Posts
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Gary Post Christmas Update
So, we made it through Christmas and we are heading towards New Years! Christmas was memorable and it was great having both my Mom and Dad here with us. Gary has been in bed for days now. His platelet count is very low but we have managed to keep him out of the hospital this weekend.
This morning as we were getting ready to get to church Gary spiked a high fever complete with chills! So, he stayed home and we will head off to the doctors tomorrow morning first thing. I am sure we will spend the entire day there as he will most likely need several different transfusions.
He is tired and in lots of pain. I have upped his meds a little but it does not seem to be helping him.
My aunt, uncle, and grandmother have been here this weekend and they left this afternoon after we enjoyed a wonderful Christmas lunch. This was the last of the Christmas celebrations and gift opening sessions.
I spent the latter part of the afternoon taking all of the Christmas stuff down and sorting it out on the dining room table to organize it before I get all the bins down to put it all away. I am keeping the tree up until New Years as per everyones request.
The lights on the outside are still festive and I will keep those up as long as possible.
Tonight I pack a day bag for tomorrow. I need everything Gary might possibly need for the day and then things to keep me occupied and busy for the day. If I get prepared tonight it will be easier in the morning for me.
We are headed up to USC on Tuesday to hang out and enjoy their bowl game practice. We are all looking really forward to doing that.
Gary's Dad is hanging in there as he struggles with his cancer battle. We are hoping he can get out here sometime soon to see Gary.
All is quiet - just like I like it. The boys are exhausted. Zach and Nate had sleep overs last night and went to bed super late! Early to bed tonight for everyone!
The Chargers are winning tonight and the game is kinda boring - the reason why I picked this time to blog!
Happy Sunday and Good Thoughts for a Happy Monday!!!
Love,
L
This morning as we were getting ready to get to church Gary spiked a high fever complete with chills! So, he stayed home and we will head off to the doctors tomorrow morning first thing. I am sure we will spend the entire day there as he will most likely need several different transfusions.
He is tired and in lots of pain. I have upped his meds a little but it does not seem to be helping him.
My aunt, uncle, and grandmother have been here this weekend and they left this afternoon after we enjoyed a wonderful Christmas lunch. This was the last of the Christmas celebrations and gift opening sessions.
I spent the latter part of the afternoon taking all of the Christmas stuff down and sorting it out on the dining room table to organize it before I get all the bins down to put it all away. I am keeping the tree up until New Years as per everyones request.
The lights on the outside are still festive and I will keep those up as long as possible.
Tonight I pack a day bag for tomorrow. I need everything Gary might possibly need for the day and then things to keep me occupied and busy for the day. If I get prepared tonight it will be easier in the morning for me.
We are headed up to USC on Tuesday to hang out and enjoy their bowl game practice. We are all looking really forward to doing that.
Gary's Dad is hanging in there as he struggles with his cancer battle. We are hoping he can get out here sometime soon to see Gary.
All is quiet - just like I like it. The boys are exhausted. Zach and Nate had sleep overs last night and went to bed super late! Early to bed tonight for everyone!
The Chargers are winning tonight and the game is kinda boring - the reason why I picked this time to blog!
Happy Sunday and Good Thoughts for a Happy Monday!!!
Love,
L
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas
It's official. After tracking Santa with the internet GPS system all day to see where he was he has made it to our house and managed to eat all of the cookies and drink the egg nog too! No wonder his belly is so fat!
My Dad made it in tonight with no delays and no problems. Gary made it to church, we lit the Advent Candles tonight, and the boys sang at both services. I love going to church and seeing everyone and tonight was such a special night. We were missing tons of families at church and I think many families are away for the holiday!
If my throat would stop hurting and my nose would stop being so stuffy I would feel a heck of a lot better. Maybe after a few hours of sleep I will feel better. I know the boys are going to wake up early. They were so excited when they tried to get to sleep.
Our Secret Santa is OVER THE TOP! It has to be someone or people who know our family well. I will not force the issue of trying to find out who you are because you obviously wish to remain anonymous. On behalf of our entire family I thank you for helping to make this Christmas so special. What great joy day after day after day!
So many of you have brought us such great joy! We got another basket on the doorstep today filled with goodies and all sorts of stuff - of course no names on it! Whoever you are..............many thanks! BTW - FIGHT ON!!!!
We love all of you and hope you have the Merriest Christmas to date! I just know we are going to have a great day tomorrow (or I should say today).
Live, Laugh, Love and Thanks be to God!
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Love,
L
My Dad made it in tonight with no delays and no problems. Gary made it to church, we lit the Advent Candles tonight, and the boys sang at both services. I love going to church and seeing everyone and tonight was such a special night. We were missing tons of families at church and I think many families are away for the holiday!
If my throat would stop hurting and my nose would stop being so stuffy I would feel a heck of a lot better. Maybe after a few hours of sleep I will feel better. I know the boys are going to wake up early. They were so excited when they tried to get to sleep.
Our Secret Santa is OVER THE TOP! It has to be someone or people who know our family well. I will not force the issue of trying to find out who you are because you obviously wish to remain anonymous. On behalf of our entire family I thank you for helping to make this Christmas so special. What great joy day after day after day!
So many of you have brought us such great joy! We got another basket on the doorstep today filled with goodies and all sorts of stuff - of course no names on it! Whoever you are..............many thanks! BTW - FIGHT ON!!!!
We love all of you and hope you have the Merriest Christmas to date! I just know we are going to have a great day tomorrow (or I should say today).
Live, Laugh, Love and Thanks be to God!
Happy Birthday Jesus!
Love,
L
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
SECRET SANTA STRIKES AGAIN
OKay. Hobie is barking. He won't stop. So, I get him calmed down and I look outside to see if someone is at the door. Guess what? No one is there BUT THERE IS A SERIOUS PILE OF PRESENTS!! HOLY COW!!!!!!
I wake the kids up and tell them to open the front door. Their eyes were like quarters and they quickly brought the presents inside!
Our SS is very bold. Our kitchen blinds are open and we can see the porch from the kitchen. Our SS gambled and beat the odds! With 6 people in the house there was a good chance someone would be in the kitchen! SS got lucky!!!
How FUN FUN FUN!!! LOVE THIS EVERYDAY!!
Thank you SS!
Love,
The Sallee's
I wake the kids up and tell them to open the front door. Their eyes were like quarters and they quickly brought the presents inside!
Our SS is very bold. Our kitchen blinds are open and we can see the porch from the kitchen. Our SS gambled and beat the odds! With 6 people in the house there was a good chance someone would be in the kitchen! SS got lucky!!!
How FUN FUN FUN!!! LOVE THIS EVERYDAY!!
Thank you SS!
Love,
The Sallee's
Secret Santa
I forgot to tell you something about our Secret Santa.
The SS is a very creative person. I am leaning towards a woman being the person who executes everything just because of the attention to detail. Is it is family? 1 person? A Group?
It is fun just to speculate.
I just want everyone to know how awesome it has been having our SS this season! Everyone should have one! We are so blessed!
It is the 12th Day of Christmas today. Will we find out who you are?
L :)
The SS is a very creative person. I am leaning towards a woman being the person who executes everything just because of the attention to detail. Is it is family? 1 person? A Group?
It is fun just to speculate.
I just want everyone to know how awesome it has been having our SS this season! Everyone should have one! We are so blessed!
It is the 12th Day of Christmas today. Will we find out who you are?
L :)
Christmas Eve
Well, I can't remember the last time I felt so awful. Nate, Jax and my Mom have all been under the weather and now it has made its way to me! I have been up all night with a sore throat, serious nasal congestion and drip and just pure misery! This really stinks to be sick on Christmas Eve. I don't feel like doing anything yet I have so much to do.
Gary always escapes sickness in our house. He is the most compromised by far but I think it is safe to say that he already has way too much on his plate and being sick would really complicate things. Thank God for the little things.
Gary had a kinda yucky day yesterday. We went to Barth's office and his platelets are falling fairly quickly. Normal range is 150-400 and for the past 3 weeks he has gone from 100 to 60 to 40. Evidently, the cancer is making it hard for his marrow to produce cells. The reds and whites are holding so now we deal with the platelets. If they fall too low over the weekend then we have to go at Hoag. Hopefully we can wait until Monday and then he can get a transfusion if he needs it on an out patient basis.
In light of my sickness we will not be going to the Montage the day after Christmas. It would be difficult for me to take care of Gary in a foreign place when I feel so crappy. We will reschedule for another time.
I hope Gary has a better day. We are going to church today and our family is lighting the Advent Candle at our 4 PM service. If any of you need a place to go to church you can always come our way to Mountain View. We meet at Tesoro High School and we have a 2:30 and 4 PM service. The boys are singing, too. I am really excited.
Well, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve with family and friends.
We pray for everyone. Prayers for peace and happiness and protection and total dependence on God.
Blessings and Love on this special day,
L
Gary always escapes sickness in our house. He is the most compromised by far but I think it is safe to say that he already has way too much on his plate and being sick would really complicate things. Thank God for the little things.
Gary had a kinda yucky day yesterday. We went to Barth's office and his platelets are falling fairly quickly. Normal range is 150-400 and for the past 3 weeks he has gone from 100 to 60 to 40. Evidently, the cancer is making it hard for his marrow to produce cells. The reds and whites are holding so now we deal with the platelets. If they fall too low over the weekend then we have to go at Hoag. Hopefully we can wait until Monday and then he can get a transfusion if he needs it on an out patient basis.
