I had my surgery last Friday and am doing pretty well. I am starting to get cabin fever, so today the hubby is going to take me to the grocery store. Who knew that I would get so excited to go to the grocery store, I sure didn't.

I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. Surgery went very well, but I must tell you that I was not prepared for the sentinel node biopsy. I did not realized that they had to give you 4 injections around your nipple, ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch! They do not give you any anesthetic for this. Hope I never never have to do that again. Honestly it was painful, but the pain was short lived, thank goodness.

GREAT NEWS......lymph node biopsy came back negative, WOOT! Thanking and Praising God for these results. From here I will need 33 radiation treatments and chemo consult to see if I should be taking a chemo pill (Tamoxifen or Arimidex) for five years......yes five years. But that is better than doing IV chemo treatment, which causes hair loss and sickness.

My road is still long, but I can and will do this with my head held high. I am very fortunate that the cancer was found very early. Praise God!

Until we meet again,
Donna

I'm ready

Well Friday is fast approaching and I am sooooo ready to get this surgery done and begin the process of moving on. I realize that the process make take awhile, but just getting started will be a huge plus.

I honestly am not worried about the outcome. I think that everything is going to be ok. God is my rock and my strength. Speaking of rocks, at our church one Sunday (probably a year ago) our pastor passed out rocks to remind us that God is our ROCK. I still have that rock and I look at it most every day. Sometimes I pick it up and just hold it in my hand. It's a little reminder to me that God is there for me always. Is that not wonderful??

I have had a cold since Friday and today I finally am feeling much better, thank goodness. For awhile I was afraid I might not be able to have my surgery. But all is looking up.

Until next time; Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

Update

The wedding was beautiful and fun. We had a wonderful time. The weather was great. The lucky couple went to St. Lucia for their honeymoon. I'm jealous. They will be back late tonight.

I had my Radiation Oncology appointment. The hubby and youngest son went with me. It was enlightening and encouraging. The doctor was super and the staff was great. They made me feel positive and were very caring.

So I have decided to have lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. I will need 33 radiation treatments. I was so against radiation due to the side effects, but the doc helped me to better understand the process. Hopefully I have made the best decision for me.

Surgery will be next Friday. I am ready to move on and get this behind me. I feel comfortable with all of it. It's kinda of funny, people will tell me that I am handling this very well. My response is that God is in control of the situation and has given me the peace to deal with this. They look so amazed. Don't get me wrong, I do have my moments, but they are very few.

My diabetes seems to be in good control. That has been a challenge. It's life changing and I'm adjusting pretty well.

Until next time............Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

Excitement

Yay, Woot! My Bonescan was good! Next week is my visit with radiation oncology and then on to surgery. In the meantime..............

I have a wedding to go to. My oldest son is getting married Saturday at the beach. We get to leave Thursday and enjoy some sun before the big day. Everyone is so excited. I have never been to a beach wedding. I am hoping that the weather will stay good. (No rain please). In the meantime................

my youngest son went to Cancun this past Saturday and was to fly back today. Well last night they canceled his flight and said that it would be Friday before he could get a flight. OHHHH no that will not work at all cause he is the best man and he must be at the beach Friday for rehearsal. What now??? Panic, panic, panic! My son was irate and apparently let them know it. In the meantime.............

he finally got a flight out today with a different air line and should be in tonight around midnight.

Ahhhhh.......thats enough, right? Right!

Off to pack, dog to vet, then church and home to rest before tomorrow!
Lots of excitement. Hope your w/end is good and mine too, hehehe!

One week ago today I received the news that I have breast cancer, WOW! Within 4 weeks I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and breast cancer. The diabetes has affected by eye sight which is very frustrating. I did finally get to have an eye exam and am getting new glasses and I can't wait to see clearly, YAY!

The breast cancer is requiring test after test before any surgery will be done. I must decide between lumpectomy and mastectomy. I am steering away from having lumpectomy due to the need to have radiation. Radiation scares me a lot. My aunt died from leukemia last year which she developed from radiation. She too started out with breast cancer. If I have a mastectomy I will not need radiation. Decisions, decisions, decision.

I had a CT chest and abdomen last Friday and it came back good. Praise God! Today I will be having a Bonescan and am praying for good news.

This is quite an adventure. I am so thankful to have God by my side and a huge support system from family and friends.

Keep me in your prayers, please!

