Prayer for my parents and Kevan during this time

My parents arrived a few days ago from Michigan.  I asked them to come early so that we could spend some time together before my surgery.  It has been really nice having them around.  My mom is working from home so she is able to work while she is here and didn't have to take work off to come and be with me.  (Thank you David Michael!  I love you)  Two night's ago Kevan's dad brought us dinner (thank you Gerry!) and we sat outside in the grass, enjoyed the beautiful weather and just enjoyed each others company.  It was so nice.  We also watched the guys do a few more things with the deck.  They were going to try to finish the deck before my surgery so I can recuperate some outside, but I'm not sure if they will be done by then.  Here is a picture of where they are with it right now.  Don't look at the messiness.  That is what happens when you are mid-construction.  Remember, we live on a farm!

My mom will be working all day (from my house), plus taking care of me when I need her.  So, I'm a little worried that she is going to get stressed out over making meals for 4 of us and trying to do everything else (cleaning, laundry, work, helping me, etc).  Please pray for my mom during this time as she will have so much to do and I don't want her to stress out.  Kevan's cousin was so wonderful and made us a few homemade lasagna so that we can thaw them and cook them when we need them.  I thought it was a great idea!  Thank you Jackie!  You are a blessing to us!  AND...I know your lasagna is sooooo good!

Please keep Kevan in your prayers.  He will be trying to work while we are at the hospital on/off when I don't need him or I'm sleeping.  Pray that he will be able to focus.  I believe he will have a separate area in my hospital "suite" where he can work from, but I'm not sure.  When he doesn't work....he doesn't get paid.  :o( So, we need him to work. I'm sure this will be hard for him too so just pray for his emotions and that we will communicate with each other during this time and not keep anything in.  That will just make it harder on us.  Also, Kevan loves to go out on Friday nights (to dinner or a movie or whatever) so if you are a guy friend (no girls please! lol!) and want to have a guy's night out on a Friday please call him up.  He will need to get out of the house some and a movie is a good distraction.  My parents are here with me if I need help.  I want him to have some fun and not be cooped up here all the time having to help me.  This means during my chemo treatments too.  If I'm not feeling well I probably won't want to leave the house.  My only requirement is - NO MOTORCYCLES!  lol!! 

As I've mentioned in a previous post I feel so loved.  I have received so many encouraging emails, texts, cards and even a few gifts.  Two of our friends even stopped by to finish a home improvement project for us so I will be more comfortable recuperating in our master bedroom.  Everyone has been amazing.  I did not realize I had so many friends.  God has blessed me so much.  Each of you mean so much to me.  I'm hoping that while I'm recuperating I will be able to write my thank you notes to each person.  we will see!  If you don't receive one right away I'm working on them!  Just be patient.  :o)

My surgery is in 5 days.  I'm trying to fit in so many things.  I just took the kitties to the vet because they have allergies and need their shot.  They are a little more "needy" when they aren't feeling well.  Saturday I'm hoping to fit in making another batch of homemade yogurt for fruit smoothies while I'm sick. I want to get a pedicure (so I have cute feet while I'm in the hospital), check out a few wigs again with my mom, write out a few meal ideas for my mom, do all the laundry, finish painting our bedroom windows so we can put up our blinds, spend time praying and reading my bible....I don't know how I'm going to fit it all in!

I've been taking baths every day (instead of showers) since I won't be able to once I'm out of surgery.  I love baths.  lol!  I am really going to miss them.  At night, I'm making sure to sleep on my stomach because I won't have the luxury in a few days and I LOVE to sleep on my stomach.  I had 2 coffees today instead of one because in a few days I won't be allowed to have coffee for several days.  Oh, how I love my morning coffee with 2 teaspoons of cocoa and organic half-and-half! I am VERY hyper today.  lol!

Tomorrow I have a pre-Op appointment with my plastic surgeon, a two-hour breast cancer course at Baptist Hospital, an appointment to be measured for my post-op garment and a pre-admission appointment at the hospital.  Both my parents and Kevan are going with me so it will be a full day for all of us.  We are hoping to spend a nice night with my mother-in-law since we will be in Nashville.  Judy, I know...I haven't discussed this with you yet.  lol!  So, if you are reading this and I haven't talked to you about it yet....Oops!  We will be arriving to your house mid-afternoon.  ;o)

This post wouldn't be complete without a mention of our new family member.  Below is a picture of a kitty that has decided our house is his home.  He is a stray that someone probably dropped off.  His name is Bob.  He stays outside.  I have a love/hate relationship with Bob.  He is VERY loving, VERY talkative and a pretty sweet kitty.  BUT, he has killed an adorable little chipmunk right in front of us, a baby bird that was learning to fly and I can't get past his "bob" tail.  It smacks me in the leg when he is wagging it...and it is a little freaky.  lol!

Here is Bob...he is very pretty.

And, he's a Manx....notice the "bob" tail....hence the name "Bob"...courtesy of my FIL.  :o)

I really appreciate everyone's prayers, encouragement and love.  My heart feels so full.  It brings tears to my eyes to think about it.  You all overwhelm my soul.  I LOVE YOU ALL!  God bless each of you.