Wish Granted!

Today, we had a fabulous day.  Brandon is on Thanksgiving break all week and Tom has this week off until Friday.  That means we were all home today together!  That in itself makes it a great start to our week, but it gets better.

Today, we surprised Amanda with a "Wish Granted" party from Make A Wish.  The Make A Wish organization partnered with the people at Pepsi who adopted Amanda's wish and provided the funds to make this trip happen. We had the privilege to meet some of their representatives today at the party.  We are grateful that Make A Wish and Pepsi have joined together to grant Amanda's wish to go to Montana, see snow and ride horses!  Saying "thank you" to these two organizations with just those two words doesn't feel like enough.  Go drink a Pepsi as a small thank you for all they have done for our family.  ; )

The party was at ROCK so we were able to surprise Amanda by telling her we were going early to feed horses today since we happened to be in town.  It was a small affair with only the grandparents there along with our two Waco Watson nieces, AJ and Meredith.  They too are on vacation for the week and had spent the night with MawMaw and PaPa.  It was a great surprise for Amanda.  She walked into ROCK thinking we were feeding early and instead walked in to a party!  After cake, receiving a backpack of goodies from Make a Wish, a cowgirl hat from Pepsi and hearing the amazing plans for the trip, Amanda and Ms. Judy took everyone at the party on a tour of ROCK.   We even got Romeo out for a picture!  

After all the festivities, however, it was time to feed despite the cold temperature.  The family stayed and walked with us while Amanda fed.  It was a special day.

We are looking forward to this week with our families.  We will spend time in Waco with the Watson family, and then later in the week we will be with my side of the family in Florence.  I don't think I ever really "took for granted" the time spent with our families because I know how blessed we are to have them.  I do think that these days, we all feel everything a little deeper and if possible, enjoy each other a little bit more.

This year, our Thanksgiving will be a wonderful celebration of God's goodness and grace as we continue to pray for His mercy and healing in Amanda's life.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Wish Granted!

Every cowgirl needs a hat to go to Montana.

Let the tour of ROCK begin.

The amazing team from Pepsi with Amanda and Romeo

Make A Wish, Pepsi and Team Watson

Now, down to business

Amanda and Ms. Judy - what a pair!

Last day to order

Well, the weather outside is frightful, but thankfully we are in our house warm and cozy!  (I know - shameless Christmas plug, but we are just rolling with it this year.)

On this cold and messy Sunday afternoon, I wanted to send out a quick reminder that today is the last day to place your order for the special edition "half-way mark" Team Watson shirts.   The shirts are black with the neon green Team Watson logo on the front.  If you have placed an order but not received a response, please resend your email.  All orders placed are being acknowledged with a return email.

Our family is looking forward to wearing our shirts on Wednesday, December 4 when she will hopefully start her sixth cycle of chemo. Sixth cycle!! I can't imagine how I will feel when we near the final cycle if I feel this much anticipation for the half way mark.

 

How our week ended

Well, our week has ended on a good note.  Brandon was back in school on Thursday.  Amanda's appointment on Thursday went well.  Despite a little anxiety, she did pretty good and things went smooth. Her counts are still high, her infusions went well and we don't go back until December 4, with plans to start chemo.

We did learn that her MRI will be pushed back later than we anticipated.  Deep sigh.  So instead of next week or even the first week of December, we were told it could be early January before the appointment could be made due to a entry error on their part.  Dr. Harrod said that since she is doing so well clinically and they have no immediate concerns, the wait was not an issue on their end.  Yesterday, we received a phone call that the MRI is scheduled for January 22.  What?!  So much for early January!  More waiting. That seems to be a recurring theme in our lives.

So now comes the choice I must make.  This may be a choice I have to consciously make every day.  It is so easy for me to go directly to the side of anxiety, and just become overwhelmed with worry and angst over the delay in visibly seeing the progression of Amanda's treatment.  I read a blog today about waiting and was reminded how God can use it in our lives to make us stronger in our faith. I can use that reminder often.  The writer wrote this: Will I allow myself to question God's character as I wait? Or, will I embrace the opportunity to exercise, and grow, in my faith?  Every step of this journey presents an opportunity for me and I pray that I will continue to grow in grace and glorify God, one day at a time.  May our waiting be an act of worship.

Then, as if that was not enough of a reminder of choices and attitudes, my devotional today opened with, "A thankful attitude...." That was enough to have my insides cringing with the knowledge that I definitely was not looking at the situation with a thankful attitude!  It closed with,  "A thankful mindset does not entail a denial of reality with its plethora of problems. Instead, it rejoices in Me, your Savior, in the midst of trails and tribulations.  I am your refuge and strength, an ever present and well proved help in trouble."  So not only should I be worshiping while I am waiting, but I should find ways to be thankful.  And I do have things I am thankful for, but I can become better with a more consistent mindset of gratitude.  No matter the day and how it went, each and every day I have with my family, I am thankful.

