New pic's.

ISN'T HE SWEET!!!!!

Good Morning

Hello all,

Yesterday Mark went to see the oncologist. He got a plan for the next six months. He will see Dr. Thomas (surgeon) on Monday to have a port placed for his chemotherapy infusions. He will do that as an outpatient surgery here in Wichita Falls. He will start his treatments within a couple of weeks after that. He will get chemo infusions every two weeks for six months. There is a little bit of question as to whether that will be done at the hospital or via a pump at home. We will know after I discuss with the insurance. The treatments will also be in Wichita Falls. He will receive a three drug combination with his infusion. He was assured that it was the best treatment, and we will also follow up through our Baylor connections to have another confirmation of that plan. We are supposed to go to "Chemo School" prior to starting to learn more about the specifics of administration and effects of chemo and techniques for dealing with those. More smarts!

Mark is doing well. He is not 100% percent, but is feeling better each day. I know he will be better when he can drive, and I sure will too. He is the worst backseat driver riding shotgun. I will have to get a more recent picture of him so you all can rest assured that he also looks good. He is hearing that a lot lately. I think it could be going to his head! That's okay, keep it coming!

Thanks for checking in. We love you all, Missy

Nothing New

The doctor's office closed today due to the weather. They rescheduled him for Thursday (today) at 2:30 pm.

I can't believe it is Tuesday!

And I haven't posted in sooooooo long. That means that life is back to hectic, as usual. The weekend was good but tiring for Mark. By Sunday afternoon he was realizing that he doesn't yet have his energy back. He just has a great excuse for taking a few extra naps!

Monday we returned to Dr. Crim for a follow-up. Fortunately, we beat any of this crazy weather and had a very smooth trip. He was pleased with Mark's progress. Everything is going just as he planned it. We also saw the nurse specialist in his office. This is the fourth one we have seen and we now have 4 different opinions, all of which we really have a lot of confidence in. These ladies have all been so experienced and knowledgeable. Unfortunately, there is a lot of trial and error to getting it right. God just knows that Mark is always up for a challenge. And, like I said before, we are learning so much. We go to the oncologist tomorrow and will have much to discuss then. Look for more updates.

Also, hurray for Justin. He is now home and is improving daily. I hear he has them catering to him at home! He is eating, sleeping well, and has even made a trip out of the house. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and to the wonderful people who have been feeding them over the last couple of weeks. They have some really great support down that way as well.

Both of our families have been so blessed by God and all of you. I know that is hard to see sometimes, but when I look around at how much worse things could be, I know how fortunate we are. Mark and Justin are on the road to being back to themselves. We are so lucky for that. I hear Justin talking about soccer and Mark wanting to drive and get back to work. Pretty soon we won't be able to slow them down.

Saturday Morning

All is well. Mark got out of the house for the first time yesterday. He went down to Granny K's to eat lunch! Quite a treat I think. His pain is very well controlled and his incision seems to be healing nicely. He is learning everyday about his diet and what works and he is managing that well also. We are very blessed.

Justin is still in the hospital. I think they are seeing a little improvement, it just seems very slow. It is hard to believe that his first 4 days went so well and getting back to that point has been so challenging. We will just have to keep praying for his full recovery in God's time. I know they are ready to get him home.

Love to all, Missy

Thursday Evening

Home is such a wonderful place to be! Everything seems to be going well still. Thanks to everyone who has checked in on Mark or called during the day. I think he is finding a few things to do. I know that I have plenty to do. I often wonder how people keep up. It feels like a full time job just keeping up with everything that he/we need to do. It keeps us young I guess, but it makes me feel really old. It is only 8:45 and I am already ready for bed!

Mark is scheduled to see Dr. Crim, the surgeon, on Monday, and Dr. Delizio, the oncologist, on the 28th.

Jusin received liquids today. I think they saw a hint of him doing a little better, but the he was vomiting again when I spoke with them this afternoon. I think I understood they are now doing lab and x-rays.

Have to go. Falling asleep while typing. Could be dangerous!

Love to all, Missy

Wednesday Evening

Well, I think Mark got a lot of rest today in a quiet house. We haven't visited a whole lot about his day, but I think it went pretty well. He is eating and drinking and trying to do everything just like they told him to do. I think I got his medicines straightened out today and tomorrow will work on making appointments.

