You know, I really want to be one of those people that update A LOT!  There is nothing I love more than a blog that I follow that updates a lot.  I am trying!  Really!  My heart is to update often!  And boy, this one is going to contain A LOT!

I wanted to start today with something I read that REALLY inspired me!

"Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary.  What we need is to love without getting tired."  -Mother Teresa

 I read this, and immediately began praying.  Praying that I would not grow tired throughout the day loving my children.  As cruel as that sounds, I am patient up until about 5:30 ish, then everything goes to crap.  I'm tired, the kids are tired.  And there is 3.more.hours. until bed time.  I just want to quit.

Also, in relationships.  How often do we grow weary of walking with people through their trials?  I am learning I don't have to be a super hero.  Just be there.  Sometimes I can't because there must be order, and my family is the most important thing I will ever "do" in my whole life.  But, so many people are just waiting for someone to ask how they are doing.  No, how they are REALLY doing.

I have a best friend.  And I think everyone needs one.  This best friend did not just "happen".  We didn't grow up together.  Well, physically, we DID grow up together.  But we did not talk AT ALL!  (which seems ridiculous because she is my cousin!)
  This relationship has grown over time.  Literally 9 years!  This investment has paid out quadruple!  And I pray a best friend for everyone.  I never grow weary of her trials and her in mine.  Nor have I grown "tired" of her.

I also belong to a bible study that, not coincidentally, has been meeting faithfully for over 9 years!  This is another investment I have NEVER regretted making. The friendships I have and had made have changed my life in ways no one can explain!  Walking through pain into triumph with these women has been such an honor!  Like Joyce Meyer says, "The greatest testament to Jesus' goodness is a life transformed."  This could not be more true!  Thank you!  To all you girls who have been a part of "the bible study!"  And here is to forever walking with you all!

Well, that is my rant for today.

Update on Ike:

He is doing GREAT!  We are still working on eating, but this last clinic visit, his numbers were the best I have EVER seen!  So good, they increased his chemo.  Which I hate, but am thankful he is feeling so much better!  Jacob took him to his last appointment, as I needed a break.  So, I do not have many details.  Men.  Always full of things to say...... SO, anyways, from what I gathered.  They got him in one poke, and everything went well.  Our next appointment is a spinal.  Which I am praying this one goes better than last time!

Random side not.  While on steroids, he was CRAVING broccoli cheese soup FROM Panera!  He had gone 2 days without eating ONE thing!  So at 8:15 at night, I packed him up in his jammies, and we ate at Panera!

 

I'm glad my children love Panera as much as I do!

Ok.  Update on everyone!

One random day, I got a random knock at my door.  And lo and behold.  Jacob's old bandmates!  One I have not seen in like 12 years!  Now, I would not normally take a photo.  And really, I didn't.  But Laney did!

 It was REALLY great to see these 2!  It has been SO LONG!  Surprised Jacob as well!

We also spent a day out in the rain!  Laney was sobbing because it had been raining "FOREVER!"

So, out in the rain we went!

During this rain, I had the pleasure of joining my sister and her friend Stephanie for UNITY festival!  It was amazing!  Steven Curtis Chapman, Mandisa, Needtobreathe, Building 429, Matthew West, and Matt Maher.  All people I wanted to see before I died!  

Jamie is doing very well!  My mom is making her walk every day.  She is off a lot of her meds.  And some other MAJOR prayers have been answered!  We are praising God for her life!

This past weekend, I had the best weekend of my life.  NO JOKE!  I was blessed beyond measure in so many ways!  Let's just say, good friends, shopping, NOT COOKING, NO CHILDREN, oh and Joyce Meyer!  I only got ONE picture.  Bummed.  But, it was amazing.  I like overnights away.  Now, Jacob would paint a different picture!  But I loved it!

Thanks girls for an AWESOME time!

We also had the pleasure of the Rodriguez family at our house!  And my basement turned into a giant fort!  Thanks Jennifer!

And last but not least, Gabs.  She is so naughtily cute!  I have to MAKE myself punish this bucket full of smiles!  Here she is being ridiculous cute and REALLY naughty!

Can someone else come and punish her please?!  I just can't take it!

Every time I look at this child, I see Jacob!  Huge mouth and all!  All my kids are beautiful to me, but at this age, any child looks so super cute!

Whew!  That was long!  I hope you enjoyed it!

Thanks for doing life with me!