Chocolate Covered Marshmallows

I was at home with my oldest girl, and I heard her in the kitchen.  It sounded like she was doing the dishes, and found myself getting a bit excited about the idea of her doing a chore without me asking her to.  I decided to go in and see what was going on.  As I walked into the kitchen, my nose got a whiff of chocolate.  I saw something that got me even more excited than my dishes getting done.  Here is what I saw:

I also saw my daughter standing there licking chocolate off a spoon and looking quite pleased with herself.  This is the same daughter who does not like to cook, so I was surprised and quite pleased! I was especially pleased with her cleverness.  I wondered how she made the yummy chocolate drizzle and she said,

"I melted my chocolate Easter bunny!"

So clever.  I praised her efforts and told her I wanted to feature them on the blog.  She smiled and said "Yeah, I was thinking about that..:)"

The size of these little sweet treats are perfect for popping in your mouth when a treat is needed.  If you want to make your own, gather the leftover chocolate Easter bunnies in your home, melt in the microwave, then dip and drizzle over miniature marshmallows.  Let sit until chocolate is hardened.  

Sadness

I am on a walking trail
Ipod in ears--again.
Iced latte in hand-again!

I look for a bench to sit and write, I avoid the ones that are engraved and say "In Memoriam," for they depress me further than I already am.

 I am sad.

The only benches in the shade are these said benches, so I give in and sit on the shiny, cold marble that is carved with the name, "Marilyn, 1999."  Did she love this trail too?  Did she walk when alive, drinking in the sounds of life?  Did she walk it slow, weak and sick, feeling life fade?  I wonder these things and I feel sad for Marilyn.

I am not used to being sad.  Moody, yes.  Sad, no.

I take a walk today, to get some exercise, and to pray release some natural serotonin. Surprisingly, it helps.

How could it not?  The 60- degree cool breeze, brings whiffs of spring flowering trees.  These trees are the accessories of nature in the springtime, touches of purple, yellow, white and pink.  God never over-accessorizes.  He always gets it just right.

The sun shines but plays hide- and- seek behind large, white clouds.  It is a bit annoying as I have to reach for the jacket tied around my waist, every time it stays hidden for too long.  Annoying, but amusing, this hide-and-seek-game-playing with the sun.

This game I can't control reminds me of life right now, and makes me think about how I am responding to things out of my control.  Am I responding annoyed or amused? Truthfully, I have fallen into self pity. I am oozing discontentment as these annoyances come my way:

~painful joints that get "stuck" when I sit too long--chemo side effects

~a female cycle that brings 2 weeks of emotional struggle, more than an annoyance--a full- blown sting.

~fatigue.  I pay for my walks, for at least 2-3 days after, I have little energy, needing naps and an early bedtime.

~right-side lower back pain.  A dull ache.  I wonder if it is the cyst on my ovary introducing itself to me.

These annoyances come my way and I respond annoyed.

I wonder how to change my response, to enter into the game and play nice.  How to be sad without making everyone else around me sad, too??  How to play, and even how to fight with a submissive "yes" nod?  Instead, I tense, fear and fight with a nodding, stubborn "no."

I've lost my way and the ability to say, come what may.  

I ponder these questions on my walk, as ipod pushes truth answers into my ears.  I scroll through songs and come upon one that pushes through my swirling questions and thoughts, giving answers.  Despite my dislike for the slight country twang, I listen to it three times...

In Better Hands by Natalie Grant

Lyrics-Bold

My thoughts-{italic}

It's hard to stand on shifting sand

{shifting moods, shifting cycles}
It's hard to shine in the shadows of the night

{my shadow of the night? Said cycle.}

You can't be free if you don't reach for help

{"Amy-keep looking to me, turning and reaching for my perfect help"-God}
You can't love if you don't love yourself

{"I love you with an unconditional love.  It is complete, lacking nothing. True love. You are 100% fully known, and fully loved by me.  This makes YOU complete"-God}

There is hope when my faith runs out

Cause I'm in better hands now

{"lean into my hands!  Come to where you belong in this restful and safe place.  Submit. Nod the "yes."" -God}