Tomorrow.....

is the day that I get my biopsy reports. I am praying that they are negative, but am prepared for whatever news I get. I know that if the results are positive that I have quite a long road ahead of me. When I found out that I had Type 1 diabetes my mother was so upset and I said to her that things could be worse, I could have cancer. Not one time did I think I might have to eat those words.

I have prayed for peace and comfort during this time and God has indeed given me that. I am truly at peace. I have not been over anguish about this. It is what it is. I am thankful to have such an awesome God.

My guys (husband and 2 sons) are a little anguish. They have been so supportive about the Diabetes and the biopsy. My trip Friday to the hospital went very well. I could not have ask for better care.

Until tomorrow............
Live, Laugh, love

Yet another surprise!

I have yet another surprise in my life of 50 years. This 50 thing is about to get under my skin, hehehe. Anywho! I had an abnormal mammogram, back for magnification views...........unfortunately I have a suspicious area. So tomorrow is biopsy time. I had a total melt down yesterday and so did the hubby. My 2 boys are handling it pretty well. Finally late yesterday evening I had some me time and I spent it talking with God. After my little chat with God I have felt so much better. I am at peace with what ever comes my way. God, my family and I will do this together and I will be just fine. Keep me in your prayers, please.

Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

Surprise!

August 8th was my 50th birthday. SURPRISE! - A birthday cook out at my parents pool surrounded by family and friends on Saturday and again on Sunday. We had an awesome time. Then Monday my boys took me to Olive Garden. My meal was great, but the dessert was amazing.........Pumpkin cheesecake, yummy! (In my defense, let me say that I normally don't have dessert) My mantle is full of birthday cards and I got some really nice gifts. What a great celebration. I felt really special until..............

Tuesday I had a follow up appointment with my doctor. SURPRISE! I found out that I was a diabetic, have high cholesterol, and have Vit D deficiency. I felt shocked and surprised! This added 4 new medications to my list.

The next Wednesday I saw an Endocrinologists. SURPRISE! Not only am I a diabetic but I have Type 1 diabetes (Juvenile diabetes). Remember I just turned 50, so how is it possible that I have Type1 diabetes? Well that we are still trying to figure out. Needless to say I am now on Insulin (2 different kinds), checking my blood sugar 4 times a day, changing my eating habits and now I have a HUGE reason to exercise. My blood sugar numbers have been all over the chart. Follow up this week with the Endo to hopefully get some answers and probably more changes.

Ho hum! This just goes to show you that not all SURPRISES are the same.

UGH!

Today is not going to be my day.....I felt it went I woke up this morning. As the day is getting started I see that it is true. Ugh!

I love JC Penny

JC Penny is having a MEGA sale and I took advantage of it. Here is what I got.

3 Breast CA Awareness shirts (long sleeve) $ 72.00. I paid $ 16.71. Savings of $ 55.29
Sealy 330 ct King Sheets $ 140.00. I paid $ 40.60. Savings of $ 102.41
Comforter, shams, sheets & pillowcase set $ 160.00. I paid $ 44.27. Savings of $ 119.01
2 white dress shirts for my son the groom $ 86.00. I paid $ 17.10. Savings of $ 60.17

I got $ 458.00 worth of merchandise for a mere $ 118.68. WOOT!!!!

I was so excited, I never do this well.

It's no secret..............

.....I do not like to cook. Although, I have really cooked over the years (mostly because I had to), but recently I have no desire to cook. I seriously wish I had someone that would come in and cook for me....wouldn't that not be an ideal situation??? I hate trying to come up with different things to fix. So I have been searching blogs for ideas. There are so many of you out there that enjoy this task and it seems to come second nature to you. I have found some really neat cooking blogs. They give you the ideas and the grocery list (if only I could have you close by to do the cooking, hahaha). This is a great thing for people like me and I thank you.

Now if only I could muster up the desire, ugh!!

His Mysterious Ways

Yesterday I was off from work, so I took my Mom and we went shopping. I had a coupon from Family Christian Book Store and I can always find something there. I was looking for a bag to carry my stuff for church and I find one that I really like. If you have ever been in this store you know that when you check out they have Child Sponsorship cards representing kids that need sponsors. The program is through World Vision. I have always wanted to sponsor a child but just never did it. Yesterday I ask a few questions and decide to make my move. I picked a child from Zimbabwe. Her name is Thenjiwe and she is 10 years old. I was so excited and felt really good about it.

