Glow in the dark, large animals, funny glasses and the family was together...

On Labor Day we wanted to have some fun together. We decided to do something we had not either done in a while or had never done together. I suggested bowling. That would be fun. The kids thought it was good. I suggested Boondocks, we hadn't been in a while. Then I remembered another miniature golf place. This one was different. I had toured it a few months back and thought it was pretty neat. A little pricey, but was novel in its effects. So after some convincing the family decided it was a go.

We headed to a neighboring town, had some pizza at our favorite pizza joint (Pizza Hut). Then headed to "Shankz". This place is, well, let me explain. You walk in and are lit up by the black lights. You pay your fee and get your club, ball, optional 3-D glasses (yes, I said 3-D), score card and token pencil, and a tour from the high schooler running the counter. As you enter the course you are greeted by fabulous murals on the walls, life size animal statues and 3-D everywhere, even the carpet! The walls come alive. The course is fun. We had no hole in ones, but came close several times. The kids were entertained beyond the game with the art that created such a fun environment. There were other families there but the place did not feel crowded or rushed. We had a great time. Jenna worked hard and definitely improved her game. Amanda and Hannah showed they can do nearly as well as their mom (ok, that is not saying much!). As usual, Dad came in first, me second, and this kids placed in age order. Yes, we keep score. What is the point in playing if you can't try to get the bragging rights, come on! One of these days, the kids will beat us, until then, we love to win!

Manda is nearly glowing!

The flash on the camera shows up the details of the murals and statues.

Mom, can we get a new pet? He's house trained. Whatever!

Jenna made several attempts on this hole. Dad had to help get it up the hill.

Our goal was accomplished this day. We were together. We laughed, a lot. We played, a lot. We talked, a lot. I love my family. They are precious. I am blessed to share my life with an amazing set of people. A husband that is, well, amazing and children that I love to be with a lot.

Definition of patience

That is my life. The definition of patience. Waiting for something. Hate it. Want it now. Not here yet.

What I am specifically talking about are the results. I was told 48 hours. Now I am on to about 264 hours. Try that on for size. I am thinking about it as a jury in deliberations. The longer you wait, the more chance of a verdict in your favor.

I do know that the MRI results are currently being reviewed by the head radiologists at my local hospital. Another radiologist has already looked at them. What I figure is that they are not finding anything specific on it but because everyone is fearful of a malpractice lawsuit they want to make sure there is truly NOTHING to be concerned about.

So... I practice the definition of patience. I am waiting. I must tell you though, I am not experiencing duress as I wait. I hope nothing is wrong. I am not borrowing a day of worry over it though. Until I am told otherwise, I am going each day on the path I am already on. God is good. All the time.

Thanks for caring and wondering. Sorry for the long pause in posts. The last week has been an extremely busy blur. I will post about that later.

What every woman needs...

Every woman needs to have some alone time.
Every woman needs to have some relaxation.
Every woman needs to have nothing to do but rest (once in a while, that is).
Every woman needs a time or two when they are well cared for by others.
Ahh, I had all of that today. You may be surprised to know that all of this happened for me in a tube. Yes, a tube. I had an MRI today of my breasts to look closely at what is happening. I had taken a sedative. I was quite relaxed. My husband graciously cancelled a meeting to drive me there. I was prepared for the MRI by a great team of technicians. The IV for the contrast dye was nearly painless. They took the time to insure I was most comfortable, lying on my tummy with my "girls" (I am not talking about my children!) hanging down with the help of gravity for the imaging process. Sorry for the visual! My head rested on a great pillow. I even smudged my lip gloss on it and I didn't have to clean it up, someone else gets to. I was told to relax and not to move. Well, that was not too hard. I was very, very relaxed. It was a bit noisy, but that was reduced with the help of ear plugs. All I had to do was rest. Ahh, nice rest.

So today, I got to do what I rarely get to do, relax without feeling a need to do something else. It was actually kinda nice. Oh, and when it was done, I came home and my parents who watched the kids took us to Wendy's for lunch (they were concerned about me on the sedative with the kids). After we where done with lunch my dad announced I was 99% myself and they even let me drive home.