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down

{right on cue with the music, the sun dramatically reveals itself from behind a cloud, playing its game. It makes me smile and gives me shivers.   A God kiss.  Even in rain sadness, the sun is still shining and will keep me warm despite the dreary.}
It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground

{I can walk through this life, these annoyances, He will help me rise above and even fly.}
So take this heart of mine there's no doubt

{I'm starting to get it, starting my submissive "yes" nod}
I'm in better hands now

{not I, but Christ. Galatians 2:20. Not my own, but HIS!}
I am strong all because of you

{this statement revealed pride in me.  I have felt tough since fighting this battle of cancer and getting through the treatments. But it was HE that got me through, and is getting me through. He who strengthens me!} 
I stand in awe of every mountain that you move

{one of my favorite lines in the song.  This mountain, this cycle sting. He can move it!  He can do what He pleases and has a plan for me that is good!}
Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone

{another favorite line, the lies want me to believe I am a lost cause, a continuous cycle of strong then weak.  They want me to believe that I am the same.  But, NO!  Yesterday is gone, today is a new day with new mercies! These struggles do not define me.  I am who He says I am. Changed. New.}
I am safe from this moment on

{the enemy whispers self-imposed ruin. But I know better.  I know I am safe.  My family is safe.  My marriage is safe. My future is safe.  He holds it all!}
[
There's no fear when the night comes 'round

{It is ALL in His hands & SAFE.}
I'm in better hands now

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now

It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
It's like the world is silent though I know it isn't true

{If I feel alone, I am not.  Silence and stillness can be embraced.}
It's like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room

{another God kiss.  Again, right on cue of the music, I walk under a tunnel of sweet- breathed spring trees, white petals floating down in the spring breeze-- it looks like snow!  Fragrance all around. He is here. Through Him, I can handle whatever comes, even the sadness. I can nod "yes" and wait it out, for there is no doubt, I am in His hands, now.}

So take this heart of mine there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now
I'm in better hands now

Roasted Sweet Potato Coins

These roasted sweet potato coins make me very happy.

Why?

My 3 girls fight over them like they are candy.  

That is a minor miracle in our home--fighting over a vegetable!!

How to make them?

~Line a pan with parchment paper.

~Peel and slice some sweet potatoes, about 1/8" thick.

~Drizzle with some EVOO.

~Sprinkle with salt & pepper.

~Bake 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes, or until soft and slightly browned on top.

May Day Baskets

{May Day Baskets from last year}

Last year we had a lot of fun making May Day Baskets.  My girls just LOVED delivering them to their friends doors, ringing the doorbell, and running away before getting caught. They are already talking about doing it again this year.   For those of you who are not familiar with the May Day Tradition, the basket giver rings the bell and runs away.  The person receiving the basket tries to catch the fleeing giver.  If caught, tradition said a kiss was to be exchanged!

{my Pinterest May Day Basket Idea Board}

I found a bunch of beautiful May Day basket ideas at Pinterest, and if you click through you can browse through them for some inspiration.  Personally, I'M TIRED so our May Day baskets are going to be very simple this year.  It may consist of a cup with a pipe cleaner handle stapled to it, and some stickers to decorate.  The one thing that won't change from last year is my desire to fill them with treats that are not so loaded with sugar. Last year, I choose popcorn, honeycomb cereal (I thought the flower shape was cute and they don't have a ton of sugar in them, at least for a treat), dried blueberries, multi-grain cheerios, and to top it off, ...a Lindt Lindor Truffle.  I don't know about your Easter bunny, but our Easter bunny was quite generous this year, so we have plenty of sugar in our home!

Do you have a May Day tradition?  

Anti-Procrastination Tuesday #53

***Please, please, please read before linking.

There are 2 areas to link up, with 2 different themes.  Read more below and please link up in the right area.  Thanks!***

{To learn more of what this is all about, read this post.}

My Anti-Procrastination Goals Last Week:

~my always growing paper pile

~ALL laundry done and put away, then one load a day

~workout at least 3 times

~plant seeds

~make yearly exam appt.