Anywho, as I was checking out and doing the necessary paperwork, the clerk told me that Thenjiwes card had been there for some time now, mostly because people usually picked younger children. He told me that the day before he and a co worker had prayed that some one would soon pick Thenjiwe. So he was excited that God answered his prayer and I am so glad that God used me to answer this prayer and to sponsor this child.

Our God does work in mysterious ways. Praise God!

Happy,....

I must admit that I am happy as can be today, but summer usually does that to me. It's my Friday at work, YAY!! I plan to clean the house tomorrow and be by the pool as much as possible on Saturday.......so everyones drama will have to wait until another day : )

This morning I sit outside for a short time and listened to the birds. It was awesome music to my ears. I have actually being doing this for over a month now. I love it......that special time gives me the opportunity to reflect on God's blessings. You know he really is amazing. What a creator - just look around. AWESOME!!

I hope your day is good and filled with many blessings!

Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

Just sharing!

Good News! I have officially lost 25 lbs, YepPee!! It has taken many months, but I have finally reached the goal. I am, however, considering losing 5 more lbs. It would be my safety net.

And I am back in business with a cell phone. My old one died from Diet Coke poisoning. I never knew how much I would miss that thing if I didn't have it with me. But the worse part is that I lost all of my contact numbers and I had a lot. That will never happen again (hopefully) because I am going to use the Verizon backup plan.

It's been really hot and humid lately and today will be no different. I truely would love to go home change into by bathing suit, go to my mom's and lay by the pool all day. And....read a good book, swim and/or take a nap in the shade. Oh would that not be heavenly???

Ugh, back to work!!

Bloggy makeover

So I have not been really good at blogging lately, but I have been good at reading blogs lately. After surfing the bloggy atmosphere I have decided that I need a much needed blog makeover. Changing my blog look is not easy for me. It takes time and patience (which I don't have much of). Plus my Internet at home is not the best. Sigh! I am thinking of having someone re invent my blog. Then I wonder about the expense. I have no idea how much a bloggy makeover is. And then I might just make some simple changes myself. Who knows?

Psssssstttt! I am work and I so want to go home..........another SIGH!

Confused

People confuse me sometimes. I don't understand their thinking. I don't understand some of the things they say. I don't understand some of the things they do.

I really don't understand why they find the need to constantly lie. I might could understand a lie every once in awhile, but constantly. It really doesn't make them look better. I especially detest it when they look me in the face and tell me a HUGE LIE and I know their telling a lie. What are they thinking?

I believe I would like them so much better if they could just be their self.

Sigh!

Awwww!

Yesterday was a wicked day, so busy at work, people being not nice people, drama once again at church and I was just tired.

Today however is a new day.........so far so good. My mood is not the greatest. I am a worry wart and a fixer. It is really hard for me to sit back and watch things happen and not jump in to try and fix it. But, for my sanity I must sit back and watch. Am I the only person who has this problem?

Anywho, early this morning (7:30 am) my oldest son called me (way early for him to call, heart racing) just to talk. Awwwww! That is one of those moments that takes your breath away. I felt special. We had a great conversation and it was a good way to start my day. I needed that!

I am at work now, feeling a little blah (mostly because I hate drama and I know the storm is brewing). Hoping for a good day.

Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

To funny not to share......

This morning, being the bad girl that I am, decided to have breakfast from McDonald's. I heart their Mocha Frappe. Anywho, the lady in front of me was ordering and since I had my window down I could every work she was saying. The conversation when like this:

McD: Welcome to McDonalds. Would you like to try a Mocha Frappe?

Customer: No! I want four coffee's with Sweet & Low and cream.

McD: I am sorry we do not have S&L, would you like Splenda or Equal?

Customer: No I want Sweet & Low and cream.

McD: What I am saying is that we don't have S&L, would you like Splenda or Equal?

Customer: WHAT I AM TRYING TO TELL YOU IS THAT I WANT SWEET & LOW AND CREAM. ARE YOU NOT LISTENING TO ME??? (With hands waving out the window)

McD: I am really sorry, but we do not have Sweet & Low. You will have to choose Splenda or Equal.

Customer: Just give me Equal and cream.

Customer drives around and pays.

Next window to pick up her order, she tells them that she wants Sweet & Low and cream. Now the manager is at the window explaining that they do not have S&L.

OH MY!!!! It was hilarious to watch and listen.

Thanks for the entertainment!!!!!!!!!!

"WHY?"