My nephew, Justin, has had a little setback and could use a few extra prayers. It seems that they started him on a regular diet too soon. He has been vomiting and has developed a low grade temp. He has no bowel sounds and is no longer able to eat anything. They restarted his iv fluids and are back to medicating him IV which keeps him out of it most of the time. Basically they are going to start back over with his recovery and are expecting another 4 to 5 days in the hospital. The last 24 hours has been very difficult for them. I pray that God gives the physicians and his family the guidance they need to restore him to better health.

Love to all, Missy

We are home.

We arrived yesterday about 5pm and were greeted with balloons and a sign. Thanks to Aunt Cindy, the kids got to decorate for Mark's homecoming. The kids were really excited that they got to do that for him. They were very glad to have us home. We got lots of cuddle time yesterday evening. Thanks to Danny for having kid duty the last couple of days.

I left Mark resting this morning. He had a fairly good night back in his own bed. It will take a few lifestyle changes to adjust, but nothing that we can't overcome. (Giving up milk and cookies for a midnight snack never hurt anybody!)

Thanks for checking in, Missy

WoooooooooHoooooooo!!!!

The Brown's are headed home! At least we are trying to get out of here. Dr. Crim came this morning in laid out the plan for us. He was very thorough and was so good to answer all of our questions. Many last minute details will probably take into the afternoon to complete, but I think we are getting it all together.

We are still getting very good reports from Austin. Justin is off of his pain pump. I think that is good because he was really creating some stories he might have to hear about for a long, long, time. He now gets to eat cream of wheat for breakfast and is up walking in the halls. It sounds like his recovery is starting off pretty remarkably. We are so blessed.

See you all in Scotland.

Love and many, many thanks to all of you for your tireless praying. God is good, Missy

mmbrown@nts-online.net

Tuesday Morning

Hello all.

Today might be the day, but we are waiting on the Dr. this morning. Mark did move to the telemetry floor yesterday, and yes, he did move twice. He is now in room 451. And yes, he was taking care of me also. It's all about the chair! They never brought a chair to the first room because it was so small they couldn't fit a bed and a chair. Soooooo, they moved to a room that was big enough and did have a chair. Thank goodness. When I got here last night, I was ready for some rest. We will let you know what new orders we have.

Things seem to be going well down south in Austin as well. I know Justin had extra visitors yesterday and was a little worn out. I have a picture of him with the soccer guys I will post later. I think Mark might have won the staple contest, but don't worry Justin, you definitely won the contest for the smoothest belly and the best abs. I heard Justin was up walking as well and I think he has started some liquids. It sounds as if they may have a few medication challenges. Maybe they will find a balance between comfort and sanity! The drugs have quite an effect on him I hear. Hopefully today will be your day to "turn the corner". You look great in the pictures. Know that we are with you in spirit.

On to yet another prayer request. Dusty is Mark's cousin living in New Mexico. It seems he has had some heart complications following a case of the flu. His family is headed there to be with him and we just pray for their safe travel and God's healing grace for him.

Monday Afternoon

Mark saw the Doctor today. Still not our surgeon, but he had talked with Dr. Crim who will be back tomorrow. We still have no definite, but are thinking that he may possibly be discharged tomorrow. He has changed rooms. He is in #470. I feel sorry for them having to move all our things. We had kind of made a home in that little room. Mark tells me this one is half as big and he is working on getting a chair! I think those things must be scarce at this hospital. He is still doing well and we are just trying to line things up for going home. The big question everyone is asking is "Can he eat?" Everyone should feel better to know he had a hamburger yesterday and tolerated it very well. He may come across things that don't settle very well, but he will learn of those along the way. The whole thing is a large learning process. God just wants us to be so smart!

Justin (my nephew) is also doing well. I found out this morning that they removed a third of his colon. Much more than I expected. I don't know if he realizes how lucky he is. I am sure he is crushed by the timing of all of this, but I know that he is blessed by the medical intervention that he received. I think God probably has pretty big plans for him too. We may have to wait 'til later for that, but more immediately we are looking forward to know who wins the staple contest! He and Mark are going to count to see who has more. Now that is a couple of boys who are feeling better. WooooooHoooooooo.

