tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295241642024-03-14T13:49:15.105-05:00Life as a LewisMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.comBlogger2697125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-50441065997493817132021-02-12T19:38:00.000-06:002021-02-12T19:38:59.689-06:00Five on Friday (February 12, 2021)<p style="text-align: center;">1. I cannot be convinced that there is anything better in January/February than a snow day. Because of a little ice on the north side of Nashville, Brian and the kids had a snow day Thursday. I did not have a snow day, BUT I was home at least and could enjoy having us all together. Of course, it seems I never leave home (because I don't), but with Brian and Camden's busy schedules, it feels much too rare to be together with little to do. </p>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50936975482/in/album-72157718177899243/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50936975482_ba32c738a3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">2. And here's a good reason why a snow day came in handy. In a 5-day period this week, Camden had 3 basketball games, a science fair project and accompanying 10-page paper due, a virtual choir competition, an in-person small group ensemble and drama competition, a chiro appointment, not to mention just the regular academic requirements of being a junior in all honors classes. Here's what I know: my high school schedule didn't look like this.</div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">
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3. Annual Super Bowl party this past Sunday - Rory was sneezing/coughing so she stayed home out of an abundance of caution, and I came home to join her after the first quarter. I was rooting for Tom Brady so the night was good to me.</div><p></p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50936975002/in/album-72157718177899243/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50936975002_99a1c4933d_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;">4. On these cold winter days, we've got several favorite coffee deliveries. We've been subscribed to <a href="https://www.drinktrade.com/?utm_source=google&utm_campaign=g-us-search-brand-trademark-exact&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiA65iBBhB-EiwAW253W3tI_q321BKBbDI1iU7YSxJkkomopkN-ficVJxK5KMhjoX23y4mRRhoCySQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Trade Coffee</a> for nearly 2 years and consistently receive 2 bags of freshly roasted beans from local roasters all over the U.S. As quarantine began last March and we stopped being able to visit our favorite local spots, I knew we weren't going to survive without more coffee. I literally googled coffee subscriptions and found a local coffee shop in Baltimore with free shipping and good reviews. And now we receive 2 bags of <a href="https://shop.ceremonycoffee.com/products/thesis" target="_blank">Thesis</a> every 6 weeks. Our third and final coffee delivery isn't a subscription but is my favorite coffee and I just wait for a free shipping coupon to order: <a href="https://www.sunergoscoffee.com/products/blend-b" target="_blank">Blend B from Sunergos</a> in Louisville (we've actually been to this coffee shop in person). Sunergos also has a great cold brew concentrate you can order in the summer. Unfortunately, both kids have developed a taste for good coffee. I can't blame them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">5. After MONTHS of not sleeping, I have slept like a rock every single night this week. Brian says I cannot jinx myself by saying something out loud, but it feels possible I can so I'm writing it instead. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy weekend, friends. We're looking for a little more winter weather in the coming days, kids are out of school Monday for President's Day, and I have fresh flowers on my kitchen table and chocolate in the pantry which must mean Valentine's Day is near.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-80843269066036142132021-02-05T17:13:00.001-06:002021-02-05T17:13:09.125-06:00Five on Friday (February 5, 2021)<p style="text-align: center;">Camden's in the thick of basketball season and is gone for the third Friday night in a row. When Camden is gone, I entertain Rory with movies that he will not enjoy--Hairspray, Emma, You've Got Mail, and The Devil Wears Prada--and Brian takes her out for ice cream. On tonight's agenda is Julia and Julia. </p><p style="text-align: center;">
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A couple of weeks ago, Camden gathered with a small group of friends at the local funeral home to watch WandaVision together. Yes, a funeral home - owned/operated by a classmate's family. It was a good place to spread out but still be together. We're still laughing about it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Rory is hoping to play soccer this spring. In fact, she had her first workout this afternoon. It's hard to know how Covid will affect schedules. Basketball has certainly been full of stops and starts, but since Camden had Covid in November there's a certain level of comfort that comes with having Covid off the table. That concern starts all over again with Rory and the soccer team.</p><p style="text-align: center;">My oncology team tells me that I should be able to receive the first dose of the vaccine in the near future, and it can't come quickly enough. I continue to work from home, order groceries from home, and generally miss out on everything that happens outside home. Because of stricter attendance guidelines, I did get to see Camden play basketball for the first time this season. I'll admit to feeling quite a few butterflies, but the gym was nearly empty and I wore my N95 mask. The team isn't having much success but I LOVED seeing Camden do something he enjoys so much. Unfortunately, his back continues to give him trouble and I've made it my personal mission to make sure he is icing and heating appropriately. I just hate that a bad back is something he's dealing with at such a young age. He certainly takes a beating out on the basketball court. </p><p style="text-align: center;">
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<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">We bought Camden a suit a couple of weekends ago and pick it up tomorrow. I can't wait to see it on him although it's hard to believe he's old enough to need a suit.</p><p style="text-align: center;">A few 2021 favorites:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: left;">Food: I can't purchase enough tortillas and hummus to keep Camden happy. He eats them after school and after practice every day. I never imagined an apple as a food favorite, but cosmic crisp apples are amazing. And we're all hooked on Golly G's shake with a shot of espresso (cookie dough is my favorite).</li><li style="text-align: left;">TV: Monk (family), Psych (kids), Cobra Kai (the nostalgia is real for me and Brian, but too much language for the kids), Ted Lasso (me), Black List (Brian) and Longmire (me). I would be embarrassed to list the number of shows I've binged during the second half of quarantine.</li><li style="text-align: left;">Books: I started 2021 off strong with 7 books but my favorite of the group was Dominicana by Angie Cruz. </li><li style="text-align: left;">Air Pods Pro - we all used Christmas money to purchase Air Pods (everyone but Rory bought the Pros) and I never knew what I was missing. We love them so much!</li></ul>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50912240158/in/album-72157718177899243/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50912240158_446936a71a_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-45228887810081433562020-10-09T16:48:00.003-05:002020-10-09T16:48:52.754-05:00Five on Friday (October 9, 2020)<p style="text-align: center;">The kids saw their pediatrician for annual physicals last month, and, surprisingly, Rory is the one doing all the growing these days. She grew about 5 inches and gained 20 pounds. In fact, Dr. H says she's moved from tiny (3-5th percentile which has been her norm) to just small/petite (10th percentile). Camden is 5'11" and 129 lbs so he's still a beanpole. The most significant information from this visit is Dr. H confirming that Rory's asthma is most improved from the last several years.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50442240926/in/album-72157715838959841/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50442240926_a76e8c5d6c_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50442240926/in/album-72157715838959841/" title="Untitled"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></a><p style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, Rory came down with a seasonal cold (and a few allergies thrown in) not long after she finished her COVID-exposure quarantine so she sneezed her head off and was generally miserable for a couple of days. Because of our current COVID climate, she was unable to attend school in person while having these symptoms, which is understandable. She shed a few tears the first morning, but a hot cup of coffee perked her right up. Can't do that at school!</p><p style="text-align: center;">Our lives have changed tremendously over the last 14 days - Camden got his license! While I continue to be anxious every morning when he and Rory pull out of the driveway, the convenience of not having to be a full-time chauffeur is pretty amazing. So far we've stuck to school trips, but he's doing really well. I think I might even be looking forward to the near future when he handles errands and all social events. What will we do with all the extra time on our hands?</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50442319897/in/album-72157715838959841/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50442319897_9aea7c0223_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50442319897/in/album-72157715838959841/" title="Untitled"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></a><p style="text-align: center;">Another big piece of news is that my recent CT scan showed stable cancer and my CA125 dropped an entire 20 points! That's probably the biggest drop I've ever had, and I hardly know how to feel with such good news all around. After 9.5 years of cancer and cancer treatment, bad days are just my reality but I am certainly grateful that my current medicine has few side effects. Unfortunately, my oncologist continues to request that I stay home, avoiding stores and gatherings. Quarantining for 7+ months is not easy. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Rory's 14th birthday last month was a bright spot. How did our little munchkin turn into such a grown-up beautiful teenager? She requested a lemon raspberry cake and my grandma's chicken and dumplings. We celebrated once with grandparents, Aunt Liz and Addison and then again on her actual birthday with wings (again, her request).</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50442140056/in/album-72157715838959841/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50442140056_5689a4fcf5_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50442319907/in/album-72157715838959841/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50442319907_64f7d73789_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50442320002/in/album-72157715838959841/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50442320002_65fcb6f380_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><p style="text-align: center;">Fall break officially begins this afternoon. I hear Camden a date scheduled (yes, his very first one and very official), we're attending Addison's soccer game, and I have to have some testing done on my port (why are my ports so much trouble??). Happy weekend, friends.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-84500062977774769812020-09-11T08:19:00.018-05:002020-09-11T08:23:31.128-05:00Five on Friday (September 11, 2020)<p style="text-align: center;"><i>But as for me, God's presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do. -Psalm 73:28</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">1. Sunday after church we jumped in the car and made our way to East Tennessee for a quick overnight visit with Brian's parents. I was pretty desperate to get away from the house! If you're also still sheltering at home, then you understand how difficult it is to continue to stay home for months on end especially when it seems no one else is doing so. I convinced Brian to grab curbside coffee from Crema on the way out of town. The weather was beautiful; Rory got to drive Gramps's mule (so did I), and we unexpectedly had the opportunity to see friends for a bit. The trip was definitely worth the hours on the road.