In light of my sickness we will not be going to the Montage the day after Christmas. It would be difficult for me to take care of Gary in a foreign place when I feel so crappy. We will reschedule for another time.
I hope Gary has a better day. We are going to church today and our family is lighting the Advent Candle at our 4 PM service. If any of you need a place to go to church you can always come our way to Mountain View. We meet at Tesoro High School and we have a 2:30 and 4 PM service. The boys are singing, too. I am really excited.
Well, I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve with family and friends.
We pray for everyone. Prayers for peace and happiness and protection and total dependence on God.
Blessings and Love on this special day,
L
Monday, December 22, 2008
When it Rains................
It's kinda cool that our weather is dreary and cold. Perfect for Christmas. I love having a fire and lighting candles and drinking hot cocoa while opening presents on Christmas Morning. I look forward to this day all year.
We wake up in the morning and we light the candle on Jesus' cake. We all sing Happy Birthday and we talk about the real meaning of Christmas. The kids really like doing that and they don't mind waiting to open presents.
Tonight the boys brought tears to my eyes. We were at the grocery store and whn we got there we passed a girl who was collecting money for hungry children. I gave 5$ to Nate and he gave it to the girl and off we went. We shopped and checked out and went out to the car to load things up. Zach got in the car and opened up his wallet. Nate did the same and together they pulled out 30$. Nate left and went across the parking lot and back to the girl to give it all to her to try and help the hungry kids. Our kids did this all on their own. Each Nate and Zach gave over 50% of the cash that each of them had in their wallets. What amazing hearts they have. Jax wanted in on the action too so I told him that when we went home I would take 5$ out of his wallet and we would go back and give it to her tomorrow. It warms my heart.
The spa was wonderful and I wish I could do that every single month. Girlfriend time is valuable and being pampered is special. It was such a treat and I am so blessed!
Gary is hanging in there. We will see Barth tomorrow and get his counts done to see how he is doing.
The tooth fairy must have been in our house last night to give Nate $$ when Nate got up to go to the bathroom. I told Nate that she has so many kids she goes to see every night that she had to move on and wait for another night to get back to him. Thank God she came early tonight. Poor Nate. So patient.
I have some prayer requests.
Please pray for some direction for us. Gary feels as if he is in limbo with his cancer. He is almost totally helpless and he doesn't want to be. He doesn't want to die but fighting cancer to try to eradicate it is very difficult. He is in pain all the time and things are just taking their toll mentally for all of us. Zach is having a hard time. I guess there is just a mess of things going on.
Please pray that I can keep things in perspective. I have been taking care of Gary for so long and I get stuck in the thick of things and sometimes I can't see out of the forest. I want to keep strong and focused on his care. I have felt the need for "my time" lately and I am not a selfish person but for whatever reason I have needed to get away and have that outlet.
I hope you all enjoy your Tuesday. BTW - Secret Santa brought 8 Christmas Crackers for us and we will pop those open on Christmas Morning. The boys loved them. They love their SS. Thank you for that little bit of joy each day.
Good Night.
Love and Smiles,
Lisa
We wake up in the morning and we light the candle on Jesus' cake. We all sing Happy Birthday and we talk about the real meaning of Christmas. The kids really like doing that and they don't mind waiting to open presents.
Tonight the boys brought tears to my eyes. We were at the grocery store and whn we got there we passed a girl who was collecting money for hungry children. I gave 5$ to Nate and he gave it to the girl and off we went. We shopped and checked out and went out to the car to load things up. Zach got in the car and opened up his wallet. Nate did the same and together they pulled out 30$. Nate left and went across the parking lot and back to the girl to give it all to her to try and help the hungry kids. Our kids did this all on their own. Each Nate and Zach gave over 50% of the cash that each of them had in their wallets. What amazing hearts they have. Jax wanted in on the action too so I told him that when we went home I would take 5$ out of his wallet and we would go back and give it to her tomorrow. It warms my heart.
The spa was wonderful and I wish I could do that every single month. Girlfriend time is valuable and being pampered is special. It was such a treat and I am so blessed!
Gary is hanging in there. We will see Barth tomorrow and get his counts done to see how he is doing.
The tooth fairy must have been in our house last night to give Nate $$ when Nate got up to go to the bathroom. I told Nate that she has so many kids she goes to see every night that she had to move on and wait for another night to get back to him. Thank God she came early tonight. Poor Nate. So patient.
I have some prayer requests.
Please pray for some direction for us. Gary feels as if he is in limbo with his cancer. He is almost totally helpless and he doesn't want to be. He doesn't want to die but fighting cancer to try to eradicate it is very difficult. He is in pain all the time and things are just taking their toll mentally for all of us. Zach is having a hard time. I guess there is just a mess of things going on.
Please pray that I can keep things in perspective. I have been taking care of Gary for so long and I get stuck in the thick of things and sometimes I can't see out of the forest. I want to keep strong and focused on his care. I have felt the need for "my time" lately and I am not a selfish person but for whatever reason I have needed to get away and have that outlet.
I hope you all enjoy your Tuesday. BTW - Secret Santa brought 8 Christmas Crackers for us and we will pop those open on Christmas Morning. The boys loved them. They love their SS. Thank you for that little bit of joy each day.
Good Night.
Love and Smiles,
Lisa
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Sunday Wrap Up
Another good day for Gary! He was out and about on the Trojan and he has been sitting up in bed very talkative ALL DAY! What a blessing.
Tonight we all got on the couch in his room and snuggled and Gary watched us from his bed smiling as we were playing and laughing. I think Gary really enjoyed that.
Once again Gary is eating like a little piggy. He polished off a half a loaf of pumpkin bread tonight and ate a HEAPING HUGE plate full of tacos. He also ate numerous pieces of See's Candy and he had a McChicken Sandwich for a snack. Wow! That is a lot.
Hobie was groomed and looks great. He is nice and soft and fluffy. He hates the groomers but he always feels so much better afterwards.
Chuck fixed Hobie's dog run and I am so happy! He will no longer get in the dirt and drag it into the kitchen.
The kids finished their Santa letter and I think our shopping is complete finally. I have a few little things but nothing big. It is a relief and things are almost all wrapped!
Steve is here trying to fix our computer. I swear - hate PC's! My Mac (as old and slow and dinosaur as it is) works a million times better than his PC and his computer is only about 18 months old. It has several viruses on it and hopefully Steve can get it fixed so that my Mom and Zach can get back on the internet.
Tonight was a home night and it feels good. My Mom is sick and the boys have been under the weather as well. I hope we are all healthy by Christmas.
So, Gary had a fairly good chance of not making it to Christmas and look at him go! Eating and scooting and talking and smiling. His voice is strong again and it is nice to see him doing something a little more than simply existing! An answer to prayer.
I have to get my beauty sleep for tomorrow is a super hard day. I have to leave at 8 AM.............................YEAH - Off to Burke Williams Day Spa for the day with lots of my great friends! I know how tough it is but someone has got to do it! I am getting a facial and mini massage and I am very much anticipating a relaxing day! Lunch after the spa will top it off and the Spa was a gift from a friend! I am so blessed and lucky!!! I really need this day!!
I hope you all have a great Monday!!!
Love and Hugs,
Lisa
Tonight we all got on the couch in his room and snuggled and Gary watched us from his bed smiling as we were playing and laughing. I think Gary really enjoyed that.
Once again Gary is eating like a little piggy. He polished off a half a loaf of pumpkin bread tonight and ate a HEAPING HUGE plate full of tacos. He also ate numerous pieces of See's Candy and he had a McChicken Sandwich for a snack. Wow! That is a lot.
Hobie was groomed and looks great. He is nice and soft and fluffy. He hates the groomers but he always feels so much better afterwards.
Chuck fixed Hobie's dog run and I am so happy! He will no longer get in the dirt and drag it into the kitchen.
The kids finished their Santa letter and I think our shopping is complete finally. I have a few little things but nothing big. It is a relief and things are almost all wrapped!
Steve is here trying to fix our computer. I swear - hate PC's! My Mac (as old and slow and dinosaur as it is) works a million times better than his PC and his computer is only about 18 months old. It has several viruses on it and hopefully Steve can get it fixed so that my Mom and Zach can get back on the internet.
Tonight was a home night and it feels good. My Mom is sick and the boys have been under the weather as well. I hope we are all healthy by Christmas.
So, Gary had a fairly good chance of not making it to Christmas and look at him go! Eating and scooting and talking and smiling. His voice is strong again and it is nice to see him doing something a little more than simply existing! An answer to prayer.
I have to get my beauty sleep for tomorrow is a super hard day. I have to leave at 8 AM.............................YEAH - Off to Burke Williams Day Spa for the day with lots of my great friends! I know how tough it is but someone has got to do it! I am getting a facial and mini massage and I am very much anticipating a relaxing day! Lunch after the spa will top it off and the Spa was a gift from a friend! I am so blessed and lucky!!! I really need this day!!
I hope you all have a great Monday!!!
Love and Hugs,
Lisa
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friends
Oh my heavens. What can I possibly say about our friends? Our friends are awesome and I learn so much from all of them every single day. Our friends teach me about life and the lessons that are all wrapped up inside it.