I have a very heavy heart today............. Several people I know are struggling with cancer and it breaks my heart. My son's friends father has colon CA and they have only given him weeks to live. He has fought an incredible battle. My friend's husband has recently been diagnosised with esophageal and liver CA. In a matter of weeks he has gone down hill super fast. An old friend was diagnosised just last week with advanced colon CA. A co-worker of my husband's is having health issues and they are still not sure what is going on, but its looking like he has cirrhosis of the liver and it's pretty advanced.

I am lifting each of these people and their families up to the Lord in prayer. I am praying for healing, comfort, peace. I know each of them are struggling with pain, weakness and many other health issues, as cancer is a mean disease.

Perhaps that is why I am so blah lately. I feel helpless in these situations. I am and will continue to pray for them. I will never understand "WHY" but will remember that God is in control.

Blessings to all..................

Blah Blah Blah

Ok I admit it, I am a little blah today. It actually started yesterday. I can't pinpoint why, but you know when you get the blahs it always seems that everything else just plays right along. Innocent family / people hurt your feelings, you take things the wrong way, you can't get anything done on time or done right, you have no energy or no desire to do anything. I hate this mood and the thoughts that come along with it. Praying that tomorrow will be a better day.

Friday

I don't desire to wish my life away, but I am super happy that it is Friday. I am so looking forward to my weekend. Plans with my family tonight, shopping plans with my BFF on Saturday, plans for a huge family "Mothers Day" lunch on Sunday and of course time to worship our God.

Oh, how could I forget, Saturday is my dad's birthday.

Hope you have an awesome weekend, I plan to!

Oh man what a day!! I am pooped. We were busy at work, some strange and weird happenings. We have had a lot days like that recently. Busy is good, I call that job security.

I am adjusting to changes in my life, slowly buy surely. My new motto is..............If I can't change it, whats the point in worrying about it? It seems to be working well for me. Also, I have been spending more time in prayer and relinquishing more to God. We do indeed have an awesome God!

This past Sunday we started studying Genesis in Sunday School. Interesting thoughts from SS class mates. We actually didn't get very far in the first Chapter of Genesis. Who knew there would be so much discussion. I am so excited about this study. One of the question that was ask is- if God made man, where did God come from?? Ok, personally I don't ponder on this to much. I just accept that God is and has always been. What about you? Any thoughts?

I am off to bed to read and then get a good nights sleep.

Dear You.......

I will never understand why you feel the need to play dumb or tell little white lies or rearranged a circumstance to your advantage. It doesn't look nice on you! As my day goes along when you do these things, I become ill with you. Sometimes I say things I should not or think things I should not. Why do you do this? The only thing I can ever come up with is that you are always trying to make yourself look good and that you will do whatever it takes to accomplish that, even if it hurts someone else in the process. I wish you would just be yourself. Stop trying to make others look bad. It will come around to get you and is it going to be worth it. I doubt it!

One particular day as you were up to your shenanigans, God stepped in and answered my prayer. I had prayed that God would help me to keep my mouth shut and move on, over looking your shenanigans. Praise God he did! Later in the day, God again stepped in while my mind was thinking of you and your desperation of attention and told me that I should PRAY FOR YOU! What! Seriously? Wow, what was I to do? Of course I will listen to God.

So my friend full of shenanigans and desperation, I am praying for you as God has ask me to do. I am excited to see how God is going to work in your life. Oh have no doubt he is going to be working on you. My hope is that you will let him in and push the devil away.

Doc Appts

Yesterday I took the day off and filled it with doctor appointments. First off to the allergy doc. My very first visit to the allergy doctor. Lots of needle sticks, but it was so worth it to finally get some help. It was funny to find out that I am highly allergic to grass and advised to stay away from fresh cut grass (that's not gonna happen, especially since my yard is HUGE!) Allergic to oak trees, which I am surrounded by, oops! Anywho, new meds and in two weeks start my shots. Woot! Is it odd to be excited about taking shots?

On to the eye doctor office. I have new glasses and I cannot see out of them unless I raise my chin and look through the bifocal part. So I took them back and explained to the technician what was going on. She tried many adjustments, which obviously did not work and then calls on a gentleman to help me. Again we go through adjustments. At this point I am not sure what part of I can not see through the top part of my glasses they are not getting. The gentlemen holds up a card straight it front of me and says can you see that. Again, NO its blurring. He tells me to raise my chin, now can you see it. Yes I can! (because i am looking through the bifocal part). And he says.... "Well ok then there you go." hummmm, I am thinking and really trying to be nice and finally I say "I cannot walk around all day with my chin up in the air" and dufus says "Oh!" What an idiot! Finally I have to make another appointment to get my eyes check again. After reading my chart he discovers that my new lens are weaker than my old ones. Huh??? How does that work?? Needless to say I have to have another eye exam. Oh holy crap!!!