~make appt. for girls teeth cleaned

~make appt. for my teeth cleaned

~make appt. for eye exam

~make appt. for yearly skin check

~schedule reconstruction surgery 3 weeks from now

~call carpet cleaners

~answer "starred" emails

~work on new blog design

Although I'd love to see them all crossed off, I do feel good about the ones that are!

My Anti-Procrastination Goals For THIS Week:

~one load of laundry done every day

~plant seeds

~add compost to garden beds

~call carpet cleaners

~answer starred emails

~work on new blog design

~take a day for note writing, especially thank you notes!

~think about May Day baskets, come up with a plan

~craft closet clean out

<a href="http://www.amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p32/Amysb1975/3032373667_7c7e803b43-3.jpg" border="0" alt="New Nostalgia" /></a>

Most Clicked On "Anti-Procrastination Post"

Clean Your Dishwasher @ While He Was Napping

Most Clicked On "Flexible Post"

Hanging Solar Powered Light Jars @ Barefeet On The Dashboard

My Favs:

Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie @ Let Birds Fly

Special Birthday Balloons @ Increasingly Domestic

DIY T-Shirt Spaghetti Scarves! @ Beauty Divine

Popsicle Stick Bracelets @ Suzy's Artsy Crafty Sitcom

 

<center><a href="http://amy-newnostalgia.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p32/Amysb1975/7393129504_TCNCj.jpg" /></a></center>

***STOP and read before linking:

There are 2 different themes to link up to, please choose the correct one or I will need to delete your link.

***Anti-Procrastination Themed Posts

~things you want to accomplish {lists, goals, projects}

~goals you did accomplish

~thoughts on procrastination/ways you beat procrastination

***Flexible Type Posts

~crafts

~recipes

One Thousand Gifts #17

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

{411- 438}
~cozy comforter & pillow to match

~9 hours of uninterrupted sleep

~sound of husband giving youngest daughter kisses

~my youngest, her first response to being woken in the morning is an eyes-still-shut smile

~my middle girl, her first response to being woken is a grumpy groan and frown

~my oldest girl's response...none.  She is a warm and tucked-in lump that does not move.

~ how different God made my girls

~words with my neighbor--a Divine appointment

~the smell of toast

~a friend who delights in and shares Psalm 91

~laughing with Keeli at the crazy

~clearing dead debris from the garden beds, so grateful that I am not.

~making room for new growth and life in both garden and self

~that God "holds the untamed moments, too" --Ann Voskamp

~middle girls voice singing in the morning.  Humming happily.

~the sound of him taking out the garbage.  A daily act of love.

~iced mocha in hand on walk

~truth pushed into ears by ipod

~sunshine warmth on my neck

~friendly nods on the bike path

~a beautiful trail close to my home

~magnificent magnolia trees

~a husband who supports and allows me to be a stay-at-home mom

~Coconut Curry Chicken

~Life.  Feeling alive.

~a day to celebrate His rising

~an Easter meal prepared by loving hands while mine rested

~nephew eating helium from Easter balloons, the laughter his high- pitched, helium, "Happy Easter!!"  brings

Happy Easter-He Has Risen!

Jesus said to her,

“I am the resurrection and the life.

Whoever believes in me, though he die,

yet shall he live,

John 11:23 esv

Good Friday

{photo credit}

Activities To Do With Children, In Remembrance:
Tell The Easter Story With A Playdough Mountain @ Desiring God
Resurrection Cookies With A Story @ A Bird And A Bean
Easy Resurrection Buns (scroll to end of post after clicking) @ Take Six
Lenten Repentance Box @ New Nostalgia
An Easter Lesson @ New Nostalgia
How To Make An Easter Garden @ Holy Experience
Make Hot Cross Buns @ Pioneer Woman

A Beautiful, Handmade Light Wreath, To Help Us Remember The Way:
A Light Wreath @ Holy Experience

Writings To Remember & Reflect:
His Mother Before The Cross @ A Holy Experience

A Song On Screen:
The Real Reason For Easter @ YouTube

Homemade Cheese-Its

I found this recipe from A Bird And A Bean.  It is such an easy and fun snack to make!

