patient's, IV beeper went off signaling the bags had run out.  I said, "Me first!  Me first!  I've been here longer than anyone."  They laughed. 

Then a delivery guy was unloading boxes.  The nurse had said she'd take my needle out of my port as soon as she was finished with another person.  I faked a deep sigh.  Then as the delivery guy walked out the door next to my chair, I asked, "Excuse me, sir.  Do you know how to take an IV needle out of my port?  Would you?  Could you?  Puh-leeeeze!"  Again, the staff laughed.  The delivery guy left QUICKLY!

  
Abreeana, Chirper, & Luci                                                 Chirper

I took my Bible and one fiction book with me to chemo.  I read a bunch in Matthew (finished it) and started on the book of Mark.  I never picked up the fiction book.  And, I've quit bringing my boom box and listening to music.  I tend to not use it much, if at all, and it is a cumbersome load to carry around.

                                    
                                  Chirper trying to escape the kissing and hugging.

Luci has been suffering alone with just Abreeana for company.  Aolani went to visit her Dad until Saturday.  I will take Luci to therapy today, Stephanie will take the older girls earlier, and I plan to talk with the therapist today, too.  We'll take all of the girls to Stephanie's apartment, after the appointment, to pick up their suitcase and some cards (RX, etc.) and then we'll head home.

On our way to the medical appointment, we have to stop at the vet and get some RX's for Sampson (Prednisone and Lasix) because we flaked out the other day when we picked up the pet's flea treatment.  Flaking out is something that has become a way of life for me - but the others in this house sometimes follow my lead!!!!

                   
              The last time I wore fake hair I was 20.  Now I'm 56.   A few years have passed!

Things went well at the oncology appointment, yesterday.  The doctor was on vacation two weeks ago, so it's been four weeks since she's seen me.  She told me she couldn't find ANY of the tumors by feeling the breast tissue.  The pencil or long, cord-like one (it is barely detected by me) she couldn't feel it at all.  The lymph glands are still normal with no tiny tumors found.  Then she surprised me by saying the large mass (the one that encompassed half of the left breast) has pulled away from my chest wall and can't be found by her.  She said she could get her fingers behind the back of the breast tissue and feel my chest wall (ribs???).  And, that hurt me.  A good sign, because it means she is hitting normal tissue and not cancer tissue that has no feeling.

I think that's wonderful news, and I am grateful for the chemo.  But, my faith and absolute trust is in God and HIS healing.  The reason I haven't examined myself (she asked if I had checked out my breast and I told her I hadn't) is because I didn't want to fluxuate in my 100% trust in God to work a miracle.  Even now, without pictures, I'm not trusting what the doctor says, but I totally am believing that God is at work and I'm safe in His care.  If the August scans reveal tumors, I will still trust God and not give up praying.

She told me to be prepared that the surgeon might offer a lumpectomy.  And, if I'm one of the few that a scan reveals ALL tumors have disappeared, the surgeon may not want to do ANY surgery, since I will be monitored for the rest of my life because of the vertebrae tumors.  I guess they figure the vertebrae scans several months apart will show breast tumors as well and it will be detected early.

I'll have to think about that, as I NEVER want to devote this much time to cancer and take that time from my family.  Not ever, again.  She understood that I have young children whom I homeschool and she understood my wanting a double mastectomy for peace of mind.  Since I'm NOT nursing a baby and I wear vests and high buttoned dresses to cover myself, it's not like my breasts are important to me.

 
Abreeana and Luci in the pool this morning.                       The sun kept them from looking up into the camera.

JoAnn and Karen cleaned the house yesterday while I was at chemo.  It's looks great.  We are trying to figure out what to do for dinner tonight.  The leftovers can be used for lunch and then I think we will have to come up with something new to cook.  I ate some of the leftover cranberry chicken and rice for dinner, last night.  Luci ate popcorn because JoAnn had taken Karen and her to a cafeteria (Furr's) for lunch and they ate a banquet.

I am anxious to do "stuff" before the side effects hit me (most likely) later tonight.  I DID have the bone building stuff (Zometa) given in my IV yesterday and the doctor warned me to be aware of what happened last time and told me to be sure to take the pain stuff around the clock to prevent such a harsh reaction of pain again.  I feel like I am doing very well right now; but . . . I remember . . .

I've organized some new bills in our "to be paid" file and cleaned up the desk a bit this morning.  I have to take a bath.  I didn't last night.  I certainly had the time to, but Jesse was asleep.  I took a sleeping pill at 9:30 and then another half at 11:00.  Finally, at midnight, I became sleepy.  I know I'll struggle with insomnia over the next few days, but I hate to watch TV late or take a bath or do ANYTHING that might wake up others in the house.

