Days Are Fleeting, Memories Are Forever- March

Governor Haslam visited LCES!

Blue Fountain for Colon Cancer Awareness Month

All of Caroline's friends needed matching lolipops

Chloe Loves Her Horses

And Granddaddy loves Chloe. So, he built her a corral for her to ride in!

Miss Adeline Rose

I'm a great aunt! Introducing Miss Addy Rose. She is beautiful and perfect. I'm so jealous that Chloe and Caroline got to meet her first. I can't wait to kiss those sweet cheeks!

Caroline didn't want to leave

Stupid Cancer #4

Everything went well today. Effects are getting a little worse and lasting longer each time. But they are still manageable. After a few days, I can function at work and at home even if I’m not completely 100%. I kind of expect to have some continuous effects from now until the end, but I can make it. Nothing else to do, but get through it.

The hardest thing for me is feeling less than 100% and having less patience and energy with my kiddos. It is really physically difficult for me to carry Caroline and “wrestle” her when bathing, dressing, etc. She needs to potty train and give up her paci and I just can’t do it right now. We will have a busy summer! It is also hard for me to play and interact as much as I’d like. The older two are so loving and understanding, and helpful. I could not ask for more, but Caroline is too little to understand. She is pulling away from me and becoming very attached to her daddy. She even cries for him when I am right there beside her sometimes. She asks me frequently if my “boo-boo” is gone and if I “feel all better”. When I am feeling better and can carry her or play, she’ll ask with surprise “Are you all better? Are you holding me?”. It is hard on this momma’s heart. Especially with my last baby. I felt the other two really pull away when a new baby came along and was looking forward to not having that happen this time. But, life has a way of changing your plans and expectations.

I know God has a plan and I and my family have already had so many blessings as a result of this bump in the road. We have gained new perspectives, learned more and grown more than I could have ever thought possible- all of us. We have witnessed God’s faithfulness and the demonstration of his perfect love through his people again and again. So, I also look for the blessings in this and seeing Matthew play, interact with, soothe, and care for his last baby girl on a daily basis is a blessing for sure (even if it stings a little). She also gets lots of extra love and attention from her grandparents.

 The countdown is on to ringing that bell. The oncologist used the C-word today- not cancer, but CURE! Praise God!

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13.

“I lift my eyes unto to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth. And I will praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands. For you are who you are no matter where I am. And every tear I’ve cried you hold in your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm.” Casting Crowns, “Praise You In This Storm”. (Reference to Psalm 121:1-2).

Clothed in Strength and Dignity- #4

Love all my sweet co-workers who bought and wore shirts today in support of my 4th treatment cycle tomorrow! One boy stopped me in the hallway and said, “I wish I had one of those shirts!”❤️

“She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future” Proverbs 31:25

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Chloe was invited to Isabel's birthday party at a Vols Baseball game! She had a blast with her friends!

Caroline Cuties

She doesn’t own me... the other two have just worn me down. Her favorite line right now starts with “mommy, I TOLD you...” ok, maybe she does own me. Breakfast this morning:

And later:

Caroline: Can I have some strawberries, too?
Me: We don’t have any. We are out of strawberries.
Caroline: NO! That’s not fair!
Me: Such is life, my dear.
Caroline: Stop talking to me. Just go to the store to get the strawberries.

Caroline Cuties

When I returned home from getting hair done...
Caroline: I like your beautiful hair. And I like your glasses they are so cute. Can you see my face?
Me: I can see your face. I think your face is beautiful.
Caroline: Well... thank you, but my hair is beautiful, too.

1/2 Way! #3

1/2 way! Today’s treatment went smoothly- memories of a truly magical vacation sure did help the spirits. Looking forward to resting and recuperating the rest of the week.

3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

Happily Ever After

For our last evening, we zipped back over the Magic Kingdom to see the new fireworks show. It was AMAZING and the perfect ending to a magical vacation.