Winding Down

This summer has been SUPER busy and I really cannot believe that it is almost over.  We have had so much fun and I have taken little time to write.  I suppose that's a really good thing ... a sign that I am moving on and getting back to my amazingly charmed life ...

The week before last, our friends from Florida came for a quick visit.  Tim, Cindy, and their kiddos, Faith, Cloey, Jayden, and Alana, stayed with us for a couple of nights ... it was a really nice visit!  Although we enjoyed every minute, we really had the BEST time at Stone Mountain.  We loaded up the kids and headed to the big rock for a day of FUN ...

We started the day by heading up the mountain ... what a GREAT way to see Atlanta ...

Skyride to the top of the rock ...

Jayden, Maddie, Faith, Cloey, and Andrew

Next, we ate lunch and headed to Sky Hike ...

Sky Hike

Faith and Maddie ... WAY up there ...

Andrew and Scott

The kids ... and Scott and Tim ... spent nearly two hours working through the course.  They all had a GREAT time!  Next, it was time to cool off at Geyser Towers and then on to a relaxing train ride around the base of the mountain.  We finished the day with some time in The Great Barn, filled will slides and climbing structures, and a 4-D Yogi Bear movie.  It truly was a day filled with FUN!

The Belingers left the following day and Scott and I headed to Emory for an appointment with a genetic counselor and an exam with Dr. O'Regan.  Everything went very well ...

Surprisingly, this was our first meeting with a genetic counselor.  Until now, we have worked with other doctors to complete the necessary testing.  And, although we learned shortly after my diagnosis that I am negative for the BRCA 1 & 2 gene mutations, this result only accounts for about 94% of mutations that indicate a high risk of breast cancer. So, I submitted additional saliva for testing.  We should have the results in the next week or so.  These results will help us better understand my risk for other cancers as well as risk factors for our children.

My appointment with Dr. O'Regan was uneventful.  No blood work.  This appointment consisted of a quick physical exam and an opportunity to ask questions.  And, at this point, we have very few questions ... and that is a SHOCKER!  No additional trips to Emory until October!

In addition to these appointments, I also saw Dr. Woods for the last time until my exchange surgery.  I have finally reached my desired breast size ... weird ... and am ready to get these awful expanders OUT of my body!  So, surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, August 22nd at Piedmont Hospital.  Although I am not looking forward to the recovery, I am very much looking forward to being one step closer to completing reconstruction ... and to REALLY nice boobs! 

Well, these past few weeks have been busy ... we have had LOTS of fun and accomplished so much!  Now, we are winding down from a GREAT summer and ready to bring on the school year ... and the beginning of many NEW experiences and wonderful memories ...

Let Go & Let God

On Thursday of this week, I will be headed to Emory for the first time in three months. The time has already come for my regular check-up with my oncologist.  Of course, I am already feeling anxious ... the thought of walking through the doors of Winship Cancer Center still overwhelms me.  So, I am constantly reminding myself that God has healed me ... and the He is complete control ...

This quote is a PERFECT reminder for me ... and brings me such peace each time I read it ...

"philosophy:  one of the best tools for longevity and good health is not just taking a walk outdoors but taking your walk while holding the hand of God.  when we walk in gratitude for each and every moment, we empower ourselves by empowering our spirits.  when we breathe in nature through our eyes, ears and lips, we become certain that not only are our souls eternal, but that God knows how to manage our lives, our troubles, our worries and our days better than we do.  so today and everyday 'let go and let God.'"

If you are familiar with Philosophy Skin Care, you already know about their great products and inspiring quotes.  This quote is on a bottle of Pure Grace given to me just a couple of weeks ago by my wonderful friend, Kathleen.  This week, especially, it is just what I need ...

Here's to letting go ... and letting God ...

Forever Friends

Almost 10 years ago, Kathleen and I met in the halls of Forest Hill Elementary in Noblesville, Indiana.  Scott and I had just recently relocated from Florida and I was set to begin the year as a kindergarten teacher.  Among the chaos of setting up my classroom and adjusting to a new school, Kathleen introduced herself and kindly offered her help. Obviously, Kathleen and I quickly became friends and a few short weeks later, our families met for the first time ...

