Lordy, Lordy, Leah's Forty !!!!!

You Know You're 40 When...

The checker at the grocery calls you ma'am instead of miss

The reading glasses in the drug store don't look so dorky anymore

Two words...sensible shoes

Your handbag grows yearly - better to hold your reading glasses and sensible shoes

A dinner reservation for 9 pm sounds absolutely insane

When the switch turns off and you, all of a sudden, need glasses.

You realize your parents were right after-all.

Four door cars seem OK now

You actually start saying the kid they just hired.

The kid they just hired is yours.

You start worrying about tax deductions because you're losing dependents to claim.

You sing along with elevator music.

People call at 9 PM and ask, "Did I wake you?"

You remember life before computers and cell phones

You remember when drivers weren't calling or texting their friends while sharing the road with you.

You remember using a typewriter to do your papers.

You know what white-out is, and how to use it.
__________________


My sister turns 40 today. I have been waiting for this milestone. You know as siblings we can't wait for payback and we will continue to tease and pester each other, but I will try and be nice for the moment. lol
It doesn't seem possible that we are getting older. You know you are getting older when you can remember when your parents were that age and you start reflecting back on your teens and twenties because we have kids that are that age now. I think reflecting is a sign of getting older too. ha,ha. Where did time go? They say life begins at forty, welcome to the club.

On milestone birthdays we like to joke about age but really it is not about a number it is our attitude about our age. Some don't feel their age and some do. The saying goes, you are only as old as you feel. Some act their age and some don't. It is how we see things in life. We must love life and enjoy every minute of it. Live life to your full potential and don't sweat the small stuff. It will all work out. Live Well .. Love Much .. Laugh Often.

The last few months have not been easy but I am thankful to still be able to share another birthday with my sister. We have been able to spend lots of time together that in the past wouldn't have been possible because of work, schedules, etc. We probably still spend more time together than the average family does.

We have shared a lot of laughs the past few months. When we were at Emory the other day the place was filled with people and everyone was so somber. We were both talking and laughing and people started watching and listening in on our conversation. One man close to us didn't want us to know that he was listening in so he kept his eyes closed and kept smiling as we talked. Maybe he thought the circus was missing a couple clowns or he was enjoying the conversation. These people really don't have a lot to smile about when you hear their stories but it is nice to know that maybe someone can have some sunshine in their lives for the moment. Laughter is the best medicine. When you can laugh, you feel peace in your storm.

Today we will count our blessings and thank God for each year and for everyday he has given us. Psalm 118:24 says: This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
__________________

This is the version of "Happy Birthday" that we sang in church growing up.

Happy Birthday to you,
a Happy Birthday to you
may you feel Jesus near
everyday of the year.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
and the best year you ever had.
____________
If you are reading this and have a moment, please post a comment to Leah. You can share your thoughts or maybe a memory. It would mean a lot to her and make her day special. Thanks to everyone for all you have done. Looking forward to many more years and making more memories.
____________

To my Sister:
God made us sisters,
Our hearts made us friends.
Love keeps us bonded
Thru thick and thru thin.

"Happy 40th Birthday"
God Bless and Keep you always,
Love ya,
Lisa


P.S. Congratulations to our cousin Sarah who is getting married today.

Grandma's Hands

I have been very tired today. I basically have stayed in my chair all day. I'll blog tomorrow about my visit to the Surgeon.

This is a forward I received yesterday and found it very thought-provoking. Hope you enjoy!

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered
if she was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK.

She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking' she said in a clear strong voice. 'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained. 'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she
asked. 'I mean really looked at your hands?' I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story:

Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.

As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.
They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.
They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent.

They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son.

Decorated with my wedding band, they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special.

They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.

They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body.
They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer.
These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more
importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home.
And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.' I will never look at my hands the same again.
But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

After that, I don't think there is much to say. So many things we take for granted.

Love to all,

Leah

No matter what trial I go through....I'm just glad I have the Lord to turn to!!

I found this poem today as I was searching for my schedule for tomorrow to return to my Surgeon and to get my port flushed. The port will stay in a year, should I need it again for any follow-up chemo. I just believe that I don't have to worry about that. "-)

However, just having the Lord to turn to in times of turmoil or things that seem to go awry, is such comfort. As my sister-in-law who has recently started coming to church says, "I never had so much peace and joy until I found the Lord, I don't know how I did it without HIM all these years." It really is a peace that passeth all understanding.

I will leave with a funny story that I was telling friends and family today and they thought I should share it on here for a laugh.