</p><p style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50327183108_81e93c5870_c.jpg" width="600" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50327184478_55f6e53915_c.jpg" width="600" /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">2. Rory returned to school Tuesday after nearly 2 weeks of remote learning, and she was ready (although I think she secretly misses staying home all day and the extra screen time).</div><p style="text-align: center;">3. Basketball conditioning started Tuesday, and Camden is thrilled to be back at it. Because of his broken finger in December, he missed the rest of last season and he sure does love basketball. Not only did he continue to play at home (he and Brian have heated matchups in the driveway) but we've been watching A LOT of NBA basketball especially now that the playoffs are here. Camden can tell you every single stat about every player, regardless of team. Seriously, the amount of useless information that lives in his head is astonishing. Besides the gameplay (which seems to be even better in the NBA bubble), I appreciate the players, coaches, and staff's attempt to bring awareness and change. While I know not everyone agrees, my belief is that they are simply doing their best to <i>do something </i>in a time where so many feel helpless. </p><p style="text-align: center;">4. I've been growing my hair out for most of 2020 and it's officially the longest it's been since I chopped it off prior to beginning my first round of chemo way back in May 2011. I can put it in a ponytail (maybe not the prettiest ponytail, but a ponytail) but my goal is a messy bun. My guess is that's going to take a while. </p><p style="text-align: center;">5. More books and TV to recommend: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Untitled-Memoir-Lou-Htims/dp/0062899961/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=open+book&qid=1599766840&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Open Book</a> by Jessica Simpson came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Switch-Novel-Beth-OLeary/dp/1250769868/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Z6QVXZ7GJZH2&dchild=1&keywords=the+switch+beth+o%27leary&qid=1599766880&sprefix=the+switch%2Caps%2C415&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Switch</a> by Beth O'Leary is our book club pick for the month, and it is delightful. I'm currently reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vanishing-Half-Novel-Brit-Bennett/dp/0525536299/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SZITNGSAKVLB&dchild=1&keywords=the+vanishing+half&qid=1599766919&sprefix=the+vanishing%2Caps%2C425&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Vanishing Half </a>by Brit Bennett and would also recommend although I'm only halfway through (and subject matter is definitely heavier). I've been working my way through all 5 seasons of Alias since May and love it so much that I hate to see it end (I only have a couple of episodes left). On a less entertaining note, Immigration Nation on Netflix is a heartbreaking look at immigrants and our system under the current administration. Don't watch if you don't want to learn hard things. I cried a lot through the first 2 episodes and have yet to muster up the emotional energy to watch the final 3 episodes.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend, friends.</p></div></div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-81350889189742713352020-09-04T11:05:00.001-05:002020-09-10T14:19:58.071-05:00Five on Friday (September 4, 2020)<div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">The most important thing to note on this fourth day of September is the weather is supposed to cool off to 57 tonight. Our highs go back up to upper 80's tomorrow, but 57 is going to feel awesome, and fall is coming. Maybe not soon enough but it's coming. </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">1. Rory was exposed to COVID almost 2 weeks ago so she's been home with me. She is able to do remote learning so she hasn't missed a beat regarding school. Speaking of school, Brian is also back to his bonus career as bus driver after a 5-month break. Approximately 40% of our county school population chose remote learning so his bus has 25ish students instead of 65ish students, which makes for a much easier day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50304593253/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50304593253_5bd28e01dd_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50305280011/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50305280011_146c11b34d_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 2. I have been doing a ton of reading recently and the two books I read this week were both 5 stars, and a 5 star book is a rarity for me. The first is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Code-Name-H%C3%A9l%C3%A8ne-Ariel-Lawhon/dp/0385544685/ref=sr_1_1?crid=23EQPKIFU74UO&dchild=1&keywords=code+name+helene&qid=1599234392&s=books&sprefix=code+name%2Caps%2C202&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Code Name Helene</a> by Ariel Longhorn. It is historical fiction from WW2 and is based on the true story of a woman who helped lead the Resistance in German-occupied France. The characters are likable, the villains are extreme, and I cried near the end. I loved it so much. The second book is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Woods-Harlan-Coben/dp/1538748142/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27EDATJQJ5HGG&dchild=1&keywords=the+boy+in+the+woods+by+harlan+coben&qid=1599234309&sprefix=the+boy+in+the+woods%2Caps%2C733&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Boy in the Woods</a> by Harlan Coben. I read all of Coben's books and they're all page-turners, but not all worth 5 stars. While this one isn't quite the same quality of literature as Code Name Helene, the story was intense and I could not stop reading.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3. Rory got new glasses a couple of weeks ago, and they're cute! She was pretty set on black and big.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50282897083/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50282897083_bd842580e8_c.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div style="text-align: center;">5. My mom introduced us to a new game, and we've had a lot of fun playing it during these last couple of weeks (she let us borrow). We like it enough, we might need to purchase our own copy. It's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Asmodee-SPL01-Splendor/dp/B00IZEUFIA/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=splendor&qid=1599234802&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Splendor</a>, by the way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Untitled" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50282897138_f94f649ed1_c.jpg" width="800" /></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I promised him I wouldn't post this on Instagram, but I didn't say anything about the blog.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/34592695@N03/50282902248/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="600" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50282902248_f10345c416_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-4707345115414541922020-08-12T08:24:00.006-05:002020-08-12T08:27:05.979-05:00Back to School<p style="text-align: center;"> Yes, I know I missed the entire summer. I will catch up soon, but I didn't want the start of school to slip by.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Because I have an 8th grader and a junior! As usual, I just don't know where the time goes. There's this little thing called COVID-19 continuing to keep us all captive so returning to school is no small matter. Brian and I (mostly me) spent many anguished days and nights trying to decide what was the right choice for the kids. Ultimately, we decided to keep them at the same school they've always attended which is meeting in-person with masks and other safety protocols. Both Camden and Rory are thrilled to be back with their friends and I'm so glad they continue to love school.</p><p style="text-align: center;">We've completed our first week and are well on our way to finishing up week number two and no snags for the kids yet. (I won't count the quarantined freshman class as a snag for my kids. Yikes!) Camden is taking difficult classes, along with dual enrollment (college classes). Honestly, his academic junior year probably had the most influence on our choice to let the kids go back to school.</p><p style="text-align: center;">
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<img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50217590698_644abae5b3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt=" "></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-86538576120842971142020-05-26T14:43:00.001-05:002020-05-26T14:43:19.546-05:00Corona Diary #4<div style="text-align: center;">
(obviously, this is old news; I just never hit publish on this post)</div>
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It is increasingly difficult for everyone (adults most definitely included) to get up and moving each morning. Even Brian, who is an extreme morning person, sleeps until nearly 6 (which is unheard of for him). I begin work (from home) each morning at 8 but my standard of what constitutes getting ready for work is lower each week. We might miss a lot of things about our pre-shelter-at-home days, but I cannot be convinced that there is anything better than a slow morning. I will be working from home for the rest of May.</div>
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The kids will finish schoolwork Friday and who knows how they will fill their time for the summer since every activity is canceled. I do know that they're ready for a break.</div>
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I read two 5-star books last week. The kind you can't quit and whose characters stay with you for days. The first is the One in a Million Boy by Monica Woods. Sad but sweet with a redemption story. The second is Long Bright River by Liz Moore and it couldn't be different. This book is about Kensington, PA, and the opioid crisis, corrupt cops, and sisterhood. I did a deep dive on Kensington and the story is based on true events, including the fact that Kensington is considered the opioid capital. I've enjoyed 2 months of the book of the month and I think I'll hang on while the library is closed. You can use <a href="https://www.bookofthemonth.com/referCode/?referCode=712027c81a2c&show_box=true" target="_blank">my link </a>here for a discount (and I get a free month).</div>
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Brian and the kids cleaned the house for me for Mother's Day which was sweet. We didn't spend Sunday with my mom but we did see her the night before - our new weekend event is to sit around the fire pit with my parents and grandparents.</div>
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We're watching The Last Dance, of course. I grew up in Illinois and have loved Michael Jordan in a way that I love no other athlete or celebrity since I was 15 or 16. It's been so fun to share the experience with Camden, and I remember SO many of the games the documentary is covering. Brian and I watched MJ and the Bulls win their third championship on our honeymoon. We haven't seen the Survivor finale yet, but it's on the schedule for the weekend. I've loved this season of all winners. I'm hoping to begin a new Korean drama and the family is going to watch, which will be a first.</div>
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Our local Starbucks reopened this week and so Brian and Rory made a family run. It was delicious although I do love making my own iced coffee with my Nespresso espresso. The kids have had more coffee in this quarantine than in their entire lives.</div>
