Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Quick Update ... more to come!

Life has become rather busy for me.  I'm thankful for feeling great and being able to do my 'normal' activities again.  I miss being able to write my blog but please stay with me as I've got lots of really neat things to share.  In the meantime, I took pictures of my gardens and my flowers ... enjoy and I will be sharing much more this evening.

Only God can make flowers and trees ...
He put me in charge of seeds and weeds.
Blessings!
Above:  The trellis by the patio and the two
big planters of zinnias.  Little pot has a rosemary
twig growing in it.


Above:  Relocated my hummingbird feeders.

Above:  I love my zinnias are blooming.

Above:  Just planted sunflower seeds in this
big planter.  they are coming up.  

Above:  Trumpet vines that I got from Bonnie
and Buddy's house.  Was trying to root them
but I think they have croaked. 

Above:  Old wagon with rose moss.  The rose
moss has hung on for about 3 years now.

Above:  Trellis that sits with the herbs and
peppers.  

Above:  Herbs

Above:  Jalepeno peppers ... they are HOT!

Above:  The jalepeno pepper plant that little
bunny Fu Fu demolished is coming back.

Above:  Trellis by the tomato garden.

Above:  I love all the tomatoes.


Above:  Back fence trellis'.  Morning Glories
in the middle and Hyacinth Beans on each
side.


Above:  The mimosa tree that was planted early
spring.  

Above:   A look back .... 

Above:  Morning Glories coming up on one
side of the arbor trellis.

Above:  Hyacinth Bean coming up on the
other side of the arbor trellis.


Above:  Alyssum (baby's breath) around the
red bell pepper plants that my neighbor
gave me when they were mere seedlings.


Above:  Front flower bed.  Elephant ears
are thriving.  




Above:  So glad today is the day that Justin comes to mow.
I love the fact that my St. Augustine grass is thriving. 
I hope you enjoyed the pictures.  I love sharing my gardens and I Praise the Lord when I go outside every time that God gave me enough energy in early spring before I finished chemo to get my gardens put together and get them planted.

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.—Hebrews 13:15


Another update coming this evening ... in the meantime, keep a smile on your face, offer a smile to someone without one and talk to our precious Lord.  He loves to hear from you.

Blessed and praying blessings for you.  


gkmorrison12@gmail.com

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Another Week Gone By ....

Do you ever think about how time 'drags' sometimes or oh my goodness, this work day will never be over or I cannot wait for vacation ... the things we say about time are too many to print or even think about.  Time goes quickly for parents of a newborn baby ... as the baby is going through the usual milestones of development and then all a sudden ...the parents blink ...  the child is graduating kindergarten ... middle school and ... then high school.  Time does have a way of flying.  Today as I write ... my prayer for all is that you do not think about the things to come ... none of us has control over that part of our life ... but rather enjoy this moment, this very second that God has allowed you to be here.  Put a smile on your face and enjoy the second you are reading this ... do not think about the next second because I can assure you from God's word that He has everything under control.  You see being diagnosed with breast cancer has allowed me to trust God deeper than I ever have before.  He and He alone knows what my next second hold, He alone knows the exact number of hairs on my head, and He alone knows the exact number of breaths that I will take ... He knows what my next second holds so therefore I do not have to think about it much less 'worry' about it.  Worry is the devil's workshop ... so the next time you 'think' you have a 'worry' ... slap your shoulder and say ...
Be gone devil.
                 Psalms 46:10    Be still and know that I am God.  

June 1 Jesus Calling Devotional reading:
I am involved in each moment of your life.  I have carefully mapped out every inch of your journey through this day (and all days), even though much of it may feel haphazard.  Because the world is in a fallen condition, things always seem to be unraveling around the edges.  Expect to find trouble in this day.  At the same time, trust that My way is perfect, even in the midst of such messy imperfection.