We will let you know when we get a plan.

Late Sunday

Mark saw the colon doctor and the heart doctor today. Everything looks very good and there was talk of going home. We are thinking he will go on Tuesday, but have nothing definite yet.

My nephew, Justin, is doing well. His recovery sounds very similar to Mark's. We have already decided they will be comparing battle scars when they get out of the hospital. It is such good news to hear that his operation was successful and he will be headed down the road to recovery. We are blessed in so many ways.

Thanks again to everyone for making all of this happen. We just couldn't do it without you.
We love you, Missy

Sunday Morning.

Good morning to all. Another restful night for us. Probably the most rest since we came to the hospital. Mark was a little more sore today. Not surprising with all that he did yesterday, but the pain pills seem to work well for him. We haven't seen the doctor yet, so Mark is up and getting cleaned up. I will let you know id the doctor has anything new.

Now, the most pressing reason for this post. Prayer request. I got a call from my sister Deanna last pm. She was worried about my nephew. He was having abdominal pain and could not even stand up straight to walk anymore. I didn't hear any more until this morning. She had to take him to the emergency room. After a couple of hours there, they transferred him to the trauma center at Brackenridge hospital in Austin. After he was seen, they had him to surgery within approximately 10 minutes. He is a senior and star soccer player for Hendrickson High School. They played in a tournament this weekend. He got injured during a game, and about 8 hours later started having this pain. In surgery they found he was bleeding internally from a tear in is colon. They removed that portion of his colon and resected it. He is out of surgery and in a room on a morphine pump. The whole thing was very scary for them and also brings a great deal of emotional stress. Justin has been working hard towards a goal of playing soccer at MSU next year. I know he is young and healthy and will back bounce very quickly. I just pray for healing and recovery for him as well as peace and patience for the whole family, that they may relax and know that God is in the driver seat and he will never lead him down the wrong path.

Also I want to pray for Mark's Mom and Dad that they may be restored to perfect health and feeling back to normal quickly. We love you all, Missy.

Saturday Evening.

Okay, I guess all of you who had seen The Notebook new what I was in for huh? Yes, I cried like a baby, but what a good movie. Makes me a little nervous about the memory troubles I already have! Anyway the rest of the day went well. It was very quiet and restful. Mark has been up and doing just about everything on his own. He even acts a little put out when the nurses want to help him. I have to remind him that he really is a patient and they really do have a job to do. He has had some fun with a few practical jokes today. I think he is feeling well.

Beef stew for supper. Not very appealing to me, but he seemed to think it was good. Looking forward to another great night of rest. I think it is almost time.
Love to all, Missy

Another great day.

Another good night sleep. The night went well, with only a few interruptions. The nurses are really good to coordinate their care and make every effort not to wake Mark up if he is sleeping, but some things have to be done.

Dr. Stadler came by today and said that everything was looking good. He changed some meds. He feels like Mark could still be loosing fluid too quickly through the ostomy and he wants to slow that. He discontinued his pain pump, so he will be taking pain pills. He will also have pain shots if necessary. He got his catheter of his bladder. He was very ready for that! He will also get to try some real food today to see how he does with it.

Soooooo, he has showered and shaved and is feeling much better. He walked out of his room to the nurses station to tell her he was ready to be hooked back up. He tried to tell the housekeeper he was headed home, but she didn't bite. The nurse today told me, "I see you have your hands full." No doubt! But, I told her this only meant that he was feeling well, because he had kind of lost his fire for a couple of days.

We are watching "The Notebook" now. We have never seen it, but everyone seems to rave about it, so we are giving it a shot.

Hope averyone is well. Rest assured that we are doing well and are well taken care of. God is good!

Friday Night Update

I like Friday Night Lights better than Friday night update, but this will have to do. Friday continued to be a good day. Mark got out of bed and walked in the halls. I didn't get to see, but it sounds as if it was a semi jog. When I got there to watch him, he was already getting back in bed. He used a walker today, but they said he will probably do it himself tomorrow. He gets up in the room just fine. Pain is getting better. He is using less pain medicine all the time.

