A Day of Play

A fun day...first lunch and the playground and then at the park in Sandestin. The kids even rolled up their pants and got in the water...too cool to me!

Ice Cream - A family tradition!

Angela and the kids arrived today for a long weekend visit. I love the fact that she will do this all by herself...a six hour trip minimum...with three little ones just to see us! Wow!

We did our usual...pizza for dinner, then ice cream...a tradition Granddad started years ago and the kids NEVER forget. Who needs ice cream...I could eat them all with a spoon!

TWO DOCTORS IN ONE DAY

George and I went in for our chat with Dr. "P". He was very positive about what he felt the outcome would be since it was found so early and is so small (BB size). He and his nurse were so kind. They knew I was scared and needed things moved along quickly so they made an appointment for this afternoon to see the surgeon, Dr. "M". I was given a prescription for nerves and to help me sleep. I took the Zanex right away, but still shook like crazy during the entire visit with the Surgeon. He was very, very nice but still it was nuts hearing him give me my choices: (a.) Lumpectomy or (b.) Skin saving mastectomy or (c.) Total Mastectomy. I wanted (d.) out of there! I guess he had to give me all the options, but my head was swimming. I asked him what he recommended, but he said he couldn't tell me what to do. He kinda indicated that he agreed with Dr. "P" and knew I could be back at tennis quicker than with either mastectomy. George and I agreed and my surgery was scheduled for March 8th. "Calgon take me away!"

The Call

I was running errands and was in a plumbing supply store when I got "the call". Dr. "P" himself called to let me know the results of my biopsy. His suggestion is to have a lumpectomy (wide local excision) followed by 6-7 weeks of radiation regardless of what is found during surgery. (Dr. "P"s wife died of breast cancer years ago so he is very pro-active about cancer.) He wants George and I to come in to his office in the morning to talk more. I'm in shock!

A Needle Biopsy - Oh My!

A needle biopsy...no fun...never want to do that again...please! Two nurses in the room did an ultrasound just to find the lesion before the Radiologist came in...hard to find since my lesion is tiny...the size of a BB. Then in he comes and the "fun" begins. A nurse on one side showing him the way with the ultrasound and he was on the other side...talking away, asking questions, etc. I just wanted him to get it over with. He said they would do a needle aspiration first and then the biopsy. It seemed to take forever. Lots of pressure. I kept my eyes closed until I heard him say "okay". I opened my eyes and said "it's over?". He said "nope, gotta do it again". I said "you're kidding!!!!???". He said "nope, again". I thought "_____, _____!!!"...you can fill in the blanks. More pressure. I didn't like this whole thing AT ALL! Now the hard part...waiting for the results. I can't lie...I'm afraid. I'm reading my healing scriptures and it is helping though.

AN ANGEL IN A LAB COAT

I went to the hospital today just for lab work before my biopsy. The lab tech (her name was Kathy too) was excellent...I could hardly feel a prick...quick too.

Somehow, she revealed that she was a Christian and we began to talk. I truly felt that God had placed her in my path...just what I needed and when I needed it. She asked if I would like a copy of a list of healing scriptures and I immediately said YES. We talked some more and I hugged her when I left... with tears in my eyes.

I remember walking out of the hospital into a beautiful sunny day and I looked heavenward. God had placed an angel in a lab coat in front of me just when I needed one!

I'm going now to get my Bible and find the peace only He can give.

Hugs!

Kat

Home, but not normal yet!

We've been home for a little over two weeks and this is the first time I've even felt like blogging! Amazing!

The trip was wonderful and I'll try to write about it and post photos soon, but the first week was hard dealing with the jet lag and I was overwhelmed to say the least trying to catch up with laundry, mail piled up (both e-mail and snail mail), and much, much more. This last week has been even harder since I've been dealing with a health issue (more on that later too).

Anyway, it's good to be home!

Packed and ready!

Well, the time is finally here! We're packed and ready. Got to get up early, load the car, go to church, and then head to Atlanta after church. We're excited that we'll get to see Bob and Jennifer and their new house. They're taking us to the airport on Monday morning. Australia/New Zealand here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Off to bed....so tired, but very excited.