We have so many friends. Some we know in passing. Some are neighbors. Others are work friends. We have church friends. Baseball friends. Family friends. People we don't even know friends. Long-time friends. Close friends. Distant friends. All over the world friends. So many - too many to count.
Some of you we talk to every day. Some once a week. Some once a month. Others we never talk to but communicate via E-mail. Secret Santa friends and our friends at Beckstrand. Friends at Hoag and at Dr. Barth's office. My gosh. Our lives are overflowing with friends and goodness!!
Thank you all for being our friends. I can honestly tell you that we would never make it through this without you. In troubled times you really get to know who is going to bat for you. Some of you have run for the hills - don't worry - the forgiveness blog was targeted for you! ( I am totally kidding). It's good to have friends.
Last night we had our 4th & 5th grade Christmas Party at the Marvel's and I just love hanging out with those kids. I got home around 10 PM and passed out shortly after. Gary's sister left this morning and then I took Zach and his buddy Jake to get donuts and then to get Drano to try and unclog the boys shower upstairs. (The Drano was a no go but the acid worked beautifully).
I spent the rest of the day cleaning - the garage, the house, the yard and so on............. There are so many "man chores" to do and I stink at them. Gary has always done them. Drano, the yardwork, garage crap and searching for tools and other things. Chuck is always right there (our neighbor) to help me when I need it. John takes the trashcans out most of the time and Todd and Ken have all helped me out doing things around the house.
Gary and Chuck went to Home Depot today. It is so good for Gary to get out of the house. It takes about an hour to get him ready to just run a quick errand but it is worth it when he is feeling up to it. They replaced another fuse in the fuse box and changed out lightbulbs for me. Gary was outside in his wheelchair for quite some time. He even sat in the backyard and watched the kids jump.
The kids LOVE LOVE LOVE jumping on the trampoline! It is so great watching them have so much fun.
Our Secret Santa brought a game to us last night - Sorry Express (which the boys love) and today our SS brought cookie mix! So we mixed up some cookies and I baked this afternoon. They were so good! We had friends for dinner and I made my yummy chicken casserole and we sat by the fire and ate together. Nate slept in my bed next to Gary tonight and kept him company as they watched another run of Drake and Josh's Merry Christmas show. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz I always try to make sure at least one person eats dinner with Gary in his room. I would never want him to feel more left out than he already does.
Tomorrow Hobie gets groomed and I will work and go to church. After church Zach and I will run errands until Hobie is ready to be picked up and then we will come home and I will "wrap" some things up for Christmas.
Thanks for loving us - even if you don't know us. Thanks for supporting us - your notes, prayers, cards, meals, gift cards, gifts, and everything else is more than appreciated ALWAYS! So many of you have done the most amazing things for our family. Poker tourneys, money collections, other fundraisers, etc.......You have made our Christmas unexpectedly MERRY in more ways than you could count!
Make tomorrow a great day and remember to laugh and be Merry! Don't be grouchy as the stress of finishing up loose ends creeps upon you. Take it in stride and don't forget why we celebrate! Don't swear at stupid drivers or dingalingy people in line in front of you. Take a deep breath. Let someone merge in front of you or go ahead of you in line. Remember - one good turns deserves another.
When you are totally fraking out because company is coming and time is running out I urge you to take time to be a Mary and not a Martha! Just breath and enjoy. This time of year only happens once.
Love,
L
We have so many friends. Some we know in passing. Some are neighbors. Others are work friends. We have church friends. Baseball friends. Family friends. People we don't even know friends. Long-time friends. Close friends. Distant friends. All over the world friends. So many - too many to count.
Some of you we talk to every day. Some once a week. Some once a month. Others we never talk to but communicate via E-mail. Secret Santa friends and our friends at Beckstrand. Friends at Hoag and at Dr. Barth's office. My gosh. Our lives are overflowing with friends and goodness!!
Thank you all for being our friends. I can honestly tell you that we would never make it through this without you. In troubled times you really get to know who is going to bat for you. Some of you have run for the hills - don't worry - the forgiveness blog was targeted for you! ( I am totally kidding). It's good to have friends.
Last night we had our 4th & 5th grade Christmas Party at the Marvel's and I just love hanging out with those kids. I got home around 10 PM and passed out shortly after. Gary's sister left this morning and then I took Zach and his buddy Jake to get donuts and then to get Drano to try and unclog the boys shower upstairs. (The Drano was a no go but the acid worked beautifully).
I spent the rest of the day cleaning - the garage, the house, the yard and so on............. There are so many "man chores" to do and I stink at them. Gary has always done them. Drano, the yardwork, garage crap and searching for tools and other things. Chuck is always right there (our neighbor) to help me when I need it. John takes the trashcans out most of the time and Todd and Ken have all helped me out doing things around the house.
Gary and Chuck went to Home Depot today. It is so good for Gary to get out of the house. It takes about an hour to get him ready to just run a quick errand but it is worth it when he is feeling up to it. They replaced another fuse in the fuse box and changed out lightbulbs for me. Gary was outside in his wheelchair for quite some time. He even sat in the backyard and watched the kids jump.
The kids LOVE LOVE LOVE jumping on the trampoline! It is so great watching them have so much fun.
Our Secret Santa brought a game to us last night - Sorry Express (which the boys love) and today our SS brought cookie mix! So we mixed up some cookies and I baked this afternoon. They were so good! We had friends for dinner and I made my yummy chicken casserole and we sat by the fire and ate together. Nate slept in my bed next to Gary tonight and kept him company as they watched another run of Drake and Josh's Merry Christmas show. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz I always try to make sure at least one person eats dinner with Gary in his room. I would never want him to feel more left out than he already does.
Tomorrow Hobie gets groomed and I will work and go to church. After church Zach and I will run errands until Hobie is ready to be picked up and then we will come home and I will "wrap" some things up for Christmas.
Thanks for loving us - even if you don't know us. Thanks for supporting us - your notes, prayers, cards, meals, gift cards, gifts, and everything else is more than appreciated ALWAYS! So many of you have done the most amazing things for our family. Poker tourneys, money collections, other fundraisers, etc.......You have made our Christmas unexpectedly MERRY in more ways than you could count!
Make tomorrow a great day and remember to laugh and be Merry! Don't be grouchy as the stress of finishing up loose ends creeps upon you. Take it in stride and don't forget why we celebrate! Don't swear at stupid drivers or dingalingy people in line in front of you. Take a deep breath. Let someone merge in front of you or go ahead of you in line. Remember - one good turns deserves another.
When you are totally fraking out because company is coming and time is running out I urge you to take time to be a Mary and not a Martha! Just breath and enjoy. This time of year only happens once.
Love,
L
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Catch Up
I forgot to blog yesterday so please accept my apology and allow me to get you all caught up!
Our Secret Santa struck again - twice!
Yesterday, we received an awesome CD complete with our "Grinchy" song! What a great CD! Tonight, we received a 6 pack of yummy rootbeer and yummy cookies! Gary is laying in bed right now with a cup of milk dipping his cookies. He has had a rootbeer and we even shared one with Jake. So exciting every day to find a new prize!
Yesterday we got the blood transfusions and so far so good. While we were getting the transfusions I found a random magazine to read (we were there for almost 6 hours) and I had quite the read all about forgiveness. It was such a great article about this subject so we will discuss it now.
They covered many stories of people - from wives wronged by meddling mother-in-laws to more serious things like cheating spouses and physically abusive husbands. Whatever the transgression was that was committed against these people they all were holding on to the pain and hurt and anger because they could not forgive. It festered and festered.
Some people had physical problems stemming from not letting go of their anger and pain. Others suffered mentally and the mental stress was overwhelming.
I know when I have been wronged I have had a hard time letting go of things. I am justice oriented and how dare anyone get away with yucky behavior or heinous things. After all, like in The Shack, I wanted to be my own judge and jury. Am I not entitled to do that?
Well, I have been through abuse and all sorts of other horrible things in my life (not going to bore you with details) and there was a time when I couldn't let go partially because I didn't want to and because of the above mentioned reasons. It had become part of me - my non-forgiving heart.
It is so unhealthy to allow these things to infiltrate our hearts and minds. I would feel sick as I let things eat away at me. Talking about them over and over. Trying to justify my feelings and thoughts. It is ridiculous that I was like that. Learning to forgive is hard BUT this is one of the greatest gifts I have given myself in my life. It has freed me and allowed me to move forward in a healthy way and to be able to make sound and strong decisions. I am who I am now because of the lessons I have learned stemming from these things. I am stronger and better than ever and I feel really great about that.
There is no point holding a grudge. You become handicapped by that act. God wants us to forgive. Does that mean we have to forget? No. Can it still arouse emotion sometimes even when we forgive? Absolutely. But, when you learn to give it up and give it to God it really is a great thing for your soul.
We all make mistakes. Some are bigger than others. We are not here to judge others. God is going to be doing plenty of that when we die and meet Him face to face. I just want to be the best person I can possibly be - it sucks that I fall short every day and I can never achieve perfection!
We are all ready to celebrate the holidays together and spend time with family and friends as we reflect on the past year and make plans for the year to come. If someone has wronged you - whether it be your mother-in-law's criticism of the way you raise your kids OR your husband who you have built resentment towards for whatever reason I urge you to find it in your heart to pray, forgive, ask God to take it from you and move forward and past it. Forgiveness is powerful. You don't have to do it for the person who wronged you BUT rather do it for yourself. Give yourself that gift and free your body and mind from the harsh effects that unforgiveness and the stress from it can cause.