On to the next doc appointment to get my meds for headaches and the lovely ones that keeps me from wanting to hurt somebody. Great short visit. Yay!

It was a full day, but at least I did get to ride with my window down. Yay for sunshine and warm weather.

Bucket List

Today has been a special day. Up bright and early this morning and on the road by 7 am to Jonesville. It was an 1 1/2 hour drive to...................Carolina Skydiving. Yup we really did go there. My youngest son had a wish, for his birthday he wanted to go Skydiving and skydiving he did. He had to sign all kinds of legal papers. You know the ones that say if there is an accident you can not sue us or if you were to die your family can not sue us. No sign, no skydive. So he signed away.

He was so excited and I was excited for him. He has wanted to do this forever. There were 4 of us that went with him (on the road trip, not the plane ride). That 4 did not include his father - he refused to watch. So after having a brief instructional class and watching a brief movie, he was on his way. He never seemed nervous at all.

All geared up, away they went. Up, up, and away in a very small puddle jumper (4 passenger). A little over 10,000 feet in the air, attached to a professional skydiver with only 4 hooks, they jumped off of a very small ledge on the plane, turned two flips, free fell for a whole whopping 35 seconds before pulling the cord and then just soared around for a while and had a safe landing.

As I expected he was all smiles and wanted to do it again. However, I am afraid he will have to save a little money before he does that again. That was not a cheap thrill.

So glad he did, so glad he enjoyed it, so glad he had a safe dive. He can mark that one off of his bucket list.

Good Girl!

Well after being sick since Monday and no recovery in sight (watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion) I made myself an appointment with the allergy doctor. Not what I wanted to do, but this time around the allergies / sinus crap has got the best of me and I don't want to keep doing this. I have had enough. The hard part is that I can not take any antihistamines for 5 days before my appointment. I don't know how I am going to do this. UGH!!

Hopefully it will be worth it!

Random thoughts today..........

I am tired of being sick, I have a sinus infection or some kind of crud

I miss my BFF.

I hate it when people whisper, send an email or text - stop trying to make me feel like your talking about me.

I hate it when people suck up and play the game, just be yourself!!! or least don't complain to me about it and then change because you feel the need to suck up, ugh!!

What the crap am I going to fix for dinner? An everyday challenge because I don't enjoy cooking.
No I don't want to try your 5 for $5.01, just give me my sandwich.

I wish the rules didn't change everyday.

Can I just go home and go to bed??

Delete

Have you ever wished there was a Delete button for life? You know the times when you have said something that you really wished you hadn't. The time that your mouth speaks before your brain can process what comes out. The minute it comes out you know that you have messed up, ugh!! Delete! all better, starting over, thinking, then speaking.

Have you ever had a situation that you would like to delete from your mind? The situation that you somehow found yourself involved in, but would love to move on and forget it or you wish it never never never would have happen in the first place. Delete! Delete! Mind clear!!

I wont go as far to say that I would like to delete a person from my life. No I would never wish that. Hmmm, yes I have thought that, sorry. Not to say that I would delete them away for ever and ever, just away from me. Delete!

There are many things that I wish I could delete and start over, but as we all know that is impossible. Can you image being able to have a delete button? I am thinking there would be abuse of the delete button, hehehe.

There would be many life lessons I would miss if I had a delete button, so maybe it's not such a good idea. The best answer to those "I wish I had not said that" is prayer. The best answer to rough situations is prayer. The best answer to people who drive me absolutely nuts is prayer.

Is it not awesome to know that you can take everything to God in prayer? He is there 24 /7. I love the little smiles and warm heart I get went I realize that God has answered my prayers or when I see him working in ways that I never could have imaged. Sure God does really big things, but I do so enjoy the small things as well.

Live, Laugh, Love

Donna

Sunshine

I am so loving the sunshine today! Ready for spring!

But on the flip side: There are somethings in life that you just gotta laugh about or they will drive you nuts. So today is a Sunny-Laughing day : )

Ugh!!