Results will be a few days away. I will keep you posted.

School Days, School Day, Good Old Fashioned School Days

Remember that poem? Well, we are in the midst of those days. Reading and writing and arithmetic (and history, art, Latin, and Bible).

Being the daughter of a 34 year teaching veteran, I know how a teacher loves to tell you about her class. Let me tell you about mine:

Student A: She is the most experienced student in the class. Student A is smart, real smart. She can work well independently in most subject areas. Once in a while, however she finds herself at an impasse. During this time, she will sit. and stare. as though she has beams in her eyes that will somehow over power the problem before here and cause the work to finish itself for her.

Student H: This child has been above grade level since the start of school. As many experienced teachers will tell you, many of the above grade starters often level off at about second grade. I still would not say that is true of this student. She has slowed down her speed of learning in math but continues to push ahead in reading and writing. She would tell you though that she "hates writing things!". Since she watches Student A, Student H desires a lot of independence in her learning. This can be a challenge for the teacher at times to make sure she has mastered a subject area. But I welcome her independence.

Student J: This is her first formal year at school. She has schooled since infancy at one time or another by the default of proximity. Now, she is at the desk learning officially. Her enthusiasm is great. It lasts the perfect amount of time to complete her subjects. Then recess can't get here soon enough. She is learning to read and doing quite well. Her penmanship is perfectly kindergarten. Student J has great reading comprehension. What a joy it is to teach this age.

Student E: He is the least experienced student of all. He is only in class two days per week. This young student does not have a desk. I think he is jealous. He goes to the other students' desks and attempts to claim their property as his own. Fortunately for him, the other students find him quite handsome (they are always calling him cute) and seem to understand his limitations (age) and don't bat an eye at taking something away or moving it out of his reach. Student E usually ends up on the floor playing with manipulatives (toys). He loves recess time the best. That is when the other students join him in his class.

This is my class. They are the best class ever! I love each of the children and count it a privilege to be their teacher and mother (except Student E, I am his auntie!)

So Confused????

Well, today was the day. The day of the biopsy. I prepped (no food/water, shaved legs, painted toe nails "I'm so vain", wore no makeup, purchased jell-o and broth for clear liquids as instructed for after the operation, etc.). Oh, I left out the continual repetition of thoughts regarding the procedure, the wait, the pain, the wondering about what the results may be, whether good or bad. So after the wait and the process of it all I got to the hospital this morning ready for what lay ahead, or so I thought.

The nurse began to prep me for the localization and gave me my IV. After that we waited. And waited. And waited. Then an hour after the procedures were to have begun a doctor (radiologist) came to visit me. This is where I got confused. Real confused.

He began to tell me that he did not agree with the first radiologists approach for localization and biopsy. He suggested the biopsy be a needle biopsy of the cyst. What cyst I ask? I had not been told about a cyst. Only that I have dense tissue that needed to be biopsied to figure out why I have the symptoms I do. Then he suggested I could, instead of doing the needle biopsy, do an MRI. What??? He kept discussing my symptoms, telling me this and that and I was confused, my husband was getting frustrated. I didn't know what to do, so I talked to the surgeon. Remind me never to do that. That only got it more confusing. Surgeon's talk a strange type of English. So, we left the hospital, frustrated and mad (Scott) and completely confused and frustrated (me).

I determined to be my own advocate. I called my personal doctor. She has always communicated well with me and talks using the same English I do. So we talked today and she is on the hunt to determine what is really happening with whole mess. So, now, I wait. Still confused. But somewhat hopeful that I may learn, at some point, what is happening here.

Thank you for praying with me. God hears our prayers. I was spared today from a possibly unnecessary operation. I am relieved. However, I would like prayer for resolution of this matter and for the doctors as they decide what to do next. I do trust that God can remove all symptoms through his amazing intervention.

As you pray please also pray for a wonderful friend who reads my blog and was being proactive in her breast health, doing a self check. She found a lump. She went to the doctor and has a biopsy scheduled. Remember ladies, check yours. It should not be ignored.