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I had a haircut last week (my first outing since quarantine began other than a few trips to my parent's house to sit outside). It was wonderful even though we all wore masks, went through a lot of hoops to be safe, and she didn't really do much except snip the ends. It was just good to do something normal.</div>
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Okay, final thing. Remember my new computer? I CAN'T REMEMBER MY PASSWORD. Literally, Brian and I have spent hours trying to crack it and I think we're going to have to take the computer somewhere to get it fixed. It's so annoying. And it means I don't have any pictures from my big girl camera to share. But here are a few phone pics.</div>
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My dad has taken the kids on a hike a couple of times.<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-36964406276165960552020-04-18T13:55:00.000-05:002020-04-18T13:55:02.835-05:00Corona Diary #3<div style="text-align: center;">
Week 5 is over, and it was probably the easiest so far. Despite having both a vicious cough AND a stomach bug, I felt more content this week than I have since we began sheltering at home. I'm not exactly sure why that would be, but I hope it continues.</div>
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It's official - the kids will not return to school this year. Rory cheered while Camden blinked back a tear and did his best not to scream. He is really struggling without the daily social interaction although he does have several areas of connection via phones, FortNite, and Zoom. I know it's not the same, and I'm reading that teenagers in general are struggling with the loss of their interaction with friends.</div>
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We had a lovely Good Friday service quietly at home. The kids and I had communion while Brian led the service online. I also enjoyed Easter although we didn't dress up, cook a ham, or even take a picture. Our most exciting moment came Easter evening as we watched Little Women. Rory was crafting on the floor and suddenly burst into a cross between screaming, crying, and laughing at the sight of a mouse running across the floor in front of her. Thankfully, Brian caught the mouse the next morning so now we don't have to move.</div>
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My new computer is up and running and I am very, very slowly relearning Lightroom. There are so many updates since I last used it 2 years ago that it is like using a brand new program. Also. I had 2700 photos to upload from the last 24 months. Yes, 2700, which is just ridiculous. Here's one of the first photos I uploaded - from December 2018. I can't believe how much they've all changed since then!</div>
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Here's what we're reading/watching/cooking:</div>
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<li>Songland returned this week and was just as delightful as season 1.</li>
<li>Camden declared Little Women to be in his top 5 movies because it is a piece of art. And I completely agree. Not sure when I've enjoyed a movie as much as that one.</li>
<li>I'm about halfway through my first Ken Follett book - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fall-Giants-Century-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B0052RDHTM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2J5PCVL71UQPG&dchild=1&keywords=fall+of+giants+by+ken+follett&qid=1587148799&sprefix=fall+of+gian%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Fall of Giants</a> - and I am interested to continue the series.</li>
<li>I made chicken parm from scratch for the first time ever and it's going into the regular dinner rotation.</li>
<li>Rory baked a lemon pound cake with glaze all on her own this week, and it was delicious. Pound cake is Brian's favorite and anything lemon is Camden's.</li>
<li>We're tackling brownies with oreo cookies inside for our weekend treat.</li>
<li>I signed up for the Book of the Month club and can't wait for my first book to arrive. <a href="https://www.mybotm.com/712027c81a2c?show_box=true" target="_blank">Click this link</a> to get your first month for $5 (and I'll receive a free book if you do).</li>
<li>Camden and I are VERY eagerly awaiting The Last Dance documentary on ESPN. I cannot even say how excited I am for this. I grew up near Chicago in the Michael Jordan glory days. Brian and I watched the Bulls win one of their championships on our honeymoon so this is right up my alley and I can't wait to share it with Camden.</li>
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Bring on Week #6!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-4519765268094520322020-04-17T13:22:00.000-05:002020-04-17T13:22:06.928-05:00Corona Diary #2<div style="text-align: center;">
(Written April 3)</div>
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Well, the previous post seems like it was written in another lifetime. It is crazy how quickly things change these days. So, to update: Kids are out of school until May 4 (and I won't be surprised if they don't go back at all); Brian and I are still working at home exclusively. We don't leave the house except to grab groceries (trying to keep this to once a week and using Walmart grocery pickup when available). Camden is incredibly frustrated over missing out on school despite being very connected via phone, school, and Fortnite to his friends. Rory is spending a couple of afternoons a week chatting with friends, but seems to be enjoying the slower schedule. In fact, she kind of likes quarantine.</div>
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The kids were on spring break this week, and it amazes me to see the change in their demeanor. A definite lightness of spirit without schoolwork expectations. For what it's worth, while they're distance learning Camden spends 8ish-1ish working from the kitchen table without breaks and Rory spends 9ish-12ish. I fully understand that some of Camden's time is spent conversing with friends, btw.</div>
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I think I expected there to be a lot of time to deep clean, organize, finish up tasks, etc. while on quarantine. We are beginning week 4 so there should have been plenty of time, right? Instead, I find that I am crazy busy and it takes everything in me just to keep the household moving forward, food on the table, work projects complete, etc. I do not have the mental or emotional capacity to tackle deep cleaning or house projects or anything extra. Days feel like groundhog day over and over. I am intentionally keeping Saturdays free of chores for the kids and tackling all the laundry at once. Sundays are completely free of work and we've even tried taking a Sabbath from our phones on Sundays. This is harder than it should be.</div>
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Another quarantine activity: daily family devotions. We are reading through the book of Romans, choosing a Psalm and reading it every day for a week, and keeping an ongoing list of gratitude and prayer requests. Doing this daily is a goal, but sometimes falls through the cracks and that's okay. Everyone is doing their best.</div>
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We are socializing in different ways. I have daily zoom meetings for work. Wednesday nights we all have church connect groups via zoom. I'm still co-leading a connect group Friday mornings via zoom. Marco Polo has been a huge part of keeping in touch. I have a group for my Friday morning crew, a mom/sister group, and the Lewis family has a Marco Polo group, which means we're communicating more than we ever have in my entire 22 years of marriage.</div>
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Speaking of the Lewis family, my 9-year old nephew Levi was diagnosed with leukemia, and it is so hard and so sad. I feel so much empathy for his suffering although I cannot imagine Tim and Jess's pain. Coming right on top of my 9 year cancer anniversary feels like a lot of heavy emotions to contend with. We celebrated with ice cream for breakfast Tuesday, March 31.<br />
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Even though my parents/grandparents are nearby, we have chosen to stick to the guidelines and keep our distance. We've gathered one night on the back patio and one night around a campfire, but that's it.<br />
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A few books/TV shows we're consuming:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Family-Upstairs-Novel-Lisa-Jewell-ebook/dp/B07P5HB99D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LDT90IP2S6V1&dchild=1&keywords=the+family+upstairs+lisa+jewell&qid=1587147605&sprefix=the+family+upsta%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell</a> - my book club choice. It was just okay.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Edward-Novel-Ann-Napolitano-ebook/dp/B07QNGTXNV/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dear+edward&qid=1587147628&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano</a> was excellent. The last third was especially good and I cried twice in the last few chapters.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fall-Rise-Story-9-11/dp/006227564X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1587147570&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Fall and Rise: The Story of 911 by Mitchell Zuckoff</a> was incredible. I'm encouraging Camden to read it, which is like a guarantee that he won't. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Just Mercy was an important movie to watch as a family. Camden said he's never cried so much during a movie although he hid it well.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">We've also enjoyed A Letter For the King, a new family series on Netflix. Unfortunately, there are only 6 episodes.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">QB1 has been our lunchtime viewing - Season 1 was good, season 2 not so much, but season 3 is looking up.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">We're working our way through the Mission Impossible movies.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I'm watching Anne With an E and Superstore.</li>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-44232811132050735252020-04-04T13:33:00.001-05:002020-04-04T13:33:27.882-05:00Corona Diary #1<div style="text-align: center;">
(Written March 23, 2020 so this is completely out of date,<br />
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Rejoice in our confident hope.</div>
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Be patient in trouble,</div>
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And keep on praying.</div>
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Romans 12:12</div>
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Well, the world has gone crazy. I cannot keep up with how quickly circumstances change these days. And who could have imagined this life even 3 weeks ago?<br />
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Here's our situation: I'm working from home for the forseeable future (I've been quarantined since Saturday, March 14). My Vanderbilt doctors are managing patients/prescriptions with phone calls so I didn't go to the cancer clinic 2 weeks ago and I won't go in April either. Brian's school district is out until May 4 so he's not driving a bus. Church is online only for the next several weeks (we're evaluating week to week). The kids are homeschooling for 2 weeks; spring break is next week. We don't know what to expect after spring break. Camden and Rory have HIGH expectations that life will return to normal after spring break, but I think a more realistic expectation is that they will continue homeschooling.</div>
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The Lewis House is managing the quarantine this way:<br />
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My enneagram 1 is strong, so we have a whiteboard hanging in our kitchen/dining area that changes daily. My kids have always loved a schedule so they actually enjoy the whiteboard. Since we may be in this for the long haul, a routine seemed important. </div>
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The whiteboard even includes our daily menu down to the snacks for each day. We are stocked up on eggs, butter, half and half, cheese, pasta, ice cream and Oreos. And several pounds of coffee. You know, the important stuff. It feels important to provide variety in our meals since the days are so similar and menu planning helps me with variety. We've baked a couple of times, eaten more than our fair share of ice cream, but I'm also serving fruits and veggies "to keep us from getting scurvy" as I tell the kids. ;)</div>
