Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
December 28, 2008
Happy 48th anniversary to my Mom and Dad. What a joyous occasion to celebrate during the Christmas season. Many blessings for many more wonderful years.I hope that everyone is home safe and sound from their travels over the holidays. I am sure you are all ready to jump right in to Your New Year's commitments! I honestly hadn't even thought of resolutions for the year. Not that I don't have many things I need to work on, just hasn't made the priority list yet. Better hurry, 2009 is just days away!
Friday, December 26, 2008
We're Home!
We are back home and back to reality. Everyone had a great time and a great Christmas in the mountains. Thanks mom and dad for helping to make it possible for us to all enjoy a vacation together. The white Christmas soon disappeared as we descended from the mountains, and headed back to Texas. We left at 6:00 am with a temp of 26 degrees and heavy snow and it was 70 and sunny when we arrived in Munday that afternoon. It is like stepping through a window from one world to another in just a few short miles. (I don't know why I am surprised. In North Texas we can go from shorts to snowing in less than 24 hours with ease!)
We skied on Wednesday after the fresh snow. I am grateful to those young whippersnappers who are adventurous and kept us "20 year olds"???? going. They were a joy to ski with. No broken bones or injuries and only a few colds and coughs, all in all, a great time. The kids got their wildlife 101 on the trip home and they actually seemed kind of excited about it. We saw many elk, deer, antelope, ground hogs, and even pheasant. Of course, once we were back to Texas, we saw plenty of skunks too. Thank goodness for electronics and TV's, but the good ole alphabet games still work just as well. Thanks to cell phones, you can "call a friend" when you are stumped to add a new twist.
Now the countdown begins. By this evening I should have a calendar posted so everyone can keep up with events leading to Mark's surgery day. (That is if my semi computer literate mind gets it together.) Thanks to all for your continued support and prayers.
Love to all, Missy.
We skied on Wednesday after the fresh snow. I am grateful to those young whippersnappers who are adventurous and kept us "20 year olds"???? going. They were a joy to ski with. No broken bones or injuries and only a few colds and coughs, all in all, a great time. The kids got their wildlife 101 on the trip home and they actually seemed kind of excited about it. We saw many elk, deer, antelope, ground hogs, and even pheasant. Of course, once we were back to Texas, we saw plenty of skunks too. Thank goodness for electronics and TV's, but the good ole alphabet games still work just as well. Thanks to cell phones, you can "call a friend" when you are stumped to add a new twist.
Now the countdown begins. By this evening I should have a calendar posted so everyone can keep up with events leading to Mark's surgery day. (That is if my semi computer literate mind gets it together.) Thanks to all for your continued support and prayers.
Love to all, Missy.
Monday, December 22, 2008
It's Snowing
At least in New Mexico. I wish we could have packed everyone up and brought them along. It is so pretty. The kids are having a great time. I don't like them growing up so quick, but it is really neat to watch them be excited about things and making lasting memories. Chasing after them on the mountain hasn't been too bad. Honestly, I like to keep them in front of me in case they need bailing out. That really isn't very often. We have quite a large group skiing together and it is working great. The highlight of today was the deer walking across the ski slope in front of the kids. We were separated at the time, so I missed it. I was a little busy rescuing Abby from her wrong turn leading her to the black run. She looked over the edge and said, "I don't think I can do that." I am not sure if getting her down the black wouldn't have been easier than the walk back up!
Mark is enjoying some R&R and has been providing chauffeur service as well. He said to let everyone know he was "taking it easy and enjoying himself". He is feeling well and even drove the whole way here.
We celebrated Christmas here yesterday and look forward to our time with Mark's family this week also. Busy, Busy. Hope everyone is enjoying their Christmas holidays as much as we are. Love to all, Missy
Mark is enjoying some R&R and has been providing chauffeur service as well. He said to let everyone know he was "taking it easy and enjoying himself". He is feeling well and even drove the whole way here.
We celebrated Christmas here yesterday and look forward to our time with Mark's family this week also. Busy, Busy. Hope everyone is enjoying their Christmas holidays as much as we are. Love to all, Missy
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Just Hello
Merry Christmas Ya'll. It has turned cold here, much to my disliking. For me, the cold is something you go visit in the mountains. I would like to return to a balmy 90 degrees and sunshine please. As for today, a dreary freezing 19 degrees will have to do.
All is well here. Landon is over strep throat. Abby is trying to come down with a little something, and the rest of us appear healthy. I haven't heard, but I do hope Grandmother and Granddaddy are still well and didn't pick up any germs while they were here.
I wish you all were getting the pleasure of spending time with Mark. He is back to his usual witty, ornery, self. Catch 22 there. I guess we will take acting rotten over feeling poorly! It is really great to see him feeling better. Looks like we will get to enjoy several good weeks before surgery.