Last Day of Tennis for Awhile

My knee was back to "normal" (not sure why it hurt the other day), so I was excited to get to play tennis this morning since it's my last time before our trip. I really love all the girls I play with. It's wonderful to be able to spend time all week with these girls playing tennis and still do lunches, parties, movies, etc. and never get tired of seeing them. A really fun group!

This afternoon I used this year's massage gift certificate from George that he put in my stocking and had a great hour massage. Wonderful! I picked up Chinese on the way home and we just stayed in....nice!

Connie's coming tomorrow to house-sit while we're away. Can't wait to see her!

Only 13!

I hated missing tennis due to my knee, but I sure was happy since I was able to get lots done instead. I met Max over at the new house to go over some things to be done while we're away.

A beautiful day! I was able to put the top down on the car and just enjoy doing my errands.

We went to dinner with Karen and Richie at O Sole Mio. Antonio's youngest daughter, Carla, has been here visiting for the holidays, but is flying back to Italy on Saturday. She's growing up! She was only 10 when we met her and she didn't speak any English. Now she's almost fluent and has such a cute personality....but, she doesn't look 13!

Going to try tennis tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

Already Wednesday - Yikes!

Wow...this week is flying by! I've still got things I want to do before we leave!

Played tennis today. My knee starting hurting again. Bummer...I really thought things were back to normal. So frustrating! I played yesterday with no problem. Supposed to play tomorrow and Friday, but I've canceled tomorrow to let it rest. We'll see about Friday. Hope I can play since it will be the last time before I leave.

I worked over at the new house all afternoon taking things off the walls and moving things around so work can be done while we're gone.

I went to the movies with the girls tonight to see "Rumor Has It" with Jennifer Aniston, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Ruffalo and Kevin Costner. Awesome...really good...funny...good music too! Thai food afterwards. Yummy!

WHITE LEGS

Still packing. I keep thinking of other things I want to take. So far, everything's fitting in the suitcase...that's the bad thing about packing early...you always think of other things. Anyway, it's summer there so I'm packing sleeveless shirts and capris, sandals, etc. Man, I hate my "white" legs and feet this time of the year. Gotta start using my "tan in the bottle" stuff I guess. For some reason (probably tennis, etc.) my arms aren't as bad, but oh how white the legs and feet are. Paper white...not a pretty sight!

Sooooooooooooooo excited.

Packing for a dream trip

Wow...proud of myself. I'm actually 75% packed for our Australia/New Zealand trip. I spent most of the day running around picking up last minute items after packing a little this morning and then did more tonight. My goal is to have it all done by Friday afternoon so we can enjoy our last weekend at home. I'm really getting excited!!!!

A NEW YEAR

I'm glad New Year's Day is on a Sunday this year. As I sat in church this morning, it just felt right to start this new year with church. God literally lets us begin anew every second, but New Year's Day is a good time for me to reflect inwardly and to make plans to move evercloser in my relationship with God. Surrounded by beautiful music, in a beautiful place, I felt something magical.

New Year's Eve

After a big breakfast, John and Bree left for home. I'm kinda sad about that. John was cute saying he didn't want to leave. "Can't we stay longer?" he said. It would have been nice.

George and I spent the rest of the day catching up with paperwork and other chores. as much as we could before having to dress for our New Year's Eve party at Carol's. We almost didn't want to go. It was nice in a weird way to just be the two of us and it felt good to get some things accomplished that we had put off due to the holidays and company. The party was really fun, but we were home and in bed before midnight.

Back at Tennis - Yippee!

I've played tennis the last two days with no problems!! So wonderful to be back on the court! I'm wearing my brace, but doing fine.

We've really enjoyed John's visit. He and Bree are cute together. They both leave in the morning...sigh! I've loved having Bree home. It's gonna be hard seeing her leave.

We've got to get busy this weekend packing for our trip! We leave a week from Sunday. Amazing!

A tie score!

Wow...Good news from the golfers...George and John both shot an 89 today. This was George's best golf score ever. They had a blast. Absolutely gorgeous day for golf.

Bree and I had fun too....lunch and then pedicures!

