Check it out!

THIS was in the Springfield News-Leader today!

The following individuals will be honored at the fourth annual Women's Intersports Network (WIN) Awards Banquet on Wednesday, Oct. 7, for being strong role models in the area of girls' and women’s sports:

• Challenged Award — Stephanie Phillips, Kickapoo HIgh School basketball coach

• Courage Award — Trish Marsh, Missouri State associate basketball coach

• Mentor Award — Barb Cowherd, Drury University Associate Athletics Director

• Senior Sportswoman — Sue Schuble, retired Kickapoo coach

• Corporate Award — Donna Powers, McDonald's

• Bee Payne-Stewart Spirit Award — Linda Dollar, retired MSU volleyball coach, currently city's Director of Community Olympic Development Program

The event, which includes a silent auction in which all proceeds go to benefit WIN of Springfield, begins at 5:30 p..m. at the Doubletree Hotel.

Dr. Nancy O’Reilly, who recently wrote a book entitled, “Timeless Women Speak: Feeling Youthful at Any Age," will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are available at the door.

Ticket prices are as follows:

• Event sponsor — $250
• Team rate (15 or more people) — $65
• Table of 8 — $65
• General public — $15
• WIN members $10
• Students — $5

Very cool! Can't wait for this!!!

Larry Happ

We received news that Steph's step father passed away yesterday morning. The entire family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Lawrence R. Happ

Larry Happ, 64, passed away in his home in Nixa, MO September 5, 2009. He was born in Mendota, IL in 1945 where he grew up with his beloved brothers and sisters. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in metallurgy. He was very proud of his work as an engineer. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Mary Happ, his brother Donald Happ and his daughter Debra Happ. He is survived by his wife Edna, the love of his life. They enjoyed dancing, traveling and spending time with their seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sons, Brian, Don and Greg all of Wisconsin and step children Stephanie Phillips and Jon Thurman of Springfield and Ryan Thurman of Fayetteville, AR. His surviving siblings include his brothers David, Norbert and Douglas Happ as well as his sisters Carleen Anderson, Marleen Davis, Angela Happ and Eunice Taylor. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was a very active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic church in Nixa, MO.

Visitation will be at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Springfield, Mo on Tuesday, Sept 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm with a prayer at 7:00 pm. Funeral and mass will be held Wednesday, Sept 9 at 10:30 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton followed by the graveside service at Resurrection Cemetery.

As many of you know, things around here seem to be slightly out of control. At least that is what I would have said a few years ago. With my Uncle Gary's diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and his passing just 65 days later, we were devastated. But let me just tell you, the moments and days that came after his passing were not what I thought they would be. I am surrounded by people who know that our lives are NEVER out of control as long as we trust in the Lord with everything we have. HE is in control and it is obvious as I watch my family heal. One of the most amazing things has been watching so many people come to our aid, Steph being one of them. I can't say enough how truly blessed I feel to be part of this family. I should also make very clear that family doesn't just include those in my bloodline. We have a habit of "adopting" people and we have very special friends who we consider family....for example the Phillips family! (among others!)

Because of the funeral, Steph changed her chemo day to Wednesday so that she could help my mom. Without her and our dear friend Pam (a.k.a. Mimi) the day would have not ran as smoothly...AT ALL! Chemo seems to be really packing a punch on our girl right now. So please pray that it gets better. Steph is SO tough so it's hard to see her feel so bad. She is a fighter and she is fighting harder than ever before. Pray for strength and complete healing!!

My Uncle

Gary Joe Marshall

December 10, 1961-August 27, 2009

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears. There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face But until that day, we'll hold on to you always I know the journey seems so long. You feel you're walking on your own But there has never been a step Where you've walked out all alone.

(Jeremy Camp-There Will Be A Day.)

Scan results!

Steph got the results of her scan today. From what they can see, there hasn't been much change! This sounded like great news to me since she has only had 2 chemo treatments in the last 2 months! Her counts have been low due to the fact that she had not been taking her shots that boost her up. So basically, it's back to business as usual! Now we all have to get geared up to send Drew and Claire off to kindergarten!!! It's hard enough to think about them going off to school, but it's almost unbearable to think about them going to DIFFERENT schools!! I think it will be harder on me than the kids...sniff sniff. (wipe tear)

Did you notice our new button on the right side of our page? I started a team for the Cystic Fibrosis walk at Rutledge-Wilson Farm in October. We are walking in memory of our friend Jeff Wester who passed away in 2006 from complications of pneumonia. Please consider donating if you can or come walk with us!!! Click on the link and it will take you to our site!

Two years...and counting. A note from Steph

I'm not near as entertaining as Chrissy, but she's kinda busy right now. I've been reflecting a lot lately, so I thought I would share...

Two years ago today, I was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Looking back on the past two years I am feeling so blessed. I am absolutely overwhelmed with gratefulness. It would be really easy for me to think about all of the rough times that my cancer diagnosis has brought with it (and there have been plenty), but my focus tends to be on all the good stuff. Maybe not so much the good stuff, but the good people…wow!

