**This was written Sunday afternoon, but just now posting.**
As I was singing those lyrics this morning in church, I was moved to do such a thing - Tell of His Might and Sing of His Grace. Ok, I won't torture you with my singing (nor embarass my children with such an act), but I can tell you of His might. As I was thinking about it, it seems that many times we go about our little circles and not share the real stuff that is going on. We forget to be real with each other. So here it is.
*Disclaimer - And here I go already- many people do not know this story. Many I love dearly, but this is my apology to those dear friends I haven't had a chance to share this with in person. I long to do so and you will get the full version if you so desire. :) But if I don't do this now, waiting to be able to share with all of you, then I'll never do this post.
God's Might and Power work in magnificent ways. The story I am about to briefly tell doesn't always have this ending, but over the days that this was an issue for us, we worked oh so hard to remember that God is good no matter what.
This past Wednesday I had to return back to the doctor for more testing when a routine test came back suspicious. I set aside a couple of hours that mornig for the visit. It was not a total surprise. For various reasons, I felt more testing would probably be necessary...but not for the reasons I imagined.
At this visit, it was communicated with me the area of concern and it too concerned me. One more test and the technician non-chalantly said, "Let me check with the dr. Sometimes they like to come in and look, and sometimes they don't". Yeah, at that point, I knew something had been found. The doctor was moderately concerned and said I needed a biopsy. She explained all the details and that usually they could get it scheduled within a week. Results come within 48 hours after that. Then she said, "Can you come in this afternoon?".
I was able to make it happen that afternoon, feeling like that was Divine providence. After the oh so not fun procedure, I asked this doctor (different one) what she thought. (I know - never ask, but you really can't help it). She, too, said she was concerned. After a couple of more tests to make sure they got what they needed (and me almost passing out- seriously, I don't do biopsies well), I left for home with a 50/50 chance of having cancer.
God's might is seen in that I was able to go ahead and get the biopsy done, being able to know the results in 48 hours, before the weekend. Oh, my- what a blessing!
At this point, one reason David and I didn't tell a whole lot of people is that we would know the results so soon, that it would be easier to tell it in one whole story.
So, for 48 hours, we waited. Me about to throw up at the thought, already planning in my head how life was going to be if they said malignant. Who would I tell first, how would I tell, what would we do about school, etc. It was a struggle, but I would say it could have been worse.
I was expecting the call Friday afternoon, but I had been praying for early results. Again, God's grace. The call came at 10:45 am.
His miracle: Cancer Free
David and I have gone through this weekend discussing how differently it might have looked. How different worship would have been this morning. How, for some reason, He has spared us this pain now.
It is something to sing and shout about. His mercies are new every morning.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
"...if I only had a brain"
The Wizard of Oz has got to be one of my favorite movies. I remember the first time I saw it (maybe the first time, not sure). I was maybe six or seven and I had the chicken pox. It was on tv and I immediately fell in love. My dad even gave me a Wizard of Oz pop-up book. And yes, I still have it.
Lately, I feel like lately I have been singing the Scarecrow's theme "...if I only had a brain". Alot. Maybe it is the current theme of my life. I can't remember names. Today, on a walk with the dog and two of my kiddos on scooters, I told Jake to "heel". David laughs because we seem to have the same conversation over and over. He sort of laughs. He is beginning to worry a bit.
What could be causing this phenomenon? There are many theories, but I think I may be on to something.
It might bring me a great award. A Nobel Peace Prize maybe?
Are you ready? Are you sitting down?
I believe that there is some undiscovered nerve that connects a mother's brain to the placenta. It yanks out part of your brain in childbirth. And, then in some yet unknown way, this continues throughout the journey of motherhood.
See, definitely award worthy.
Now, to figure out the cure or solution to this problem.
Since there is no immediate cure, I must forge ahead. Straining to remember who these children are that are living in my home. And where that home actually is. The other day I kept picturing our old house when thinking of home. But so far, we are all ok. I haven't made any major errors in our lives. I've made it to the correct home each time. When you think about it, it can seem sort of funny.