=============

I found some Yankee candles online I want, with a $10/off coupon.  I hate to spend money on myself.  I just bought some things from Bath and BodyWorks 75% off sale.  They always have one in June/July and again in December - so I stock up.   But, I feel bad for buying that AND now wanting candles.  But, I REALLY WANT THEM . . .   I also found some black out curtains (like Rissy has) on sale in the Penney's catalogue and that would be for the guest room and the girls room - six panels in all for $20/each instead of $30/each.  Money!  Money!  Money!  Can't live with it and can't live without it!

Time for that bath and to get dressed, then out the door.

Be Blessed  ~

The recipe for last night's cranberry chicken came from my Aunt Doris.  The recipe is very easy and 99% of people I've served say they love it.

CRANBERRY CHICKEN
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (patted dry - very important)
1 Can Whole Cranberry Sauce
1 Sm. Bottle French Dressing
1 Package Dry Onion Soup Mix

Mix the 3 items together and cover the chicken breasts with mixture.
Bake uncovered at 350° for 45 minutes, or until breasts are done.

I usually double the sauce ingredients, make white rice, and serve the sauce over the rice AND the chicken.

There you have it!

Gotta Run!

Be Blessed  ~

Yesterday, Annamarie had an appointment to have her swimmer's ear checked and I decided to have a recheck done on Rissy's ear.  Jesse was going to take the girls by himself and, last minute, I decided to go along with him.  It felt so good to get out of the house! 

The two girls were released to go to Stephanie's house, as long as they didn't put their heads under water in the pool.  Luci didn't get to go because of some behavioral problems Stephanie had with her last week.  We dropped the girls off at Stephanie's place after the doctor appointment.  She lives less than a mile from the doctor's office.

                                
                                    Abreeana was scared by the noise and flash of the fireworks.
                                             She preferred to watch from the window in the den!

I had planned to cook dinner last night, but Jesse suggested we go out to eat at a restaurant up the street from us.  I ordered apricot chicken over wild rice and think I can duplicate the recipe.  It was very good.  Jesse had a bite and said he liked it and was amazed when the manager of the restaurant confirmed what I guessed to be the ingredients of the sauce!  I guess when you are as old as I am and cook all the time, it's an easy guessing game!

Tonight, I'll fix the cranberry chicken I had planned to fix last night.  The two girls and Aolani won't be here, so I have thawed more chicken breasts than necessary, but, leftovers of this dish always taste good.

Tomorrow, Jesse wants to take Karen (and the rest of the family) to our favorite Italian restaurant which is an hour and a half drive from here.  I KNOW, after chemo, I won't feel like driving 3 hours (to and back) or sitting in a restaurant for dinner.  He was trying to think of someone to "sit" with me.  I feel like a child!  But, I know it's not safe for me to be alone - especially for hours and hours.  We'll see how that all pans out.  They may have to forgo showing Karen the countryside and some good Italian food.

  Before picture of Karen's auburn hair.                                   After picture of light brown hair - JoAnn's handiwork. 

I had a horrible nightmare last night.  I dreamed a lion was after me.  Can you imagine, at *my* age, having a scary lion dream?  It truly was scary.  I woke up Jesse and asked him to put his arms around me because I'd had a nightmare.  Everyone went to the zoo, yesterday, and they talked about the animals they saw.  Maybe I had lions on my mind!  Jesse laughed at me, this morning, when I told him the details of my dream.  It was a rather dumb dream - but SCARY, nonetheless!!!

                                 
                                                   Aolani has finally arrived from Tacoma!

Chirp has been on a wild terror this morning.  He sounds like a train running up and down the hallway.  He's usually not so wound up, and we've all laughed at my "wild child's" antics!  Even Sushi has been chasing him and egging him on!

                                 
                                                  Abreena is thrilled to have her "Sissy" here!

No plans for today.  I think I should take it easy . . . which means, back to staying home.  I hate to push it, although I'd love to get out of the house again.  Maybe I can go to the local Target for a bit and walk around.  Do I sound desperate???!!!  LOL

Be Blessed  ~

  
JoAnn and Luci                                                                JanaLyn with Abreeana behind her.

I'll punctuate this entry with more of our fireworks pictures.  We had a blast with all of the children.  Most of them have never even held a sparkler.  They were especially excited!  Jesse bought the longest sparklers I've ever seen.  They ended up being very safe because they quit spitting fire about 18 inches from the handle.  They were probably 36 inches before they were lit.