Today is great because I am off. I am awaiting a delivery at the house, so I am forced to stay at home and be productive. (Can't run anymore) I am attempting to have Christmas and vacation ready prior to leaving on Sat. Hope everyone is well and enjoying a very blessed Christmas season. Stay cozy. Missy
All is well here. Landon is over strep throat. Abby is trying to come down with a little something, and the rest of us appear healthy. I haven't heard, but I do hope Grandmother and Granddaddy are still well and didn't pick up any germs while they were here.
I wish you all were getting the pleasure of spending time with Mark. He is back to his usual witty, ornery, self. Catch 22 there. I guess we will take acting rotten over feeling poorly! It is really great to see him feeling better. Looks like we will get to enjoy several good weeks before surgery.
Today is great because I am off. I am awaiting a delivery at the house, so I am forced to stay at home and be productive. (Can't run anymore) I am attempting to have Christmas and vacation ready prior to leaving on Sat. Hope everyone is well and enjoying a very blessed Christmas season. Stay cozy. Missy
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Follow Up CT scan
Went in this morning at 11:00 for the 8 week follow up CT scan - making sure the aneurysm had not gotten any bigger. Once again, God is taking care of things... the aneurysm doesn't appear to be any larger and if anything it has gotten a little smaller. That being said, we will proceed with surgery in Jan. Thanks for all the "gametime prayers" today - they work!!!
If you can't tell yet, It's not Missy posting today--it's me -- the Sheriff himself. I'm not as good with words as Missy but I'll try. I don't even know where to begin telling everyone thanks for all you have done, are doing , and will do in the days to come. I want everyone to know that Missy and I have truly experienced God's love through his people since this all began. There is nothing like it. I could go on for hours sharing...but wont put you all through that. Please know that we love each and every one of you that have given your support ( yes-- even you stinky butt guys - and you all know who you are) we love you too. The journey has only begun so let's get to going. Mark
If you can't tell yet, It's not Missy posting today--it's me -- the Sheriff himself. I'm not as good with words as Missy but I'll try. I don't even know where to begin telling everyone thanks for all you have done, are doing , and will do in the days to come. I want everyone to know that Missy and I have truly experienced God's love through his people since this all began. There is nothing like it. I could go on for hours sharing...but wont put you all through that. Please know that we love each and every one of you that have given your support ( yes-- even you stinky butt guys - and you all know who you are) we love you too. The journey has only begun so let's get to going. Mark
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Date is Set
Hello again,
I know, it is the day after. I set everyone up for big news, and I was just too tired to post. Long day yesterday with traveling, appointment, basketball, tumbling, and a sick child. Thanks to all who made yesterday run a little more smoothly. We couldn't do it without you.
So here is the big news. The date for Mark's colon surgery is set for January 13th. Dr. Crim was very good to us and understanding of our crazy schedules. The timing was perfect to get us through the Archer County Show weekend on the 9th and 10th. He was even more gracious to consider Mark's comfort and defer all examinations on today's visit. Mark reeeaaaalllyy thinks he likes him now!
The surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am and will last at least 3 and 1/2 hours and the hospital stay will be 7-10 days. We will be at Baylor Medical Center in Irving. We took the time yesterday to go there and visit and see the facility. We found several important bits of info. The surgery waiting room is large and you can eat in it! There is wireless access in the hospital also. Thanks to Aunt Judy, I can keep you up to date with info promptly while we are there! I know everyone will appreciate that. Parking is free! ( I am always there for the bargain!)
Tomorrow is still a really big day. Mark has his CT scan tomorrow to look at his heart. I guess the January 13th surgery is pending tomorrow's findings. They will be looking for any growth in the size of the aneurysm on his aorta. Needless to say, I have been asking for lots of prayers for shrinkage. (Mark says I must clarify, as this is not a typical manly request!). His aneurysm is quite large and if they see that it has grown over this 8 week period, they will feel that his heart will take priority and his heart surgery would come first. I don't want there to be any question about it (since we are talking about millimeters of change), so I am praying for it to shrink. This would mean that all plans would stay the same.
Whatever the case, it is out of our hands. As is this whole situation. Every now and then I find myself trying to take control (imagine that), or worry about whether we are doing the "best" thing, or whether we are at the "best" hospital with the "best" doctor. In the next breath, I remind myself that we have done what we have been led to do, and no matter what, God is in the driver's seat. No matter who operates or where we are from here on out, all we can do is pray that God is guiding the hands of the people we have entrusted Mark's care to. I just know that if we ever have any questions or doubts, we know exactly where to go.
P.S. I just thought I would add another small request (or little wish) Everyone think SNOW. We are still planning a family Christmas in the mountains and New Mexico has not seen an abundance of snow yet. The kids are hoping for a blizzard before we go!
Love to you all, and stay tuned. Missy
I know, it is the day after. I set everyone up for big news, and I was just too tired to post. Long day yesterday with traveling, appointment, basketball, tumbling, and a sick child. Thanks to all who made yesterday run a little more smoothly. We couldn't do it without you.