For months, Tim, Kathleen, Abby, Scott, and I spent much of our time together ... always making great memories!  Since then, Maddie, Delaney, and Andrew were born and now our families share a friendship like no other ...

In 2006, after almost three years in Indiana, we returned to Georgia.  Although we were very excited to be home again and close to our families, it was a difficult move for us all! So, we made a promise ... we would never let our friendship fade and we would do our very best to see each other as often as possible ...

For the past six years, we have kept that promise ... seeing each other at least once a year ... and most years, two or three times!  Last week, the Martin family headed south for a FULL week of FUN ...

Delaney, Abby, Andrew, and Maddie ... enjoying the water!

Me & Kathleen ... soaking up the sunshine!

Tim, Kathleen, Me, and Scott ... waiting for the fireworks display on Lake Allatoona!

Abby & Maddie ... forever friends!

The Martin and McNeal Families ... GO BRAVES!

We are so blessed to have such special people in our lives.  In life, it is hard to find the kind of friends we have found in each other ... and I am so very thankful that God brought us all together!

Here's to forever friends ...

Donation Jar

As you know, these past few months have not only been focused on recovery, but also on fundraising ... and LOTS of it!  In a little more than three months, my team and I will be walking 60 miles ... after raising at least $32,200 ...

Well, this afternoon, I received a VERY special gift from a VERY special young man ...

Walker, the son of our close family friends, brought me a handmade box ...

Inside the box, I found $250 in cash and a $100 check from his mom and dad ...

Click to read ...

For about six months, Walker has been collecting donations ... in a jar ... for me.  I could not feel more blessed!  Walker is only 12 and he took it upon himself to place a donation jar at his parent's store ... watching over it, asking customers to make a contribution.  Honestly, I cannot think of a more kind and thoughtful thing for anyone to do ... 

Thank you, Walker, for being you ... and for all of your support!  You are the BEST!

Here's to Walker ...

Red Letter Prayers

For many years, Scott and I have been attending North Point Community Church (NPCC) and listening to Andy Stanley's amazing messages.  Recently, we have discovered Watermarke Church, an extension of NPCC, but much closer to home.  We still have the opportunity to be a part of the NPCC experience without the drive and the immense crowd ...

This morning, we headed to Watermarke Church for the first time in several weeks ... and, for me, it was one of the very BEST messages I've heard ...

If you have been keeping up with my blog, you know that I believe in prayer.  I believe that God hears our prayers.  But, many times, I have wondered if I am praying "right" ... so, this particular message was especially meaningful to me ...

  Red Letter Prayers

http://www.northpointonline.tv/

Usually, our prayers begin with giving thanks, but quickly shift to a request ... or two ... or three.  Now, I know NOT to start by asking, but to recognize that God is in complete control.  That He hears my prayers BEFORE I ever speak them.  And, when I DSA ... Declare God's greatness, Surrender my will, and Acknowledge my dependence for His provision, pardon, and protection, my prayers will be answered and I will be granted the GREATEST gift of all ... PEACE!  

Surprisingly, through my journey with cancer, I have learned to surrender my life to God. And, through prayer, I have found a sense of calm ... of peace ... and of happiness like nothing I have ever experienced.  And, now, I have an even better understanding of prayer ... for which I will be forever thankful!

Obviously, I am not Andy Stanley. And, I cannot possibly rewrite his words here.  So, I encourage you to check out a portion of the Red Letter Prayers message at the link above. And, when the entire series becomes available, PLEASE check it out ... I believe it will completely change the way you talk to God ...

Here's to Red Letter Prayers ...  

SNAP'd

This is a "Cuts for the Cure" UPDATE ...

We have been SNAP'd by SNAP Roswell ... please check out the article and photos at www.snaproswell.com and search "Cuts for the Cure" ...

Alisha, Chelsea, Justin, Me, Linda, Emily, Catherine, Heather, and Debbie

What a GREAT day it was ...