Ha ha... I must also school them. Now, that is funny.
Lately, I feel like lately I have been singing the Scarecrow's theme "...if I only had a brain". Alot. Maybe it is the current theme of my life. I can't remember names. Today, on a walk with the dog and two of my kiddos on scooters, I told Jake to "heel". David laughs because we seem to have the same conversation over and over. He sort of laughs. He is beginning to worry a bit.
What could be causing this phenomenon? There are many theories, but I think I may be on to something.
It might bring me a great award. A Nobel Peace Prize maybe?
Are you ready? Are you sitting down?
I believe that there is some undiscovered nerve that connects a mother's brain to the placenta. It yanks out part of your brain in childbirth. And, then in some yet unknown way, this continues throughout the journey of motherhood.
See, definitely award worthy.
Now, to figure out the cure or solution to this problem.
Since there is no immediate cure, I must forge ahead. Straining to remember who these children are that are living in my home. And where that home actually is. The other day I kept picturing our old house when thinking of home. But so far, we are all ok. I haven't made any major errors in our lives. I've made it to the correct home each time. When you think about it, it can seem sort of funny.
Ha ha... I must also school them. Now, that is funny.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Thoughts for Today
1. Purging is a freeing feeling (but sad at the same time as we get rid of so many toys. Does this mean my babies are growing up?)
2. If it's cold and rainy, I would rather it just snow.
3. My living room looks empty without my Christmas tree.
4. My tree was down by New Years. That never happens. Trying to make room to purge.
5. That was way sooner than last year. It was still up in February. Now I feel like a spoiled sport for taking it down so soon. Sort of. Not really. Not this year anyway.
6. I have to stop eating. I think my stomach grew to the size of two basketballs over the holidays. There is just way too much room down there.
7. Big puppies bark loudly.
8. I like Mississippi State. Go Dawgs!
9. I'm finally getting used to our weekly schedule. Yes, it's January. But I have a few months to enjoy this new found stability.
10. My kids are getting older. This is a good thing.
11. I don't miss diaper changes, bathtime, taking the whole house with you when you go somewhere.
12. I like independence, getting to leave them at home, the capabilities to participate in household responsibilities.
13. I like my kids. They are great.
Have a good day!!
2. If it's cold and rainy, I would rather it just snow.
3. My living room looks empty without my Christmas tree.
4. My tree was down by New Years. That never happens. Trying to make room to purge.
5. That was way sooner than last year. It was still up in February. Now I feel like a spoiled sport for taking it down so soon. Sort of. Not really. Not this year anyway.
6. I have to stop eating. I think my stomach grew to the size of two basketballs over the holidays. There is just way too much room down there.
7. Big puppies bark loudly.
8. I like Mississippi State. Go Dawgs!
9. I'm finally getting used to our weekly schedule. Yes, it's January. But I have a few months to enjoy this new found stability.
10. My kids are getting older. This is a good thing.
11. I don't miss diaper changes, bathtime, taking the whole house with you when you go somewhere.
12. I like independence, getting to leave them at home, the capabilities to participate in household responsibilities.
13. I like my kids. They are great.
Have a good day!!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The Holidays
Mentally for me the holidays are just beginning. Or should I say just continuing. Not in the sense of festivities and parties, but in the sense of calmness, reflection, and responding to my Savior.
Each year there is the attempt to have things calmer than the year before. Get it all done so there is no last minute shopping. To spend quality time enjoying some family down time. But sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes in a truer sense than we realize.
The shopping was mostly done reasonably before Christmas. We had some good family times of watching some Christmas favorites- Elf, Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, and our newest addition, Arthur Christmas. We drove around to see Christmas lights. We even managed to get in a day or so of some baking.
But my mind wasn't really in it. I tried. I really did. But my mind was distracted.
One major factor in this was swim team. There is no break from swim team during the holidays. It is right in the middle of season. It is jokingly called swim team boot camp, with some two-a-days thrown in there. Then, the weekend before Christmas was a swim meet. Not only was that tiring in and of itself. I hadn't slept much that weekend. That was the beginning of the hugest impact of our Christmas this year.