We had some more teaching today on his illeostomy. We were sure glad, because neither of us were very coherent last time they came.

I shouldn't have layed down to type. I have found myself dozing. I will make it brief. We enjoyed all of our visits with friends and family today and thanks to everyone for their wonderful thoughts, gifts, and cards. Love to all, Missy

WooooooooHoooooooo!

What a great day. This floor has been so wonderful. We couldn't ask for more caring nurses. We both slept well last night. Only a few challenges. That fold out bed that I have been talking about for days - was broken! Good thing Mechanic Missy is staying here. Fixed the bed and slept like a dream. So much better than the last few nights. At least until Mark woke me up when he was pulling his central line out. He slept well otherwise.

Dr Crim came this morning and had only good things to say. He removed the drain from Mark's incision and removed the dressing. He advanced his diet to full liquids. Yeah. Cream of Wheat for breakfast. House Surprise for lunch! (We had to have that taken away because it was not quite fit to eat.) Ice cream and pudding now. Dr. Crim said he can be out of bed. He is concerned about him being up with his blood pressure being low, but will allow him up with help. His chest x-ray was clear and he has had no more fever. He still has good pain control with his pump and IV medications.

We promptly got up, shaved, brushed teeth, and washed hair. It was quite a workout after having been in bed for so long. He doesn't have a whole lot of energy, but he is determined. And he sure smells good now too.

He's sleeping now. More Later, Missy

Better Day.

Sorry, Just typed a whole post, but was disconnected from internet and lost everything. I am really tired, so I will just sum it up to say we had a much better day. Mark is feeling well, no fever now, medicines still working, and out of ICU. We got to see the kids today and are looking forward to a peaceful restful night. Will be more thourough after a good noghts rest.
Love to all, Missy.
By the way, Mark's name is Kenneth Mark Brown. Some who have called have been led astray by the name thing.

The doctor has been by.

Dr Crim was here this morning to check on Mark. He went over his plan which is to look for sources for his fever. They drew the blood cultures, but will not have prelim results for 24 hours. He started the antibiotics also. He saw what Mark was coughing up and is doing a chest x-ray as well. Blood pressures are still low. He is back up in the chair today and seem to like getting to move around. Dr Crim said he would start some liquids today.

The pathology is also back from surgery. There was a second lesion near the area of the original one. also there was a third area of dysplasia. All of these have been removed completely. There were 36 lymph nodes in the tissue removed. There was cancer in 4 of those. This means that he will have the chemo treatments following this surgery. We had suspected this and are looking at 6 months of iv chemo treatments.

We are getting along well and appreciate your concern. I know everyone would rather be "doing" something to help. Please know that all of you prayers and caring thoughts warm our hearts daily. It really does more than you can imagine. Even Mark wanted the computer at his bedside yesterday. (I think he was concerned what I had been saying about him!).

More news as it occurs. Love, Missy.

Thursday morning.

Well, the chair wasn't all it was cracked up to be. The floor was much better. At least we got more rest than the night before. Mark has not been feeling real well. He thought he wanted to quit taking the "good" medicine because it made him sweat profusely. I encouraged him not to do that because it was working quite well. I suspected that the sweating was related to fever. He started with a low grade temp about 7pm last evening. Prior to that, the Toradol did not make him sweat. We requested she retake his temp this am, and it is 102.9. The doctor has ordered blood cultures and is restarting antibiotics. He did take his Toradol at 7am and shortly after his fever broke. We are waiting to see Dr. Crim today. Hopefully we will get pathology results today. We are still in ICU and the nurses are not sure that PCU will take him with his blood pressure being low. He actually had a couple of pressures this am that were a little higher and I thought they might be better for good, but it doesn't look like it. The plan was to have the kids come down to see him today, but they cannot come in the ICU, so we may have to change things. They and he will be so disappointed. Maybe we will hear more about a room soon.
Right this minute Mark is settled and resting soundly. Let you know of anything new.
Love to all, Missy.
mmbrown@nts-online.net

Last Update for Wednesday evening.

WoooooooooHooooooooooo! Missy got a chair. Missy got a chair. My harassed the little nurse Dee until she made it happen. Glad she did. I was prepared to squabble with whoever I had to over it, but we didn't have to go there. I might have to give it up in the middle of the night to a patient who wants to sit up, but anything is better than nothing. They just don't realize how this reclining chair will make me much easier to deal with.