Stay conscious of ME as your go through this day, remembering that I never leave your side.  Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, protecting you from unnecessary trials and equipping you to get through whatever must be endured.  As you trudge through the sludge of this fallen world, keep your mind in heavenly places with ME.  Thus the Light of My Presence shines on you, giving you Peace and Joy that circumstances cannot touch.
Psalm 18:30  As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the Lord is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Isaiah 41:13  For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.

I do not write these things to preach, I write because I see so many who have so many worries and I want people to know that worry gets us no where good.  It causes us further problems with anxiety, problems with our moods, it makes us miss those precious moments that are happening now, and in the end it will affect our health.  I have been a worrier most .. OK, all my life.  I worried if I didn't have something to worry about.  Knowing my Lord more intimately has allowed me to shed that worry ... to let things go ... to see the happiness in this moment ... to realize I do not have control over my next second of life ... God does.  I have reached a more intimate relationship with my Father and He is the one who gives me the power to slap the devil off my shoulder when worry wants to sneak in.  I hope you will allow our Lord to comfort you today and all your days to come ... whatever you feel you should worry about, turn it over to Him and leave it with Him.  My saying ... He's got it.  There are times that something is or has gone awry and I say out loud ... Father, you've got this.  Comfort and peace pass over me and I live the next beautiful second that He has given me ... without worry.

**********************
Thursday was my consultation appointment with the Gynecological Oncologist, Dr. V, at the Center.  My appointment was at 2:00 or 2:15pm (I was told 2:00pm when the appointment was set up and 2:15pm on the reminder message).   I arrive at 2:00pm (because that's who I am) and find a seat in the small waiting room.  Of course I pull out my iPhone ... check home email, Facebook ... more Facebook, played solitary until I was sick of it and continued waiting.  I hear lots of laughter and chatting in the back where the nurses and doctor are.  They seem to be a happy bunch.  It's gets to be 3:00pm and I'm still sitting in the waiting room.  A nurse comes by taking out the trash   and says I'm sorry you're having to wait ... on she goes to take the trash (which I thought very inappropriate while there was a roomful of people waiting).  The head nurse lady opens the door and says this is the first day for the doctor to be back after vacation and there were lots of test results for other patients and it was just taking a long time.  At 3:30pm I get called back and weighed, blood pressure taken (I was surprised it wasn't sky high but then again I was saying ... God you've got this) and left in a room to wait some more.  I hear Dr. V and a man talking by the room ... sounded more like visiting and that visit lasted another 15 minutes.  The head nurse lady comes in my room at 3:45pm to move me to a room because Dr. V would want to do a pelvic exam.  I'm thinking ... this is just a consultation appointment ... as in ... I have questions to ask, etc. and I was not sure that I wanted to use Dr. V. as my doctor for the hysterectomy.  After I get in that room, a House Staff Doctor and an Intern come in to ask me some questions ... all the answers were on the five page new patient forms I completed at 2:00pm and I was pretty irritated at this point. I felt they sent this lady in to just appease me because by now, I'm not very happy.   I hear Dr. V. complete her appointment across the hall and think OK, I'm next.  NOT!  She went down the hall and I heard a door shut for another room ... it is just shy of 4:00pm and I've been there two hours waiting.  I closed my eyes and prayed ... Father, am I supposed to be here with this doctor.  Please Father let me know.  A calm came over me and at 4:00pm, I picked up my purse and headed to the nurses desk and told them I would need to reschedule because two hours waiting was ridiculous.  They all apologized. Was I angry ... not really angry ... irritated is more like it.  The head nurse lady makes all the appointments and obviously should have never booked a potential new patient on a day that the doctor had returned from vacation ... when there were lots of test results to be given on established patients.  I feel God has led me to all the many doctors on my journey ... I did not feel that this doctor was where I was supposed to be.  My first mistake ... I didn't pray about this before the appointment was set up.  I do believe in praying about everything and I do not remember doing such prior to the appointment being made. MY mistake.   I went off of a recommendation from someone I do trust but ... that doesn't mean that doctor is a fit (so to speak) for me.  I have an appointment this coming Thursday with Helena and plan to discuss another physician that I have good information on ... and I will without doubt be praying about this before hand.