Okay. I am off the soapbox now. I just want everyone to be happy and healthy and strong and loving and forgiving and the Good Lord wants that for all of you, too.
I have to go to bed now. It is late and I am tired and my brain hurts fom trying to articulate my deep thoughts. I hope it all made sense.
Love, peace, and forgiveness,
Lisa
Our Secret Santa struck again - twice!
Yesterday, we received an awesome CD complete with our "Grinchy" song! What a great CD! Tonight, we received a 6 pack of yummy rootbeer and yummy cookies! Gary is laying in bed right now with a cup of milk dipping his cookies. He has had a rootbeer and we even shared one with Jake. So exciting every day to find a new prize!
Yesterday we got the blood transfusions and so far so good. While we were getting the transfusions I found a random magazine to read (we were there for almost 6 hours) and I had quite the read all about forgiveness. It was such a great article about this subject so we will discuss it now.
They covered many stories of people - from wives wronged by meddling mother-in-laws to more serious things like cheating spouses and physically abusive husbands. Whatever the transgression was that was committed against these people they all were holding on to the pain and hurt and anger because they could not forgive. It festered and festered.
Some people had physical problems stemming from not letting go of their anger and pain. Others suffered mentally and the mental stress was overwhelming.
I know when I have been wronged I have had a hard time letting go of things. I am justice oriented and how dare anyone get away with yucky behavior or heinous things. After all, like in The Shack, I wanted to be my own judge and jury. Am I not entitled to do that?
Well, I have been through abuse and all sorts of other horrible things in my life (not going to bore you with details) and there was a time when I couldn't let go partially because I didn't want to and because of the above mentioned reasons. It had become part of me - my non-forgiving heart.
It is so unhealthy to allow these things to infiltrate our hearts and minds. I would feel sick as I let things eat away at me. Talking about them over and over. Trying to justify my feelings and thoughts. It is ridiculous that I was like that. Learning to forgive is hard BUT this is one of the greatest gifts I have given myself in my life. It has freed me and allowed me to move forward in a healthy way and to be able to make sound and strong decisions. I am who I am now because of the lessons I have learned stemming from these things. I am stronger and better than ever and I feel really great about that.
There is no point holding a grudge. You become handicapped by that act. God wants us to forgive. Does that mean we have to forget? No. Can it still arouse emotion sometimes even when we forgive? Absolutely. But, when you learn to give it up and give it to God it really is a great thing for your soul.
We all make mistakes. Some are bigger than others. We are not here to judge others. God is going to be doing plenty of that when we die and meet Him face to face. I just want to be the best person I can possibly be - it sucks that I fall short every day and I can never achieve perfection!
We are all ready to celebrate the holidays together and spend time with family and friends as we reflect on the past year and make plans for the year to come. If someone has wronged you - whether it be your mother-in-law's criticism of the way you raise your kids OR your husband who you have built resentment towards for whatever reason I urge you to find it in your heart to pray, forgive, ask God to take it from you and move forward and past it. Forgiveness is powerful. You don't have to do it for the person who wronged you BUT rather do it for yourself. Give yourself that gift and free your body and mind from the harsh effects that unforgiveness and the stress from it can cause.
Okay. I am off the soapbox now. I just want everyone to be happy and healthy and strong and loving and forgiving and the Good Lord wants that for all of you, too.
I have to go to bed now. It is late and I am tired and my brain hurts fom trying to articulate my deep thoughts. I hope it all made sense.
Love, peace, and forgiveness,
Lisa
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
IN&OUT
Hi. I am snuggled up on my couch in my SC sweatshirt and warm pants and Ugg Boots watching Mama's Boys. How hilarious. What doesn't Ryan Seacrest think of? He seems to be producing all of the reality based shows. The scary thing is that I fear that I WILL BE one of those awful Moms! No one is good enough, smart enough, etc......
Jax does not discriminate with his women. All ages - blonde, brunette, blue or brown eyes, freckles or not he likes them all. Jax continually gives us a run for our money. Jax has loved them and left them already! He has 9 ex-girlfriends. A few he has allowed to become girlfriends once again but not too many! What's up with our 6 year-old?
I am falling asleep and wanted to give you an update. No hospital but we have to be at Hoag by 9 AM because Gary has to have blood transfusions. His reds and his platelets are way down. (7.2 reds and 60 for the platelets). Normal for reds is 11-17 and platelets 150-400.
We are worried that Gary is bleeding through his Illeostomy but I am going to get a sample to send off to the lab tomorrow so we can know for certain. I hate not knowing things for certain.
We had a great dinner at In & Out! Our Secret Santa snuck up to our front porch AGAIN and left it for us! The kids were super excited. What fun we are having with that!
Pray for a Christmas Miracle for Gary. Pray that his pain subsides and he can be more comfortable.
Thank you!!!!!!
Love,
L
Jax does not discriminate with his women. All ages - blonde, brunette, blue or brown eyes, freckles or not he likes them all. Jax continually gives us a run for our money. Jax has loved them and left them already! He has 9 ex-girlfriends. A few he has allowed to become girlfriends once again but not too many! What's up with our 6 year-old?
I am falling asleep and wanted to give you an update. No hospital but we have to be at Hoag by 9 AM because Gary has to have blood transfusions. His reds and his platelets are way down. (7.2 reds and 60 for the platelets). Normal for reds is 11-17 and platelets 150-400.
We are worried that Gary is bleeding through his Illeostomy but I am going to get a sample to send off to the lab tomorrow so we can know for certain. I hate not knowing things for certain.
We had a great dinner at In & Out! Our Secret Santa snuck up to our front porch AGAIN and left it for us! The kids were super excited. What fun we are having with that!
Pray for a Christmas Miracle for Gary. Pray that his pain subsides and he can be more comfortable.
Thank you!!!!!!
Love,
L
No Hospital Yet
Good Morning. Gary has been up most of the night writhing in pain. So, we will head off to Barth's office this morning and get his blood counts done and see if we can figure out what is going on. I hate to see him so miserable. It is so hard.
Hobie is such a bed hog and he takes up 1/2 my bed sometimes and for those of you who have seen my "couch bed" know there isn't much room to begin with! Thank God he doesn't snore.
I will give you all an update as soon as i have one.
Enjoy the cold weather and bundle up today!
Love, Joy, and Peace,
Lisa
Hobie is such a bed hog and he takes up 1/2 my bed sometimes and for those of you who have seen my "couch bed" know there isn't much room to begin with! Thank God he doesn't snore.
I will give you all an update as soon as i have one.
Enjoy the cold weather and bundle up today!
Love, Joy, and Peace,
Lisa
Monday, December 15, 2008
Rainy Day
I kinda like the rainy day we just had. I am not a fan of the rain or the wind but Gary loves it so much and I actually enjoyed it with him. We went to Target today together and getting him in and out of the car in the rain was fun! Thank God the rain lightened up for us and we arrived home damp but not soaked.
I have to call the plumber tomorrow to fix a drain and fix our leaky toilet! What fun!!!
Our Secret Santa struck again and left us a book tonight! We read it before we went to bed and the kids LOVED IT! The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is not only the book we got tonight but it is also the play that Nate is in this week for Christmas. I am really looking forward to seeing it and if you are our Secret Santa and you are reading this blog I really want to thank you!
I also want to take time out to thank a few others. THANK YOU to Park Salon for being to gracious, kind, and thoughtful! I would also like to thank Liz and her gang at work! They brought us the coolest card (HUGE AND PERSONALIZED (you can tell it took a lot of time to make it) and a Christmas Tree in a boot with prizes all over it! There are so many kind and wonderful people. Thank you all for making our Christmas more special and brighter! Thank you Thank you Thank you to all of you!!!!
Gary is not well tonight. His face is very swollen and he is having severe joint pain in his legs. I have a feeling he might be having a reaction to the IV antibiotics. I have researched and researched and have not come up with anything. We were going to try and escape the doc office tomorrow but it looks like we might have to go IF WE DON'T head to the ER tonight. Pray that we stay home in our warm house!
The kids and I ran errands tonight and I actually switched their dinner and dessert so that their 1st course tonight was Cold Stone Creamery! They loved that and I loved being with them tonight. They were great helpers and good shoppers.
I am going to bed. Good Night and sweet dreams!
Love,
Lisa
I have to call the plumber tomorrow to fix a drain and fix our leaky toilet! What fun!!!
Our Secret Santa struck again and left us a book tonight! We read it before we went to bed and the kids LOVED IT! The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is not only the book we got tonight but it is also the play that Nate is in this week for Christmas. I am really looking forward to seeing it and if you are our Secret Santa and you are reading this blog I really want to thank you!
I also want to take time out to thank a few others. THANK YOU to Park Salon for being to gracious, kind, and thoughtful! I would also like to thank Liz and her gang at work! They brought us the coolest card (HUGE AND PERSONALIZED (you can tell it took a lot of time to make it) and a Christmas Tree in a boot with prizes all over it! There are so many kind and wonderful people. Thank you all for making our Christmas more special and brighter! Thank you Thank you Thank you to all of you!!!!