About a week and a half before Christmas my grandmother exhibited some stroke symptoms. Long story short, she ended up suffering a massive stroke after she had been admitted into the hospital. The Wednesday before Christmas she was transported home on hospice. From there, she would rally, then have a set-back. This went on for several days.
Christmas Eve arrived. The family gathered for our annual Christmas Eve at Mimi's house (though this was one of the few we actually had at her apartment since she moved there. Usually it was at my mom's house). In order to not burden anyone, we ordered out the family favorite bbq pizza from Coletta's (plus it was what my brother wanted and it was, after all, his birthday). We opened presents in shifts in the living room, taking turns to go talk to Mimi and visit. The great-grand kids took their presents from her back to her room so she could watch them open. Then we all gathered and watched old (very old) home movies from when my mom and aunt were young. It was a special family time, especially with the addition of a new cousin-in-law.
I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about the state of my grandmother in all of this. She is a stubborn one. A controlling one. She went home on hospice, not being able to eat, drink, or talk, then began to be able to swallow, and communicate by spelling words in the air. She was determined to not be left out. She would even correct us if we identified someone or something wrong in the home movies. Yes, a true matriarch.
Christmas day came and went, and with it began her decline. She went to be with her Savior early the morning of December 28.
We celebrate this moment, as she is well and whole, in the arms of Her Savior, and reunited with her husband. We grieve as we remember her and her mannerisms, and her particular way of liking things, and the special things she did for us. But all is good.
So here it is. New Years Day. As I reflect over Christmas, I remember trying to focus on moments. To have them seer in my mind. Working to make it a joyous time for the kids. But, still. Whoosh. And its gone.
It wasn't what I had envisioned. Relaxing days of family movies and table games. Of more baking. Of blogging. Of purging the house. But it was what God had envisioned. So, I'll take it.
It was a surprising blur. Mentally, my mind was occupied on the family and my grandmother. My mind continually wandering. I can't imagine what it has been like for my mom and aunt, who provided care and sat vigil for so many days. Their work is continuing as I type this. Purging, grieving, cleaning, remembering.
So how does it seem the holidays are continuing? My mind is desiring to rest, to be purposeful, to remember why we have Christmas and the babe in the manger. To rejoice in the fact that because of the Babe in the manger, Jesus, we will all be reunited in Heaven one day. Until then, while on this earth, I pray that I can continue to carry about me the peace that comes with the Christmas season, and remember that God is directing my steps.
Each year there is the attempt to have things calmer than the year before. Get it all done so there is no last minute shopping. To spend quality time enjoying some family down time. But sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes in a truer sense than we realize.
The shopping was mostly done reasonably before Christmas. We had some good family times of watching some Christmas favorites- Elf, Polar Express, Miracle on 34th Street, and our newest addition, Arthur Christmas. We drove around to see Christmas lights. We even managed to get in a day or so of some baking.
But my mind wasn't really in it. I tried. I really did. But my mind was distracted.
One major factor in this was swim team. There is no break from swim team during the holidays. It is right in the middle of season. It is jokingly called swim team boot camp, with some two-a-days thrown in there. Then, the weekend before Christmas was a swim meet. Not only was that tiring in and of itself. I hadn't slept much that weekend. That was the beginning of the hugest impact of our Christmas this year.
About a week and a half before Christmas my grandmother exhibited some stroke symptoms. Long story short, she ended up suffering a massive stroke after she had been admitted into the hospital. The Wednesday before Christmas she was transported home on hospice. From there, she would rally, then have a set-back. This went on for several days.
Christmas Eve arrived. The family gathered for our annual Christmas Eve at Mimi's house (though this was one of the few we actually had at her apartment since she moved there. Usually it was at my mom's house). In order to not burden anyone, we ordered out the family favorite bbq pizza from Coletta's (plus it was what my brother wanted and it was, after all, his birthday). We opened presents in shifts in the living room, taking turns to go talk to Mimi and visit. The great-grand kids took their presents from her back to her room so she could watch them open. Then we all gathered and watched old (very old) home movies from when my mom and aunt were young. It was a special family time, especially with the addition of a new cousin-in-law.
