Trying to Maintain Some Normalcy

My heart is full of gratitude for all the sweet comments, kind thoughts and prayers coming from all around for us. I know so many people are praying from so many different places (in Blogland, out of state, out of country) and I am comforted by that.

I'm trying to maintain a sense of normalcy around our house, no matter how difficult it may be. I want my kids to know we're not suddenly going to stop living because of this news and have the atmosphere of our home turn somber. No, I DO NOT want that!

Tomorrow we're going to a big family party for my husband's side of the family. His mom's side. You know, the very musically talented ones I've told you all about. They're having a cookout, setting up a music stage, different ones are bringing various music equipment and it's gonna be a fun jam session, so to speak. Oh yeah, there's also gonna be a bonfire and did I mention food?! Yep, I'm sure there'll be plenty of that! I think we're in for a fabulous time. I'll take pictures, for sure.

Our oldest daughter, Taylor, is going on a 'mini vacation' with a friend and her friend's mom & grandma. Just a little 'girl's getaway' kind of thing. They're going to the zoo & an amusement park. It'll be good for Tater to get away and do something fun. She's leaving Sunday night.

Our youngest daughter, Tess, is leaving early Monday morning for a 3-day cheerleading camp. The camp is going to be held at a college campus an hour & a half away. Tess is excited to go and I'm excited for her! We've got to go shopping today to pick up a few things for her trip.

Tyler has just been working. His band is playing a concert tonight.

And in case any of you were wondering, here's a little update about what we know so far about me...

*The breast cancer surgeon we saw a few days ago has a reputation of being one of the best in our area. She is very compassionate yet direct and she is a 6 year breast cancer survivor. She will be the doctor who does my surgery.

*I have an appointment to see the plastic surgeon this coming Monday afternoon; then we'll stop in to see the breast cancer surgeon again. We'll be discussing further details about the next step in this process - which oncologist I'll be going to, determining what stage my cancer is, etc. etc.

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I'm very aware that a surgery date will come rather quickly. However, please pray that Bobby & I will still be able to go on a scheduled 2-day trip to Chicago the week after next. To some of you that may sound weird or selfish for me to still want to go right now, but I N-E-E-D to just get away from here for a few days and enjoy spending some time with my husband before the surgery - before I can't do every single thing for myself immediately following the surgery. I'm very independent and that's going to be very hard to depend on others.

There are also tentative plans to meet a fellow bloggin' bud while in Chicago...Kelly @ Serenity Cottage. How fun would that be?! I hope it all works out, ya know. Those couple days would be a HUGE gift to me.

Hope all of you have a great weekend...celebrate the little things in life, hug your family, spend more time together and tell 'em you love 'em!

Until next time,
Michelle