Stable Mabel

(title borrowed from my sweet friend Vicki)

Most of you know this already from my Facebook post, but my exam was all clear Wednesday; blood work was stable. Dr. C doesn't even think I need a scan at this point, which officially marks the longest I've been without a scan. And while she said she was completely willing to order one, she didn't think it was necessary at this time. Brian and I feel comfortable with that, although I definitely will be asking for one when I see her next in November.

I want to make sure I never take this continued good news for granted. I don't want to get used to it or take it more lightly than I should. I am stable and doing well. The unexpected job offer and interviewing process has been tougher than I imagined. When we made the decision simultaneously to adopt Rory and for me to become a stay-at-home-mom back in 2007, the plan was always that I would go back to work at some point; probably when both kids were back in school. After my cancer diagnosis, going back to work seemed so impossible, not just from a physical standpoint but from the knowledge that bad news was always just around the corner.

This job offer came to me so completely out of the blue, and I experienced several days of just straight out fear at the thought of committing, of moving forward with our lives, of planning for the future. Thank goodness for my sister and friends who encouraged me to not live in fear. God was clearly providing this job opportunity. Not only is it a financial blessing, but I am just honestly ready for the next challenge in life. I have taken good care of my kiddos, cleaned this house hundreds of times, made dinner night after night, done more loads of laundry than I can count, etc., etc.. And I will continue to do so, but I am absolutely ready to be back in the work force. The fact that I can do so at a denominational company in which I fully believe in their mission is just a great bonus. I know that the adjustment is going to be big. Hard. But I think I'm up to the challenge.

Ask me again in a couple of weeks. ;)

Yesterday's agenda included one last summer movie (thank heavens for the Regal and Carmike summer programs - cheap movies!), a trip to Brian's school to see his new classroom, celebratory lunch at BiBimBop, and then school shopping, and Bible study night (for me). I've managed to wait until the last minute not only for supplies, but for uniforms and shoes.

It was not necessarily the most fun I've had all summer (tensions were running a little high all around), but the kids are now about 90% ready for their school year. And our wallets are empty.

Why, yes, my kids do love bright colors.

I managed to sleep in until nearly 7:00 this morning, just about the latest I've slept all summer. I wish I were kidding about that, but sleep has not come easy the last couple of months! While I would like to take it easy today, there are many things to get done. I'm determined to have a joyful attitude today despite the busyness.

Happy Friday!