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In case you need book and TV recommendations, here are a few things I've consumed recently:</div>
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-Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng (I read this start to finish in one day if that gives you any indication of how I felt about it)</div>
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-The Choice by Edith Eger (difficult but inspiring read about the Holocaust)</div>
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-The Grace Year by Kim Liggett (I do not recommend; this was like a YA horror book)</div>
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-American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins (I know there was controversy surrounding this book, but I couldn't stop reading; it was a great story.)</div>
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-Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (I'm not sure reading a book about a world pandemic that killed off nearly the entire population was the right choice for this month.)</div>
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-Hulu documentary on Hilary Clinton. I found this fascinating on many levels, regardless of your political views.</div>
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-Anne with an E on Netflix. So much darker than the original Anne of Green Gables movies as it shows the reality of an orphan back in the early 1900s.</div>
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-QB: Beyond the Lights. Camden, Brian, and I have been watching this docu-series that follows high school seniors who are committed to D1 football schools. Season #1 was good; season #2 not so much but season #3 is looking up.</div>
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-Secretariat movie on Disney+. Horses and horse racing were my absolute favorite thing as a middle schooler so this was right up my alley. To this day, I cry my way through a Kentucky Derby, Preakness, or Belmont Stakes. </div>
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My plan is to post Instagram pictures on Instagram daily in order to document this time. If I didn't make myself choose to find entertainment through these days, there's a real danger of falling into a funk.<br />
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(from a sleepover Rory had BEFORE quarantine)</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-36372889869364245072020-02-15T09:49:00.000-06:002020-02-15T09:49:17.692-06:00Over Coffee<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a while. I know. Maybe we can catch up the same way we might if I met you for coffee on this sunny Saturday morning.</div>
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January dragged on forever (as I have seen memed over and over) and February is doing a bit of the same. I forget how hard it is to (1) get back into a schedule after the holidays, (2) endure the never-ending gloomy weather - we've had an incredible amount of rain, and my mood suffers.</div>
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Regular season basketball ended this week with only a tournament left the last weekend of February. I could not be happier; if Camden were playing I wouldn't mind so much but since he broke his finger, he cannot play or practice . . . just be present for every minute of it. Basically, our days have revolved around basketball so that Camden can hand out water and fetch balls. He jokes about being the best assistant manager, and he's certainly an encourager (I would say cheerleader, but he might not appreciate that).</div>
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Speaking of Camden's finger, the splint finally came off about 10 days ago. He's had some physical therapy and is playing guitar again. We have one more x-ray and doctor's appointment (I hope), and he should be released with no restrictions. I didn't know how much I had missed hearing him play the guitar, but it's been lovely to have him set up in the living room playing. I don't think he realized quite how much he had missed it either, but after his first band practice this week, he said something along the lines of how it brought joy to his heart. And that brings joy to <i>my</i> heart!</div>
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Maybe I should have led with this (since I surely would have if we were actually sitting down for coffee), but I had a scan this week after 3 months on Letrozole. Before I arrived home (mostly because I had to stop TWICE to use the bathroom after drinking all that contrast/water mixture), Dr. C had sent a message letting me know the scan confirmed the decline in my CA125 and showed a slight tumor decrease. This is significant because going into this 3 months of Letrozole, Dr. C reiterated this drug would not kill cancer, but simply stop the growth in a best-case scenario. These scan results simply confirm yet again to Dr. C, for better or worse, my cancer simply does not behave itself in a typical ovarian cancer way. I actually haven't felt well this month and was convinced cancer had grown, so no one was more surprised than me to hear good results.</div>
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Brian is fighting a losing battle with squirrels. They are running across our roof and making themselves at home at one corner of the house. He sets traps, bought a pellet gun, bought more traps. Nothing works. He attempted climbing up on the roof - twice - only to practically hyperventilate at the height and came back down. I am not sure what the next step is, but we should figure it out soon because it feels like the squirrels will gnaw their way inside any day now.</div>
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Rory received her first Valentine flowers and candy. From a boy. While I admire his courage in proclaiming his feelings for her, I do not admire her classmates who are harassing her to be his girlfriend when she has declared over and over that they are simply friends. Middle school is hard.</div>
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Brian surprised me and the kids with lots of chocolate on Valentine's Day. Because he leaves for work at 5:30, we don't often see him in the morning so the candy was waiting at the coffee station (me) and breakfast spot (kids). We have church obligations all weekend long so no official celebrating for us although we plan to find somewhere good for lunch next week after an appointment with Dr. C. </div>
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The flu camped out in our house during February beginning with Camden, moving to me, then Rory who had it the worst. Brian has a bad cold and cough that will not stop but no flu. I vividly remember when the kids were little and how sickness would make its way through the house. It felt like going back in time!</div>
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This second semester of tenth grade has brought many, many Spanish projects, mostly video-based which includes learning how to edit and post videos on YouTube (what does that have to do with Spanish?). If Camden isn't with the basketball team, it seems he's working on Spanish projects. Or at a party or sleepover. Tenth grade has brought <i>a lot</i> of social opportunities. Finding a balance is challenging. So is letting your firstborn grow up.</div>
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Goodreads tells me I've read 11 books in 2020. I'm surprised to say that 3 of them are non-fiction and the best of the bunch. I reread Just Mercy for book club and then went to see the movie after our discussion - I highly recommend both. Last week I read Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. It was my first Gladwell book, but will not be my last. He has such a way with words and information. The final non-fiction book I read is Know My Name by Chanel Miller. The subject matter is very adult and intense, but an important read. I suggest browsing through the description and reviews before reading to make sure it's the book for you.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-13942222711633254282020-01-08T10:11:00.000-06:002020-01-08T10:11:28.167-06:00Wrapping up Christmas 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
A quick recap of our Christmas activities for memory-keeping purposes. Brian, the kids and I spent Christmas morning at home then joined Liz, my parents and grandparents for the rest of the day. We played a lot of Nertz and did a lot of snacking. Becky, William, and Xavier arrived the day after Christmas and with a house full of 3 middle schoolers and 1 high school boy, you can imagine the noise level.</div>
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I'm calling Christmas 2019 the year of the <a href="https://bombas.com/collections/womens-socks?campignid=1392646004&adgroupid=54889553957&targetid=kwd-298383799857&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&keywords=bombas&creative=287202632812&gclid=Cj0KCQiAxrbwBRCoARIsABEc9siUvzoWxxg9dxiSrqzkwn_SE8fyMauwO2maLdjDlkeXpPn4-rgaLKMaAh1nEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Bombas</a> (remember when I used to name Christmas every year?). Not only did I purchase Bombas socks for Brian, Camden, William, and Xavier (and myself), but Liz bought Bombas socks for the girls as her favorite item of 2019. </div>
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BTW, buying our favorite things for mom and sisters is still one of my favorite Christmas traditions. We've done this for 3 years. Gifts (both giving and receiving) is my love language so it's a perfect tradition in my opinion. This year I purchased <a href="https://www.victoriaemerson.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAxrbwBRCoARIsABEc9sgnaVBkU6I_S5fPB7bK4z1JBMwzLlghODCQrIG8gKzihgB5UBaJDf0aAql6EALw_wcB#" target="_blank">Victoria Emerson wrap bracelets</a> and Korean face masks for everyone; Liz handed out Bombas socks and caramel popcorn; Becky gifted us <a href="https://www.amazon.com/One-Line-Day-Five-Year-Memory/dp/0811870197/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1OECVGUOQGXVV&keywords=one+line+journal&qid=1577993751&s=books&sprefix=one+line+jou%2Cstripbooks%2C174&sr=1-3" target="_blank">5-year one line a day journals</a>, and Mom gave espresso powder (have you ever tried to buy that stuff in a grocery store?) and cute kitchen labels.</div>
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My favorite items we gifted the kids were tickets to see JohnnySwim and Lauren Daigle in concert and 5-year Question/Answer journals for each of them. I've tried to emphasize how they will be glad they put forth the effort in 5 years but it's hard to imagine at 13 and 16. I also just want to note how thankful my kids are for gifts in general. We've always kept Christmas simple in terms of gifts, and the result is that they are a grateful bunch and I love it.</div>
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A few of my favorite snacks this year included <a href="https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/10/twice-baked-shortbread-other-lost-recipes/" target="_blank">Twice Baked Shortbread</a> and chocolate peanut clusters. Both recipes are new to us this year, but now have a place on the permanent holiday list of goodies. Of course, homemade chex mix is always on the menu (I will not admit how many batches of this we went through in December). I repeated the cheese and charcuterie board twice which means we have had countless lunches consisting of fruit, veggies, cheese and crackers. A few favorites are brie with fig butter and lemon ricotta on rosemary crackers. Seriously, I just want to eat like this for the entire year! Who says we only get the good stuff in December?</div>