Mark is doing pretty good. Got his Toradol at6:30, but has been doing a lot of moving and coughing since that time. He is ready to settle down I think. He is receiving his second unit of blood and 1 hour after it is completed, they will draw more lab. His blood pressure right now is just a squeak higher than it was, so maybe it will continue. Pray lots for no fever. Last temp was 99.9. Don't need anything extra to pop up.

Its lights out. Sorry, results must wait until tomorrow. Love you all, Missy
mmbrown@nts-online.net

Latest on Wednesday.

They just got the lab results back and the doctor was notified. His hemoglobin is low and his last blood pressure was very low also. He has ordered blood for him. He still looks good and is feeling good. Will update as things change. Love to all, Missy

Wednesday

Hello everyone. Sorry for the delay. You might have guessed that nothing got any better after my last post. It has taken us this long to recover from last night.

To sum it up, Mark never got good pain relief, his pressures never got any better, and we didn't get any sleep. By this morning, we were both so exhausted we could hardly think. Judy reserved a late check out on the hotel room so that I could get cleaned up and rest. I am so thankful. I think I can be a little more rational now. I think we have been so blessed through all of this. This was our reminder of how fortunate we have been.

Things are looking up. Dr. Crim was back on today and he changed some things up to get Mark headed in a better direction. He added another non-narcotic pain medicine to take with the Morphine. It's working. Mark looks better, feels so much better and is resting more soundly. Praise God. The doctor suspects that the blood pressure is related to his hydration. He suggested hydration may be difficult to control with the location of the ostomy. He has given fluid boluses. His urine looks 100% better, but his blood pressures remain low. They will continue to monitor that. His lab was normal this am and they just drew more lab a few minutes ago.

As I said, things are looking up today and the sun is shining. He still has a thumbs up. He is still in the ICU and I suspect he will sleep most of the day as he catches up on some much needed rest.

Thanks for all of the prayers. They carry us on this roller coaster ride. I know it is difficult to wait for updates. I think I can get back in the swing now with some rest. We love you all. Missy.

Evening Update

Whew. What a day. We have had all the fun in ICU we want for a while. Mark rested for a bit when he first got in here, but then he woke up very uncomfortable. I think they are finally on top of his pain again. He has rested soundly for 26 min. Don't worry he didn't miss any pain meds during that time. Oops, spoke to soon. Beeping woke him up. Think his pain med is empty. So much for resting. They have also been speaking with his doctor because his blood pressure is low. They are giving fluids and holding some of his medicines while monitoring his pressures closely.

Pray for rest and comfort. This could be quite a long night.

Had to hold that thought, doctor on call for Dr. Crim was here. He said everything looks good. His pressure is up to 92/56. I asked if he ever considered a change in pain medicine if one is not working. He said that Mark had the biggest surgery that they do. He is concerned about more medicine and his blood pressure, but he is increasing the frequency that he can get medicine.Guess he didn't want to change medicines. Hope it works.
Everyone sleep well and thanks for all your thoughts and prayers today. Love to all, Missy

In ICU

Mark is finally settled in ICU and we have been in to see him. He looks very good, but is very tired. He days he is hurting a little and having trouble getting comfortable in the bed. He used his magic button for pain medicine, and maybe now he can get some rest. Thank you all over and over and over again for all that you do and all the prayers. We have had so many prayers answered over several months, and especially today. Thanks Diane for your tip on leaving comments. Hope it helps ease peoples frustration. I'll update later this afternoon. Mark will be moved to PCU when there is an available bed, but there is no word on when that is.
Lots of Love, Missy

mmbrown@nts-online.net

Latest update

Just had to call recovery room to get info. I promise I am behaving. They have been waiting on a bed to move him to. It looks like now he will go to ICU. He will just be occupying their bed because there are no others. His condition has not changed. They haven't let me see him, but I did hear him ask, "Is that my wife?" on the phone. The nurse caring for him was very nice. She says, "Of course he is behaving, remember, I am the nurse with the drugs!"
More later, Missy

Surgery Complete!

