Yes, I Am Crazy....

I have officially gone crazy. I am going to homeschool my 7th grader, Noah, next year. I have no idea how this will go: Will he give me grief each day? Will he live through this experiment? Will I stroke out on this experiment? Nonetheless, I have decided to do it. Luckily, I have no hair so pulling my hair out isn't an option! Hopefully, it will go well and be the answer to my prayers. Why, you ask? Well, many reasons...First, he's been threatened with it many times, so I must follow through (Not that homeschooling is a punishment...so don't take it that way!) I have always wondered if traditional school is right for Noah. Also, he has such a need to please his friends...(not us at all!) that his decision making skills are poor. I really feel that some one on one time with him will influence him more than the 1000 mini lectures he gets each day. He has had a fairly good year of 6th grade being in the least amount of trouble than other grades, but I'm concerned he will get lost being given too much freedom. Have I convinced you yet? I'm still trying to convince myself...but it boils down to this: If I don't step in during this window of opportunity to influence him, then the window will close and I will lose this chance. He means too much to me to not try it. So, pray for me...I'm going to need it. Pray for him too...I'm a task master when I'm in teacher mode!
Love to you all~
Janice

The Simpler Things In Life

I just read the book Recipes and Wooden Spoons by Judy Baer. It's Christian fiction that's easy to read. At this time of my life, I need to read things that make me feel lighter, you know, better than when I started reading it. Anyway, it's about these sisters running a bed a breakfast where they grew up. They are living in a small town with interesting people at every turn. One person in the book is a chef and makes treats all the time (cookies, truffles, cakes). I like that! That must be my release too! Although I don't like the clean-up. It also reminded me to enjoy the simpler things: eating outside, cultivating creativity, helping others, enjoy quiet time, making good food. I'm kind of a mover and a shaker who likes to keep going, so I need to be reminded to slow down and enjoy the simpler things.
One thing I've done recently that I enjoy is sewing back pillows for my outdoor patio chairs. I saw some that I love in a catalog I can't afford that were about $35 each. I made mine for about $7 each. I'll include a picture. I find that hugely satisfying! I also weeded a planter next to the patio set that been needing to be weeded for a long time. I planted some green and red peppers, and cantaloupe in there. Yes, I'm trying my hand at farming in a small way! I also planted some tomatoes in containers on my porch. Well, that's what I've been up to. My next project is re-covering my dining table chairs. I hope this inspires you to enjoy the simple things aroound your home...it's made me happy.
love to you all,
Janice

What To Wear?

After completing my first chemo treatment today and doing fairly well, I started thinking how weird it is that all my hair will probably fall out before the next one on April 2nd. I am now trying to figure out a hair plan. I've never had to have a hair plan before, so this is new for me. I've always had so much hair that the fluffiness of it made hats look weird and scarves slide out. My hairdresser is going to cut and color a human hair wig to look pretty close to my current style, but I need other things too. For example, am I going to sleep bald? That seems weird...Or, just hanging out at home, should I wear a scarf? Most of the hair things, honestly, look like something a Grandma would wear. I've seen some cheap wigs that look like Little Orphan Annie and Carol Brady...but none that look like me. It's a very weird concept, but I'm sure I'll find something. If all else fails, I'll make something myself. At least I have a sewing machine!

Have a great night~
Janice

I Was At Pottery Barn Today.....

I had the sad job of taking my Dad to the airport today. After three weeks, he went home. My sister came too. We decided to do something fun to cheer ourselves up so we went to Victoria Gardens. We got there before it opened so we had some coffee while we waited. We then went to GAP, GAP kids, and many places including Pottery Barn. I can't help it, I love that store! If I lived near a Pottery Barn or a Williams-Sonoma I would try to get a job there (just for the discount!). Anyway, we had fun despite the sad circumstances. I found some fleur-de-lis soaps but they were $25! Yikes! Needless to say, they stayed at the store!
I just found out I'm probably going to have my first chemotherapy session on Friday! AHHHH!!! I DON'T WANNA GO! God is with me though, and that is my comfort!
Love,
Janice

A Lady In Waiting....

I am a lady in waiting. I'm waiting and waiting for information. Honestly, it's getting rather tiring. This Tuesday, March 10, I will FINALLY by meeting with the oncologist. I will then know the whos, whens, hows, and whys of my condition. The Dr. that gave me the bad news didn't tell me much. Since then I have gotten a bone scan (which was clear), a PET CT scan (for tumors), a heart scan, a genetic test, and a MRI. I will get the results of these other tests and hopefully find out when chemotherapy will start. We are praying that everything comes back fine and the cancer has stayed put. My Dad has been here for nearly three weeks and it has been heavenly. I haven't had to worry about the kids and I've had company for some tests so I didn't have to go alone. I am very grateful for that! Thanks Dad! Thanks Mom for living without him for so long! My Dad goes home on Wed. :( but on the brighter side, my brother comes on Thurs....and my Mom won't be long in following him so I won't be alone too much! We are looking forward to seeing them!

Well, that's it for now. I will update more later, and hopefully have something better to write about than stupid cancer!
Thanks for praying! It's really helping!
Love,
Janice

P.S. We set up a CaringBridge site for those interested in up-to-date information on my cancer treatment so I don't always have to talk about it here.

I'm Past My Dark Cloud Day

Well, I'm past my dark cloud day, but the news isn't good. I do have breast cancer and it's also in the lymph node they biosied. I have many tests coming up to see if the cancer has spread anywhere else. After those tests chemotherapy will begin and surgery is maybe four months away. I'm taking it in small chunks because the whole picture is too overwhelming. I'm sorry I didn't update yesterday, I was on the phone most of the day. I love you all and I ask that you keep praying....it's helping me to hang on! I guess I won't have a lack of topics to blog about; See, I'm looking on the bright side! I have a bone scan tomorrow, the first of many tests.
I'll keep you posted.
Love,
Janice

Tomorrow....

So sorry all...I'm finally updating. Most of you know that over the last month I've had a scary medical drama going on. I found a lump in my breast and went to the Dr. She sent me for a Ultrasound, which raised red flags, then a mammogram two days later, then to an Oncologist who said I needed a biopsy. Last Wednesday I had the biopsy and I've had to wait a week to find out if it's cancerous or not. Wow...has that been hard! It being the night before my appointment is weird. I have never been in such a place of scary unknowing. I can see my appt. going either way. I have also never so profoundly experienced the power of prayer and the peace it gives. No matter how scary cancer sounds, I feel like I will be okay no matter what. I like knowing that I can just trust God. I don't know how people make it through life without Him. Another thing I've learned is that people love me. Sometimes I feel very lonely and isolated in my little Yucaipa bubble and I forget. I thank all of you who demonstrate that love in such a Christlike way. I am humbled and deeply grateful for my wonderful friends and family. I love you all and I'll update what I find out tomorrow.
Until then, keep praying!
Love you all,
Janice