Gary is not well tonight. His face is very swollen and he is having severe joint pain in his legs. I have a feeling he might be having a reaction to the IV antibiotics. I have researched and researched and have not come up with anything. We were going to try and escape the doc office tomorrow but it looks like we might have to go IF WE DON'T head to the ER tonight. Pray that we stay home in our warm house!
The kids and I ran errands tonight and I actually switched their dinner and dessert so that their 1st course tonight was Cold Stone Creamery! They loved that and I loved being with them tonight. They were great helpers and good shoppers.
I am going to bed. Good Night and sweet dreams!
Love,
Lisa
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Sunday Night
So, I went to church this morning and then had to pick up my grandma's Christmas present and then had to go to the grocery store. I did not get home until 1:15.
I pull up and Gary is outside with Chuck trying to fix our lights (they overload and shut off our power). They have been out and about since 10:30 AM at home Depot and then outside to add another breaker in our box. Gary had a GREAT morning! I think he is a little tired right now but then Rob came over and he was Mr. Chatty!
I have been getting ready for our Home Group. We usually do a Christmas Party complete with the fixins and gift exchange, etc... This year we are not doing that. We are going mellow. No gifts. No fuss. Just a simple get together with soup and sandwiches and fun. I think next Sunday we will just do dessert and maybe play some games together - maybe bunco! Okay guys. No sighs from you!
Our secret Santa left us a cool puzzle today. Who are you???????? You are lucky that Gary did not have his blinds open or he would have seen you! The kids LOVE IT and we love it , too!!!
Christmas is fast approaching. I am excited! I love Christmas and I even don't mind the wrapping. I love baking and all the smells and I love to give - even if it seems small.
I hope you all have a great Sunday night with friends and family.
Love and Hugs,
L
I pull up and Gary is outside with Chuck trying to fix our lights (they overload and shut off our power). They have been out and about since 10:30 AM at home Depot and then outside to add another breaker in our box. Gary had a GREAT morning! I think he is a little tired right now but then Rob came over and he was Mr. Chatty!
I have been getting ready for our Home Group. We usually do a Christmas Party complete with the fixins and gift exchange, etc... This year we are not doing that. We are going mellow. No gifts. No fuss. Just a simple get together with soup and sandwiches and fun. I think next Sunday we will just do dessert and maybe play some games together - maybe bunco! Okay guys. No sighs from you!
Our secret Santa left us a cool puzzle today. Who are you???????? You are lucky that Gary did not have his blinds open or he would have seen you! The kids LOVE IT and we love it , too!!!
Christmas is fast approaching. I am excited! I love Christmas and I even don't mind the wrapping. I love baking and all the smells and I love to give - even if it seems small.
I hope you all have a great Sunday night with friends and family.
Love and Hugs,
L
Santa
What a great day!
Santa came to our house and surprised the boys today at noon. He brought Mrs. Clause and three elves. It was so awesome and Santa was so great with the kids! Santa and the Elves even got on the trampoline and jumped and Santa did a FLIP! It was so cool.
We had lots of sweets for Santa and Jax kept saying OVER AND OVER again - Gee Santa. You sure are FAT! Santa's fat!! Fat Santa!!! It was a little embarrassing but cute and they got lots of cute little things.
I got some wrapping done and when I got home this afternoon there was a mystery bag on my doorstep and I think we must have a Secret Santa - unless someone is going to fess up! What a great surprise! I love that. Who are you????
Gary is finishing up Fettucini Alfredo and garlic bread with broccoli and carrots. A little midnight snack for him!
I have to sleep because I need to be at work early.
I will write more tomorrow night after home group.
Ciao and lots of love,
Lisa
Santa came to our house and surprised the boys today at noon. He brought Mrs. Clause and three elves. It was so awesome and Santa was so great with the kids! Santa and the Elves even got on the trampoline and jumped and Santa did a FLIP! It was so cool.
We had lots of sweets for Santa and Jax kept saying OVER AND OVER again - Gee Santa. You sure are FAT! Santa's fat!! Fat Santa!!! It was a little embarrassing but cute and they got lots of cute little things.
I got some wrapping done and when I got home this afternoon there was a mystery bag on my doorstep and I think we must have a Secret Santa - unless someone is going to fess up! What a great surprise! I love that. Who are you????
Gary is finishing up Fettucini Alfredo and garlic bread with broccoli and carrots. A little midnight snack for him!
I have to sleep because I need to be at work early.
I will write more tomorrow night after home group.
Ciao and lots of love,
Lisa
Friday, December 12, 2008
Birthday Blessings
Good evening or shall I say Good Morning in about 15 minutes.
I think we had the last of my birthday celebrations tonight. Our Friday Night Friends came over for yummy chicken casserole and Mazi joined us for a viewing of Jacka$# on MTV. We were laughing so hard and we were trying to figure out why we all think it is so funny to see men hurting themselves. It was great.
Jake came over this afternoon to help me with the boys and they love hanging out with him. He has been a lifesaver many times for us. He is such a great babysitter - BTW - NOT giving his number out!!!
Gary had a better day today. He got into the Trojan and picked the boys up from school and he was so chatty tonight with all of our friends. I am glad he was feeling better.
We are watching Princess Bride - one of Gary's all-time favorites. I could take it or leave it so I think I will nod off while I can.
We are having some friends over tomorrow and the real Santa is coming over at Noon. Shhhhhhhh.........the kids have no idea. He is bringing his elves and I have lots of sweet treats and hot cocoa to be had by all! I am so excited!
Have a great weekend and I will try and update photos this weekend!
Love and Hugs,
Lisa
I think we had the last of my birthday celebrations tonight. Our Friday Night Friends came over for yummy chicken casserole and Mazi joined us for a viewing of Jacka$# on MTV. We were laughing so hard and we were trying to figure out why we all think it is so funny to see men hurting themselves. It was great.
Jake came over this afternoon to help me with the boys and they love hanging out with him. He has been a lifesaver many times for us. He is such a great babysitter - BTW - NOT giving his number out!!!
Gary had a better day today. He got into the Trojan and picked the boys up from school and he was so chatty tonight with all of our friends. I am glad he was feeling better.
We are watching Princess Bride - one of Gary's all-time favorites. I could take it or leave it so I think I will nod off while I can.
We are having some friends over tomorrow and the real Santa is coming over at Noon. Shhhhhhhh.........the kids have no idea. He is bringing his elves and I have lots of sweet treats and hot cocoa to be had by all! I am so excited!
Have a great weekend and I will try and update photos this weekend!
Love and Hugs,
Lisa
Thursday, December 11, 2008
INFECTION TIME AGAIN
Hi everyone. You know when you have your day planned out and you have your "LIST" of things in sequencial order and you know you will have satisfaction once your day is done and you've accomplished most everything on that list? Well, today was not one of those days and I had my LIST ready to go which makes it all the more frustrating!
Best laid plans is what I had. Chaos and that horrible rushed feeling is what I ended up with instead.
Woke up. Took a shower. Got ready and slipped into Gary's jeans and a funky shirt to go off to the doc office. I usually get totally dressed BUT I knew I would have time once we got in and out of the office and home. NO makeup. Yucky hair pulled back. Lunch date scheduled for Noon. Looking forward to it. Coming home to get "cute".
Got to the doc office around 9. All hell broke loose (but in a very mellow way if you know what I mean. No drama. Just another bump in the road for Gary).
Gary spikes a very high fever at the office (has had a few low grade ones over the past few days - no biggie) and his left nephrostomy tube is not producing any urine. As it begin to show signs of urine I can tell you right now it is NOT the color urine is suppose to be.
So, blood cultures, hydration, urinalysis, CBC, and yes a scan. So, the scan is scheduled for 2:30 at the office and by this time it is now 11. Rachel (his awesome nurse) asks if Gary can stay put while I go to my lunch and then come back by the 2:30 appt (the scans are done in the imaging dept. at Barth's office so it is way convenient).
Off I go. Thinking at this point I have a little time to relax. Get to lunch. Sit down. Phone rings. It's Rachel. The CT machine broke at the office so we have to go to Irvine Regional (which is now Hoag #2) no later than 2 PM.
Rush through lunch. Steph drives me back to Barth's to get Gary. Get to Irvine Regional. HAD NO IDEA that because we had not ever been there that we had to go through the entire admitting process - paperwork, photocopies, etc....ALL the usual bologna.
We wait an hour and Gary goes back at 3 PM. We wait and while we do we ponder life's deepest mysteries and I yawn and feel like just crawling on the floor and curling up into the fetal position and passing out due to extreme exhaustion. The eyes got heavy but I stayed off the floor.
Dr. Arata tells us that Gary has a bad kidney infection - no other bad news. It's doable. IV anitbiotics, hydration daily, and the such. Done it many times and will do it as many more as I have to. We load and go.
Also, throughout the day we are dealing with uncontrollable and massive pain in Gary's leg. We had to up the pain pump and we drugged him up with dilaudid at the office. He is drugged out of his mind now and has been sleeping since 4 PM. Still asleep right now. He has not slept in days so this is good.
I am going to bed and hoping to get some things wrapped up tomorrow morning. I am scared to make plans so I will have the same attitude I tried to have today - easy come, easy go. It is what it is.
We have moved the rest of the birthday festivities to tomorrow night and I think the boys are okay with that. We were already going to be celebrating tomorrow night so we are just adding a few more things to the evening.