WooooooHoooooooo. Dr. Crim just came to talk with us in the waiting room. Everyone even got to huddle around to hear at one time. That is like 15 people. He said Mark definitely has lots of support. Ya think! Anyway. He seemed pleased with how everything went. He completed everything just as he planned to do. There were no complications, with his part or with his heart either. All great news. God hears us and answers us.

Dr. Crim took all of the tissue surrounding the tumor which included the lymph nodes. It will be a couple of days before we get the results from that. He also looked at other organs including his liver and did not see any evidence of spread of cancer. He did have to place the ostomy in a slightly different place than he planned. Not a big deal, but this could result in some hydration challenges, but he said they will monitor that closely. We are so lucky. He is going to send him to PCU which is a step down from ICU, so that he can be in a monitored bed for his heart. He should be there in about an hour and then we can see him. As soon as they have a room number, I will let you know. Thanks for all your calls, texts, comments, e-mails, and prayers. Check back about 1:15. Love to all, Missy

mmbrown@nts-online

Another Update

Another call received at 11:15. Right on time. Everything still going well. They are starting to close right now. She didn't know how long that would take, but that is a good thing that everything is proceeding just like they prepared us. Many prayers are working. Thanks to everyone. Love, Missy

Update

Just got another call. Still in surgery and everything is going well. Just partying in the waiting room still. Okay maybe that is stretching it, but we do have lots of good snacks. Thanks for tuning in. Missy

Mark's in Surgery.

Sorry for the delay. Had to update a little virus protection. Should be good to go now. We arrived at 6:10 this am. Yes, fashionably late as the Mark Brown's typically are. We were still second in the waiting area. Everyone has been very kind, informative, and efficient. We saw Dr. Crim (surgeon) as well as Dr. Garman (anesthesiologist) prior to surgery. They called out at 8:15 and were starting the surgery at that time. At 9:15, we received another call that they were progressing normally and everything was going well. I thought you all would probably want to know how Mark was doing, so I included a few pic's from Sunday and today.

We have a large presence here in the waiting room. Everyone was here early, but they only let the minister through the doors. So, Uncle Donny got to come back and pray with us prior to Mark being wheeled out. Have to tell a funny on him. He probably won't remember, but true story. After praying, he asked Donny, "Do you think it is sacrilegious at all to pray when your on drugs, 'cause I can feel it." He had just received his preop meds. Good laugh on his way to the operating room. Thanks to everyone here with us, and at home taking care of things there. Also to everyone who are offering prayers from all over. God is good.

I will update as I get more info. Need to add another prayer to everyone's list. Keep forgetting to add Mary's mom to our "big list". She was very ill and is beginning her recovery at the rehab hospital in Wichita Falls. Many of you know Mary from the Uniform Shop. She is part of our family and we are praying for only good things for her mother June.

Love to all, Missy

mmbrown@nts-online.net

We're here.

We arrived about 5:15 to the Hyatt Place Dallas Las Colinas. Very nice place. Judy did a great job on priceline. For those who know my issues with hotels, know that I was at peace when I walked in the door here. I think I will make it! We are relaxing and waiting on several family members to get here. Mark was unimpressed with the multitude of eating establishments he had to pass en route here. I never hear him talk so much about eating until he can't do it. We always want what we can't have huh? He is enjoying coffee now, and I am cooking up a great "cleansing" cocktail for him later. What more can a guy ask for?

Thanks everyone for your kind and encouraging words. We have the best support ever! God is so good to us. It has been such a boost hearing from everyone over the last couple of days. I wish I could keep up and respond to everyone.

I am still hearing that some are having trouble leaving messages on the website. I am out of solutions for this. If anyone has any tips, please post them in a comment for all to read. I am posting our e-mail address again as it may be easier to contact that way, and we check regularly. Also, many have asked for the address to the hospital. I have finally found a minute to look that up. Baylor Medical Center at Irving
1901 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Irving, TX 75061
Baylorhealth.com

Love to all, Missy
mmbrown@nts-online.net

We leave tomorrow.

And I am sooooo not ready! Not to fear. That seems to be the way we roll around here. One day at a time, and tomorrow is not here yet. Besides, I think I do my best work under pressure. (I hope!!)