I am so not me today. Who knows what the problem is. I think it is just a hormonal thingy. Blah!!! You would think that as nice as the weather is today I would be super upbeat and motivated, NOT! It doesn't help that my mind is playing tricks on me - does that ever happen to you? A few small things going on always adds up to one large headache. I need a vacation!! Even the radio is getting to me today, isn't that ridiculous?

I need to have a God "walk about." That is the name I give for my much needed conversation with God...........I usually go walking on our driveway (1 mile long) alone and just have a good ole talk with God. Now if my neighbors, which are not real close but can see me, watch me doing this, they must think I am crazy........I am looking at the sky, making motions with my arms and the lips are moving alot. Perhaps I should do this in the dark, which I have before. HaHaHa
It's a different time with God then simply saying my prayers. It's a time when I feel like I am going over the edge, so walking and talking to God really helps. Maybe this evening. Don't call the cops, I will be ok.

Update on my Mom - she is doing great after her surgery. YAY! Praise God!

Hope you are having a great day!

Snow

It is once again snowing here in my little town! It's beautiful, refreshing, peaceful and fun (most of the times). If it keeps coming it's gonna mess up my plans this evening, for that I will be sad. But looking on the bright side - we can always reschedule. In the meantime I get to act like a little kid in the candy store, I love the snow!

Precious Moments....

Wednesday I stayed with Mom while dad went to run a few errands. Mom was propped up in her bed with lots of pillows and cushions surrounding her knee that she just had surgery on. The TV was on and honestly I really don't remember what she was watching. After a little bit Mom said I think I will take a nap if that's ok with you. I said sure, I might just crawl up in that bed beside of you and take a nap also. She said that would be great. So that's just exactly what I did. I snuggled in beside of mom (being careful not to hit the knee) and covered with a really warm blanket. Mom actually did take a nap, I didn't sleep. I watched a little TV and did a little thinking of the old days and just enjoyed being all snuggled close to Mom - something that I had not done in years. It was a precious moment! We may grow up, but special times with Mom is always needed even when it is something so simple as snuggling.

And then last night we had family dinner. After dinner the boys stayed to play the Wii (Mario Brothers). They had a great time. It was fun listening to them laugh, play arguing of over who did this or who did that. I was in another room, but I could hear them and it brought me such joy and a smile on my face. Another precious moment!

I love those precious moments. It is amazing at how much they will warm your heart!

Mom came home from the hospital yesterday, which was a day earlier than we thought. She had a rough ride home, but once she got home things settled down. Yesterday evening after work I picked Mom and Dad's dinner up for them and went to their house. Mom was lying in the bed, so we sit her up and she had dinner in bed. Once she was all finished, I laid in the bed with her and we just talked and watched TV. It was fun! I know you may think that is silly, but seriously to lay in the bed with my Mom and just be us was indeed a cherished moment. Don't get me wrong, I am truly sorry that she had to have surgery and is as they say "laid up for a while" but it was a much needed mother / daughter time. So needless to say, Mom is doing quite well.

Today it is beautiful here. The sun is shining and it is going to be around 60 degrees, Yay! I have a busy day ahead, church things, 2 birthday parties and some much needed cleaning and laundry to do. Oh yeah and a little time outside to soak up some Vit D.

I hope you have a wonderful day however you spend it.

Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

Mom..

Yesterday my mother had to have knee revision, something that we all dreaded alot. She had her surgery in Asheville, which is a little more than 1 hour away from us. Since she had to be there at 5 am (yes really 5 am) we went to Asheville on Tuesday and spent the night. Dad and I felt that would be better for mom since she is quite a nervous person.

As I said we all dreaded this surgery because the last one was very difficult for her. Anywho, as most of you know nothing goes as planned, arrived at 5 am, surgery was to be at 7:15 am. Well......surgery started at 8:15 and was over around 10:10 am. Everything went well. As this point we are waiting on a room for her. They always tell you there are no available rooms, in truth they don't have enough nurses to cover. Mom stayed in regular recovery so we were not able to see her. I didn't like that part because I needed to see her for myself and decide how she was doing, but they don't really care how I think she is doing, rules are rules- and I get that. They were kind enough to call ever so often and let us know how she was.

Finally at 2:30 pm we get the call that she is going to her room. Again comes the dread of how she is going to do. Nobody wants to see their mother suffer. Much to my surprise she was smiling and that was totally awesome to me. She really did well during the surgery / recovery process.

I was so relieved and so was my dad. Lots and lots of prayers were said for mother and God answered those prayers. Praise God!!

Is it not awesome when your prayers are answered and God puts that little appreciative smile on your face and you offer those 2 little words to God - Thank You!