I do not buy much processed junk food, so when we get a craving for something crispy and cheesy, I now know have the perfect recipe to make.

Next time I will roll them out thinner for more of a crunch.  These had crunchy bottoms and crisp layers of cheesiness, and my girls liked them "poofy" so they were still a hit even rolled a bit thicker.  

I think I will take a toothpick and poke the middle of each one before baking next time, it may help de-poof and will make them look like the original.

Thanks, Erin, for a great recipe! 

 I love eating a cracker with minimal ingredients and no preservatives!

Homemade Cheez-It Crackers

**I didn't need to chill mine, I think if you add less water you can skip this step.

• 1 cup flour
• 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small squares
• 1 (8-ounce) bag grated extra-sharp 2% Cheddar cheese (preferably orange)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients in food processor, and pulse until crumbly. Add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough comes together. Form into ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Place dough between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and roll out to 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet, and, using pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into 1 inch squares. Sprinkle with kosher salt and bake for 25 minutes. Test for crispiness; crackers may take a few minutes more to finish crisping. Remove from oven when crisp and just starting to brown. Let cool and serve.

Psalm 91

I bumped into my friend, Anna, this last week.  The same Anna I spoke of here.

Once again, she brightened my day, just being who she was created to be and sharing herself with me.   She shared with me a Psalm that had been on her mind, and encouraged me to not just read it once, but many times over, even once a day for several days. 

When I opened my Bible, I was excited to see that it was the same Psalm God had used specifically, another time in my life.  I was facing rejection and an uncomfortable conversation I had to have with someone I loved deeply.  I remember so clearly, I was in my early 20's, and I was terrified to have this specific conversation.  I opened my Bible to the Psalms looking for comfort, and chapter 91 brought just that.  I remember verse 5, that says "you will not fear...the arrow that flies by day." At that time, the arrow I was so fearful of were words that I knew would be shot my way, verbal arrows that I knew could wound me deeply. 

 I also remember and loved verse 4, where it says:

I walked into that conversation, visualizing myself covered with feathers, hidden under mighty wings, shielded from arrows.

  Held.

 I  knew I would be ok no matter what, because I could take refuge in GOD. 

 He would not reject me--ever.

The conversation I had was hard, there was rejection involved, and I was actually cut off from this person for a period of time.  Yes, it hurt.  But...I was still ok. It did not define me or destroy my confidence.  In time, the relationship was healed and continues to be blessed.

The verses take on a whole new meaning as I read them in this season of my life.  

They are so comforting.

He HAS answered me when I call to him. v. 15

He HAS been with me in trouble. v. 15

I know nothing will happen to me that has not passed through His hands first.  He is aware of me, He knows me intimately, He knows that number of hairs on my head! Luke 12:17

He tells His angels to watch out for me, and keep me!  So cool.

God seems to teach me things in themes.  Just a few days after seeing Anna and reading Psalm 91, I read this in my devotional book:

Jesus Calling:

Trust me, and do not be afraid.  Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly.  You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable.  Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher that you and your circumstances.  Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities.  Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new.  I lead you on from glory to glory making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life.  Trust Me, and don't be afraid.

{Psalm 91 Song By Lincoln Brewster}

Coconut And Chicken (Or Beef) Curry With Noodles

{photo does not show it, but this recipe makes a lot of delicious, creamy sauce for the noodles}

Wow-sa! This recipe was good! I loved that it was a recipe that my whole family liked.  My daughters do not like coconut, but that was no problem because this does not have a strong coconut flavor. It has coconut milk in it, which gives it a slightly sweet flavor and makes it creamy!  They also do not like red peppers, but they are necessary in this recipe for flavor, color and health! I made them each eat one pepper strip, and this had to be done before they could dig into the rest of their meal.  It is amazing how this simple rule can make eating certain veggies that are not their favorite, a fast and simple process.