The last few days have been great. I wish everyone could have had a window to our world since Thursday. So many thanks to Danny and Mom and Dad for helping out on Thursday. That was chicken washing and baking day and of course, we had to throw some basketball in there also. We would have been up all night without the extra help. Baking was a blast. I know that Aunt Jane never did it quite the way we did. No doubt she was smiling - no laughing out loud, watching the improvisations we had to make. But, it worked! The boys both had success at the show with their baking projects. Landon won first place in the coffee cakes with "Aunt Janes Coffee Cake" and Austin won Outstanding yeast bread entry with "Aunt Janes Yeast Bread". Thanks to Renae and Megan for getting us those recipes. This was truly a testament to what a great cook Aunt Jane was. And, just a note to anyone else who gets a hold of her recipes. She didn't do anything small! Be sure to read carefully and not mistake 5 1/2 pounds of flour for 5 1/2 cups! Cut it down first or you will surely have a freezer full of bread!

On to the birds. Washing was a hoot, as always. There was poop flying everywhere - literally. Uncle Danny, the judge made a point to find out whose birds these were, and thanked both of the boys for washing them. He said it makes such a difference when judging. Many thanks to you and Dad for the help. For those who have never seen this, these birds get the royal treatment, blow dryers and all. It is quite a production. Anyway, the boys were rewarded for their (and our) work. They had the Grand Champion, and the 3rd place chickens. The show was great, their were many good birds. Great competition. They sold their birds last night at the premium auction and we delivered the dressed birds to the buyers. We are done with birds! WooooHooooo!

Can't leave little Abby out. She did help with the chickens and all, but her success this week came at tumbling. She received two new medals for her back bend kick over, and back walk over. She is learning everyday and loves to "perform"

More later, But I have to help get kids ready for church. Mark just serenaded them with song and guitar to get them out of bed. I am rolling at his verse improvisation, and it is working!

So long, Love to all, Missy

Less than a week.

I wish I could say that I was ready. I am getting there. After Saturday we should be great. We are asking for more prayers again. It seems we have been doing this a great deal over the last several months. We learned news yesterday of Mark's cousin who is newly diagnosed colon cancer. We hope that God will shower many blessings on Susan and all of the Brown family and that he will give them peace during this time of waiting and decision for a plan.

We will be leaving for Irving on Monday afternoon. We are hoping to meet with the kids and then head out. We will stay at the Hyatt Place Dallas/Las Colinas Monday night and are scheduled to be at the hospital at 6:00am on Tuesday. The surgery is being done at Baylor Medical Center at Irving. We are told the procedure will take at least 3 and 1/2 hours and the hospital stay to be approx one week to ten days. It goes without saying that "everything is subject to change." I will have the computer to update and will do so frequently that day to keep everyone informed. I will do that on this site. That is what Mark prefers, and it keeps me from having to something new on the computer!.

We are so lucky to have so many people to help with the kids. We have more offers than we can even keep up with. Tessa and Donna are going to be staying at the house with the kids. Tessa will stay the first part of the week and Donna will stay the last half of next week. They are so wonderful to do this so the kids don't have to go from place to place. I will leave many numbers and a calendar as best I can for them, and have spoken with others who can help out on the spur of the moment. The kids will be in great hands. Thank you all.

Running late have to get kids to school and myself to work. More later, Missy.

January 5, 2009

I can't believe I haven't posted since the new Year! Busy, Busy. The days are passing so fast. I think we are getting it all together. Maybe we will be ready by the time the date gets here! We got a huge project out of the way this weekend. Thanks to Mom, Dad and Danny for helping get the chickens taken care of yesterday. And, also a great big thanks to Isaela who took many of the birds to her family. That project usually falls on the Sunday after the sale which would be the day before we leave. Putting up chickens is not what I have time for that day. Just one more thing from our list out of the way. The kids show their birds this week and I am sure they will be glad for the break when it is all over. Mark and I have talked a lot about next week and he is really ready to face it and move on. He is as prepared as he can be and looks forward to having it behind him. His attitude is great. That coupled with all the help we are getting from upstairs and all the support we receive from all of you carries our load daily. Thanks everyday for everything. Missy