Scares but knowing all is well

 This past July, a 1.9cm cyst was discovered on Jake's right thyroid. We were sent to endocrinologist, who ordered another ultrasound of the thyroid.  The ultrasound showed it was solid and not liquid which increases the likelihood had that is cancerous (although cysts on the thyroid are a majority of the time benign), so a biopsy was ordered.  I could tell when I got home from work the day of the ultrasound that Jake was a little concerned.  He told me he was fairly confident that it was cancerous as he closely watched and then came home to research more and compare images.  The biopsy was performed 9/4/2024 and then we just had to wait.  I checked the patient portal often and on the afternoon of 9/5/2024, I saw the results....BENIGN!!!  I do not think Jake nor I realized that we were more nervous than we though as we both felt joy and relief.  We had decided either way, we would be fine.  The text message below is what he sent to his family (we had told only his parents):

"Wanted to let y'all know that I had a biopsy done on a nodule in my thyroid.  I wasn't really sharing with anyone except mom and dad because I didn't know if there was really anything to worry you about, though I imagined mom may have told a few of you.  I will admit, I have been a little nervous about it.  I got the report back today.  It is benign.

In the little bit of time I have had to think about what behavior I might change or what I might do if the news was worse, there is one thing I would make sure.  I would make sure each of you knew how much I loved and appreciated you.  I can think of some many things I am grateful for about each of you.

However, since it is benign, I think I will keep all of that to myself and let you know that I still believe I am the only perfect child mom and dad have."

He had a colonoscopy scheduled for 9/9. I took off work to carry him and told him that a part of me wondered if that would show something because he felt strongly the cyst was cancerous.  He said the same thing had crossed his mind.  We were once again fortunate to show no abnormalities and all was well.  It has caused me to reflect a little on how much I need and love that man.  I would be devastated in the event something happened to him. He keeps me grounded, is a source of joy, and a spiritual rock for our family.

Happy Birthday Aubree!

 There are people in this world who make others better by being around. Our Aubree is one of them. She’s a ray of sunshine brightening the lives of others. Happy Birthday Aubs! Your positivity is contagious and you are pure joy. We love you and miss you like crazy.

Back to School Shenanigans and August update

School looked a little different starting back this year with us attempting to home school Will.  Christopher began his 9th grade year at the academy and Jake entered is 19th or 20th year of teaching. I was a little sad again this year not to be returning with Jake but kept myself busy with work and trying to get things squared away with Will and find curriculum.  

We had Will apply for jobs and he was offered one at the dry cleaners and Chick-Fil-A.  We wanted him to take the job at the dry cleaners because his schedule would be 7-1, off on Thursdays, and never passed 7:00pm because they close at 7. However, despite our counsel, he chose CFA.  I was initially aggravated by it because I worry that they would not let him off in time to get Chris and less flexible with his schedule but I know feel Will followed the Spirit.  The week after he started, we learned of some inappropriate conduct at the dry cleaners through a friend's daughter who had gotten a job there. She was told and shown police reports filed on one of the older men harassing a teenage female employee.  He Will had his first day at CFA on 8/26.  We hope he enjoys it and it helps me not worry so much during the day.  We will just work to ensure all his schoolwork is completed. 

 Aubree had dinner with one of my old seminary teachers and one of their children. Another tender mercy of God placing people in the paths of my children and nearby. It provides me a little more comfort knowing if something happened, people are close I can call on to get to our Aubree.

Mamma Mia

 Ginny and I had the opportunity to go see Mamma Mia at The Orpheum. It was not something I initially wanted to do but by the end of the night, it was good for the soul. I smiled, laughed, and during the encore danced with my daughter.  I am glad she pressed wanting to to go and that we made it happen.  Trying to figure home-school things out for Will have been very time consuming. I want so bad to make the best decision for him to be successful and happy. I have a few concerns and know it will be tough but we think it may be the best overall decision for him.

July, July, July

It seems like this summer has quickly been passing by. It has been a good summer for our family.  Michael's entire family came to visit mid-June and we were able to see them.  We are enjoying Ginny back home and she actually enjoys doing things with us these days too.  June ended on a high note for me.  The last Sunday of June, Ginny and I were able to speak in the West Memphis Branch.  As she spoke, I realized even more the wonderful young lady she is.  Her message began with a question that her dad asked her early in her college years.  He had asked her "why she stays", particularly speaking in the church or adhering gospel standards.  She shared that when there are things she may want to question, she remembers her why. There were 3 points that were considered her why. First that she had Heavenly parents that lover her.  Second, that Christ loves her. Ginny shared that she talks to him often and throughout the day in prayer; some are really short about random things and not necessarily formal prayers.  Secondly, all things work together for her good. And the third, all things denote there is a God.