.

When cooking dinner, I try to pull at least on of my girls into the kitchen with me.  I want them all to be comfortable with cooking, and I love the quality time I get with each of them while doing it.  I rarely pull my oldest in, because she frets and complains about it.  She does not like to cook.  I made sure I had all the ingredients out and everything set before bringing my grumpy girl into the kitchen, and I was determined not to let her grump get to me:)

Didn't she do a lovely job of slicing the red pepper?  She grumped about a cut on her finger that the pepper juice stung, but she got through it!

I cut up the raw chicken and the onion--I know to pick my battles wisely. I knew she would not come close to the raw chicken, but she did she did squeeze the lime and saute' the chicken.  She also seasoned the chicken, made the noodles, opened the coconut milk, sauteed the veggies and did all the stirring.  

I was a proud mama.

Her frown eventually turned upside down.  

Funny how the smell of goodness cooking,

 and a mom who chooses to remain lighthearted can do just that.  

I give us both a pat on the back. :)

Everyday Food: Fresh Flavor Fast: 250 Easy, Delicious Recipes for Any Time of Day

This recipe came from Everyday Food:Fresh Flavor Fast.  I am really loving this cookbook.  Every recipe has a full page photo, all of which are simple gorgeous.  The recipes are healthy, fresh and simple.

This recipe is actually Coconut And Beef Curry With Noodles in the book, but I had chicken on hand so that is what we used.

Coconut and Chicken (or Beef) Curry With Noodles

Salt & Pepper

8 Ounces vermicelli (rice noodles) or angel-hair pasta (I used whole wheat)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I used coconut oil)

1 pound of chicken, cut into 2 inch strips (or beef sirloin)

1 red onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced lengthwise

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste

1 can (14 ounces) unsweetened coconut milk

1 cup packed fresh basil leaves (I only used about 1/3 cup-all I had)

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

-------------------

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add a generous amount of salt.  Cook noodles until tender according to package instructions; drain.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high.  Season chicken or beef with salt and pepper; add to skillet.  Cook, until chicken is no longer pink, or beef is to desired doneness.  Transfer to a plate.

3. Add onion, bell peppers, and the water to skillet; season with salt and pepper.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes.  Add curry paste; cook, stirring and scraping bottom of skillet, until fragrant and combined, about 1 minute.

4. Return chicken or beef and any accumulated juices to skillet; add coconut milk.  Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, 4-5 minutes.  Remove from heat.  Stir in basil and lime juice, and season with salt and pepper.  

Serve meat mixture over noodles.

Enjoy!

Breast Cancer Update-Scan Results

{below is an update, the 2 most recent journals from my Caring Bridge site}

MONDAY, APRIL 18, 2011 9:00 PM, CDT

Today was scan day.  

I had to drink 2 15 oz. bottles of barium.  

I remember drinking the same berry flavored barium way back in August when this battle started.  I sipped and gagged and complained and eyes watered.

Not this time. 

 I guzzled that baby, it went down smooooooth.  I buckled down and got 'er done and felt pretty darn proud when I was done.  I think I've toughened up a bit in the last 8 months!:) 

But, just when I start feeling tough, I am humbled again.  

Due to an earlier allergic reaction to bone scan contrast, I had an I.V. inserted and Benedryl pushed, just to be safe.  The minute Benedryl entered my system, I reacted. Lungs tightened, heart raced, nausea.  I shook like a leaf!  I flushed, and was lightheaded--I thought I would faint. The very medicine that was supposed to keep me from reacting to the contrast caused this reaction!   This reaction happened in the waiting room in front of others-- very humbling.  I am not sure why the nurse brought the injections into the waiting room instead of taking me back to a room, but I sure would have preferred a bit of privacy.

The nurse seemed baffled at my reaction and asked if I had anxiety.  That TICKED ME OFF! To me, it was clear I was having an immediate reaction to whatever she had just pushed into my IV.  I did a google search on Benedryl reactions and read that if it is pushed too hard/fast without diluting, that some people can have serious reactions, with symptoms similar to what I was having. I even read a nurses thread where a nurse talked about 2 different patients of hers coding due to a Benedryl reaction!  Whoa. 