My birthday was filled with friends and fun and the speical gift of Gary still being with us. Doctor office or not we got to be together today - not in the conventional way - but nonetheless we were together. I am going to try and get him out of the house tomorrow ofr a little while. It's good for him to have a change of scenery (besides the doc office).
I hope you all have a wonderful Friday morning.
Thank you to everyone who texted me, E-mailed me, sent me Birthday cards and wished me well on my day. I have the greatest friends and family on the face of the planet - even though some of them are a little kooky! :) HeHe
Love to you all!
L
Best laid plans is what I had. Chaos and that horrible rushed feeling is what I ended up with instead.
Woke up. Took a shower. Got ready and slipped into Gary's jeans and a funky shirt to go off to the doc office. I usually get totally dressed BUT I knew I would have time once we got in and out of the office and home. NO makeup. Yucky hair pulled back. Lunch date scheduled for Noon. Looking forward to it. Coming home to get "cute".
Got to the doc office around 9. All hell broke loose (but in a very mellow way if you know what I mean. No drama. Just another bump in the road for Gary).
Gary spikes a very high fever at the office (has had a few low grade ones over the past few days - no biggie) and his left nephrostomy tube is not producing any urine. As it begin to show signs of urine I can tell you right now it is NOT the color urine is suppose to be.
So, blood cultures, hydration, urinalysis, CBC, and yes a scan. So, the scan is scheduled for 2:30 at the office and by this time it is now 11. Rachel (his awesome nurse) asks if Gary can stay put while I go to my lunch and then come back by the 2:30 appt (the scans are done in the imaging dept. at Barth's office so it is way convenient).
Off I go. Thinking at this point I have a little time to relax. Get to lunch. Sit down. Phone rings. It's Rachel. The CT machine broke at the office so we have to go to Irvine Regional (which is now Hoag #2) no later than 2 PM.
Rush through lunch. Steph drives me back to Barth's to get Gary. Get to Irvine Regional. HAD NO IDEA that because we had not ever been there that we had to go through the entire admitting process - paperwork, photocopies, etc....ALL the usual bologna.
We wait an hour and Gary goes back at 3 PM. We wait and while we do we ponder life's deepest mysteries and I yawn and feel like just crawling on the floor and curling up into the fetal position and passing out due to extreme exhaustion. The eyes got heavy but I stayed off the floor.
Dr. Arata tells us that Gary has a bad kidney infection - no other bad news. It's doable. IV anitbiotics, hydration daily, and the such. Done it many times and will do it as many more as I have to. We load and go.
Also, throughout the day we are dealing with uncontrollable and massive pain in Gary's leg. We had to up the pain pump and we drugged him up with dilaudid at the office. He is drugged out of his mind now and has been sleeping since 4 PM. Still asleep right now. He has not slept in days so this is good.
I am going to bed and hoping to get some things wrapped up tomorrow morning. I am scared to make plans so I will have the same attitude I tried to have today - easy come, easy go. It is what it is.
We have moved the rest of the birthday festivities to tomorrow night and I think the boys are okay with that. We were already going to be celebrating tomorrow night so we are just adding a few more things to the evening.
My birthday was filled with friends and fun and the speical gift of Gary still being with us. Doctor office or not we got to be together today - not in the conventional way - but nonetheless we were together. I am going to try and get him out of the house tomorrow ofr a little while. It's good for him to have a change of scenery (besides the doc office).
I hope you all have a wonderful Friday morning.
Thank you to everyone who texted me, E-mailed me, sent me Birthday cards and wished me well on my day. I have the greatest friends and family on the face of the planet - even though some of them are a little kooky! :) HeHe
Love to you all!
L
This Blog Is Being Hi-Jacked! :)
To wish a very special person....LISA SALLEE....a very Happy Birthday today!
Your friends and family want to make sure you know how much you are loved, appreciated and thought of today...Happy Birthday Lisa...may your day be happy and bright, and may you always know how much you are loved and thought of today and always!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
From your friends with all of our love and support! :)
Michele, Stacy, Monica, Jennifer, Suzy and spouses!
Your friends and family want to make sure you know how much you are loved, appreciated and thought of today...Happy Birthday Lisa...may your day be happy and bright, and may you always know how much you are loved and thought of today and always!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
From your friends with all of our love and support! :)
Michele, Stacy, Monica, Jennifer, Suzy and spouses!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Fabio
I finally found a nickname for Jax that fits him to a T. Have you ever seen the cover of those cheesy romance novels with Fabio? After today, Jax has officially been named "Fabio". He has no idea who Fabio is but he thinks it's totally funny when I call him by that name!
I was wrestling him and he was in my lap and I was sitting on the couch snuggling over him and he looks up at me as serious as can be and proclaims - "Oh, this is sooooooo romantic!" Romantic? We are in TROUBLE with this one. He probably doesn't even know what it means but he certainly knows how to use it (with the exception of the fact that I am his Mom.)
If you believe in astrology there are some things that are said about the Scorpio sign and most of them ring true for Jax. He is something else - I just haven't quite figured out what that something is! Let's just hope that he doesn't use those cheesy lines on girls - only me for now.
Gary has been down in the dumps but his friend Steve came over today to take him on a walk (Gary scooted). That seemed to cheer him up a little. He is exhausted right now and I hope he is able to rest comfortably tonight.
I have a staff meeting and then a birthday pajama party tonight at Monica's. I am so excited to wear my jammies. How comfy. It should be lots of fun and very relaxing.
I hope you all have a great night.
All our love,
Lisa
I was wrestling him and he was in my lap and I was sitting on the couch snuggling over him and he looks up at me as serious as can be and proclaims - "Oh, this is sooooooo romantic!" Romantic? We are in TROUBLE with this one. He probably doesn't even know what it means but he certainly knows how to use it (with the exception of the fact that I am his Mom.)
If you believe in astrology there are some things that are said about the Scorpio sign and most of them ring true for Jax. He is something else - I just haven't quite figured out what that something is! Let's just hope that he doesn't use those cheesy lines on girls - only me for now.
Gary has been down in the dumps but his friend Steve came over today to take him on a walk (Gary scooted). That seemed to cheer him up a little. He is exhausted right now and I hope he is able to rest comfortably tonight.
I have a staff meeting and then a birthday pajama party tonight at Monica's. I am so excited to wear my jammies. How comfy. It should be lots of fun and very relaxing.
I hope you all have a great night.
All our love,
Lisa
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Perspective
Whipped. That's what I am. I am laying in bed watching one of Gary's most favorite movies - Charlie Brown Christmas. I forgot how brutal these kids are to one another. Lucy can be ROTTEN!
We had a great time at Disneyland! No crowds. No fuss. No stress. Take our time. Chilly but nice weather. Good times with friends. Smiles all the way around - ALL DAY! Such a blessing. While we were there the boys went to their favorite store (the one over by the Tiki Room) and can you guess why it is their favorite? Yep - they have Webkinz there! So, the Webkinz are such a rip at $17.00 per animal! So, my cheapness got the best of me and after Disney we ended up running to the mall so that they could go to the American Greeting store to buy them for $9.99 each! I know it is their own money but getting a deal is huge! I want to help them to maximize their cash fund. Nate bought 4 (none of the ones I have for him for Christmas! ) and Jax bought 1. I am glad they are happy and enjoy them so much!
Gary had an okay day today. Steve came over and they went for a walk around the neighborhood. Well, Steve walked. Gary hopped on his "TROJAN" and off they went. I think I forgot to tell you that we named his scooter TROJAN because it is the crimson USC color! I think it sounds much better than THE GOLDEN COMPANION! So, Gary rode the Trojan and Steve hoofed it. He had a good dinner (his Mom cooked for him all weekend and left lots of his yummy favorites) and he just polished off a hunk of Pineapple Upsidedown Cake. I am sure he will want something else before I close my eyes.
We found out today that very close friends of my parents are now facing cancer. Bart and Dorothy are such nice people and I do not get to see them all that often but when I do I always enjoy seeing them and being with them. Bart was not feeling well and within a 3 day period he has been diagnosed with cancer in his brain and the doctors are confident that it is not brain cancer. It has spread from somewhere else (like the lungs). I will ask you all to pray for them tonight when you go to sleep. Gary and I both know how they are feeling now with this news and prayer is essential for them now. Pray for peace and patience.
Life is full of surprises. Some of them good and some of them bad. Who will be affected by cancer or any other awful disease or a tragic death? Who will win the lottery or get a promotion at work or find that one special person or bring a life into the world? You can't be defined by these surprises but you can be defined by how you handle these surprises. If you win the lottery do you blow it all or do you use the money wisely? Do you abuse your power at your new job or are you humble and learn to be a great leader? If you get cancer do you sink into a forever depression or do you forge on and try to be positive amidst your disease? If we have a strong foundation in our faith and we stop and look to God for answers and for help and guidance and love then I can guarantee you that whatever surprise comes your way you will be able to handle it with grace. This life we live here is short. It is not the end. It is only the beginning.
I know all of you think we are super heroes. I am happy you all think that and feel badly that you are so incredibly misguided! I can multi-task and it makes me look better than I am. Gary is a hero - a super hero in fact and he gets that title.