I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about the state of my grandmother in all of this. She is a stubborn one. A controlling one. She went home on hospice, not being able to eat, drink, or talk, then began to be able to swallow, and communicate by spelling words in the air. She was determined to not be left out. She would even correct us if we identified someone or something wrong in the home movies. Yes, a true matriarch.
Christmas day came and went, and with it began her decline. She went to be with her Savior early the morning of December 28.
We celebrate this moment, as she is well and whole, in the arms of Her Savior, and reunited with her husband. We grieve as we remember her and her mannerisms, and her particular way of liking things, and the special things she did for us. But all is good.
It wasn't what I had envisioned. Relaxing days of family movies and table games. Of more baking. Of blogging. Of purging the house. But it was what God had envisioned. So, I'll take it.
It was a surprising blur. Mentally, my mind was occupied on the family and my grandmother. My mind continually wandering. I can't imagine what it has been like for my mom and aunt, who provided care and sat vigil for so many days. Their work is continuing as I type this. Purging, grieving, cleaning, remembering.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Old Mother Hubbard
As the kids get older, I sometimes feel like Old Mother Hubbard. You know...she went to the cupboard and it was bare. I get that feeling sometimes around here. The kids are getting bigger, so logically they eat more. Now, all of them are competitive swimmers. Therefore, they eat more.
Back in the good old days, I used to be so proud of myself when I could fix lunch for a dollar. A 25 cent box of macaroni and cheese and an apple could feed my two younger. Sometimes, I would add chicken nuggets. Or 1 can of soup and some cheese toast. Maybe a Tostino's party pizza and some fruit. Cheap lunches, people. Gone are those days. Prices have gone up dramatically, but they obviously eat more than that. Jake can eat an entire large frozen pizza himself. The girls eat a whole box of pasta salad. Then throw in two apples or cucumbers. That's alot of food. I just eat the leftovers. :)
Back in the good old days, I also used to be so proud that I could only go the grocery store once a month, then make quick trips for more perishables. It would take two carts and about two hours, but it was lovely. I hate going to the store, so this was just heavenly. Especially, if I could hit it early on a Saturday morning. I would have the whole store to myself. Now, they eat more, so what would last me two meals, gets me one and only if I'm lucky there are leftovers. So, I'm getting twice as much food. Therefore, one big trip like that a month would kill me.
Back in the good old days, I used to be able to think better. That's what age and three kids and a dog will do to you. It seems that no matter how much I plan my menus, I am always out of one certain thing too soon. Like, sometimes my trip to the store will constitute mostly breakfast things - orange juice, chocolate milk, biscuits, eggs, etc. Then, a few days after that I will be low on quick lunch things. You'd think I could get that together. But, nope. I can't. Alot of that, (okay most of that) is mental, but some of that is the fact I am buying more food, so therefore I don't have enough space for a month's worth of food anymore.
So, now, I am (old) mother Pritchard. Whose cupboards get bare, of some thing or another, quite frequently. But that means I have a full house of growing kids. And that is a good thing.
Back in the good old days, I used to be so proud of myself when I could fix lunch for a dollar. A 25 cent box of macaroni and cheese and an apple could feed my two younger. Sometimes, I would add chicken nuggets. Or 1 can of soup and some cheese toast. Maybe a Tostino's party pizza and some fruit. Cheap lunches, people. Gone are those days. Prices have gone up dramatically, but they obviously eat more than that. Jake can eat an entire large frozen pizza himself. The girls eat a whole box of pasta salad. Then throw in two apples or cucumbers. That's alot of food. I just eat the leftovers. :)
Back in the good old days, I also used to be so proud that I could only go the grocery store once a month, then make quick trips for more perishables. It would take two carts and about two hours, but it was lovely. I hate going to the store, so this was just heavenly. Especially, if I could hit it early on a Saturday morning. I would have the whole store to myself. Now, they eat more, so what would last me two meals, gets me one and only if I'm lucky there are leftovers. So, I'm getting twice as much food. Therefore, one big trip like that a month would kill me.
