15 years from now.....

I'm pretty sure this is exactly what will be happening in Steph's living room the week before mother's day.

I lied.

I said I would update in a more timely manner, but it was a weird visit to Houston. We really aren't sure what to make of it, but we will remain faithful. After she finally had the ultrasound done, the doc said that she does NOT have anything on her ovary. He said basically someone read the original scans wrong. There are however, two more places that are near the ovary but they are not 100% sure what they are. All he could say was that he was really confused. He decided to bring it before the "board" which meets on Mondays. This coming Monday is a holiday so they won't meet until June 8th. They will call on June 9th with their plan of action. That's all we know for now and we shall continue to pray.

Frustration.

Today Steph had an appointment with the gynecological oncologist. After that she was scheduled for an ultrasound. However, when she met with the doctor he was very frustrated that they scheduled her appointments the way they did. The reason she was meeting with him was to discuss the results of the ultrasound...which was difficult because it had not taken place yet. He apologized and sent her to the office with a note stating that she MUST have this ultrasound TODAY. Off they went. They told the gentleman the situation and he told them to have a seat. They waited for an hour and noticed that everyone was packing up and turning lights off as they sat in the EMPTY waiting room. Steph went to the desk and asked what the hold up was. Long story short...they were overlooked. SO now, she has to be there at 7:30 in the morning to receive an ultrasound that was supposed to have taken place TODAY and been discussed TODAY. Basically a whole day was wasted in waiting rooms. Just what every cancer patient loves to do. As if she doesn't spend enough in waiting rooms. You would think a hospital dedicated to cancer patients would have these things ironed out. Needless to say, my mom and Steph were very frustrated. I will know more tomorrow and promise to update in a more timely manner. Until then...keep praying!

Just to pass the time....

From The View I Love the Most

From The View I Love the Most

From The View I Love the Most

Grandma Connie and the gang!

From The View I Love the Most

Cohen, Drew and Cross

From The View I Love the Most

Houston

Steph and my mom left this morning at 6:45 for Houston. She will be scanned today, meet with the gynecological oncologist Wednesday (regarding the spot on her ovary) and then have her last appointments on Thursday before she heads home. We are really not sure what to expect so I will keep you posted as I get the information. Actually...I KNOW what I am expecting. A MIRACLE!!! Pray with us every chance you get!!

Fear.

If you know me, you know that I am a VERY cautious person...almost to a fault. Lately, my sense of caution is slowly becoming full blown fear. The first night of our FIRST ANNUAL girls vacation, we ventured into a rather seedy restaurant/bar (it was the only place open within walking distance and we were STARVING!) and I became gripped with fear. You wouldn't believe the thoughts racing through my mind. I'm embarrassed to even think about it. We returned to our hotel safe and sound with greasy burgers in tow. I managed to loosen up but made my mom and Steph PROMISE not to make me go back there.

At lunch the next day, we discussed my issues. My health is something that is causing me more stress than anything. Since Steph was diagnosed, it has been awful! I get a headache...brain tumor. A freckle...skin cancer. My stomach hurts...colon cancer. Strange leg pain...a blood clot that is going to break free in the night and cause instant death. Sounds crazy right? Trust me, I know! I am usually able to talk myself out so I don't become a complete nut job.

Fast forward to Monday. I left mom and Steph on the beach and headed out into the ocean. I harnessed my fear of the stingrays mentioned on the sign that said "Do the stingray shuffle, or you will be doing the first aid hop!" I floated and bobbed along in the beautiful blue waters. I looked back toward the shore and saw two of the most important women in my life. I looked around at the expansive body of water that had rendered me weightless. I closed my eyes and felt a stir in my heart. I have recently learned that when I feel that, God is speaking to me. I have been working on the listening part lately. Then it hit me.

Look at this Chrissy. This is what God made. Only an all powerful God could create this amazing backdrop. Only a loving and generous Father would create this beautiful place and give it to us to enjoy. Look at your friend Chrissy. She is fearfully and wonderfully made. A God that is so powerful, so generous and so loving is perfectly capable of healing her ailing body. And guess what Chrissy? That God is all knowing. He knows our plan. He will reward us for trusting in Him. That is what I will do. I will trust Him with the life of my dear friend. I will trust Him with MY health.

I'm not going to sugar coat it...it is sometimes VERY hard to do that. I have moments that fear grips me. Those are the moments I feel a battle in my heart. I know Satan wants me to be scared. God always calms those fears. I know Satan wants my life to be dark again. God sheds light on my world in a way I never thought possible. Satan wants me to feel alone. I know my God will never forsake me. So I prescribed the following treatment plan.

Less worrying...More praying.

Fundraiser for the Lady Chiefs

I downloaded a new toolbar for my computer. Each time I click on a sponsored link (anything listed in the shaded area with bullet points or anything listed on the right side of the page) 10 cents goes directly to the Lady Chiefs! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY! So I just got this e-mail from Steph and thought it would be a good way to get the word out!

Click HERE to start earning money for our girls!!

Day 3

We spent the day on the beach in cabanas. We had our coffee there and enjoyed the cool breeze. By the time afternoon rolled around we were glad to put up our shades to avoid becoming COMPLETELY lobster-esque! We read, talked and people watched. Steph and I floated in the ocean for a while. That's what I call a good day.

Everyday we have eaten lunch at the little bar by the pool. So far we have had delicious food and fantastic service. Our bartender/waiter took our picture today.

We are going to dinner tonight and plan to relax on the beach again tomorrow before we head home. We are having a great time, but we are missing our boys...and Claire!

Day 2

There was no picture and no post for day two. Why? I was injured. I am not sure, but I think I had a rib out of place. Our day consisted of eating, drinking, laying by the pool and taking a leisurely walk on the beach. (Well, Steph stayed behind due to her monster blisters!) This makes an injury very hard to explain. So I won't even try!

But I will tell you...Steph danced a little yesterday....in hoedown fashion. Heel, toe COTTON EYED JOE!!! She's gonna kill me.

Day 1

After a bumpy flight and a very FAST cab ride, we made it to our hotel last night a little after 11:00. We were starved and went in search of food. We ended up in a very interesting place that we will not be revisiting any time soon! Today we slept in until 9:30 (8:30 our time) and were very lazy. We headed to the pool around 11 and ate lunch before taking to the beach for a VERY long walk! Poor Steph has some MAJOR blisters to prove it! We picked up some great seashells for Claire's collection and headed back to the pool for more....well...nothing!

This picture is us at dinner tonight. A couple at the pool today told us about a great restaurant called Snappers, and they weren't kidding! It was WONDERFUL! We are stuffed and already in bed...you should know it's 10:16 and we have been camped out here for about at hour! We have really enjoyed the life of leisure today and can't wait for more tomorrow!