He's A Keeper

John arrived late last night. I'm pretty sure he's a "keeper". George says he likes him alot, but he'll reserve his judgement until after they play golf tomorrow...hehehe...typical male, typical father!

They played some pool after lunch. George won so he was happy.

Snow in Destin????

Our last day of Mom and Sherry's visit. We played lots of games and ate dinner out at Johnny Rockets at Destin Commons. They were amazed by the "snow" that is flying around starting at 7:00 each night. So weird to see snow in Destin, Florida! Right in the center of Destin Commons, they release lots of bubbles that looks just like snow. Amazing for sure!

Bree's boyfriend, John, is arriving late tonight. Can't wait to meet this guy who has stolen her heart!

UNDECORATING IS EASIER

Wow...it took me days and days to decorate the house and put up two trees. It only took Mom, Sherry, Bree and I a few hours to take it all down and pack it all up. George made two trips over to the new house to take all the boxes. It was wonderful to have everyone helping. The house looks naked though now with everything gone. It was a wonderful Christmas, but I'm kinda ready for things to get back to normal...especially my diet and exercise! Too much food!

The new guy Bree is dating (John) is coming for a visit and should arrive tomorrow night. We're looking forward to meeting him. He must be special ..... he's lasted for a little over 3 whole weeks! LOL! :-)

CHRISTMAS DAY 2005

A really wonderful day. I feel blessed that I was able to spend the day with my Mom, my aunt, Bree and George. We started the morning with Mimosas and then opened gifts. We had a wonderful full breakfast pretty late, so we had our big meal later than usual. So good.

Our poor real Christmas tree lasted until today, but started dropping ornaments right around noon. After the second ornament fell and broke, we decided to take go ahead and undecorate it. Between the four of us girls, it didn't take long. I truly enjoyed my real tree this year...I love the look and the smell of a real tree. We had to put it up so early this because of our party, but next year, I'll wait a little longer before I put it up. Tomorrow I guess we're undecorate the silk tree and put up the other decorations. I'm so glad I have help! I kidded Mom and Sherry and told them they couldn't leave town without helping me undecorate.

The sunset tonight was incredible. The sky was Christmas red!

CHRISTMAS EVE

We played games basically all day...no shopping malls for us! The church tonight was so packed, we had to sit outside along with tons of others. So cold, but the service and music was incredible. Dinner was good too. We skipped looking at lights tonight since we did last night and the sky was full of lightning as we drove home. We just got home right before the heavy rain started. Bree, George and I watched "Home Alone" (the original one) tonight (another Christmas tradition). Waiting for Santa....

Another Tradition - Christmas Cookies

Another tradition - We put on our silly hats and aprons and baked Christmas cookies all afternoon. We took some to our neighbor, Martie, and sang "We Wish You A Merry Christmas". Afterwards, we played "Phase Ten" and then George took us to dinner at Jim & Nick's for barbecue.

SANTA PUZZLE - A Christmas Tradition

A family tradition - working "the" Santa Puzzle. We started it on Thursday, but finished it today.

Good News

I got good news this morning when I went to the orthopedist about my knee. No surgery is needed. Yippee!

Listen for the sizzle

A nice day! George, Bree and I met Mom and Sherry at Pauline's for bagels. Then George and Bree went shopping in one direction and the rest of us went to Beals one day sale. We met back home later for games, happy hour and dinner. Fun! Watched a beautiful sunset. You can hear it sizzle when it hits the water! Really! Tonight we're going to watch "The Ref"...so funny! George and I have seen it many times, but love it. Hope Bree does too.

Shopping and Games

Bree and I had lunch at Johnny Rockets and did some shopping before Mom and Sherry arrived. Once they were here and settled, Bree was anxious to play Mexican Train...so much fun! Lots of laughing! Dinner tonight was at The Back Porch, and then we headed back and played the Train some more.

Christmas (early) with family

We had our big family Christmas party at Mom's on Saturday. Everyone was there...chaos, but fun. We had our family party at Eric and Angela's on Sunday. Another fun day. I feel so blessed.