Back in the good old days, I used to be able to think better. That's what age and three kids and a dog will do to you. It seems that no matter how much I plan my menus, I am always out of one certain thing too soon. Like, sometimes my trip to the store will constitute mostly breakfast things - orange juice, chocolate milk, biscuits, eggs, etc. Then, a few days after that I will be low on quick lunch things. You'd think I could get that together. But, nope. I can't. Alot of that, (okay most of that) is mental, but some of that is the fact I am buying more food, so therefore I don't have enough space for a month's worth of food anymore.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Yet another Birthday
Birthday season is winding down around here. Today it's Sara Beth's day!! Finally. It's torture to watch the other two have birthdays and have hers come "last". But it's finally here!
Now, for the "season" story. Last night at dinner, we were reminiscing about what David and I were doing 14 years ago that night. We actually were out celebrating the turning in of his thesis paper for his masters degree. Yippee! We were so thankful that it had been completed before the baby came. Even better, we had almost two weeks before the baby was due. Such freedom we were looking forward to!
In our excitement, after dinner, we went home and decided to go ahead and get down the Christmas decorations. David pulled them from the attic and stacked them in the nursery, in front of the crib. That was about as far was we got and we went to bed.
Then, in the middle of the night, I woke up and surprise, I was in labor. On Dec 2, right at the beginning of muzzleloading season. (See God does have a sense of humor).
After a relatively short labor, Sara Beth entered the world. Screaming. And stubborn. The girl wouldn't sleep all day. She fought it so badly. She didn't want to miss anything. Hmm, some things never change.
I do have to add the significance of the day she was born and how it was only by Divine Intervention that it happened in that way. Sara Beth is named in honor of David's older sister, who died at 7 months due to spina bifida and other complications. David and I always loved the name and then put it together about his sister, and decided it was perfect. It is also after David's two grandmothers, so even more significance.
Well, her day came and all day we were a little surprised at the emotions of David's mom. She was a little teary all day. We thought it was because first grandchild and most importantly the name, which may have been bringing up some memories. Well, it did bring up some memories that we didn't know about. December 2 was the day that David's sister, Sara Elizabeth, was buried. She was buried at 10:00 in the morning. Our Sara Beth was born at 9:00. What a great story to bring in family and memories. Only God could have done that. Then to top it off, Dec 2 is also the birthday of the grandmother Sara. Way cool if you ask us!
Sara Beth came into the world with a wonderful story. We are so blessed to have the privledge of raising her and can't wait to see what God will do in her life.
Happy Birthday!!
In our excitement, after dinner, we went home and decided to go ahead and get down the Christmas decorations. David pulled them from the attic and stacked them in the nursery, in front of the crib. That was about as far was we got and we went to bed.
Then, in the middle of the night, I woke up and surprise, I was in labor. On Dec 2, right at the beginning of muzzleloading season. (See God does have a sense of humor).
After a relatively short labor, Sara Beth entered the world. Screaming. And stubborn. The girl wouldn't sleep all day. She fought it so badly. She didn't want to miss anything. Hmm, some things never change.
I do have to add the significance of the day she was born and how it was only by Divine Intervention that it happened in that way. Sara Beth is named in honor of David's older sister, who died at 7 months due to spina bifida and other complications. David and I always loved the name and then put it together about his sister, and decided it was perfect. It is also after David's two grandmothers, so even more significance.
Well, her day came and all day we were a little surprised at the emotions of David's mom. She was a little teary all day. We thought it was because first grandchild and most importantly the name, which may have been bringing up some memories. Well, it did bring up some memories that we didn't know about. December 2 was the day that David's sister, Sara Elizabeth, was buried. She was buried at 10:00 in the morning. Our Sara Beth was born at 9:00. What a great story to bring in family and memories. Only God could have done that. Then to top it off, Dec 2 is also the birthday of the grandmother Sara. Way cool if you ask us!