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Just a few more memories:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">singing Christmas carols; hearing my grandpa sing along with the kids is always precious</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">my parents wrote each of us a letter and I will treasure it always</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">the new Little Women movie was just lovely; we've all tried to come up with a more apt description but it's just lovely (the girls saw Little Women while the boys went to Star Wars)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Xavier drooling (literally)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">the sounds of giggles and wrestling (when the boys finally let in Rory and Addison into their fun, they all had the best time) </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I continued to feel well, nearly almost normal during this Christmas break, and I could not be more thankful</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">All the time spent with Becky; it's hard to face that I won't see her again until summer</li>
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Really the only downside to this year's Christmas break was that I had serious trouble sleeping which made the first couple hours of my day nearly impossible. But feeling well made up for it, truly.</div>
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And that's a wrap. I'm already counting down the days until Christmas 2020; it's my favorite time of year.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-88676890835556131752020-01-01T22:00:00.000-06:002020-01-02T13:21:51.273-06:00It's a new day, a new decade<div style="text-align: center;">
It feels like a different life when the last decade began. Life was simple in 2010. Brian was teaching at a little country school and ministering at a small country church. I was a stay-at-home mom; blogging was my best friend. I remember family gatherings with all the kiddos piling on top of each other (and grandpa) as the sweetest of times. Becky was truly on the mend after 2-3 hard years of cancer treatment and recovery. Cancer was in our past.</div>
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It's almost impossible to dwell upon how young and naive we were in 2010 - before we knew anything about parenting teenagers, losing grandparents and a sister-in-law and two brothers-in-law, failed cancer treatments and surgeries. The last decade has, without a doubt, been the most challenging to date. I suspect we're not alone. Many adults moving from thirties to their forties might consider this phase as the most challenging. I know we're not the only family to course correct in the career department or to flounder as we try to understand how a middle school brain functions or still love the church when its members are not very lovable.</div>
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The past decade has brought us closer to the Lord and to our family. Literally, my parents live 17 minutes from my front door to theirs. God has provided in ways I cannot verbalize, and I am 100% absolutely without a doubt sure He has provided in ways I don't even see. This decade brought us a new church family, and we won't ever stop thanking Him for changing us and for seeing Him work in the lives of others. But the pain of watching people say no to Him is gutwrenching.</div>
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And so here we are with a brand new decade stretching out in front of us. Cancer is our present and future. At 44, Brian works longer and harder than ever before. God continues to provide for us, and we keep taking it one step at a time in all areas of life. Hard to imagine, but Camden and Rory will be full-fledged adults when this decade is over, finished with college and possibly married with their own kiddos (how can that be??). I hope we begin that next decade closer to the Lord and each other, secure in the knowledge that we chose to be thankful every day.</div>
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Sing a new song to the Lord, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power! -Psalms 98:1</div>
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In lighter news, with our Christmas company gone and work about to begin again, Brian and I braved the crowds and spent time at Dillards taking advantage of their annual additional 50% off clearance sale that happens every January 1. Many years ago, my mom and sisters and I began a tradition of buying a new purse every year. It's one of my favorite days all year, but we didn't have the chance to shop this year. I couldn't have been more surprised when Brian didn't even bat an eye when I picked out a <a href="https://www.dillards.com/p/frye-melissa-small-zip-top-hobo-bag/509470925" target="_blank">beautiful gray Frye bag</a> and coordinating Patrica Nash wallet. Not a bad start to 2020.</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-45955198809124730132019-12-24T15:37:00.001-06:002019-12-24T15:37:58.763-06:00December 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel certain this is true for everyone, but December is a marathon. However, if you can make it through all the sporting events and holiday parties and recitals and programs, not to mention a regular work schedule, then time off during the week of Christmas is your reward. Everything comes to a screeching halt for our family the week of Christmas, and I anticipate this week all year long.</div>
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Brian's parents came for a quick visit this past weekend; kids had exams, and I attended 2 work parts. We also hosted a small party at our house Saturday afternoon. It was a lovely way to close out the busyness of December. Brian and I deliberately planned for down time beginning Sunday afternoon and it has been wonderful. The kids are sleeping until noon; we're watching movies and playing games. I'm reading book #68 of the year, and I have cooked zero meals. We will open presents with the kids Christmas morning and then join my parents, grandparents, and Liz for lasagna; Becky and the boys arrive the day after Christmas.</div>
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We have both good news and bad news leading into our Christmas break. The bad news is that Camden broke his finger on the backboard during the basketball game Friday night (as in, he is tall enough to jump up and block a ball on the backboard - how is that possible?). The good news is that physically I have felt incredible for most of the month. My CA125 even dipped just a bit. </div>
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I'm sharing our December in pictures then signing off to watch another movie with the family.</div>
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He's 16 and we still put time limits on his gaming because, let's be honest, he would never stop.</div>
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Homecoming week 2019 - Camden rarely dresses up but since he wants to be in drama next year, he decided he should get used to looking silly.</div>
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First photo with my new phone</div>
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Gram and Gramps</div>
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I'm pretty proud of my first charcuterie board creation. Thank goodness for Pinterest! My mom was a lifesaver with the baking for this year.</div>
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Camden's injury - makes my stomach turn. Brian was with him when they tried to set his finger and said he was super tough. Thankfully, no surgery. It has to be kept immobile for 6 weeks plus therapy after, which means he's out for the basketball season and out of his guitar competition this spring.</div>
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Merry Christmas</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-45569508683743912342019-12-01T08:57:00.005-06:002019-12-01T08:57:55.096-06:00Thanksgiving 2019<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We almost always travel for Thanksgiving, but for multiple reasons, we spent Thanksgiving at home this year. It was lovely, and we gained much-needed time in this short break by not spending it on the road.</span></div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Our Thanksgiving holiday included too much eating, two intense games of Nertz, less intense games of dominoes with Addison. Becky was here just long enough to have one quiet morning at Liz's house, mom and dad's, and our home. The adults left the kids at home (isn't it amazing to be able to do that?) and went to see It's A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood at the theater. The consensus was two thumbs up. If you're interested, here's the article that the movie is based on: </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a27134/can-you-say-hero-esq1198/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Can You Say. . . Hero?</span></a></div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Gifts are my love language (both giving and receiving) so Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday are some of my favorite days (holidays?). I love choosing gifts for friends and family. Let's be honest: I also love picking items for myself at a deep discount although I have kept that at a minimum this year. Brian approves.</span></div>
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Family picture - no small feat, but worth it!</div>
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In full disclosure, this photo is staged. But only because they stopped sitting together all cozied up when I brought out the camera so I made them pose.</div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Other than the lovely group of ladies who played such a significant part in my story for those first six months of chemo after my diagnosis, I don't have many friends with cancer. </span>Sadly, that entire support group of friends are no longer with us. <span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There was sweet </span><a class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtfLink" href="http://thewestraworld.blogspot.com/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4a6ee0; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Vicki</span></a><span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">, of course, but she is also gone. I just haven't found a community or support group, and I've chosen not to search out cancer groups online.</span></div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">I say that to tell you I'm not sure how I found B and J online. They both have incredible, positive, grateful spirits. Last Sunday I was excited to see J had posted on her blog, but was then floored as I read the words from her husband that she had passed away. Friday morning I opened Instagram expecting to read my daily dose of encouragement from B (I had actually seen her on Instagram just a few hours prior), only to discover she passed away early Friday morning. </span></div>
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<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1c1e29; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span data-preserver-spaces="true" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">B was only 30. (J was also very, very young.) We have the exact same ovarian cancer diagnosis. Our treatment plans have been very similar - same insane number of drugs, platinum-resistant they call it. The difference is that B's tumors grew remarkably fast. Science says my tumors should be growing just as rapidly. B was diagnosed three years ago; I was diagnosed almost nine years ago. I often fail to recognize the miracle of living nine years with ovarian cancer. I'm feeling sad this morning, defeated even. I have to <i>choose</i> to not let my mind go down dark paths and <i>choose</i> not to be crippled by fear. This morning I am <i>choosing</i> to be thankful for 9 years, and I am focusing on "the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)</span></div>
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Happy Thanksgiving, friends. I'm beginning Advent this morning with hopeful anticipation of what my Lord will do.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-80019612678573105542019-11-22T19:34:00.000-06:002019-11-26T11:15:45.421-06:00Five on Friday (Nov. 22, 2019)<div style="text-align: center;">
1. When Camden overslept recently, Brian grabbed Camden's favorite stuffed animal from childhood (let's be honest, Camden only recently stopped sleeping with this thing) and snapped this picture in order to bribe him with it. Brian promised Camden he wouldn't post it on Instagram, but I made no such promise about not posting here.</div>
