::faithful – praying for my oldest daughter, for fun travels and a safe return home; for my younger daughter, for discernment on her education goals; for my sons; for Jane as she recovers from back surgery.
::news from the cancer battlefield – Appointment on Friday with the oncologist to finalize “The Plan” moving forward. Still trying to get into a clinical trial as a guinea pig.
::creative – Nothing overly exciting this week. Spent a lot of daydreaming about things to knit, sew and create in the coming year. Also spent many hours trying to figure out how to rearrange our home and make private space for Mr. Pea’s Mom. Yes, she is still going to come live with us, probably before spring. Her health is declining more quickly now, and she really needs help getting around.
::pondering – I wonder if Mr. Pea is overestimating the strength and patience he will need in taking care of both me and his Mom in the coming year. I am also thinking about how taking care of my own health is going to affect my family. Will the kids be totally freaked out at a Mom who is temporarily not the energetic woman they know? Will they recognize the absolute necessity for me to turn inward and focus on myself instead of caring for them? Heck, will I be able to focus on myself, concentrate on getting rest and staying strong while the chemo does its thing? I’ve always been the Homekeeper – doing, fetching, cooking and cleaning – as well as the Chief Logistics Officer – planning, organizing and scheduling for the entire crew. However, I know that I won’t have my normal physical strength and endurance for several months. How will we adapt?
::delicious –
- Lemon Chicken, Mixed Veggies and Tossed Salad
- Mediterranean Vegetable Soup, Parmesan Sage Biscuits
- Seven Layer Dip, Tamales and Black Eyed Peas
- Pork Roast, Spiced Apples, Green beans
- Red Beans and Rice
- Shepherd’s Pie, Tossed Salad
- Tomato Basil Bisque, Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
::fun – Well, the kids are having fun! Cherry Ames is going to the Dominican Republic for a wedding, Princess Pea, the Architect and DirtBike have been hanging out with their friends over the Christmas break. Mr. Pea and I? We’re resting; storing energy and just enjoying the chaos of having all our kids home at the same time.
::fashionable – Warm is the statement of the day. It’s cold again, and it’s absolutely FREEZING in my office. Well, not technically, freezing, just feel like it freezing. It’s about 64 degrees in here this morning, which feels pretty cold while I’m sitting still at the computer. I’m wearing black tights, a black wool skirt, electric turquoise blouse and a black cardigan. I have my coat draped over my lap and a fuzzy wrap draped around my shoulders. My fingers are numb. 🙂
::looking ahead – Another week of work – storm water system modeling, spec writing and pavement analysis. A quiet New Year celebration at home.
Keep the Faith.
Keeping the Faith 
Great Almanac.
Listen, I can tell you from experience that people rise to the occasion. Talk about ordinary people becoming heroes. Just you wait. It will be taxing. Inner strength is a gift that we call on when we need to and I just feel that you should know – your family is strong. I’m not sure why, but God put that on my heart to tell you. I have every confidence in these people I’ve not met.
And of course, I stand ready to make some freezer meals and help in any way.
Keep your chin up!
Did you pick a good wig?
Hugs & Blessings and MUCH MUCH MUCH prayer.
xx oo
You, my wise friend, are absolutely RIGHT!! Freezer Meals? Yes, and Thank you. As soon as I have a treatment schedule, I’ll let you know.
You will be strong, your family will pull together and others will come out of the woodwork where you just didn’t know they even existed.
And even though I’m far away, I’m here for you too. I can’t send you any warmth right now, it’s -25 this morning but the sun is shinning. But hey, if you do need anything please email me and let me help. I think about you all the time and hope and pray that everything will be okay.
Blessings my dear friend!
Oh Mercy!! That’s just too cold, Julie! Prayers and Hope are so appreciated.
Angela, you’ll do it one day at a time through God’s infinite grace and mercy. When you are weak, He is strong. And then there is always the possibility of a road trip in my future…wouldn’t that send Mr Pea, 2 Pea boys and 2 Mrs. Peas in a tizzy!