Dalton, Carson, Jan, George and Karrigan
Kristin, Zac and Elizabeth
Me, Pete, Karen, Mom, Theresa, and Kim
Angela, Elizabeth, Kristin, Bree and Me
Kaley Grace, Angela, Eric, Sydney and Landon

More Photos

George and Me
Zac and Eric - 2005 winners of Zelosport Finger Football Family Challenge
Big Brothers Eric and George discuss Bree's new boyfriend
MeMaw dancing with Sydney and Kaley Grace
Rusty and Karen

More Photos of Christmas

Cameron, Jamie, Mason and Jason


Eric and Kaley Grace talk
"Dollar Store" Fairies Sydney Anne and Kaley Grace

VERY Good News!

Good news! I finally heard from the doctor's office. No meniscus tear!!! I do have a small Baker's cyst and arthritis in the knee though. She is getting me an appt. to see an orthopedist next week to see what he suggest. I am to pick up my MRI film so that I can take it with me. She said my cyst is small and it might just rupture on it's own and nothing more will be needed. She said I could play tennis if I wanted, but to stop if it hurts too much. Hopefully, I'll only need a cortisone shot…maybe some physical therapy. I'm just sooooooooo relieved that I don't have a tear!

The car is loaded and I mean LOADED for our trip tomorrow to see the family for our Christmas celebrations at Mom's tomorrow and at Eric and Angela's on Sunday. Bree's driving in too. I'm so excited to see her! AND the entire family! Wow...hope I can sleep tonight!

80 Minutes of Almost Heaven!

I used my massage gift certificate from last Christmas (don't ask) this afternoon. It was wonderful....80 minutes of almost Heaven!

I finally heard from the doctor's office right at closing time (naturally), but it was only to say that they had received the results from the MRI, but Dr. Mike had not looked it over yet and was already out of the office. I should hear something tomorrow. Ugh!
Frustrated me so that I need another massage :-)

Starting to think about our trip

I didn't hear from the doctor about the MRI yet...bummer! My knee feels the same...just weird, but not hurting. No tennis until I know it's okay, which is so stange since I've been playing 5 days a week for some time now. Every day seems like it's a weekend since I'm not having to run out the door first thing in the mornings. George and I did our normal walk yesterday for the first time and I did fine, so we walked again today, but this time at Sandestin.

We went over to the new house and walked through since we close on it tomorrow. Feels weird...guess this is really going to happen...moving, I mean??

I spent alot of time off and on today getting things together (in my mind and for real) for the trip to Australia. January 9th will be here before we know it. Getting excited.

MRI

I went for my MRI today. It wasn't too bad since it only took 20 minutes, I was able to keep on my clothes, and I wasn't totally in the "tunnel" (my head and shoulders were out..thank goodness!). It sure was noisy though. They said the doctor would receive the report within 48 hours, which would be Thursday afternoon. The technician said she's not a doctor and can't really say what is wrong, but she thought I would be happy. She didn't think she saw what they were looking for??? The doctor indicated to me that it might be a tear in the meniscus. The tech said there was fluid and "other things". She wouldn't say more. Hope this means good news. I don't want to get my hopes up, but can't help it. If I don't hear from Dr. Mike tomorrow, I will call his office on Thursday morning and start bugging :-)

Kinda Down Today

Feeling kinda down today. Can't play tennis since my knee isn't right and I miss playing and seeing my friends. I have my MRI tomorrow afternoon to find out what's going on. Fingers crossed! Anyway, I've spent the day finishing up shopping for the final stocking stuffers. We went over to the new house to check it out since we close on it on Thursday. We won't move until we sell here and we won't list it until Spring probably, but I'm kinda down even thinking of moving. Just fixed a drink and watched the sunset over the beach and the water. So beautiful! Sure gonna miss being able to do this! :-(

I love Christmas!

I love, love, love the smell of our real Christmas tree as soon as we walk in the door! I love the lights on the trees and looking at all the ornaments we've collected over the years. I love stuffing the stockings and wrapping the gifts. I love wearing the silly Christmas hats - Santa, reindeer antlers, elf, etc. I love listening to all our Christmas CDs...especially Alabama's Christmas which we've listened to every year since the kids were little. I love our tradition of working a Santa puzzle the week before Christmas and baking cookies with Bree, Mom and Sherry wearing our silly hats. I love using my Spode Christmas china for all meals eaten at home during the Christmas season. Christmas can be stressful if I don't plan ahead, but I try hard to stay on track so I can enjoy it all and this year seems especially wonderful.