I've not had my nails done the whole time I've been sick because I had to worry about infection, white blood counts, etc. However, prior to this, I would go to the same nail shop for mani/pedis and of course, they get to know you pretty well. The nail salon that I go to is owned by a very young couple. They seem to notice everything. Well, I told them that I would not see them for a while because I was sick. Even at that time, they began speaking to one another and then all the employees looked up from doing nails and began saying, "we sorry you sick". I told them that it was fine and that they would see me soon. Well, fast forward 9 months later.....

I never really thought about it until the other day I decided to see if I could stand getting my nails done (of course, most things I was too sensitive but the massaging...oh to die for!!). As soon as I walked in and they looked up, they seem surprised and said, "we thought you die, we not see you for wong time." I told them that I knew that it had been a long time but I told them that I would be back. As they tried to do my nails, I kept jerking my hand away because it would hurt and they would all look up from doing nails and say, "we sorry, you sick". They were trying so hard to show sympathy, so they would begin to chatter to one another in their language, as they would look at me and nod their heads with sad looks. I don't know how many times they would look at me and say, "we sorry, you sick". :-) I knew they meant well, they just couldn't articulate it. Such sweet people....

It is beautiful outside here today. Hope your day is bright and sunny too!!

I REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED
I Refuse to be discouraged, to be sad or to cry

I Refuse to be down-hearted and here's the reason why

I have a GOD who's Mighty, who's Sovereign and Supreme

I have a GOD who loves me, and I am on HIS team

HE is all Wise and Powerful, JEHOVAH IS HIS name

Though everything is changeable, my GOD remains the same

My GOD knows all that's happening, beginning to the end

HIS Presence is my comfort,

HE is my "DEAREST FRIEND"

When sickness comes to weaken me,to bring my head down low

I call upon my Mighty GOD, into HIS arms I go

When circumstances threaten, to rob me of my peace

HE draws me close unto HIS breast, where all my strivings cease

When my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control

HE gathers me into HIS arms, HE soothes my heart and soul

The great "I AM" is with me, my life is in HIS hand

The "GOD OF JACOB" is my Hope, it's in HIS strength I stand

I Refuse to be defeated, my eyes are on my GOD

HE has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod

I'm looking past all circumstance, to Heaven's throne above

My prayers have reached the heart of GOD,I'm resting in HIS love

I give GOD thanks in everything, my eyes are on HIS face
The Battle's HIS, the Victory mine, HE'LL help me win life's race.

Looking on the brighter side...today is the first day of Spring!

I love the different seasons. Spring and Fall are my favorite and it just so happens, today is the first day of Spring!! Spring is about renewal. It is all the beautiful flowers, newness of life and opportunity for change.

Just as the storms that seem to come in and out of our lives, so does each season. They are here and they pass on. Let's not lose the opportunity of finding new joy and peace in this season, no matter what we do because very soon; this season will be gone.

I'm feeling much better today. Thank you for the blog comments and encouragement! I have to visit with my Surgeon, Monday morning at 9 a.m. I'm still in the thick of the journey and will be really glad when they say, "it is gone and you are NED (no evidence of disease)!!"

Have a beautiful and sunny day!

Love to all,

Leah

Not feeling so well again today

I'm up in hopes that my pain meds will kick in. I can't believe I'm still having, what they call breakout pain. One minute you are fine, the next minute you are not. I struggled with the pain all night and then finally decided to do something about it around 4 a.m.

It started yesterday. I went out for a couple of hours with Kimberly because I've been trying to build up my strength and by the time I got home, I was feeling horrible.

I know it will get better and I can hardely wait. I'm just trying to be patient, which hasn't ever been my greatest asset. :-)

Take Care and Have a wonderful day!
I'll be fine soon.
Leah

Doubt your doubts!! I love that saying!

HANDY LITTLE CHART - GOD HAS A POSITIVE ANSWER:
YOU SAY
GOD SAYS
BIBLE VERSES

You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)
You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)
You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)
You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)
You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)
You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )
You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)
You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)
You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)
You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)
You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

I received this today from my sister-in-law and thought it was something we could all use! :-)

As for me:

I always try to do something in my day that gets me up and working for a few hours to build up my strength. Today, not even thinking about St. Patty's day, made corned beef, potatoes and cabbage and then I made turtle brownies. My family loves the corned beef and cabbage meal and it is quite healthy. I've been trying to do most of the cooking so I can make sure we are getting plenty of veggies and fruit. I want to get as healthy as possible so maybe this will make my recovery quicker! :-)

Right now, the chemo seems to have settled in my ankles. I feel as those I've sprained my ankle. Seeing others blog about the after effects of chemo, apparently this is normal! Yeah me. "-( I know things could be a whole lot worse so I'm not going to fret about the things I can't control and turn them over to the ONE I know who can. I've learned not to worry.....well, I'm trying not too).