Thereare things I do on a daily basis to make things a little easier and lighter. I chose to be positive. I chose to be strong. I chose to be confident. I observed nurses and learned my way around drains and tubes and bags and IVs and wounds. Super Hero? I don't think so. Not even a little. I do not do anymore than any of you do. I know single Moms who are most definitely HUGE SUPER HEORES! I have friends who constantly give and give and give (I know because I am the recipient of the giving) and they are my HEROES! There are people who do not even know us who help us and support us and they are our HEROES. So many of you commit us to prayer and take time out of your day to talk to God about us and that is truly HEROIC.
The definition of hero is this:
A hero is a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his deeds and noble qualities.
Thank you all for rescuing us and being so heroic. I know cancer is scary and it is much easier to try to turn your face from it then to be in its face! It takes courage to be on this journey with our family. I used to shrink away from cancer in part because I thought if I was around it I might somehow get it. Not that it is contagious but that maybe God would expose me to it to get me ready for someone close to me who would get it. I know it sounds kinda funny but that's how I thought. I now know that my perspective is not a Godly one and I no longer feel like that. Our cards have been dealt and now we will continue to deal with the hand. I hope the river is better than the draw!
Off to bed.
Love to you all! 16 days until Christmas!
Lisa
We had a great time at Disneyland! No crowds. No fuss. No stress. Take our time. Chilly but nice weather. Good times with friends. Smiles all the way around - ALL DAY! Such a blessing. While we were there the boys went to their favorite store (the one over by the Tiki Room) and can you guess why it is their favorite? Yep - they have Webkinz there! So, the Webkinz are such a rip at $17.00 per animal! So, my cheapness got the best of me and after Disney we ended up running to the mall so that they could go to the American Greeting store to buy them for $9.99 each! I know it is their own money but getting a deal is huge! I want to help them to maximize their cash fund. Nate bought 4 (none of the ones I have for him for Christmas! ) and Jax bought 1. I am glad they are happy and enjoy them so much!
Gary had an okay day today. Steve came over and they went for a walk around the neighborhood. Well, Steve walked. Gary hopped on his "TROJAN" and off they went. I think I forgot to tell you that we named his scooter TROJAN because it is the crimson USC color! I think it sounds much better than THE GOLDEN COMPANION! So, Gary rode the Trojan and Steve hoofed it. He had a good dinner (his Mom cooked for him all weekend and left lots of his yummy favorites) and he just polished off a hunk of Pineapple Upsidedown Cake. I am sure he will want something else before I close my eyes.
We found out today that very close friends of my parents are now facing cancer. Bart and Dorothy are such nice people and I do not get to see them all that often but when I do I always enjoy seeing them and being with them. Bart was not feeling well and within a 3 day period he has been diagnosed with cancer in his brain and the doctors are confident that it is not brain cancer. It has spread from somewhere else (like the lungs). I will ask you all to pray for them tonight when you go to sleep. Gary and I both know how they are feeling now with this news and prayer is essential for them now. Pray for peace and patience.
Life is full of surprises. Some of them good and some of them bad. Who will be affected by cancer or any other awful disease or a tragic death? Who will win the lottery or get a promotion at work or find that one special person or bring a life into the world? You can't be defined by these surprises but you can be defined by how you handle these surprises. If you win the lottery do you blow it all or do you use the money wisely? Do you abuse your power at your new job or are you humble and learn to be a great leader? If you get cancer do you sink into a forever depression or do you forge on and try to be positive amidst your disease? If we have a strong foundation in our faith and we stop and look to God for answers and for help and guidance and love then I can guarantee you that whatever surprise comes your way you will be able to handle it with grace. This life we live here is short. It is not the end. It is only the beginning.
I know all of you think we are super heroes. I am happy you all think that and feel badly that you are so incredibly misguided! I can multi-task and it makes me look better than I am. Gary is a hero - a super hero in fact and he gets that title.
Thereare things I do on a daily basis to make things a little easier and lighter. I chose to be positive. I chose to be strong. I chose to be confident. I observed nurses and learned my way around drains and tubes and bags and IVs and wounds. Super Hero? I don't think so. Not even a little. I do not do anymore than any of you do. I know single Moms who are most definitely HUGE SUPER HEORES! I have friends who constantly give and give and give (I know because I am the recipient of the giving) and they are my HEROES! There are people who do not even know us who help us and support us and they are our HEROES. So many of you commit us to prayer and take time out of your day to talk to God about us and that is truly HEROIC.
The definition of hero is this:
A hero is a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his deeds and noble qualities.
Thank you all for rescuing us and being so heroic. I know cancer is scary and it is much easier to try to turn your face from it then to be in its face! It takes courage to be on this journey with our family. I used to shrink away from cancer in part because I thought if I was around it I might somehow get it. Not that it is contagious but that maybe God would expose me to it to get me ready for someone close to me who would get it. I know it sounds kinda funny but that's how I thought. I now know that my perspective is not a Godly one and I no longer feel like that. Our cards have been dealt and now we will continue to deal with the hand. I hope the river is better than the draw!
Off to bed.
Love to you all! 16 days until Christmas!
Lisa
Monday, December 8, 2008
Monday
It's 6 AM and Zach just left with Matt to go surf at Creek. They are meeting Nips there and Zach is just stoked to go at this hour and be there with the guys. I stress a little. I can only give the speach about respecting the ocean so many time.s Don't turn your back on a wave. Stay with Matt & Nips. Heads up! Keep your leash SECURELY fastened to your ankle. Who am I kidding? How many times does he have to hear it? I guess giving him reminders can't hurt and it sure mankes me feel better.
Prayer is so essential right now. Everytime i feel scattered and I am trying to do this and do that and doing dong doing everything myself I have to stop and I do realize that I need to get quiet and just pray for some perspective. God patiently waits for my rants to finish and MY "best" plans to be made and I know that He knows I will ultimately end up getting quiet and coming to Him in prayer and that is exactly what I do. Everything calms down. I get centered (sounds so Zen - nothing New Age about me). I pray. I gain perspective. Everything is better. I am happier.
Remember to slow down. I know we are all busy (especially now) and life can get the best of us most of the time. Just keep in the back of your mind that you have an alternate way to prioritize your days and your life. You can pray consistently and ask God to keep you focused and on task. If you are resting in Him then life WILL be easier. Trust me. I have tried to do this alone. I can do anything after all. I learned the hard way. Now, I get flustered and frustrated sometimes BUT if I stop to think why I feel that way it is because I have been out of prayer and not allowed myself the quiet time I need and God WANTS me to have.
I took the boys out of school today. Nate and Jax have been having a hard time with our situation and I am not around very much so I thought I would take them to The Happiest Place On Earth for the day and just have a great time! Matt and Jen are coming too and it will be nice and cool today! I know the boys will have a great time and normally I would never take them out of school right now BUT life is not normal SO THERE!!!
Gary had an okay weekend and we had our Annual Baseball Friends Christmas Party last night. The guys hung out in the bedroom with Gary all afternoon and evening and that was awesome for Gary. The kids ran wild and the Moms enjoyed some cocktails and laughs. After everything we go through we both realize how important it is to just be with friends and enjoy our time together.
Gary's Mom is leaving this morning and Gary is having a hard time with her departure. He realizes it might be the last time he sees her and those "eye opening" moments can be so overwhelming. I told him not to think about it (I know - not practical or logical) and that she will hopefully get back out here soon with his Dad in tow.
I am going to lay back down for another half hour before I have to get up and get ready for the day.
Have a great Monday and remember to pray!
Love,
L
Prayer is so essential right now. Everytime i feel scattered and I am trying to do this and do that and doing dong doing everything myself I have to stop and I do realize that I need to get quiet and just pray for some perspective. God patiently waits for my rants to finish and MY "best" plans to be made and I know that He knows I will ultimately end up getting quiet and coming to Him in prayer and that is exactly what I do. Everything calms down. I get centered (sounds so Zen - nothing New Age about me). I pray. I gain perspective. Everything is better. I am happier.
Remember to slow down. I know we are all busy (especially now) and life can get the best of us most of the time. Just keep in the back of your mind that you have an alternate way to prioritize your days and your life. You can pray consistently and ask God to keep you focused and on task. If you are resting in Him then life WILL be easier. Trust me. I have tried to do this alone. I can do anything after all. I learned the hard way. Now, I get flustered and frustrated sometimes BUT if I stop to think why I feel that way it is because I have been out of prayer and not allowed myself the quiet time I need and God WANTS me to have.
I took the boys out of school today. Nate and Jax have been having a hard time with our situation and I am not around very much so I thought I would take them to The Happiest Place On Earth for the day and just have a great time! Matt and Jen are coming too and it will be nice and cool today! I know the boys will have a great time and normally I would never take them out of school right now BUT life is not normal SO THERE!!!
Gary had an okay weekend and we had our Annual Baseball Friends Christmas Party last night. The guys hung out in the bedroom with Gary all afternoon and evening and that was awesome for Gary. The kids ran wild and the Moms enjoyed some cocktails and laughs. After everything we go through we both realize how important it is to just be with friends and enjoy our time together.
Gary's Mom is leaving this morning and Gary is having a hard time with her departure. He realizes it might be the last time he sees her and those "eye opening" moments can be so overwhelming. I told him not to think about it (I know - not practical or logical) and that she will hopefully get back out here soon with his Dad in tow.
I am going to lay back down for another half hour before I have to get up and get ready for the day.
Have a great Monday and remember to pray!
