It Takes A Village

Terry's words at all the help and support of the 5K Susan B. Komen was "It takes a village!"
My "village" turned out to walk, push the double seater bob stroller, buy a shirt, or made a donation.
Some of my teacher friends wore their "Joy for Jan" shirts on yesterday.

Wasn't sure I could make it the whole way.  .  . put on my big girl socks I got from my sister-in-law, Char, and headed out.




When your 5 yr. old granddaughter is walking the first mile holding your hand --you kinda have to suck it up and keep moving!!!

On the way home, Campbell told her Momma, "I think Nana won that race."  We're all winners sweet baby girl, if we can stop this dreaded disease to protect your momma and you and Sydney Kate and Aunt Katie and Baby Clara!!!
I know that's what your Grammy and I want from this. . .

Having friends along the route to talk to --Pam with a hip that is fragile - painful - --Marianne  an 18-month survivor -- my 3 little "Goodletts" and their momma, her friends, Cori and Heather and lots of our Church family who wore shirts and walked -- Ron and Cheri -- thank you bunches!!!

Love this gal!  We've watched her grow into a beautiful woman.  Cori's always been a spark of enthusiasm and lots of laughter!  I so loved being able to catch up with her this morning



Yeah Cademon for running 3 miles with your daddy at the early morning run!!!

Cademon got 2nd place in his division

I loved it,  -Roman doing the walk with his Aunt Renatta -- the day of his birthday party!!!!  WOW

And then from behind came our 3 Obert-thornes with their momma -- Yea -- Rey, Luke and Kennedy it was so good to see you all!

!!

I got to walk and talk for a short trek with Stephanie a young mom I have been praying for -- and she for me.  We share a mutual friend, Cassie who has kept us both informed of the other person's progress.  It was great to be able to meet her!  She's kickin' it!!!

Pit time for the crew!!!  Momma was armed with lots of snacks.  Part of the way momma was pushing all three and uphill at that!

Crossing with my fav #1 Cheerleader -- she planned and organized this whole day!!

Close to the finish line was Mondo, Leeca, her parents, Mike and Neta and their extended family.  Just the push I needed to make it across the finish line!

Our little "Goodletts" make it all GOOD!  

My village, as you've heard me say before, is made up of sooooo many special people who each in their own way have lightened our load.  You make me laugh -- you bring me joy!

I got a "good job grandma" text from Clara yesterday afternoon!

Fighting for the Children

                                               
                                                            
One of my students, Kelzie, has made me aware of the pressing need for support of children going through cancer treatment. Unlike Breast Cancer - childhood cancer research is underfunded.
Kelzie is close to Kodi, a six-yr old girl fighting the battle of her life with courage.  Our FCCLA, NHS, STUCCO and the remainder of the student body sponsored the fight last week and raised over $3000 for this effort.
At tonight's game some 60+ families of these children will have their own section in the stands at Owasso's Homecoming Football game.  
Kelzie brought Kodi to my classroom last Thursday afternoon and I was able to give her a special survivor bracelet given to me during the worst of my treatments.  
These young kids go through lumbar punctures, chemo, platelet treatments and so many other procedures during a week.  They have reactions to their medications just like we big people do - My heart hurts thinking about them going through these procedures.  

This link shows a compelling video that our students saw last Thursday showing local children in this fight against cancer.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lu776j1iglf2mb2/My%20Movie%202.wmv?dl=0

Waiting

Just about the time I was gaining momentum - I fell and then got a case of bronchitus - I found myself a few days ago thinking I was never going to feel like my old self.

BUT GOD -- I love those two words -- They are the interuption to all our moaning and groaning -- all our wimpiness --

BUT GOD -- each day sent a reminder that I WAS kickin' it with encouragement from someone and that part of the growth process in all of this was learning to WAIT.

Waiting to heal, 
or the next treatment 
or surgery.  
We've come so far -- so much healing has happened.  


I find that with 2-3 weekly doctor appointments, teaching and general not feeling well -- there hasn't been a lot of time for spontaniety and fun -- getting through a day of teaching and making it home to rest made up most of my days.

Yesterday I got to have the girls for a play day - -- it was oh so good to have them here.  Just listening to their chatter as they played was such good Rx.

Sydney:  God is nice -- We don't want to make him sad.
Me:  What makes him happy?
Sydney:  Children!!!


Campbell:  When you are feeling just a little bit better can we have a sleepover?
Me:  Yes, we'll do that soon
C:  Good, then we can do whatever we want!
Campbell has been known to say, "Nana and Papa's house -- where the answer is always 'Yes"'!