The Donalds (Travis & Debbie), Ginny, and Us

Jake and the kids were able to go to Atlanta for a four day end of June- July 2 to visit and see his parents and Sarah's family. I as able to spend and evening with my friends, Candice Marshall and Jessica O'sick one evening while my family was gone as Jessica was passing through moving. The first weekend of July, Jake did a ring ceremony for a couple that was married that morning but wanted a ring ceremony before the reception.

Me, Candice Marshall, and Jessica O'sick

Ring Ceremony of Max and Annie Miskelley

Jake and Travis Donald

 

 

 

I am happy to report that as of last week, every room affected by water December 2022 has been repaired.  Jake finished the pantry last week and it looks marvelous.  We also splurged and purchased a few new appliances: stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Jake has worked so hard on making our house, our home again and all still finds the time to "bishop".  He spoke beautiful words to a young man that was baptized last Saturday.  The family speaks no English and is the United States on political asylum from Mexico for the past month or so. Jake had sent everything to be translated in Spanish so he could try to do things in their native language.  Here are his closing remarks:

"Ethan, you remind me of Ammon in the Book of Mormon.  Do you remember Ammon?  What do you remember?

He went to a different country like you.  Let me share the good he did.  First, he served others.  In fact, he served the king.  He protected those he served with.  Because he served so well and helped others, the king was astonished.  He thought Ammon was a god.  Ammon taught the king he worked for God.  And he taught the king about god.  Because of that, he brought many people to the knowledge of god.

If you serve and love others, you will be able to do just as Ammon did.  Others can learn about god through you.

I want to share with you some of my favorite things.  First, a ding dong.  Just like people, the good stuff is found on the inside.  Second, a Coke.  Not just any coke but a coke from Mexico.  Coke from Mexico is better than coke from America.  Also, please pick your favorite bookmark and keychain.  They remind you to choose the right.  Finally, I would like to share my testimony."

We are heavily considering home school Will this upcoming year so I have spent several hours this week looking more deeply into that. We will talk to Will about it when he and his brother are back from FSY this week.  We sure miss Aubree this summer but she seems to be enjoying her summer in Utah.

 

Happy 14th Christopher

 

Happy birthday to our baby boy, who isn’t so much a baby anymore. He makes our days better, is needed in our family, and continues to strive to be a disciple. We love you and hope your day was the very best- or as good as it could be at camp.

Facts about Christopher by Christopher:

I love spiders and family.

My favorite thing to do is play games (board and video).

I love learning new things about a variety of things but probably baking/cooking.

You currently want to be when you grow up: dream job is an arachnologist but I will probably be guidance teacher.

Your favorite color is: teal and grey

Your favorite show is: I do not really know

Your favorite game is: Fortnite

My favorite activity is: swimming or playing games like poker

Your favorite girl is: mom

You are really good at: making noise

Your best friend is: Jonah Donald and Brandon Sniady

You want to vacation to: Alaska or where the Northern Lights are

Your favorite ice cream is: birthday cake

Your wish is  to get more wishes.

Your hero is: my brother

Your favorite thing to do with your friends is: play games

Your favorite holiday is: Christmas because of the fun activities we do as a family and the traditions. 

Your favorite person in the whole world is: the question so difficult but mom or Will.  Dad, I love him but he may not be my favorite, favorite. 

Your favorite song(s) is: I do not think I have any favorite songs

Your favorite restaurant is: Five Guys or Freddy's

Your favorite foods are:homemade pulled pork burritos

If you had $1000 you would buy:I would probable invest it to get more money if the stock market is up. 

God hears my silent prayers

 This past week was full of adventures. Ginny started her first job as a hygienist and Will was hired for his first job. We worked Italian Fest with our freeze-dried candy Thursday- Saturday and Jake went to bishop's night at girl's camp Friday night. He was telling me Saturday that he played "Guess Who" with the girls and gave them each flashlights.  He conveyed to them after the game that they never need to guess who they are because they know.  They are daughters of God and can be a light to others.  While I was not the intent of his message, I am glad he shared it with me because at times I get discouraged and do not remember my worth and I too needed to hear it.  I have decided that the Lord is reminding me I am his between being the "one" on the bus and Jake's message.  I felt prompted to share my testimony on it Sunday but almost did not, why, because I looked down and realized I and neglected to put my bra on for church. How embarrassing but I will blame it on such late nights at the Italian Fest, as it went until after 11:00pm each night.  I was not as focused nor polished when I shared and neglected to mention Christ goes after the one and at times, we are the one, maybe there was someone who needed to hear what I shared or maybe I needed to share it for me.