I will say that I've shared this story with a few of you. It seemed that in the past couple of weeks that everything mechanical started falling apart. We keep things up pretty well but these things were unexpected. It first started off that our air/heat compressor went out downstairs, a couple of days later...the one upstairs went out, we came home a few days later to a busted water heater and our basement flooded, I picked up the phones and they were dead, we walked by our youngest daughter's car and we could see the threads and realized we needed to get her tires changed and then we did our taxes and for whatever reason this year was going to owe several thousands of dollars.

Normally, I would have felt very stressed, especially with the amount of money to make all this happen. I felt bad because Steve got all the work but in the big scheme of things....I just thought, "oh well, what are you gonna do, get upset or get it fixed?" There are bigger fish to fry in life so you just do what you have to do and it will work out in the end.

The great thing was that Steve re-figured our taxes and realized he had missed a deduction and we ended up not owing all that tax money. To me that was a huge blessing in itself.

Stressed spelled backwards is DESSERTS so I found something sweet (which I've not been able to stand all through chemo), ate it and pushed any doubts aside I might be feeling about the current situation. It really helps to control the situation with your mind because it doesn't control you. I think that is when we feel powerless, hopeless and allow things to bother us that shouldn't because we get so down.

So, as the a visiting Minister said Sunday, "Doubt your doubts".

As always, I'm so thankful to have those out there that read, care, leave blog comments, words of encouragement, etc. The reason I don't respond to blog comments is because I haven't figured out yet how to do it. I would love to respond so many times. I'm just so thankful for your consistency in thinking of others when there are so many other things I know you could be doing.

Hoping for another beautiful day!

Love to all,

Goodnight!

Leah

This and That.....Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Don't forget to wear green today or you'll get pinched!!

I decided that since I wrote such a long blog comment before, I'll just share a short one this time with what is going on around here.

Yesterday, I had to go out for a Jr/Sr Meeting for my daughter, Angela. She is a Senior in High School and her school has a mandatory trip to Washington D.C. It sounds like it is going to be an awesome trip with lots of room for fun so I'm a little jealous! ha.

Other than that, I pretty much stay home most of the time and just try to work on getting my energy back and working through the after effects of chemo.

I return to my Surgeon next week. They purposely made my appt. approx. 30 days after my chemo to see what effects I'm still having to determine a change in meds to get me back on my feet quicker. I know one thing that hasn't changed and is very painful and that is the neuropathy in my hands and feet. I can't wait until they are normal again.

We visited with my aunt and uncle from Indiana on Sunday after church and we were making tentative plans to go see the Redwoods. My grandfather, who will be 91 this year has always wanted to see the Redwoods. So for his 90th birthday, I told him that we would take him out there. I made all the reservations, plane tickets, car, hotel, etc. and then I found out right after that, that I had cancer and had surgery immediately. There wasn't anytime to take the trip last year after I had booked the trip. Delta held our tickets, based on medical reasons for a year and if they are not used, they expire and are non-refundable. So....I'm trying to book travel again in May, hoping I'm released from the doctor, otherwise we lose our tickets. We have 8 airline tickets...that is alot to lose but we've all looked forward to going so I'm hoping it all works out this time. I don't want to be responsible for everyone not going.

My grandpa said he wasn't going until I could go. Although I've told him that there are others in the family who could take him. He is adament that I get well enough to go. So, I hope that the doctor releases me so I can go and then hopefully I will be on my way back to work.

Here are some fun facts about Ireland tradition:

When someone gets a new car it is custom to give them money.

Don't ever get married in May.

Mead wine is served, warm, at weddings. Usually the wedding cake is a lot like Christmas fruit cake. It almost always has fruit.

If a fork falls off the table a woman is coming to visit; a knife means a man.

When you have an itchy nose you should playfully hit everyone you are with and say "itchy nose" to insure you won't get into a fight with them.

Instead of playing "Punch Buggy" Where American's say "Punch buggy [colour of the Volkswagen Beetle that they see on the road], no punch backs!" Irish people say "Yellow registration, no returns". Yellow registrations are a type of license plate on cars in the United Kingdom and every so often you see one in the Republic of Ireland that are from Northern Ireland.

When there is an electrical storm, you should cover all the mirrors in the house or turn them around.

Your 21st birthday is the most important birthday. It is when you are considered an adult and it is a tradition to be given "the key to the house". Some 21st birthday cards still have keys on them as the symbol.

Irish dancers must wear their hair in curls.

On St. Stephen's Day, the 26th of December which is known to the English as Boxing Day, Irish children dress up and go door to door singing and performing. Sometimes they are given money, cookies, cake, tea, oranges, or nothing at all.

Also, common things that of as Irish but really are not: -Corned beef -Kissing the Blarney Stone (mainly a tourist attraction).

Have a fun day!

Love to all,
Leah