The "wait" has been lifted...

I say the "wait", but I also mean the "weight". I promise not to get too dramatic on you, and I'll spare you all the gory details (which many of you have heard anyway), and just say thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart...and the side of my neck...for all of your thoughts and prayers as I went through several procedures and tests this summer. For those of you who may be hearing for the first time...(long story short) I had an enlarged lymph node removed from my neck for biopsy. Unfortunately a needle biopsy ended up not being an option, but a beautiful 2 inch incision on the right side of my neck was. Can you say turtle necks? Oh yeah...those are big sellers out here in the desert! And no Phaedra, I can't move my family to Spokane to wear super sassy turtle necks with you all because of a little scar ...(we'll talk)! So with a lump in my throat...literally you can see the lump in my throat in this picture, I am happy to report that the biopsy came back clean!! Praise God!! It was a reactive node that could have swelled due to all four wisdom teeth being yanked last year and just got bogged down. Problem was...it was sitting on a nerve as well as my carotid artery. Yeah, not super cozy when you are trying to swim, bike and run...or breath, eat and sleep. Before the biopsy came back...I had said to several of you that I feel like the Lord has put me through this trial for something other than battling an illness. so now I will be still and "wait" once again for His guidance. I do know that there is Glory to be found in every situation...and while this thing on my neck looks like it can actually speak at the moment...I know that there will be Glory and a story to tell because of it.

Thanks again to all of you who have prayed so diligently for me and my family. The "what if" moments are the ones that can really get to you...even if only for a moment when I looked at one of the boys, someones prayer or phone call helped get me back on track and be faithful in HIM and his plan. God knew...He knew. Love you all!

"Mom, why the doctor say you have to watch t.v. all day?" Bryce Lenarth on my recovery

Until next time...check out short story below.

A funny doctor visit

So, I go to get my stitches out today. My doctor is out of town, so I see his partner. As the "young" Dr. is looking over my chart he says, "Wow, I'm about 3 months younger than you." For some reason this is strange to me. Is that what starts to happen really? So weird! So he asks me how long I have lived in the desert and what brought me to the area...and I kind of fill him in mentioning that I am from Huntington Beach originally. He then asks what high school I went to, and I tell him. Turns out he went to one of the rival high schools also in HB, in which upon discovery he jokes, "looks like we can't be friends." I said "so you graduated in 93 too?" He said, "nope...94." Again...weird!

I don't know what you are thinking right now...and yes honey I was wearing my wedding ring, but I was thinking...THANK GOD I"M NOT AT THE GYNECOLOGIST!!

The End...

Short and Sweet...

.....is what this post is going to be. You see, I almost just threw my computer in the trash (or on the floor, or out the window) just now. But no...the true blogger in me just wouldn't give up and somehow, (though I'll never really know why it's working at the moment) I have moved beyond the error messages to get this finished. I'm sure all the mac people are chuckling to themselves...ssshhh! Here we go...

So...over 4th of July weekend we decided to go camping. It was awesome! Blue skies (sometimes), full hook ups, incredible food prepared by someone else other than myself and great company! We parked the big rig at Huckies house (my brother Joe's). It really was the perfect set up for the holiday weekend. I had planned on posting a bunch more pictures (mostly of illegal fireworks)....but remember, we are keeping it short and sweet. Besides the boys have come in here 3 times wondering why I haven't brought them their drink and popcorn for their movie. Yes...in my spare time I operate a movie theatre where you can have your snacks and beverages brought to you on demand :) I had the rare opportunity to connect with some great friends that I don't see very often. Julie is in the middle (a friend since 4th grade ) and Annie on the right (since 7th grade). We met up at Julies mom's to catch up for a few after the 4th of July parade. Thankfully Annie lives here, so I get to see her a bit more...but not enough!
Julie lives in New York..."I know right?" Had to throw that in. It's a very "New York" thing to say according to my sister in-law and I...and Julie says it a bunch :) It was really great seeing her and spending some time with our families before they all left. We met at Sugar Shack in HB and then walked around down town for a couple hours with all of our boys! She is married to Danny (great guy) and has two beautiful boys. I sure wish we lived closer.
The next day Vanessa got in from Utah...just in time. We have been friends since Kindergarten. Yesterday (yep, drove back to HB) we were able to show the boys pictures of us together when we were 5 years old. Amazing how much of Bryce I could see in my little face. We had a blast at the beach. I, however forgot my camera, but you can see pictures of the boys on Vans blog "The Cole Family". I really miss these guys, but they are loving their home and lives amongst the mountains. Can't wait for the next visit! Great seeing all of you guys...and thanks Huckie's for "hookin' us up". Oh, and the Pugs for feeding us a great dinner. Hope you feel better Jilly!

Until next time....

Before we go....

A little fun in the sun with the nieghbors before we head out to Huntington for the 4th of July weekend. Hope you all have a safe and relaxing holiday!