Talked with Mom this morning and she is still doing well and I am still thanking and praising God for answered prayers!!

Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

Frustration

Do you ever find yourself so frustrated with things that you allow the devil to work in you? And just as you have let the devil do his work through you, suddenly you realize what has happen and you are then upset with yourself for doing it? Well I find that the closer you try to be with God, the harder the devil works!!!!


Do you know people who take advantage of situations, who abuse the the system? Who use you to get what they want? People who don't really care how it affects you, they are only thinking of their self. This frustrates me! I allow it to upset me (devil working).


I over reacted to a situation recently, it was bad and afterwards I was not pleased with myself and I am sure that God was not either. So, this week when frustrating things have been happening to me, I have tried really hard to let it go, to relinquish all to God. I ask God to take it and deal with it, that I AM letting it go. And he does!!! When I truly let go I can then feel the peace in the situation. That is an awesome feeling. Now if I could only do it every time. Instead of being upset, I try to pray for myself and whom ever the situation involves. I try to react how God would want me to (not always easy for me). I truly believe that this will be an ongoing struggle for me, mostly because I am a stubborn person. (yes, really I am)


Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. Psalm 118:5


Thank goodness he is still working on me!


Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

What a week! Lows, highs, disappointments, encouragement...............and the list goes on and on. Can't reveal too much, you never know who's looking, hahaha. Sneaky people, shame on you!!! This is my blog and I should be able to put on it what I want to, right? Well you never know when it's gonna come back to bite you in the buttock.

Enough said about that. You get the point, don't you?

I want to share with you a reading that I found while doing my devotions this week. It really spoke to me. It comes from Daily Guideposts 2009.

Scripture first: .....A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.
Ecclesiastes 3.2

You sow seeds every day whether you know it or not.
Some plantings grow to be food for the soul:
the songs you sing aloud or hum in silence;
the kind words you speak to those with aching hearts;
the prayers that live within you.

Some plantings can crowd out the lettuce and the lilies:
weeds that plant themselves and settle in, like hurtful words carelessly spoken.
These must be plucked up.

The planting and the plucking up are two parts of one thing--
you are the sower; God is the grower.
The harvest is one whole and holy soul.

Dear God, I confess that I sow and reap both joy and pain as I walk through life. I trust that You can make a thriving garden of my plantings.

I so needed that reading this week and it has meant so much to me. I hope you will benefit from it also.

With Love,
Donna

What a weekend!!! Lets start with Friday.......it was a day of shock, a day of confusion, a day of sadness, a day of joy, a day of rejoicing.

Friday, one of my very best friends lost her job : ( I was sad for her, hurt for her, how much more could she take? Another blow that she didn't need. You see, she had lost a child to Trisomy 18 in October and returned to work in late December and Friday, as I said, lost her job. WOW! I ached so much for her and wondered what's next?

Friday evening I attended a Women's Conference at this same friend's church. What a great time. The Lord was surely present. My friend spoke at the conference about her loss of "Johanna" to Trisomy 18. She praised God for her blessing, yes her blessing of "Johanna." She spoke of how this had changed her life and of how a ministry called "Johanna's Gift" had been started in remembrance of her little girl. This ministry will reach out to other mothers who are expecting a child and are in need of guidance and baby supplies.

I knew after she spoke that my friend was indeed going to be just fine. God is working in her life in a huge way. God has bigger plans for her. I could not entirely see that earlier Friday, but clearly I do see it now. Praise God!!

The keynote speaker at the Women's Conference was Carol Kent. She was awesome. She was a christian lady who had/has trials and tribulations in her life, she was someone that you could relate to. As she told her story it touched my heart as a mother. I am not sure that I could have made it through what she had faced as a mother, but she has!!! and she praises God for that. You see God has a plan for each of us and though there are times that things get in the way or things happen that we don't understand why, if we will relinquish all to God, he will show us his plan in a marvelous unexpecting way.

I have been through many trials in my life, don't we all have these? One particular trial ripped me apart. I ALLOWED this trial to rip me apart. I was sinking quickly. I was hurting by an action that someone had done to me. I believe that God sent me a special friend to help me through this trial. She listened and encouraged me. She shared her faith. She taught me to forgive. She helped me to relinquish all to God. I could never have made it through this trial without her, my family and most of all God.