I can’t even begin to guess how many people have told me that they are praying for me. Let me tell you, that never gets old. I am so thankful that people still remember that I am fighting the hardest battle of my life, and they are thinking of me and praying for me. It truly is comforting to hear that and to know that there is a network of people out there…some family, some very close friends, some old classmates, some former teammates, some coworkers, and some people that I don’t even know that are still praying. Knowing that I have all that support truly gives me so much courage and strength as I continue to fight.

The real beauty of all these people praying for me, is that I feel it working. I really do. I feel God leading me with every decision. After surgery, after chemo, after radiation, after another round of chemo, after each visit to Houston, and after my most recent decision to take charge of this thing myself…He has guided me so gently and so carefully in the right direction. He has placed people in my life to share stories or offer advice at just the right time. Most importantly, He has kept me here. Allowed me to live, to keep doing what I do as much as I can. He has allowed me to struggle, challenged me to fight, and carried me at times when I didn’t think I could do it anymore.

Boy, have I needed that a few times…someone to carry me, that is. And He has placed someone right by my side to do just that. I don’t know what I would do without Scot. Wow…talk about carrying me and doing everything else to make our lives as normal as possible. Our boys LOVE superheroes, but what they don’t realize is that we have one living with us. He does it all around our house. No, seriously, I mean ALL. He picks up toys, does laundry, makes meals, cleans up after meals, scrubs the boys at bath time, picks out their clothes for the next day, makes Drew’s lunch for school, sweeps the floor, plays rodeo, wrestles, plays superheroes, jumps on the trampoline, rides bikes, reads books, colors pictures, mows the yard, plants flowers, spreads mulch, teaches, coaches AND NEVER complains. He really is a hero.

My family has been great. They have all helped me in countless ways. My mom and dad and Scot’s mom and dad are incredible. They have been there to do whatever we have needed, whenever we have needed it. They provide us with love and support and we know that they are there for us whenever we need it. They are not intrusive in any way. They let us live our lives and make our own decisions, but when we need them, we don’t have to ask twice. It’s true what “they” say about family, they are always there for us.

And then there’s my angel…my forever friend Cheryl. She has been there with me through it all and her family has jumped on board as well. Cheryl has been to every chemo treatment with me and almost every doctor’s appointment. Her family has been so supportive and very unselfish about sharing her with me. Chrissy especially has made my life so much easier by keeping the blog going for me. I truly can’t say enough about these people and how special they are to me. Without question, I know that they would do anything for me at any time. Priceless.

I would not have survived the past two years without my family, my dear friends, my coworkers and my precious team. There’s no way I could recognize each of them individually. I fear that I would unintentionally leave someone out and hurt someone’s feelings. What I do know is that God has placed so many people in my life over the years for a reason. Many of them are helping me fight this battle in one way or another. I couldn’t do it alone and I feel so sorry for the people that are not as blessed as me. I feel so small and I am so incredibly grateful. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. If you are reading this, there is no doubt you have helped me in some way. Know that I appreciate you all.

Please continue to pray as I go in for another scan today. I have not been able to have chemo very consistently this summer because my blood counts have been too low. At this time I’m very frustrated with that because it feels like the tumor is growing and it’s starting to cause more discomfort. I meet with my oncologist Monday morning and I am praying for a clear plan.

Two years…and counting…thank the Lord!

Blessings to you all.
Steph

Do you know what this is??

This is our Auntie Karen ringing the SURVIVOR BELL at her last chemo treatment today! PRAISE THE LORD!! Do you see the beautiful lady in the background? That is Donna. She is Karen's "Cheryl" who has been there for her and her family through this whole thing. We are so thankful to be here at the end of this journey with Karen. My God has filled my heart with hope today. He has my family in the palm of His hand. I know this because He gives me images like this.

The world keeps turning.

Since my last post...

My kids kissed on the beach.

My baby girl turned 5.

My uncle did his first and second rounds of chemo with his amazing wife by his side. At the same time, just across town...Steph was doing chemo too!

I have a new blog reader. (He at least stares at it from his momma's lap!)

Auntie Karen took pictures for the Phillips family.

We march on!

We're baaaack.

It has been a while since my last post. It's not because we just sold our house. It's not because we just bought a new one. It's not because I've been busy packing and getting ready for a family vacation. It's because of 2 things. First of all, I haven't had much to report. Second, if you read my personal blog, you know that our family has been dealt another blow. My Uncle Gary has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He is my mom's "baby" brother and this has been pretty tough. Click here for the full post. Please pray for our family as we help him fight this.

Now for a Stephanie update. Obviously we were not encouraged by the news we received in Houston and it left a bad taste in our mouths. (Especially Steph's...sort of a barium flavored taste!) Steph did a lot of thinking and talking about her situation. If you know her, you know...it's NOT good enough to do chemo....forever! So after doing A LOT of research, she has decided on her own plan of action. She will be backpacking around the world in search of a cure for cancer. No. I'm totally kidding. She IS going to take a more proactive approach to her fight with cancer. She will continue with the treatment that the doctors are prescribing but will be focusing 100% on the things she puts into her body. She will be cutting out a lot of foods that we should ALL cut out anyway and focus on vitamins and supplements that her body needs to fight cancer. As you can imagine, this is a full time job in itself! I suggested that she check into hiring someone part-time to prepare meals for her! She said she actually considered it but can't find anyone! (Sooooo, anyone interested?!) We are confident that this will make a difference! That and ALL your prayers!!!