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2. After a tournament last week and 2 games this week (and 2 games before Thanksgiving next week), the basketball season is in full swing. Rory is playing soccer this year, and they're already squeezing in weekly practices although the season doesn't begin until March. As I delivered a meal to a family with a new baby last night, I kept thinking how much simpler life was when I could still refer to Camden and Rory as kiddos instead of teenagers.</div>
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3. A <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/brands/barefoot-dreams--940" target="_blank">Barefoot Dream</a>s blanket, robe, cardigan (anything!) have been on my wishlist for years so when I saw the $180 blanket on sale for a fraction of that price on Nordstrom Rack, I immediately knew what my birthday money was going to buy. And the blanket is just as soft and cozy as I imagined. I fully expect to be fighting Brian and the kids for it.</div>
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4. I love, love, love the Christmas season, but I'm also a fan of Thanksgiving. Camden is outraged every time someone wishes him a Merry Christmas and is determined to singlehandedly save the Thanksgiving season. And he's right - I hate skipping over Thanksgiving. I love a holiday that is completely focused on family and giving thanks. And turkey and pie, of course.</div>
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5. A few favorites this week: <a href="https://goldilockskitchen.com/2016/11/leftover-turkey-stew.html#_a5y_p=5956694" target="_blank">creamy turkey soup</a> (Brian smoked a turkey Wednesday so I'm cooking with leftovers for days), burning my new birthday <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trapp-Seasonal-Collection-Scented-Fireside/dp/B07XD6SK8R/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=1937Y4RXK3DZ5&keywords=trapp+pumpkin+candle&qid=1574448225&sprefix=trap+pum%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&smid=A1VAOWZNDCV6C6&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNTVTRzFZU0Q5SVQyJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzkwOTUwSjBWUzVOM0kyR09HJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA2NDQzMzYzRjFEV0VZU045NVRBJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==" target="_blank">pumpkin candle</a>. It's stroop waffle season, which is my favorite treat with coffee on a chilly morning.</div>
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After a very slow start to the week accompanied by a few new aches and pains, my energy returned last night and I feel great today. I'm meeting my friend Lindsay for lunch. After lunch, I'm surprising Rory at school and taking her to see Frozen 2. Camden has a game tonight out of town and Brian has a very full Saturday and Sunday with several meetings. We have work and school Monday and Tuesday, but then plan to enjoy the rest of Thanksgiving week with family.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-17384292197891732432019-11-15T16:03:00.000-06:002019-11-15T17:54:08.334-06:00Five on Friday (November 15, 2019)<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to November, friends. We're already halfway through the month which seems impossible. Also, a bit melancholy since November and December are my two favorite months of the year and I don't want to speed through even a little bit of it. It's hard to know where to pick up since I have been so negligent in this space for much of 2019.<br />
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Did I mention Brian backed up the van smashing our Yaris into smithereens? Should we talk about the night Rory didn't tell me about the overflowing toilet until said water was inches deep? Or how she brought me a hand towel to soak up the inches of water? Or how about the toilet water dripping through the ceiling? I say we should move right along!</div>
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1. I'll start with Rory's first overnight youth group trip last weekend. A friend texted me over the weekend with the words, "How is she old enough to be here?" and that sums it up. Brian, Camden, and I went to see the new biopic <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4648786/" target="_blank">Harriet</a>; we all highly recommend the movie. And be sure to stay for the credits because the music and pictures are worth the extra moments.</div>
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2. Rory was gone last weekend and Camden is at a 3-day basketball tournament this weekend - his first Varsity event. I can't believe how quiet the house feels with one of them gone.</div>
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3. I have almost reached my goal of reading 65 books in 2019. Book #63 was <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Frankly-Love-David-Yoon/dp/1984812203/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15K1OWXE66CEQ&keywords=frankly+in+love&qid=1573853159&sprefix=frankly+in+love%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Frankly in Love</a> by David Yoon. I give it a solid 4 stars for the storyline; the main characters are Korean American which gave it an boost. It might have even been a 5-star book if it weren't for the heavy cursing (do teenagers really talk like that?). Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Book #64 is still in progress but I like it already (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Where-Light-Enters-Sara-Donati-ebook/dp/B07NCR9RRW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JFPP5C3Z0FQG&keywords=where+the+light+enters&qid=1573853136&sprefix=where+the+light+enters%2Caps%2C280&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Where the Light Enters</a> by Sara Donati). Book #65 is going to be <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Station-Eleven-Emily-John-Mandel/dp/0804172447/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AK7TRV4WIKFN&keywords=station+eleven&qid=1573853183&s=books&sprefix=station+eleven%2Caps%2C171&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Station Eleven</a> (I've had it in my "to read" pile for nearly a year after my book club friend pressed it into my hand. </div>
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4. We celebrated my 44th birthday Tuesday with our annual trip to Kendra Scott (3 years running and I was still surprised), a delicious lunch at <a href="https://eatpastaria.com/nashville/" target="_blank">Pastaria</a>, free Jeni's ice cream (with a candle!), and the best latte I've ever had at <a href="https://www.sumpcoffee.com/" target="_blank">Sump</a>. Maybe birthdays in your forties aren't so bad after all. Oh, and we woke up to snow and a 2-hour school delay - I think that's a first for my birthday!</div>
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5. Speaking of coffee, I took advantage of an incredible sale and purchased a Breville Nespresso machine. Yep, the very expensive, bar code-scanning kind with an awesome milk frother (you can froth either hot or cold). I think you'll be impressed when I tell you that it arrived on my doorstep for $112 (instead of the list price of $440). So now we have a coffee pot, an espresso machine, a French press, a cold brew French press, <i>and</i> the Nespresso machine. Should I be embarrassed by all the coffee appliances?</div>
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Instead of saving the best for last, regrettably, I have a "worst" to report. After a scan last week revealed my cancer is growing despite chemotherapy, Dr. C sent us home with the news that we are no longer working to kill cancer but rather to simply slow the growth as best as we can for as long as we can. Unfortunately, this means that I will not get better, only worse as time goes on. While the news is not unexpected (I've been waiting for this to happen ever since I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer 8.5 years ago), this kind of news is hard. It's impossible to process, devastating to my family. Tuesday I began a daily chemo pill. Back in 2015-2016 I took a similar drug that stabilized my cancer for about 18 months. The hope is that this drug will do the same. The main side effects are bone and joint pain, sometimes severe, but it still should be easier than traditional chemo. I already have a doctor in the oncology department whose sole focus is to find medication to offset the pain and symptoms of cancer and side effects of chemo. I feel blessed to have these professionals in my corner. For now, our routine continues with business as usual. My Psalm 46 mantra continues: God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear . . . </div>
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Let's set aside that somber news to talk about the weekend. Brian is making balloon animals tonight at a school fall festival while Rory and I have a girl's night that will probably include a Hallmark Christmas movie (Rory's choice). Tomorrow we will celebrate my birthday at mom and dad's; hopefully, Camden will be back from his tournament in time to join us. Happy Friday, friends!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-41692832933716640612019-10-17T10:24:00.000-05:002019-10-28T14:05:56.931-05:00Our Okie Fall Break<div style="text-align: center;">
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Everyone was on fall break at the same time this year so Brian, the kids, and I hopped in the car for a drive to Oklahoma to see Becky and the boys. While I've been to OK on my own, Brian and the kids haven't been for 4-5 years. Here's how we spent the days:</div>
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Day 1: Will Rogers home place</div>
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Day 2: Mother Road Market, The Gathering Place, and a football game. We also picked up coffee and visited a Mexican bakery with .70 cent churros.</div>
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Day 3: the girls visited Pawhuska (otherwise known at the homeplace of The Pioneer Woman) while the boys went on a hike and then played video games for hours. We browsed around the shops (the crowds were crazy), ate potato and leek pizza with the best garlic knots you'll ever eat, drank a spicy cowgirl iced coffee which was insanely delicious. It was a really fun day and I think Rory enjoyed a little time away from the boys.</div>
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As usual, we drank lots of good coffee and had delicious food. We watched Survivor together and Becky and I managed an episode of DWTS. The 3 boys managed to fill every second with video games and a Hogwarts game. And when they weren't playing games, they were talking about games. I'm so glad they love each other so much! Fall break was over all too quickly, but I'm so glad it happened. </div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-5245135223940092892019-10-11T13:54:00.001-05:002019-10-11T13:54:13.002-05:00Five on Friday (October 11, 2019)<div style="text-align: center;">
It's October 11 and Tennessee has finally, finally, finally cooled off a bit (last week we were still in the 90's). It's the hottest September on record in TN. All 4 of the Lewis family members listed cooler weather on our list of things we were thankful for this week.</div>
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1. Brian's 98 year old grandfather passed away mid-September so we made a quick trip to east TN. This is our fourth funeral of 2019 and while they are all sad, the time with family has been a blessing.</div>
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2. Three days after returning from east TN, I left the house at 3:45 a.m. to catch a flight to Orlando with my co-workers for the annual D6 conference. Brian joined me the next morning (and he left the house even earlier!).</div>
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3. Three days after returning from Orlando, I spent the day at Vanderbilt for my third round of my current chemo drug. Thankfully, this round has been significantly easier than the previous two (although I woke up vomiting two mornings in a row so not necessarily a walk in the park). After the next round my oncologist will check on how effective this drug is with blood work and a scan. </div>
