Saturday, December 13, 2008

A Few Updates

Thanks so much for your prayers for Mel. I got to spend some time with her yesterday and she said it meant a lot that people are lifting them up. This girl is one of the most supportive, encouraging, real, loving people I know. She serves God and people in every single part of her life. She talks the talk and walks the walk. And she's just really great at friendship. I say all of that to tell you that you are blessing a truly wonderful person. I do not have an update today, but as of last night her mom was still on life support and they felt it would be a few days.

Our friend Kristi is still very, very, very sick and fighting her cancer through chemo. After nine more weeks of chemo, they will assess whether it has had any effect on the cancer. Last week she lost her hair and had to get a wig, so her husband and her two oldest boys got their heads buzzed. That just tenders my heart so much. Some major prayer requests for them are strength, endurance, and relief from pain and chemo side effects for Kristi. Obviously strength, wisdom, peace, and comfort for their entire family. For God to help the children cope with what is happening. Loads and loads of grace to walk through the holidays. I found out that Kristi actually turns 30 next week. Thank you so much for praying for this amazing family.

Today we had this really cool thing for kids at our church called Candy Cane Lane. It was like a Christmas-themed fall festival. The Altics were having a birthday party for Jayk there at the same time. So we got to partake of both! It was really fun.

Then we came home and had naps. Curtis is edging the yard, Jackson is still asleep, and I am obviously blogging. I don't know what we will do tonight but I hope it involves fried okra or Chinese food. Probably not both since that would be gross.

I am way overdue on a post about our babymoon. Here's a blessedly short summary:
Checked in to the Houstonian hotel. Some cupcakes and Dublin Dr. Peppers were delivered to our room from the Altics. Sunday school Christmas party. Room service (strawberry-stuffed french toast). Shopping for and actually ordering Jackson's new furniture. Lunch and cookies at Paulie's. Massages at the Trellis spa. Mani-pedi thanks to a gift certificate from Kay for my birthday. Dinner at Freebird's. Non-cartoon movie. Church, which was only a five minute drive that day!

Curtis spoke to the youth at a leadership training thing after church, so I went to lunch with Mom and Jackson. When we picked up Jackson from his class, he ran out and gave Bibby a huge hug and basically ignored me. Bless my heart. Then when we got out of the car at her house, he said, "Bye bye, Mommy!" It was really funny. I suppose that is a very good "problem" to have! Mom told me that as attached as I was to her at that age, I would throw an absolute fit when she had to pry me off my Nanny (her mom). So I guess I can live with this. :) Thanks, Mom, for making our fun weekend possible!

15 comments:

Joanne : The Simple Wife said...

Hey Amanda,

Thanks for the update on Kristi--I've been praying for her and wondering how she's doing.

Joanne

P.S. Pass the fried okra!

HIS Child said...

Amanda,

God bless your precious friends and keep them right where they need to be, in our Lord's mighty grasp and tender touch.
I get email prayer requests from a prayer group that started in California (they have recently moved to Texas) and I was so blessed to see a request for Kristy. This prayer chain now spans the US, so please know that she and her family are being covered in prayer. I love Jesus and the way He knits us all together.
You truly are blessed that your darling Jackson loves his Bibby. It will be such a wonderful gift when baby girl arrives and Jackson can have a play date with Bibby and give you some time with her.
God bless your week,
Celeste

Longmeadow Mama said...

So curious as to what Dublin Dr. Pepper's are!!
Praying for all....

Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! said...

What a fun "babymoon!" It makes my heart happy that you do things like that. :)

Haley said...

Awe! you had to bless your own heart! My kids do that too and even though it's a good problem to have it still stings a little!

Jan said...

So glad you had a good time. Nothing like a little R & R when you're PG (Pregnant Girl) grin...

Blessings,
Jan

Anonymous said...

We are praying for Kristi and Mel's mom.

Alana said...

Hey Amanda.
Thanks for the comments you left for me. I have acutally looked into a Doula. I'm still not sure. I've started having Braxton Hick's contractions and I don't care what people say...they hurt! It makes me nervous as to what "real" labor will be like.
It sounds like I'm a week behind you (30 weeks).
I have been thinking so much about Kristi and Chuck. That breaks my heart to hear about her.
Hope things continue to go well!

katiegfromtennessee said...

Thank you for the updates, little Momma, I will pray for Mel and Kristi, your friends are inspiring to me...you did have a blessed babymoon:) I am glad to know:)

Love,

katiegfromtennessee

Lauren said...

Okay, blessing your own heart cracked me up: "Bless my heart." Sometimes you have to do it that way, though, right?

Sherry said...

Amanda,
Please pass on my words of encouragement to Mel. Trey and I are praying for her and her family..I can't imagine what she's going through. Also, if you can, will you send me her mailing address through e-mail? I would love to send a card.
Sherry

Allison said...

Hey- I'm so sorry to hear about Mel's mom...I knew she was really sick, but this is such sad timing. Will you please keep me posted and send me her address when you have a chance. HUGS, AW

Kiki said...

I'm glad you updated on Kristi, I've been meaning to ask.

Also, Drew and I just tried fried okra for the first time last night at our Sunday School Christmas party. Everyone laughed at us for not knowing what it was!

Dublin Dr. Pepper! Nice.

Laura said...

Dear Amanda,

Thanks for updating on your friend. I have been praying for her.
No matter where we are, we are united by those who have been saved bonded in unity by the blood of Christ.
May God bless you.

Laura Russell

Anonymous said...

Fun to see you today! You're looking good and I hope you got your Chinese food. I ate so much of that and guacamole (never together) with Seth, it's a wonder he doesn't have black hair! -Em