They had to do all the usual things we do.

We had a picnic outside and played in the sand castle -- made cookies and watched kid tv -- and even sewed.  Getting in their world puts it all in the right perspective.  

And pictures of sweet Baby Clara keeps us smiling!

3 weeks!

To Clara

Papa and I loved getting to meet you for the very first time.  We spent the weekend cuddling with you -- we just couldn't get enough snuggles because long distance face timing just isn't the same!  It seemed like you'd never get here. You're the answer to all our prayers.  We know God has something very special for you

You are never far from
Momma's arms

 Daddy can't get enough of you ---

We adore your cute little faces

Yes, Sweet Clara - we waited a long time to get to meet you!

and we even got to be your very first baby sitters!

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Colossians 1:17, "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (NIV)

This was in my Proverbs 31 devotional this morning -- I needed it.

My last 3 days haven't gone as planned --

Extreme dizziness from an anti-cancer drug causing me to  fall out of the tub getting ready for Church on Sunday (don't even do the visual on that one) followed by a trip to the Urgent Care instead of Worship--

Missing a call from my surgeon's office that they were changing my appointment -- only to show up yesterday afternoon (in extreme pain on my right side b/c of the fall) and wanting to know how it was that they hadn't written down my appointment -- ooooh RED FACE HERE when I realized I hadn't found that message on my phone.

Embarassed that it was "my bad" -- but ever so thankful the doctor would go ahead and see me and check out my soreness.

Last night was a restless night in a pain that no meds could touch -- 

BUT GOD -- holds it all together -- HE keeps us glued together and content in HIM.   I couldn't help but remember my standing up -- not falling down passage -- "Now to HIM who is able to keep you from falling" -- from Jude 24.

It's going to be a day of LEANING IN and LEANING ON HIM  --- AND enjoying daily pics from this precious little one!

We can't wait to meet this little one in person this weekend!

Dear God, Help me let go of the constructed life and embrace the connected life, even if it means I don’t get all my work finished. Remind me to be still in Your presence so I might remember that my soul is made to find my rest in You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Clara Mary Bell -- We're Blessed!!!!

She's here -- 

Clara Mary Bell -- weighing in at 6#14 ounces 
7:29 Denver, CO. August 27, 2015

We are so in love with this little bundle of wonder -- what a God gift she is to all of us!

Clara Mary you have been our light at the end of the tunnel -- knowing you were soon to arrive -- made everything brighter!!!!

Clara your momma is a rock star -- she has taken care of all of us this Spring, redecorated a condo -- bought a house and got loads of boxes packed and moved --




Your mommy and daddy are the very best and will give you the beautiful life you deserve.  All you have to do is whimper and they'll come running!!!

Clara - Papa and I become more and more excited with each child that's born.  Knowing that you will grow and develop into someone very special.  We can't wait to experience every stage of your life.

Watching your child with their child is one of life's great blessings!!
I loved hearing Marshall's first comments about Clara -

"I didn't know you could fall in love so quickly!"

Here you are already to go home -- your daddy and mommy are READY --

HOMEWARD BOUND!

Children

It's earlier for me -- I've been sleeping longer and later and TOMORROW - I start back to school - back to the 5:30 wake-up.

Last week this fb post reminded me that soon I'd meet my students

Dr. Smith released me on yesterday to start back a short week and then meet it head on next week full schedule. - Between Terry and me we've had 3 doctor visits most weeks (we always go together -- helps to get all our questions answered) That may continue for the next few months -- but HEY, with God doin the healin' we're kickin' it!  We've noticed in all of this how God is our Scheduler and none of Terry's teaching overlaps with all this health business!  

This mornings verse from 1 John 5 where John refers to us as "dear children" relates so completely to what I woke up with.  
Last night we celebrated Mat's birthday and the kids were in high gear.  Campbell is the PARTY PLANNER just like her mother has always been.  She loves to ice cakes, put candles on and set the table.  (Don't know how she missed having balloons) -- but as her tired daddy came in the back door she was all in a dither. . . so excited for his birthday.  She's already planning a pirate birthday for her Papa's upcoming November birthday.

We sat down to eat and as usual they called on Campbell to say the prayer -- she started in her usual,
"Dear Jesus . . ." and then broke into a song/prayer they sing at her preschool. . . singing "God, our Father, God our Father - once again ....."  She's done this before . . . and we all sit wishing we'd turned on our phone recorders while she sings it through so completely -- so sweetly in full volume . . . 
Sydney - sort of rolling her eyes -- because they often fight over who will get to say the prayer first.

