25 March 2011

no Friday Funny....

....as we have been busy packing, organizing, cleaning, & preparing for VACATION!

I'll be honest, so much is happening right now in our life with both our families, listing our home, and looking for a new home that it doesn't quite seem like appropriate timing for a week get-a-way; however, we booked our wonderful 5-year anniversary trip last August & now it is upon us. (this coming July will be 5 years)

Rest, relaxation, beaches, hiking, reading, yet sadly, no Haven. Yep, our first big outing without our little Princess. Rest assured, Haven will have no trouble getting spoiled at Grandma Miller's & "Aunt Holly's" house but I will miss her. [deep breath, deep breath]

Anxious to know where we are going? Well, just you wait & find out! Here's a hint :)


22 March 2011

dads - March update


He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of miry clay, and set me feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
~Psalm 40:2~



The past few weeks have come & gone and yet our families keep trudging on...

trudging through the tears. the physical pain. the decisions.

My Dad's cancer is not getting better. It's not even slowing down. It is effecting him more & more each day.

This past week my Dad had an MRI done to see the extent of his cancer and exactly where throughout his body it is growing. Chemotherapy is no longer working as to each chemo the cancer has adapted to very quickly with his last PSA score reading near 120. The radiologist explained to my parents that Dad does need to do radiation treatment starting with several spots along his vertebrate as the mass is pinching his spinal cord. Other masses include under his left armpit, hip area, and upper chest area.

So beginning this coming Monday [3/28], my Dad will begin radiation for the next 12 consecutive days to hopefully ease the pain & discomfort he is feeling.
Yes, yes...don't worry the bright yellow truck is still rolling most mornings.
[random fact: their laundry room now matches the truck :)]



Also last week we received news that Arlan's Dad has kidney cancer and the tumor and right kidney will be removed this coming April 26 in Bloomington. While it has been growing right next to the liver, the doctor is optimistic that it remains only on/around the kidney and in the adrenal glands. Biopsies will be done during surgery to confirm this.

Papa has had a pretty rough winter with blood pressure troubles, extreme fatigue, achenes, and just not quite himself. He began doctoring several weeks ago and doctors were able to pinpoint it to his large tumor engulfing his kidney. He has good days & extremely frustrating days for a man who has worked hard all his life, in one gear (namely 5th), and thus he & Mom Miller are adjusting to this next step in life.




So yes, we are trudging along...yet with all this occurring, God's promises remain the same & reassuring as ever. Your prayers for our parents, their decisions, their pain/discomfort are so important & we continue to be so grateful.



For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace & not evil, to give you an expected end.
~Jeremiah 29:11~






18 March 2011

Friday's Funny-self timer

ahh.... just when you think you're ready...you're not!

















07 March 2011

friends

A few weeks ago some friends of ours, Brandon & Sonia, invited us over to dinner. Haven had a great time and LOTS of attention from her friends Megan & Vivian, and even Brett loved reading to her. Thanks again Endress' for hosting & for a fun evening!


Megan & Vivian donned their swimsuits to take a tub with Haven...she thought she was quite the big girl!



Brett took the time to read books to Haven and while he is an excellent reader, he didn't quite have the pace Haven wanted to keep her, er, attentive!

04 March 2011

Friday's Funny-old testament humor


"Dear Egyptian rioters, Please don't damage the pyramids. We will not rebuild. . . . Thank you, The Jews."

Michael Horowitz, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

[published in the February 26, 2011 edition of World magazine]