Love,
L
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Webkinz
What is the big whoop with Webkinz? I really like stuffed animals and had many of them growing up but our kids are obsessed with these things (mainly Nate and Jax)! You will not believe the great lengths Nate went to to get a "retired" webkinz. I am in shock that they actually "retire" them!
Nate wanted the Sherbet Bunny. Evidently this particular bunny is a "first run" Webkinz (whatever that is). So, Nate does what any 8 year-old would do - logs on to Ebay to check it out!?!
Nate has about $100.00 from his birthday and it is burning a hole in his pockets.
To make a long story short and after many arguments and tears Nate bid on the bunny. Gary and I were not keen on him spending money on this animal and at first we said no and he cried and Jax cried and it was this HUGE to do. So, after Gary and I spoke we decided that it was Nate's money and he should be able to spend it on anything he wants to spend it on.
Later in the evening my Mom overhears Nate talking to Zach and Jax and telling them that he KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT TO DO to get what he wants and that he WORKED GARY AND I OVER! OMG - what a turkey! He can think what he wants! Back to the bunny.
I told you that he bid on the bunny but I did not tell you how much he bid and if he won. He lost the first auction by a dollar and he won the second and he paid a disgusting $69.00 for the bunny. Are you all gasping? I wouldn't mind it so much if he was going to buy the thing as an investment because it appears to be a great money maker but we all know that he is going to yank the tags off and log that bunny right on to the Wenbkinz site and start playing!
I am happy that he is so happy. Now, I have a bigger problem with Jax. If Nate has a "retired" bunny then Jax wants one, too! He wants either the bunny or some Magical Dog something! So far, I have been able to persude him NOT to buy the thing. I told him he could by 7 Webkinz for the price of the one "retired" one. Things are looking like I will prevail!
Gary is hanging in. The pain is still bad and he does not have much of an appetite right now. He is down to 140 lbs. He has 6 tubes coming out of his body and he is very weak. Some days are really bad then he bounces back and has some good days. Please keep us in your prayers. As Christmas approaches sometimes we both get really teary and I really want this Christmas to be super special. I know there will be tears but I want more smiles than sadness.
Have a great Saturday!
Love, Lisa
Nate wanted the Sherbet Bunny. Evidently this particular bunny is a "first run" Webkinz (whatever that is). So, Nate does what any 8 year-old would do - logs on to Ebay to check it out!?!
Nate has about $100.00 from his birthday and it is burning a hole in his pockets.
To make a long story short and after many arguments and tears Nate bid on the bunny. Gary and I were not keen on him spending money on this animal and at first we said no and he cried and Jax cried and it was this HUGE to do. So, after Gary and I spoke we decided that it was Nate's money and he should be able to spend it on anything he wants to spend it on.
Later in the evening my Mom overhears Nate talking to Zach and Jax and telling them that he KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT TO DO to get what he wants and that he WORKED GARY AND I OVER! OMG - what a turkey! He can think what he wants! Back to the bunny.
I told you that he bid on the bunny but I did not tell you how much he bid and if he won. He lost the first auction by a dollar and he won the second and he paid a disgusting $69.00 for the bunny. Are you all gasping? I wouldn't mind it so much if he was going to buy the thing as an investment because it appears to be a great money maker but we all know that he is going to yank the tags off and log that bunny right on to the Wenbkinz site and start playing!
I am happy that he is so happy. Now, I have a bigger problem with Jax. If Nate has a "retired" bunny then Jax wants one, too! He wants either the bunny or some Magical Dog something! So far, I have been able to persude him NOT to buy the thing. I told him he could by 7 Webkinz for the price of the one "retired" one. Things are looking like I will prevail!
Gary is hanging in. The pain is still bad and he does not have much of an appetite right now. He is down to 140 lbs. He has 6 tubes coming out of his body and he is very weak. Some days are really bad then he bounces back and has some good days. Please keep us in your prayers. As Christmas approaches sometimes we both get really teary and I really want this Christmas to be super special. I know there will be tears but I want more smiles than sadness.
Have a great Saturday!
Love, Lisa
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Emotionally Bankrupt
Hi. Well it is safe to say that I am officially emotionally bankrupt right now. We have been through sooooooo much and more and more piles on and I have these periods where I feel as if I can't handle one more thing. It is so depressing sometimes and I am not a depressed person.
Gary had the surgery to place the nephrostomy tubes into his kidneys and we just got home from that. He is so weak the past few days and if you saw him you might think he has Parkinsons. I look at him and wonder how much more he can take. The body takes a beating and then another and yet another and the beatings keep going with no end in sight and yet Gary endures.
I have had to drug him up for the better part of each day as of late because of his pain level. We are scheduling an appointment with a doctor at Mission to place the morphine pain pump in Gary's spine. This should happen soon. Another hospital. More paperwork. New nurses and doctors. Yada Yada Yada.........boring and frustrating.
The kids are coming home to the carpet which has been beautifully cleaned. Beacon Carpet did a fantastic job and the carpet will be dry in about 24 hours. It is so nice. When your carpet is filthy it tends to make you feel like your entire house is that way as well.
Gary's Mom is flying in tomorrow night to spend a few days with us. It will be good for Gary to spend time with her as he has not seen her in a few months. We wish his Dad could come out as well but right now he would have great difficulty making it. Maybe once his treament has started he will feel well enough to come.
I am going to try and take the boys to Disneyland tomorrow after school. I love Disney at Christmas. i especially love the parade at the end of the evening and the snow on Main Street.
Well, I better get going and get ready for the boys to walk through the door at any moment.
Love To All,
Lisa
Gary had the surgery to place the nephrostomy tubes into his kidneys and we just got home from that. He is so weak the past few days and if you saw him you might think he has Parkinsons. I look at him and wonder how much more he can take. The body takes a beating and then another and yet another and the beatings keep going with no end in sight and yet Gary endures.
I have had to drug him up for the better part of each day as of late because of his pain level. We are scheduling an appointment with a doctor at Mission to place the morphine pain pump in Gary's spine. This should happen soon. Another hospital. More paperwork. New nurses and doctors. Yada Yada Yada.........boring and frustrating.
The kids are coming home to the carpet which has been beautifully cleaned. Beacon Carpet did a fantastic job and the carpet will be dry in about 24 hours. It is so nice. When your carpet is filthy it tends to make you feel like your entire house is that way as well.
Gary's Mom is flying in tomorrow night to spend a few days with us. It will be good for Gary to spend time with her as he has not seen her in a few months. We wish his Dad could come out as well but right now he would have great difficulty making it. Maybe once his treament has started he will feel well enough to come.
I am going to try and take the boys to Disneyland tomorrow after school. I love Disney at Christmas. i especially love the parade at the end of the evening and the snow on Main Street.
Well, I better get going and get ready for the boys to walk through the door at any moment.
Love To All,
Lisa
Monday, December 1, 2008
DECEMBER 1 UPDATE
Wow! What a way to start off our month. Tonight Tyler and Celeste from the Beckstrand Foundation came to our home and gave our family an early Christmas Celebration! They surprised the boys with gifts and they gave our family a very special gift.
They named a star after Gary (the Gary Sallee star is in the Perseus constellation) and told us that Gary will always be in the sky looking after our family. It was so incredibly touching and awesome. Our kids are so blessed! WOW.
Gary is still feeling badly but we met with Dr. Barth today and we are getting the ball rolling with some things that need to be done to try to help Gary with not only the pain but with damning the flood that has created "Lake Sallee". I must say that today we have not had a flood for some reason. Everything has been draining the way God intended it to drain. So, go figure. At least I will get some sleep and hopefully it will not flood again until we get the nephrostomy tubes in place.
Gary will finish the last radiation tomorrow and we will check into South Coast Hospital on Wednesday morning at 7 AM for the nephrostomy tube placement. It is out patient and we should be home around 4 PM Wednesday.
Dr. Barth would also like to place a morphine epidural in Gary's spine in an attempt to help control the immense pain radiating from that darn left leg. Cross your fingers and hope it works!
We are sitting here talking about tonight and taking it all in. A star is in the night sky that symbolizes Gary and that is such an amazing thing. This is going to be one special Christmas!
I am really glad we are in a good mood tonight. It feels good to smile and be peaceful!
Off to slumber.
Love To You All,
L
They named a star after Gary (the Gary Sallee star is in the Perseus constellation) and told us that Gary will always be in the sky looking after our family. It was so incredibly touching and awesome. Our kids are so blessed! WOW.
Gary is still feeling badly but we met with Dr. Barth today and we are getting the ball rolling with some things that need to be done to try to help Gary with not only the pain but with damning the flood that has created "Lake Sallee". I must say that today we have not had a flood for some reason. Everything has been draining the way God intended it to drain. So, go figure. At least I will get some sleep and hopefully it will not flood again until we get the nephrostomy tubes in place.
Gary will finish the last radiation tomorrow and we will check into South Coast Hospital on Wednesday morning at 7 AM for the nephrostomy tube placement. It is out patient and we should be home around 4 PM Wednesday.
Dr. Barth would also like to place a morphine epidural in Gary's spine in an attempt to help control the immense pain radiating from that darn left leg. Cross your fingers and hope it works!
We are sitting here talking about tonight and taking it all in. A star is in the night sky that symbolizes Gary and that is such an amazing thing. This is going to be one special Christmas!
I am really glad we are in a good mood tonight. It feels good to smile and be peaceful!
Off to slumber.
Love To You All,
L
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