 
JanaLyn and our faithful horse, "Bucky-boy"

Yesterday evening, Jesse went by Emily's to pick up and borrow a booster seat for our kitchen chair.  Abreeana continues to slip or fall from our chairs.  The tile floor isn't anything a person should land on!  Emily sent home a berry cobbler.  Despite the fact I was full last night, I ate a piece before going to bed.  Oh, YUM!!!

  Rob helping light sparklers (JanaLyn in the background) 

Speaking of dinner, I felt industrious and full of energy yesterday.  I made a pineapple upside down cake in the afternoon.  Then, I put a pork roast in the oven to roast slowly.  On Friday, Margaret had brought a bag of red potatoes with her and I boiled them and served them with butter drizzled over them.  They were so sweet, they didn't need anything else.  I found a head of cauliflower in the garage refrigerator, so I added that and some peas & carrots to the menu.  Last minute I opened a large jar of sauerkraut, pickled beets, and applesauce.  After the biscuits were finished, we sat down to a feast.  Two tables of us.  The children in the kitchen and the adults in the formal dining room.  Talk about feeling stuffed!  We never touched the pineapple upside down cake, but there's no reason we can't eat it for breakfast!  Right?!!!

  Rissy                                                                                Jesse  (look at the smoke!) 

Stephanie came over for a while yesterday while JoAnn and Karen took the girls to the park to feed the ducks.  She brought a book with her that I had given her some 10 years ago as a gift.  It's one where you write about yourself - like a journal of sorts.  She thought it was interesting to read my feelings back then and see how some things have come to pass and other things haven't changed at all.  We laughed and enjoyed sharing feelings and stories.  She wants to come back with the book and have me write more, because there are blank pages in the back of the book for "notes" or, I guess, additional thoughts.

 
Rissy & JoAnn                                                                  Jesse - getting in on the sparkler fun!

Aolani came back Sunday afternoon from visiting her dad  The girls were so excited to see her.  She seemed genuinely glad to see them, too.  I found JoAnn, Karen, and all the girls (all 5 of them) sitting in the little pool in the backyard yesterday afternoon.  I'm sure the sun cooked the water until it was as hot as bath water, but they were wet and that's what mattered.  Our days have been in the low 90's and will be again today.  Much better than the 100 degree temps that will soon come back. 

 
Beside all the smoke in the backyard, I caught children writing in the sky!

Karen is slowly being indoctrinated and toughened up to tolerate the hot, HOT Oklahoma summer!  She keeps saying that she wants to see the sun and everyone keeps telling her that she should be careful of what she asks!  Starting tomorrow, the temperatures will climb and be in the 3 digits for the next 7 day forecast!

  More fire and smoke! 

JoAnn, Karen, Jesse, and all the girls except Annamarie are going to the zoo today.  Jesse only has one commercial property to mow and will come home as quickly as possible.  They have to be back by 2:30pm because Annamarie has an appointment at 3:30pm to have her ear ache checked out.  I started her on Rissy's antibiotics Sunday night and have been using the numbing drops for her ear pain.  The doctor didn't want to call in the same prescription, but rather check her out.  Poor Annamarie won't get to go to the zoo.  Her ear is really hurting.

  
One of Marie's grandson's.                                              Annamarie, Stephanie, & JanaLyn in the front row.

Stephanie will be coming back today.  An adult has to stay with me.  I've felt fine and haven't had any near accidents or close to falling episodes, but it's the wise thing to do - having an adult around.  It will give Stephanie and me a chance to visit again without being interrupted by the masses.

  
Marie holding Abreeana.  JoAnn & Karen by the door.

We still have a lot of leftover food from Saturday night.  Mainly hotdogs/sausage.  I don't know whether to freeze some of the food or just have repeated meals until it's all gone.  I'd like to cook tonight and tomorrow night since I feel good and know I will be knocked back down again after Thursday's chemo.  I can't say I'm able to taste everything, but I am definitely enjoying eating this week AND I enjoy cooking for our family.

Luci, Annamarie, JanaLyn, Stephanie, & Rissy

I don't have many chores to do.  Laundry and housework are all caught up.  Stephanie's baked beans dripped in the oven; and so, I even cleaned the oven while we slept last night.  Well, *I* didn't exactly clean it - I have a self-cleaning oven - but it *is* clean this morning!!!!  The ashes need to be wiped out of it before the racks go back in.

Last night, when I watched the news, I heard they were going to preempt the noon news and the 1pm soap opera show today to cover Michael Jackson's memorial service!  Call me old . . . but, really . . .

                                    
                                        Abreeana is always ready to give us "smily eyes" when we cue her!

I guess I should move on, as people are starting to wake up and come out of their dark dens!  My 3 are still asleep.  All of this company wears them out.  But, that's a *good thing* in my eyes!

Be Blessed  ~