********************************
My grand babies are doing well.  Brooklyn and Mommy and Daddy got to come home from the hospital yesterday.  I am anxiously waiting to hear how their first night at home as a family of four went.  I pray it went well.

********************************

Blessed beyond measure and praying blessings for you this beautiful Saturday.


gkmorrison12@gmail.com

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Another Awesome Miracle From God ...

Wednesday was an awesome God filled day.  I cannot begin to understand how anyone cannot believe there is not a God in Heaven.  Our daily walks through life shows us all that He has made.  When a baby is born, His miracles are proven all the more.  I have another grand daughter and I am ecstatic to introduce you to ....

BROOKLYN LEIGH

Above:  Daddy holding his angel.

Above:  Getting some statistics out of the way
before her first bath.


Above:  Not happy.  Got the first bath out of
the way.  

Above:  I'm OK now.  

Above:  Look at her eyes.

Above:  Three generations.  

Above:  My first time to hold Brooklyn.  Yes,
those are tears sparkling below my eyes.
God's precious miracle.


Above:  Two happy parents.  
I picked Braxton up and took him to the hospital in the afternoon and he didn't seem too interested.  He was more interested in exploring Mommy's hospital room and eating the snacks.  When she squealed out a couple of times, he looked at her but other than that, not much from him.  He also spent the night with us and everything went very smooth.  The storms didn't wake him ... however, I was up several times checking on him.  

Matthew 19:14   Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”



Blessed ... thanking Jesus for all the blessings He has provided me.

gkmorrison12@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Exciting Times ....

Tuesday found me finishing up my 33 round of radiation.  It wasn't so bad but I am glad it is completed.  With every round came the reminder it came to mind ... zaapppp any remaining cancer cells that could be in the area.  I truly appreciated the radiation techs - Vanessa and Billy - they are the sweetest and always explained anything to me and answered all my questions.  Thank you Vanessa and Billy.

TODAY ... my new grandbaby arrives.  It is scheduled for Bonnie to be taken in for c-section at noon.  I can't wait.  My prediction ... Baby girl (Brooklyn Leigh) weighing in at 6 lbs 11 oz, 18 1/2 maybe 19 inches long, dark hair (like Bonnie's was when she was born).  I told Bonnie this last night and she said .. Mom, are you doing mental telepathy and laughed.  I just told her ... This is what I think.  I can't wait for the new little one to get here.  Braxton is getting to spend the night(s) with Grammy and Aunt Lish while Mommy and Daddy are at the hospital.  I am telling you that God is amazing ... the timing during all of my treatments has worked out well for all the holidays and just yesterday I finished my radiation. During my surgery and treatments, I have not been able to help much with Braxton and Madelyn so I am thankful to get to be part of this experience.  Praising the Lord ...

Yesterday the guys I work closely with took me to lunch to celebrate the completion of radiation.  My immediate supervisor made a toast for the completion of this leg of my journey.  These guys are the sweetest and great to work for and with.  Thank you guys.

Many Praises:
*  Radiation treatments are complete.
*  I feel good and my energy levels continue to get better.
*  God continues to put many wonderful people in my path and I get to share His awesome love and what He has done for me.
*  The amazing women that are going through the same thing as I am.  We share our experiences and lift each other up in prayer.
*  My incredible family who have supported me through the last seven months.
*  Wonderful friends who have given me encouragement just when I needed it most.
*  Opportunities to help others.  I have always said ... there is no question that I won't answer.
*  Many many other praises.