Happy Birthday!!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
It's Birthday Season Around Here
There really is no other way to put it than to call it Birthday Season. And it's pretty funny when you hear why that has a double meaning. I'll start with the most recent birthdays, and save the last one for her special day.
Her story of pregnancy, labor and delivery was full of adventure, but I'll skip to the "season" part. (Maybe I'll fill in the details later). After weeks on bedrest, I was finally up and about, thinking it would be really cool if this baby could be born on November 3. See, Jake's is October 1, and Sara Beth's is December 2. So, see, that would be really cool. So, on the evening of November 3, I was having contractions. Nothing new, really. I had been having them for months and for those of you who care, I was 4 cm. But, this was actually 3 weeks from my due date and we didn't know the gender, and there is always some concern for boys born early. But, as I laid there on the couch, timing contractions, which really weren't that bad, I considered going on the hospital so I could have the baby on November 3. Deep down, I knew it wasn't time, but I also knew that my doctor would keep me if I went. I went back and forth, but decided that having a baby early just so it could be born on a not terribly significant day, was really not the smartest thing to do. So, I waited it out.
I had "activity" all week, and went in for my regularly scheduled visit the following Monday, November 10. I was a whopping 5 cm and 80%. My doctor sent me to the hospital, where three hours later, a sweet Katie appeared.
Six weeks ago, we celebrated Jake's 12th birthday. For a change up from our first baby, David and I decided to do things different and find out the gender. We found out that David was going to have a hunting buddy. Mid-way through the pregnancy we got the stomach bug. (At the time, David and I called it the "death virus". I now know that it wasn't even close after my most recent experiences.) Well, looking back, I figure that is what cause early contractions. No major complications along the way, but things started progressing early, so we, including the doctor, decided that there was no way I was going to make it full term. But, she wanted to go ahead and schedule an induction a few days early.
Umm, she and I scheduled it for a Friday. October 1. Opening day of bow hunting season in Mississippi. Yes, of course I knew this, but after 9 months of stomach stretching, I really didn't care. I figured David would have a great hunting buddy as they got older and what a great way to spend a birthday. And yes, I was right. Although, David did ask if we could re-schedule the induction for the following Monday. Three whole days later. I said no way.
To his credit, at the time, he had only missed one opening day of bow season in his life. It was to take me on our first date, to the Mississippi State/Florida game. I'd think he would say it was worth it.
Sara Beth has a "season" story to go along with her birthday as well, but since it is in just three weeks, I'll wait until then.
Let me start with Katie, since TODAY is her birthday!! Yay!
 |
| She was up bright and early this morning!! |
I had "activity" all week, and went in for my regularly scheduled visit the following Monday, November 10. I was a whopping 5 cm and 80%. My doctor sent me to the hospital, where three hours later, a sweet Katie appeared.
Right at the beginning of gun season.
Six weeks ago, we celebrated Jake's 12th birthday. For a change up from our first baby, David and I decided to do things different and find out the gender. We found out that David was going to have a hunting buddy. Mid-way through the pregnancy we got the stomach bug. (At the time, David and I called it the "death virus". I now know that it wasn't even close after my most recent experiences.) Well, looking back, I figure that is what cause early contractions. No major complications along the way, but things started progressing early, so we, including the doctor, decided that there was no way I was going to make it full term. But, she wanted to go ahead and schedule an induction a few days early.
Umm, she and I scheduled it for a Friday. October 1. Opening day of bow hunting season in Mississippi. Yes, of course I knew this, but after 9 months of stomach stretching, I really didn't care. I figured David would have a great hunting buddy as they got older and what a great way to spend a birthday. And yes, I was right. Although, David did ask if we could re-schedule the induction for the following Monday. Three whole days later. I said no way.
To his credit, at the time, he had only missed one opening day of bow season in his life. It was to take me on our first date, to the Mississippi State/Florida game. I'd think he would say it was worth it.
Sara Beth has a "season" story to go along with her birthday as well, but since it is in just three weeks, I'll wait until then.
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