So here is the big news. The date for Mark's colon surgery is set for January 13th. Dr. Crim was very good to us and understanding of our crazy schedules. The timing was perfect to get us through the Archer County Show weekend on the 9th and 10th. He was even more gracious to consider Mark's comfort and defer all examinations on today's visit. Mark reeeaaaalllyy thinks he likes him now!
The surgery is scheduled for 7:30 am and will last at least 3 and 1/2 hours and the hospital stay will be 7-10 days. We will be at Baylor Medical Center in Irving. We took the time yesterday to go there and visit and see the facility. We found several important bits of info. The surgery waiting room is large and you can eat in it! There is wireless access in the hospital also. Thanks to Aunt Judy, I can keep you up to date with info promptly while we are there! I know everyone will appreciate that. Parking is free! ( I am always there for the bargain!)
Tomorrow is still a really big day. Mark has his CT scan tomorrow to look at his heart. I guess the January 13th surgery is pending tomorrow's findings. They will be looking for any growth in the size of the aneurysm on his aorta. Needless to say, I have been asking for lots of prayers for shrinkage. (Mark says I must clarify, as this is not a typical manly request!). His aneurysm is quite large and if they see that it has grown over this 8 week period, they will feel that his heart will take priority and his heart surgery would come first. I don't want there to be any question about it (since we are talking about millimeters of change), so I am praying for it to shrink. This would mean that all plans would stay the same.
Whatever the case, it is out of our hands. As is this whole situation. Every now and then I find myself trying to take control (imagine that), or worry about whether we are doing the "best" thing, or whether we are at the "best" hospital with the "best" doctor. In the next breath, I remind myself that we have done what we have been led to do, and no matter what, God is in the driver's seat. No matter who operates or where we are from here on out, all we can do is pray that God is guiding the hands of the people we have entrusted Mark's care to. I just know that if we ever have any questions or doubts, we know exactly where to go.
P.S. I just thought I would add another small request (or little wish) Everyone think SNOW. We are still planning a family Christmas in the mountains and New Mexico has not seen an abundance of snow yet. The kids are hoping for a blizzard before we go!
Love to you all, and stay tuned. Missy
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Celebrate!!!!
That's right, Just another reason to celebrate all our blessings. Chemo and radiation are over!! Woohoo. Mark is doing well and we are so thankful that his treatment time went as well as it did. Your prayers and support were awesome and carried us the whole way.
Thanksgiving was wonderful. We were so glad to get to spend time with family. It was just too short. Thanks to everyone who put together the Himmels reunion and Berend celebration. It was splendid. Also to mom, and the Brown's who prepared such delicious feasts to fatten us up. It worked quite well. Thanks also to Uncle Ray, Aunt Dorothy and Chris. Your birthday adventures for Emily will make lasting memories. Abby really enjoyed her sleepover at the Lonesome Dove. Hope the girls are friends for life!
Just one more reason for celebration. Grandpa Berend turned 95 years old on Sunday. Can you believe God is so good to us. He is still as active as ever and he and Grandma are such a joy to be around. We are so blessed by our gift of great grandparents.
We are looking forward to things settling down for several weeks now so we can enjoy the Christmas season. We are anticipating more quality family time and even celebrating a white Christmas on the slopes with my family. Mark is going to get a little break this year. He won't be able to ski, so he won't have to try so hard to keep up with the kids on the mountain. Keep us in your prayers for an injury free vacation (especially for us older folks!)
We see Dr. Crim (colo-rectal surgeon) on December 8th. We will set a surgery date then. It looks like possibly mid January. We'll have more specifics after our visit Monday.
Thanksgiving was wonderful. We were so glad to get to spend time with family. It was just too short. Thanks to everyone who put together the Himmels reunion and Berend celebration. It was splendid. Also to mom, and the Brown's who prepared such delicious feasts to fatten us up. It worked quite well. Thanks also to Uncle Ray, Aunt Dorothy and Chris. Your birthday adventures for Emily will make lasting memories. Abby really enjoyed her sleepover at the Lonesome Dove. Hope the girls are friends for life!
Just one more reason for celebration. Grandpa Berend turned 95 years old on Sunday. Can you believe God is so good to us. He is still as active as ever and he and Grandma are such a joy to be around. We are so blessed by our gift of great grandparents.
We are looking forward to things settling down for several weeks now so we can enjoy the Christmas season. We are anticipating more quality family time and even celebrating a white Christmas on the slopes with my family. Mark is going to get a little break this year. He won't be able to ski, so he won't have to try so hard to keep up with the kids on the mountain. Keep us in your prayers for an injury free vacation (especially for us older folks!)
We see Dr. Crim (colo-rectal surgeon) on December 8th. We will set a surgery date then. It looks like possibly mid January. We'll have more specifics after our visit Monday.
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