Prayer Requests:
* My friend, Judy, has her double mastectomy today.  The recent lumpectomy showed there was more cancer than original diagnosed.
*  Leslie, who has two more radiation treatments.
*  Wendi and Michelle as they continue through remaining treatments and the side affects that follow ... even when the chemo is finished.
*  Wendy, in Amarillo, as she continues through her treatments and has such a great positive attitude.
*  Shirley, as she continues her battle.
*  Anyone diagnosed recently with a dreadful disease.
I'm happy to pray for you and yours.  Please email me and I would love to pray for you.

I have concerns for several people today.  I want everyone to be healthy and not take good health for granted.  You cannot continue abusing your body with too much food, drink (alcohol), smoking, inactivity, stress and other things ... expecting your body to continue holding up.  You body will eventually give out and who knows what will happen.  Please take care of yourself and know your body is God's temple and should be taken care of as such.  I find comfort using one of my precious Jarrod verses ...

Psalm 138:8   The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Thy loving kindness, O LORD is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Thy hands.

As I close today, I give all the Praise to my sweet Jesus.  He has walked with me and talked with me, He has carried me during those times that I couldn't carry myself.  He wants my focus on Him and not the worries or concerns of my world.  I bring Him my issues and He handles everything.  

Blessed and praying blessings for you today.

gkmorrison12@gmail.com

Monday, May 28, 2012

Happy Memorial Day !!!



Remembering those who have fought and died so that WE can live in a free country.  Thankful for all.
Blessings to the families who have lost a loved one.

*****************************************
Mid Sunday morning it was time to put the new light fixture up in the hall bathroom.  I had been contemplating the procedure all night and yesterday morning.  I do have to think these things out before I do them.  I am not afraid of the electricity but primarily installing the fixture so it looks professional.  For some reason the home builders did not put a metal electrical box in the wall behind the fixture so per the instructions I didn't have anything to screw the brace to.  GREAT!  I think I over thought the process because once I was finished I thought about my long procedure and went ... duuhhh Gena, it was not that hard.  I knew exactly what I should have done AFTER I was finished.  Anyway, once I got the bracket put up, Alicia came and held the fixture so I could wire it.  She was a little uneasy just holding the fixture ... I kept telling her to not turn the light switch on.  When I got it wired and before I attached it to the wall, I got a bulb to ensure it was going to work.  It did!  
Below is the fixture!!! 


Above:   Lights off !!! 

Above:  Lights on !!!
Above: This pretty green color replaced the
lovely subtle yellow that had been in that
bathroom for years.  See my bird picture and
the birds sitting on the toilet?  I love birds.
There are two things I have tried to get accomplished since Friday and this morning I can only remember one of them.  Paint my toe nails.  <laughing>  Yep, I've been trying to get this done for days.  First I have to go to Sally's Beauty Supply to get the Out The Door top coat that helps the paint stay on.

Madelyn had been running a temp since last Wednesday night.  Alicia took her to the Urgent Child Care that evening in case she needed to start antibiotics since the new baby is coming this week and Braxton will be here with us for a few days.  They ran strep test - negative, checked her ears - negative so it was diagnosed as viral.  That means you just have to let it run it's course.  It has and she hasn't run a temp in two days.  All the toys have been sanitized, floors have been heat sanitized, counter tops, door knobs, anything that might have been touched has been sanitized.  Alicia also discovered last night that Madelyn has cut a few more teeth that we didn't know about ... hmmm I wonder if these new teeth could have caused that temp.  Either way ... Praise the Lord that she is all better.

This week there are a few things happening and I'm looking forward to all.  Tuesday I take my last round of radiation.  I will miss my sweet Vanessa every morning but I know she is happy for me to have this part of my journey coming to an end.  Wednesday my third grand baby will be born.  There has not been a gender announced but Grammy believes this baby will be a girl.  Brooklyn Leigh.  Wednesday night is when Braxton will come stay at Grammy's house for a couple of days.  If all goes well, Bonnie thinks they will get to come home on Friday.  I have so much to look forward to and most of all be thankful for ... Thank you Jesus.

Blessed beyond measure ... praying blessings for you today as we remember those who died for us.

gkmorrison12@gmail.com