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4. We celebrated Rory's 13th birthday before my trip to Orlando, but we were gone on her actual big day. Aunt Liz saved the day by taking her out for macaroons which has been on her wishlist for a quite a while.</div>
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5. I've read several good books recently, mostly quick, light reads. Here's a quick rundown.</div>
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Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes</div>
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The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary</div>
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The Gilded Hour by Sara Donati (not quick or light, but good)</div>
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A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer</div>
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Waiting for Tom Hanks by Kerry Winfrey</div>
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After a rough week for Brian (and just a plain long one for me), we're celebrating my dad's birthday tonight, spending tomorrow running errands, and tomorrow night at a church event. Fall break is next week, and we are all so ready! Happy weekend, friends!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-62201132207597879852019-09-13T07:35:00.002-05:002019-09-13T07:35:34.406-05:00Five on Friday (September 13, 2019)<div style="text-align: center;">Round two of chemo was last Tuesday and it took a solid week before I felt myself again. Thankfully, I have a bit of extra time before the next one because of a <a href="https://d6family.com/d6conference/" target="_blank">work trip</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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1. We're setting heat records even though it's mid-September. I burned a fall candle, bought a cardigan, even jumped on the pumpkin spice cold brew wagon and it did nothing to usher in cooler temps. We're all ready for summer to say goodbye.<br />
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2. Speaking of chemo, I'm not supposed to completely lose my hair this time, but my eyelashes are definitely falling out and my hair just feels strange. While I don't noticeably see it falling out, there are definitely thinner spots and it looks dull. I'm trying to be glad it's not gone altogether.<br />
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3. And while we're <i>still</i> on chemo, I had the crazy idea of trying to count up how many chemo treatments I've had over the past 8 years. Maybe it wasn't a good idea because it's a little depressing? Maybe reassurance that there's a reason I feel sick all the time? Since May 2011, I have had a grand total of 86 chemo treatments using 10 drugs in addition to about 14 months of Tamoxifen which is an oral drug. Sheesh. Did I mention the ER doctor visibly gulped in disbelief when I mentioned 8 years of ovarian cancer to him?<br />
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4. Camden drove the family for the first time this week. Rory nervously giggled hysterically from the back seat the entire time which did not please him at all. I don't blame her. It's just weird. And doesn't feel safe.<br />
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(Sidenote: he drove us to a watch party for the current season of AGT. Our friend Jason is part of Voices of Services who made it into the finals. So fun!)<br />
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5. Book club was this week, and we've had more serious books with heavier topics to tackle the last couple of months so I wanted something lighter. I chose <i>A Curse So Dark and Lonely</i> by Brigid Kemmerer, which is a YA retelling of beauty and the beast. I finished it in 2 days because it's a total page-turner. The only downside is that it's a trilogy (which I did not realize) and now I have to wait for the next installment. I do love a good series!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">The kids have physicals today (I skipped them last year) so we're making a trip to Nashville this morning. Brian has an early release day so when he finishes up, we're going back to Nashville to visit a friend in the hospital and finally eating hot chicken with Camden. Have a great weekend, friends.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-22069824484827367742019-08-24T10:50:00.001-05:002019-08-24T10:57:40.753-05:00Five on Friday (August 23, 2019)<div style="text-align: center;">
Rory says "good morning!"</div>
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1. Event #1 in the Lewis household this week was a very unexpected 36-hour trip to the ER. I was very, very sick and signs were pointing to a quite serious complication related to cancer. After many tests, the very last one cleared me. My oncologist says she can't quite explain what happened, but I'm on several new medications and we have the knowledge that a tumor is pushing against my liver and compressing the bowel. But it is not blocked! Dr. C says maybe chemo last week made the tumor angry, maybe it blasted it dead, or maybe not. Only time will tell. I'm feeling much better but tired and weak. I am a professional public vomiter, which is not a title I want to keep. I managed some coffee this morning which means my caffeine headache is gone.<br />
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2. Any longtime blog readers remember the early days of my cancer diagnosis and all the hospital stories? (My favorite involves when a man's pair of underwear showed up in my hospital bed after surgery. Yikes!) Well, 36 hours in the Vanderbilt ER gave me new stories. That place is a noisy, filthy war zone (although I was incredibly impressed with how calm the doctors and nurses remained). For instance, there was a prisoner in an orange jumpsuit with his own armed guard in the room next to me. And the time they performed a medical procedure on a patient who needed no less than 5 nurses holding him down. Scalpel, blood, screaming, and all. We saw police officers running down the hallway multiple times. The very narrow hallways were lined with patients in beds and wheelchairs. I am so thankful that I had a room at least!<br />
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3. Rory likes to make up her own phrases. Instead of saying "Oh, shoot" she'll say "snap crackle" or "fiddlesticks." This week that phrase has been, "Oh, sugar nuts."<br />
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4. We've been pulling out old movies to watch with the kids and last night was Robinhood: Prince of Thieves. Definitely darker than I remembered, but I don't think they had nightmares so we're all clear. Last week was School of Rock. Next week is going to be Anna and the King.<br />
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5. I've read several good books lately. Here's a short list:<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tubman-Command-Novel-Elizabeth-Cobbs/dp/194892434X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=FKJ6KH618MXP&keywords=the+tubman+command&qid=1566661591&s=gateway&sprefix=the+tubman+command%2Caps%2C254&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Tubman Command</a> by Elizabeth Cobbs - historical fiction about Harriet Tubman<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Field-Notes-Love-Jennifer-Smith/dp/0399559418/ref=sr_1_1?crid=217UFSFFW64ZY&keywords=field+notes+on+love&qid=1566661610&s=gateway&sprefix=field+notes+on%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Field Notes on Love</a> by Jennifer E. Smith - a cute teen love story that wasn't too sappy<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Translation-Jean-Kwok/dp/1594485151/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XZX2KHZQ8C1P&keywords=girl+in+translation+by+jean+kwok&qid=1566661636&s=gateway&sprefix=girl+in+tran%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Girl in Translation</a> by Jean Wok - would have been a 5-star read for me if the ending wasn't so abrupt<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nickel-Boys-Novel-Colson-Whitehead/dp/0385537077/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LRLA29EG2CBF&keywords=the+nickel+boys&qid=1566661659&s=gateway&sprefix=the+nickel+boys%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Nickel Boys</a> by Colson Whitehead - I didn't like this one as much as the author's previous but still enjoyed<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Save-Me-Plums-Gourmet-Memoir/dp/1400069998/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=save+me+the+plums&qid=1566661690&s=gateway&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Save Me the Plums</a> by Ruth Reichl - my first food memoir and after a slow start, it really did read like fiction<br />
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Our weekend should be uneventful. Let's hope so anyway! Rory is meeting friends at the mall this afternoon (a first for her and I don't quite know how I feel about it) and that's the extent of our social life.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-56357478000498780162019-08-16T14:25:00.000-05:002019-08-16T14:25:05.702-05:00Friday (August 16, 2019)<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't have a list of 5 this week, just one big thing. Several weeks ago a CT scan showed "not subtle" growth (Dr. C's words) which means it's time to begin chemo again. While I wasn't surprised by the scan results, it's still hard to take. This is maybe the only time I've moved into the chemo routine with cancer-related symptoms, pain, etc. and I thought it might help me embrace the chemo as a gift, as life-giving, etc. But I just can't. I've tried to be grateful and I just hate it instead. Tuesday was the first round of this newest drug and despite the prediction that this would be a much easier drug to manage than the last one, I've been quite sick for the last 3 days. Thankfully, I will only need to have infusion every 3 weeks instead of weekly. I know that things will settle down, and our whole family will become accustomed to the chemo routine again, but it's been a hard week. My parents have been so helpful with the kids and even brought my favorite comfort food (homemade chicken and dumplings) for supper. </div>
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I'm happy for the weekend. Nothing better than Friday night at home with Brian and the kids; it's always been our favorite downtime. Depending on how I feel, we have a little morning trip to the farmers market planned for tomorrow and hope to attend a friend's soccer game in the evening. Happy Friday, friends.</div>
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Eyes on the road, please.</div>
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I see the blog background is messed up. It's okay - I haven't updated in over 8 years so I guess it's time. Now if I can only figure it out!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-20110448330313194962019-08-09T10:22:00.003-05:002019-08-09T10:22:56.523-05:00Five on Friday (August 9, 2019)<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not going to even address the fact that I skipped blogging for the entire summer. Yikes! I'm writing a summer recap post so we don't forget summer 2019 but it's not ready. For now, let's jump back into memory keeping because if I don't get to it, maybe I never will.</div>
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1. Today marks the end of the first full week of 7th and 10th grade. Both kids were ready to go back although Rory balked a little more than Camden. We're entering the season of electives, which means Camden has added and dropped classes this week. I believe he ended up with 4-5 honors classes and his electives are Weightlifting and Visual Arts. Because our school provides Chromebooks to 7th grade on up, Rory came home with her very own Chromebook and I'm not sure I've ever seen her so excited. This means both kids have fully entered into the digital age which terrifies me completely.</div>
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Official uniforms this year complete with plaid skirts and branded polos.</div>
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First night (didn't even make it until 7:30 on the couch)</div>
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Last night (fell asleep reading her Bible with light on)</div>