Breakfast with Pauline

George went with us for breakfast to say goodbye since the "girls" were leaving this morning. We decided not to embarrass him any more than we could, so we didn't sing our planned song, but instead we just went in wearing our silly "hats" shouting "Merry Christmas!". Pauline (and all her customers) loved it! Fun! (I think George still thought we were crazy...oh well)

It was hard saying goodbye. It's been a fun week. Mom and Sherry will be back though in 10 days to spend Christmas here. "Other Mother" might drive down after Christmas.

GIRLS JUST GOTTA HAVE FUN!

The photos say it all....Girls just gotta have fun!


(Practicing for our song to sing tomorrow when we go see my friend, Pauline, at our favorite bagel shop)

Eating, Eating, and More Eating!

Sherry, Mom, Me and Bet aka "Other Mother" at The Back Porch

We're always eating when the "Girls" are here! Morning, noon, afternoon and night! We started the day with pepper jelly and pork loin on biscuits. Then they went shopping and had lunch while I went to my Book Club luncheon. In the afternoon, we had snack food with our wine over games. Dinner tonight was at The Back Porch followed by donuts at Krispy Kreme. Then more games. Wow....I'm stuffed and feel kinda sick after eating the sweet donuts. Yuk! But we laugh enough it should burn some calories...oh how I wish!

Trouble with my knee

I asked the doctor about my knee problem yesterday when I saw him for my thyroid results (which were normal). He is scheduling an MRI. I might have a tear or nick in my meniscus! Not what I wanted to hear! He said it might just be a little one since I'm not in any pain...just feels weird. We'll see what the MRI shows and then go from there. He said I could play tennis if I use the slip- on brace I have, but I've decided to get subs until I know more. Sure don't want to risk further injury with the Holidays coming up and also our trip to Australia/New Zealand. Getting older is no fun!

THIS SAYS IT ALL

George and I saw one of these in a shop in Cashier's on our trip recently to South Carolina and ordered one right away. There were 18 different sayings you could choose from, but this is the one we loved and thought so true for us. It arrived earlier than we thought it would. I hung it right away in our bedroom. I love it!

A Perfect, Fun Day

Wow...a beautiful day. The ocean water was incredible! Cold but, oh so nice! I played tennis, although my knee bothered me so I couldn't run for every ball. I'm going to the doctor tomorrow for a regular check-up, so I'll get his opinion. When I got home, Mom was cooking potato soup...one of my very favorites! So good. They all had bought me a bunch of my favorite flowers...astromeria. I felt like it was my birthday or something. They spoil me every time they come. I was cooking a turkey breast in my slow cooker for dinner so we all came over to my house so we could enjoy looking out at the ocean. Other Mother even layed out and napped on the balcony. She was so happy. Mom, Sherry and I played Phase Ten. Once "OM" came back in, we all started riding The Mexican Train again. We laugh so much when we're all together. I love them all so much.

Riding The Mexican Train

A cold rainy morning so no tennis which was good since I've hurt my knee and needed another day of rest and also since "the girls" are in town. We rode the "Mexican train" all day...lots of fun and laughs. I love having them here.

We love our church!

A beautiful day! Church today was special...a good message and the music was unbelievable! We love our church!

Too Busy Lately To Breath, Much Less Blog

I've literally been too busy to be on the computer this past week! I planned a party for Saturday night for a few of our friends and my goal was to finish the decorating (including putting up two trees - one silk and one live), get all the gifts wrapped and under the tree and do my food shopping and cooking for the party by Saturday morning so I could enjoy the party. I even decorating the lobby downstairs and the lobby on our floor. Plus Mom, Sherry and "Other Mother" were coming today after lunch and I wanted to be able to enjoy their visit this week and not be torn about Christmas shopping and decorating. I did it! But....I worked like crazy every day and was up late every night. Whew! Worth it though...the house looked great and the party was a success! Mom, Sherry and "Other Mother" arrived today and it's been nice! Nothing like planning a party to get things done. I need to plan a party about every 3 months...hehehe!