When others hurt us we must forgive them as God forgives us of our sins, our mistakes. If we don't forgive them, how can we expect God to forgive us? There are times that I find it hard to forgive. I carry the hurts with me for days, sometimes weeks and sometimes even longer. But
once I relinquish all to God, things get better.

Romans 12: 20-21 "If you enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Praising God for special friends, family, forgiveness and his unconditional love.

Donna

Busy!!!

This is the busiest week I have had in a long time, I'm tired. Thank goodness it's Thursday. For the first week in I can't remember when, we do not have an afternoon off from work. Of course this comes at a bad time for me because I have so much going on at church. (I suppose that's a good problem to have.) Month end reports, year end reports, W2's, 1099's, contribution reports, Finance Meeting tonight, Admin Council meeting on Sunday, shhhuuueeee weeeee!!!! I wills survive, I hope : )

I am looking forward to Friday and Saturday - I am attending a Women's Conference at my friends church. Carole Kent will be the main speaker. However, my BFF, will be speaking first on Friday night - she will share her story / blessing about her daughter "Johanna Raye." Johanna Raye was born with Trisomy 18 and lived 63 glorious minutes. Johanna Raye has touched so many lives and continues to do so. Praise God!

I look forward to this meeting and I am in much need of this time - to share, to laugh, to hug, to praise our God and so much more.

Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

Haiti.....

I am quite sure that most of you have heard about the earthquake in Haiti. It is so sad and I hope that you will keep Haiti in your prayers. I was reading "Kelly's Korner" blog this evening and she gave directions for donations to the Red Cross and Compassion Disaster Relief. So simple that I wanted to share with you, in hopes that you might be interested.

"There are many ways you can donate - an easy way is to text "Haiti" to 90999 to give $10 to the Red Cross. It will be on your next phone bill. OR you can text "disaster" to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion's disaster relief program."

Yup, it's that simple. I did it in a matter of moments.

Praying for Haiti.......................

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I have a nephew who is 11 years old. He is a little small for his age and always has been. When my nephew was younger, my boys would ask him "What do you want to be when you grow up?" They taught him to say "bigger." That has been an ongoing thing between them over the years. During Christmas when we were all together, they once again ask him "What do you want to be when you grow up?" And as usual he said "bigger."

That question got me to thinking about myself. Here I am an adult with grown children and am I who I want to be when I grow up? My answer is "No." Most people make resolutions at the New Year and yes I have before - with failure.

This year I do not want to fail, I want to become a better me! A better me in different ways. I have goals that I intend on reaching.

I want to become closer to God; by reading the Bible more, by studying the Bible more, increasing my prayers, and although I go to church 99% of the time, I want to get more out of church, which requires me to be a better listener. I need to have an open mind and open heart.

I want to of course lose weight, exercise at least 3-4 times a week. I have done this before and I know that exercise makes you feel better, physically and mentally.

I want to do more for others. Support our local Burke United Christian Ministries, support the Back Pack Friday program at a local school for children who don't have food other the weekends. And in any way that God leads me.

I want to start saving money and stop wasting money. I want to buy out of need and not out of desire. (Although I really want a new TV so I can get my exercise program under way at work)
I am learning to use coupons and shop wisely. Today I used coupons at the grocery store and saved $26 dollars. I was so proud. I did it and it felt good. That leaves me more money to use in ways to help others.

I want to be a better wife and mother. Be more understanding and patient. Our family is very close and I do want to keep it that way.

And a biggy ...... I want to stop being a procrastinator. This is gonna be a tough one. (hehehe)

I WANT TO BE A BETTER ME!!! So, I am on my way.........

Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

It's time : (

Well friends, I am gonna do it today. I am finally and hesitantly taking down my Christmas tree. I do not like taking down my tree because I love looking at it, I love the memories that are hung on my tree and I love the lights. I never take my tree down this early, but I am going back to work Monday after being off for 1 1/2 wks and I hate the thoughts of spending next weekend taking the tree down. Ugh!!! It's like saying goodbye to an old friend (see you in a year). Well maybe I will wait until later......NO! there is no time like the present. Yes I will and can do this today.

I had an awesome Christmas and so far the new year as started off with no drama, no action, no sadness (who am I kidding, yes there has been sadness, but not much) no stress (lol). Just maybe this year is going to be calm, fulfilling, smooth (again LOL) and one of the best that I have had in a while. It could always be worse, right? RIGHT!

Ok, I have put it off long enough. I must and get the tree down.............

Happy New Year my friends and God Bless!
Live, Laugh, Love
Donna