We all know I can get a bit anxious about things, but that is NOT what was happening at that moment. Grrrr.

I laid down for awhile and was monitored.  I was a little annoyed because this put lunch off an hour and I WAS HUNGRY!!  Barium for breakfast just didn't cut it for me:)

The rest of the day was fine.  My heart raced a bit when they pushed the contrast dye in, but it slowed down quickly so I didn't worry about it too much, I was really too sleepy to worry thanks to the Benedryl! No rash so far, last time it showed up in the evening. 

My CAT scan was in the morning, when all this craziness happened.  It is a scan that takes sliced images, and they scanned from my chin to my hips.  

My  mom was with me and we went to lunch, then arrived back at the hospital in time for my 2:00 bone scan.  My day got much better once I was able to eat :P

The nurse asked if I had any sore areas of bone, and I told her about my scapula pain.  She took 2 extra pics of that area, and said "I'm not a doctor, but comparing that scapula area to your last scan, they look the same"  I was so happy and relieved to hear that!  I've tried not to worry about this soreness, but I have...  

Toward the end of my scans, I turned to my mom and said "I have no groceries in the house and no plans for dinner"  She suggested I make breakfast food for dinner--eggs and toast or french toast.   Minutes later, my phone rings and it is my friend, Karma.  She is a three time breast cancer survivor who attends that church I do and has become such a sweet friend to me the last few months.  She said "I made extra Chicken Divan for your family, can I bring it around 5:30?"  I got off the phone and my mom and I laughed out loud at the goodness of God.  I didn't have to make breakfast for dinner, although it was a good idea..:P

That was cool enough, but I later saw another reason why God provided dinner for us tonight.  

It was about the time I usually would start making dinner, and I got a phone call from a lady whom I have talked to but had never met.  I had heard about this lady from my Avery girl.  She told me there was a girl in her class whose mommy also had breast cancer.  I called this woman and told her I would love to meet her.  That was weeks ago. She called me today and said, "Can I meet you?  Like, now?"  :)  I was not in the middle of dinner- makin'-craziness like I  usually would have been.  I was able to say "of course, I can't wait to meet you, come on over."  We sat and talked as Karma's Chicken Divan warmed in my oven.  It was a wonderful conversation--this woman is amazing and I am SO BLESSED to know her!!

Romans 8:28

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

---------------------------------

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2011 6:13 PM, CDT

I called my oncologist office 5 minutes to closing time.  I WAS NOT going to wait another day for scan results!

I am glad I did, because I learned my doctor is out of town until Monday!

I talked to a nurse, and she read my scan results, but kept telling me that Dr. Midathada could explain them further and answer any of my questions.

Here is what she said:

 CAT scan:
was NEGATIVE for signs of metastatic disease :)

It does show a dominate ovarian cyst, this is one we knew about as it had showed itself back in September, but there is growth.  The radiologist suggests that I have an pelvic ultrasound done to check it out.  Ovarian cycts are rarely cancer, but with my history she was sure my doc would want to check it out.  That's kinda poopy.:(

Bone Scan:

There was still uptake in my rib area.  They called it "degenerative changes" on the report, and it sounds like it has progressed some? The nurse said they will want to do a bone density check on me.
When I asked her if that could be cancer related or a sign of cancer, she said she will have the doctor call me to answer my questions. Hmmm.

Sooooooo..

I am very, very thankful the scans didn't light up everywhere showing cancer spread.  That is AWESOME.  My liver looks good, my kidneys look good, my lymph nodes look good, my chest and breast look goooooood:) Ha.  I am going to celebrate that!!!

But...

sounds like my life of doctor appointments will continue for awhile.
Oh well, what is a few more...I'm not sure what I would do with myself if my life was devoid of all doctor appointments...

My main prayer request is that we could get answers quickly, and all this appointment craziness will be over with by the time my girls get out of school for the summer.