Campbell's so focused on Jesus and the other morning early asked her mom if they could start packing for Heaven - saying how badly she wanted to go.  She asked if she could take her stuffed animals (she travels with at least 7 for every sleepover), the house, could we watch TV there (something that is limited at her house) and WHY did Jesus have to be the boss????"

Jack is all boy and is loving the rough and tumble of his two sisters -- he truly is one happy baby.
'Don't know that I've seen a happier little guy!  He adores his momma, crazy about his daddy, loves to giggle at his sisters and
... if you pick him up -- he's your buddy!

Sydney is talks nonstop and so lovingly to all her toys as if they were children. Terry asked Sydney yesterday -- "what do you like about your sister?" -- she quickly responded - "She gives me hugs!" The other day he wanted to know what the best part of her day was -- without hesistation she said "When Neena and Papa came over"

Breaktime for Bethany the other morning as they were so busy building a rocket to Saturn -- firstborn is the First Mate I'm sure.

Yes, it was power hour at the Good house as it is everyday from 4-6 -- but just the energy these two old geezers needed!

So much of what I read in 1 John 5 this morning,  he spoke of us as DEAR CHILDREN --- God sees us just like we see our little "Goodletts" and "Teeny Baby".

18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.19 We know that we are children of God   1 John 5

Remembering whose kid I am . . . desiring a child-like heart today in all my relationships.

First time in 22 years I haven't started school with all my teacher friends!  I was so restless the first two days -- knowing I wasn't there to kick it into full swing.  I know that soon I will be back in the saddle again in school and regret we won't have time to be with the grands as much for our weekly play dates!

Campbell started her first sewing this week!  She was able to stay with it for the longest time-even though she picked a harder project.

 -- We have really missed having our Nana Papa days in last 5 -6 weeks,  The kids are growing so quickly and we always are more aware of it when we have them over.

The other day Campbell remarked:
  "It's always 'yes' at Nana & Papa's house!"  hmmm don't know where that might happen.

Sydney was all snuggles -- ooooh good medicine!

Sydney and Nana were all tuckered out!

The girls love their papa computer time -- it's sloths, squirrels or songs!

Campbell helping out with things I can'd do 

Meanwhile our CO kids are closing on selling Marshall's bachelor pad and yesterday closed on their new house.  They've even bought their first lawn mower!

Moving in has started already and by Tuesday they hope to have everything in place!  
Just in time to welcome "Teeny Baby" in the next few weeks.  To say we're excited is an understatement!

I'm catching up on paperwork and phone calls to businesses I can't do when school is in session and things like staying on line for hours with cable and other utilities - not to mention doctor appointments.  There are 3 this week.

Just when I thought this pain was going to NEVER GO AWAY -- IT'S getting better.

Now to spend the weekend writing lesson plans to make the next few months smoother.

We're still kicking cancer and other ailments around here.  Every day I try something new just to get ready to get back in the swing of things.

Walking is going pretty well - If I'm going to make the 5K Susan Koman - I'd better get it in gear.

God is good!

Jack

Just a few short months ago we welcomed you into the world, sweet Baby Jack.

Surgeons Jack and Uncle Dr. Marshall for Halloween

Thanksgiving with Uncle James (and Aunt Candy)

Your giggles feed our spirits and take us to a happy place

Your Sisters Adore you

Your were your favorite baby sitters Ring Bearer 

You've put up with reflux, helmets, eye patches and still keep on a happy face

Sydney sported her biking helmet to support your first day in your helmet

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 By early March, I was on an easier medication, so I got to hang out more with you, sweet guy

You were such a trooper all through Puerto
Viajarta

Your sisters were soooo excited for your birthday!

They couldn't wait to help you unwrap your presents.

To you Happy Boy -- Happy, Happy Birthday!

Just when I thought the 3 1/2 weeks were the worst part of this whole Cancer regimen - I remembered the nausea and fatigue of those early chemo weeks. Moaning about my pain - I thought of others who are in severe pain ALL THE TIME and have other debilitating situations. HEY, my pain will heal!

My college roommate, Sharon, is now facing a neuromuscular disease that has her immoble from the waist down.  She has determined to be independent and with the help of her family is deeply involved in life and loving despite the challenges that have been thrown at her.

I just learned of her condition on Friday -- and as I was drifting off to sleep that night - I thought about all the nights in our dorm bunk beds when we'd talk about life and what lay ahead in our lives -- health issues were certainly not something we pictured on the horizon of our futures.

PRAYING . . . it's the only and MOST we can do.