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2. I heard recently that if you don't regularly manage the logistics of being a family, then date nights quickly turn into business meetings. So we had a Lewis family business meeting (over coffee and scones) Tuesday afternoon and then passed on the info to the kids Tuesday night. Maybe now we can have date night?</div>
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The 3 biggest changes we made for the school year: no bedtime for Camden at all and no limits on video games for his Friday night which technically means he could pull an all-nighter on the PS4 (He's 16 years old so it was time to stop controlling this, but I don't want to!!). Family devotions on Monday night, and we'll be working our way through the gospel of John; kids are to come prepared with the Scripture read, notes made, and a list of things they're grateful for from the past week. And, finally, kids are on their own to set alarm clocks and get up and out the door (Worst-case scenario they could be left at home and miss school. It won't come to that, right?)</div>
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3. I got new glasses this week. Unfortunately, I had to pick them out all on my own (because Rory was certainly no help) and I'm having flashbacks to my 5th-grade school picture with brown glasses and short, permed hair. It's too late now for a change so I'm stuck with them for the next 2 years. "Don't take this the wrong way, mom, but you kind of look like a nerd. In a good way." -Rory</div>
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4. Rory chose contacts instead of glasses for the year. Immediately, she looks like a teenager and I don't like it. The red lipstick didn't help. Have I mentioned that she is <i>thissssss</i> close to being the same height as me? I cannot deal.</div>
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5. Because our schedules were so off this summer with one or more of us missing for a majority of the weeks, I've done very little cooking. We've had ice cream almost every night and Rory and I have eaten our body weight in watermelon. My back-to-school mission was to cut out ice cream and prepare meals. Here are 3 recipes that stood out: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/155163149648552294/" target="_blank">southwest chopped chicken salad</a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/155163149648652760/">chicken salad</a> (I used avocado instead of mayonnaise), and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/155163149648625862/" target="_blank">blueberry buttermilk breakfast cake</a>. </div>
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Our weekend plans are family night tonight (Camden requested pizza so the dough is already rising on the stove), basically recover from the first week of school, and gear up for next week which will be much busier for a multitude of reasons. Brian and I have fallen hard for two documentaries this summer and we've invited our local family over to watch with us tomorrow night. In case you're interested - The Dawn Wall (Netflix) and Free Solo (Hulu). </div>
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Happy Friday, friends!</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-75052115239164872602019-05-25T09:23:00.002-05:002019-05-25T09:49:52.261-05:00Saturday Musings (May 25, 2019)<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I never seem to finish up a blog post for Five on Friday, let's give Saturday morning a shot!</div>
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Week #2 of summer 2019 is complete, and after a crazy <strike>May, couple of months,</strike> year, our schedule has come to a screeching halt. For comparison, I only filled the car up with gas once this week while my norm throughout the rest of the year is 2-3 times. The kids are reading, sleeping, and consuming TV. No doubt our schedule will pick up again, but for now, the kids are professional couch potatoes and I'm trying not to feel guilty about all the downtime. Why do I feel bad about a slow schedule? Busyness is such a way of life that it somehow feels wrong to have white space in our calendar. It's not, by the way. A slow season is restorative if we let it be.</div>
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Brian is in Uganda for 2 weeks, which feels all kind of strange. After 22 years of marriage, it just doesn't feel right without him. Because our church is made up primarily of military families, I cannot complain about having my husband out of pocket for a mere 14 days. But it sure seems like a long time.</div>
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I spent the morning browsing the many summer reading lists being released, adding books to my lengthy "to be read" list. Here are several to get you started: <a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/summer-reading-guide-2019/" target="_blank">MMD 2019 summer reading list</a>, <a href="https://www.howsweeteats.com/2019/05/summer-2019-reading-list/" target="_blank">How Sweet Eats summer reading</a>, and <a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/hot-summer-books-2/" target="_blank">MMD new summer lit</a>. Camden and Rory are inhaling books faster than I check them out from the library. Several favorites from the last couple of weeks:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Crickets-Cry-Charles-Martin-ebook/dp/B004S7XCTW/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=307WZ0NF5NHA9&keywords=when+crickets+cry&qid=1558792291&s=gateway&sprefix=when+cricket%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1" target="_blank">When Crickets Cry</a> by Charles Martin - Camden and I both cried through this one</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Man-Jane-Harper/dp/1250105684/ref=sr_1_3?crid=J5OKJR3GCGV1&keywords=jane+harper&qid=1558792315&s=gateway&sprefix=jane+harper%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-3" target="_blank">The Lost Man</a> by Jane Harper - she is the queen of suspense without graphic violence or gore</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rust-Stardust-Novel-T-Greenwood/dp/1250164192/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3UOX0A5I6KGTX&keywords=rust+and+stardust+book&qid=1558792426&s=gateway&sprefix=rust+and%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Rust and Stardust</a> by T. Greenwood - tough subject matter, but I could not put it down</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/House-Girl-Novel-P-S/dp/0062207512/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3GILBR07CN1CD&keywords=the+house+girl&qid=1558792538&s=gateway&sprefix=the+house+girl%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-3" target="_blank">The House Girl</a> by Tara Conklin - historical fiction from the pre-civil war era is always a favorite</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Camden recommends Kwame Alexander books (he just finished <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Swing-Blink-Kwame-Alexander/dp/0310761913/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MLXCCA9H9EA8&keywords=swing+kwame+alexander&qid=1558792665&s=gateway&sprefix=swing+kwa%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Swing</a>) and two historical fiction books by Ruta Sepetys (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Between-Shades-Gray-Ruta-Sepetys/dp/014242059X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=J5P003PI8W3V&keywords=between+shades+of+gray&qid=1558792687&s=gateway&sprefix=between+shades%2Caps%2C602&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Between Shades of Gray</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Salt-Sea-Ruta-Sepetys/dp/0142423629/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28U53W2AQ6LTV&keywords=salt+to+the+sea&qid=1558792709&s=gateway&sprefix=salt+to%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Salt to the Sea</a>).</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I am about halfway through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Maid-Hard-Work-Mothers-Survive/dp/0316505110/ref=sr_1_3?crid=15U8J2FB0BSLY&keywords=stephanie+land&qid=1558792799&s=gateway&sprefix=stephanie+land%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother's Will to Survive</a> by Stephanie Land. Reading is such a great way to experience a different perspective. I would not put it on the same level as Hillbilly Elegy or Evicted, but still a good read.</li>
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I enjoyed this blog post: <a href="https://awordthatmatters.com/to-the-middle-season-mamma-in-may/" target="_blank">To the Middle Season Mama in May.</a></div>
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Thanks to a Mother's Day gift, I had a facial yesterday (only the second one ever) and it was delightful. </div>
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The kids and I are going to see the brand new Aladdin movie with my mom this afternoon, and I can't wait. Have a great Memorial Day weekend, friends.</div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29524164.post-25624357276794654502019-05-17T17:30:00.000-05:002019-05-21T13:19:06.977-05:00Five on Friday (May 17, 2019)1. It's official: I have a 7th grader and a sophomore. Where in the world does the time go? I might be tempted to feel sentimental about this, but the reality of teenagers and their eyerolls keep me grounded.<br />
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Last day of school was Tuesday morning, and we hardly know what to do with all the time. Well, the kids have a lot of extra time. The adults not so much although I am remembering how much time I save every day just simply by not having the responsibility of driving them to/from school.<br />
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They saved Christmas Golly G gift cards for the last day of school. </div>
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2. Speaking of driving - we're the proud owners of a nearly new Nissan Altima. Buying 2 cars in less than 6 months is not recommended, but Carmax made it easy.<br />
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3. As an ordained minister, Brian occasionally officiates weddings but usually just as part of the job. This week, however, he officiated the wedding of a couple very dear to him. Because I've been sick, I was unable to attend but even the kids agreed it was a great wedding!<br />
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4. Warm temps mean I am in full iced coffee mode. I've tried many variations of making my own over the years with minimal success. This year, however, I think I've found the right recipe and tools (look up Bri McKoy on Instagram for recipe/instructions in her highlights). I bought a Bodum cold brew French press and am putting Brian's Yeti to good use nearly every day. It's certainly cheaper than my current Starbucks favorite - doubleshot on ice with a splash (or two) of heavy cream.<br />
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5. Over the years I've had occasions with extreme fatigue and sleepiness. The first time I started falling asleep at the wheel, we adjusted medication (which I'm no longer taking). The second time I had a brain scan. The crazy sleepiness has happened since then, but until last week it wasn't happening while driving. Unfortunately, I had an episode last week that was really scary. Camden told me later that I scared him to death because I was driving so slowly, weaving in and out of the lines. After several close calls where I woke up swerving into another lane, I eventually became scared enough to turn around and go home. I walked straight to my room, collapsed on the bed and slept for the rest of the day. So glad I didn't hurt myself or anyone else.<br />
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Friday nights used to equal family night in the Lewis house, but family nights have been few and far between in 2019. However, Friday night is free and clear (first time since February!) and I'm making pizza and we're watching the Survivor finale and reunion. Also on the agenda is a soccer tournament (Addison's team) and a night at the skating rink with church friends. I think we've earned this slower weekend schedule!</div>
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<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08325898729203111520noreply@blogger.com1