This sweet family...

is mine by marriage. This is Jesse, Uncle Keith, Aunt Karen and Megan. Yet another family who has been touched by cancer. Karen found a lump during a monthly self-exam. A mammogram did not detect the lump, but she persisted and they found it with an ultra-sound. By the grace of God, she found it very early but is still having to endure chemotherapy. Today I had the privilege of taking her to chemo. Her attitude is amazing. One of my favorite parts of the day was one that she may not even realize happened. We were briskly walking through the waiting room. She was breezing through with her head (adorned with the cutest wig I have EVER seen) held high. She passed a lady that was waiting as well and just said, "Hello! You look very pretty! That blouse looks so pretty on you!" Because I was walking behind her, I got to see the look on this lady's face. I vowed right then and there that I will give out more random but sincere compliments. I was so proud to be there with her. Especially when she busted out the fake snoring!

When I looked around at this room full of people I was sad. Sure I was sad that they were all there fighting for their lives. But I was also sad when I looked at the number of people that were there by themselves. I saw a woman coming back from the restroom. I jumped up to help her plug herself back into the wall. I was happy to do it and she was very thankful...but it made me sad! Why wasn't someone there for her? There was a lady that felt sick and all she wanted was a baked potato, but no one was there to go get her one. A very sweet nurse ran over to the hospital cafeteria and got her one. (That would be considered above and beyond the call of duty!) It made my heart ache. It also made me so thankful to be a part of a family that is so dedicated to one another. I left there with so much love in my heart for my mom. The fact that Steph NEVER has to be alone during chemo...there just aren't words. So here is my plea.

If you know someone with cancer (a family member, friend, neighbor, church member, mail person, bank teller...you get my point.) please, no matter how they may resist....DON'T LET THEM GO TO CHEMO ALONE!!!! If you have to, call me and I will go with them!!! I honestly sat there today and thought, "I wonder if I could volunteer up here and just take care of the people who don't have anyone?" Someone to get a blanket. Someone to fetch a drink. Someone to alert the nurse when nausea is taking hold. Everyone should have a someone. By the way, Aunt Karen has LOTS of someones...I am blessed to be one of them!

Chemo Day

Steph started chemo yesterday. Bummer. We were really hoping for a summer full of fun WITHOUT chemo. As my kids would say, "BOO chemo, YEAH pool days!" But if you know us, you know that we will make the best of it. So I enjoyed a day with these 4 cutie pies.

From A Little Bit of Life

Here are a few more pictures from our fun day!

From A Little Bit of Life

From A Little Bit of Life

From A Little Bit of Life

From A Little Bit of Life

From A Little Bit of Life

From A Little Bit of Life

From A Little Bit of Life

From A Little Bit of Life

I Do, but I don't.

Levi has a new thing these days that we think is just hilarious. We will ask him a question such as, "Levi, do you want to eat lunch?" His reply is always, "I do, but I don't!" It is so cute!

So today as we waited to hear from Houston Steph sent us a text on her feelings on getting the news.

"I do, but I don't want to know."

My heart is heavy as I type this and I'm just going to shoot straight here. There is a nodule near her ovary. The lymph node next to it is inflamed. There is another inflamed lymph node below her abdomen. This leads them to believe that the area between these two spots contains a network of cancer cells that are too small to see. In case you don't feel as if you have been punched in the gut, let me continue.

They have recommended chemo full force again (instead of the leisurely "maintenance" chemo) starting next week. She then asked if this is how it's going to be..."chemo until I can't take it anymore, take a break for rest and start over?" His answer....yes.

I can't even begin to tell you how mad I am. I am even going to venture out (at the risk of offending someone) and say I am DOWN. RIGHT. PISSED. I'm sorry, but I am.

Make NO mistake...we are not waving a white flag. We will not surrender. We will not back down. We will exhaust EVERY option. In the meantime will also continue to live each day to its fullest. We will meet up, as we did today, at our favorite hangout (Nanny and Papa's pool) and continue life as usual. We listen to our kids yell, "WATCH ME WATCH ME!!" We will hoot and holler as if they just did something different from the last 50 times they jumped into the pool. Scot will sweep the porch and pick up after everyone. We will put "spidey suits" on and take them off over and over. (on the kids that is!) I will tell my stupid stories about how I choked on my Pina Colada in St. Thomas and threw my back out to make everyone laugh. We will charge on. We will get through this. We will continue to call ourselves blessed because we have each other. That's all we need.

We know, medically speaking, that Steph is very very sick. We also know that our God is in control.

Am I scared?

I am, but I'm not.

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!