Colossians 3:15-16

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

 
Today, Amanda had the opportunity to go to a class party at Grace.  This was the one party she made sure I had on my calendar and that we did all we could to attend.  It was the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory party.  Who could blame her?  With all the various sicknesses and such going around, I was very hesitant to let her go, but once I saw how important it was to her to see her friends, the benefits far outweighed the risks.  She had a great time spending the afternoon in class and came home simply exhausted.  It was a good day.

Pictures from Amanda's ride on Thursday are below, along with a picture of MawMaw and PaPa Watson's visit on Tuesday.  For Thursday's lesson, after a little warm up in the arena, Amanda was able to go out and ride in the back pasture independently with Ms. Judy and the team close by.   To say that it was a wonderful adventure for her is a little bit of an understatement. 

Amanda, Romeo and MawMaw and PaPa Watson

Adjusting the stirrups for those long legs.

On her own, off she goes.

Comfortably waiting while they adjust Romeo's halter.

One of her favorite parts of lessons - trotting!

Freedom playing in the field.

Freedom is such a poser!

Pure joy on her face.

A Short Update

Well, praises all around!  Today was a very long day at the hospital, but my mom's surgery went smoothly and she was doing well, resting in her room when we left the hospital.  If everything looks good tomorrow, she will get to go home.  Brandon seems to have turned a corner and is feeling better, so I am very hopeful he will make it to school tomorrow.  Thank you for your prayers for our family this week.

Amanda is still feeling good.  She had a great lesson on Romeo Tuesday at ROCK.  I think she has found her horse.  Ms. Judy had Amanda riding independently and she did great. Romeo responds very well and is a gentle, sweet horse.  It was an extra special day for Amanda because MawMaw and PaPa Watson were with her.  She was thrilled to show them around ROCK and have them see her ride. 

Tomorrow we see Dr. Harrod and with infusions scheduled, it could be a long morning.  Prayers for a calm, peaceful and relaxed Amanda would be much appreciated.  After the appointment, it's back to ROCK for her second ride of the week.  

Riding Independently

Amanda and Romeo

Right now I am beyond exhaustion - that point where you are not sure that you will sleep because you are so weary.  I feel incredibly thankful that today is over, that the surgery went so well and Mom is doing good.  Even though I wouldn't have thought it to be true, I was more anxious about today than I realized.  After she was in recovery and we were waiting for her in her room, the wave of relief washed over me so quickly, I physically felt exhausted. It is amazing how our emotions can physically drain us!

God is good, all the time.  I'm sure as soon as I lay down, it won't be very difficult to drift off to sleep. 

Psalm 116:5-7

The Lord is gracious and righteous;

    our God is full of compassion.

The Lord protects the unwary;
    when I was brought low, he saved me.

Return to your rest, my soul,
    for the Lord has been good to you.

Things are looking up....

The last two days have been very good for Amanda.  She has felt like going outside to swing, went to physical therapy today and then to ROCK to feed today.  I am focusing on just soaking it all in and plan to enjoy this week as much as possible before her numbers start to drop.

She is giving me this look more and more.....

Speaking of our week, it is a little crazy and off our normal schedule, but that's okay. I am old pro at this 'no routine' lifestyle.  Ha! Yeah, right.  It is safe to say I am much better at being flexible, but I still have a long way to go.  On Wednesday, my mom will have Parathyroid surgery, so we are riding at ROCK tomorrow instead of Wednesday.  (Did you know that there are four glands located behind your thyroid glands? I didn't, but it seems that one of my mom's is acting up and taking more calcium than it should so out it must go. Our bodies are so complex and amazing.)  Paula, aka Maw Maw Watson, is coming to watch the kids on Wednesday so that I can be with my mom and dad at the hospital.  Thursday morning before Amanda's lesson at ROCK we go see Dr. Harrod where she will receive her Avastin infusion along with her Neulasta, which is the white blood cell booster shot.

Please pray for my mom and all involved in her surgery and pray that she will have a quick and complication-free recovery.  The plan is for her to come home on Thursday.

To add to the craziness of our "off schedule" week, Brandon was home today not feeling well.  I had images of quarantining him to his room with clear plastic and duct tape, but thought better of it.  Amanda was out for most of today, and just keeping them away from each other, along with lots of hand washing was how our day ended up.  Prayers are appreciated for him to recover quickly and for Amanda to stay well!

I have a confession - don't be a hater, but we have our Christmas tree up.  It is not decorated yet but it has been up for about a week now.  My disclaimer is that Amanda asked for it to be put up. How can we say no to that?  In fact, Amanda and I have been listening to Christmas music for at least that long, if not longer.  The girl loves Christmas!  So, as soon as I can make myself do it, I will decorate the rest of the house if for no other reason than to get the boxes out of my den. 

Looking forward to our upcoming trip to Montana, I have been on the hunt for snow clothes for the family.  Here in central Texas we just don't have the need for snow pants!  Okay, I happen to have both ski pants and a ski jacket but that is because I got tired of wearing camo hunting coveralls to work in carpool at Grace.  The mornings can be very cold when you have to stand outside for 20 minutes!  Luckily for us, we have been able to borrow most items for the family for this trip so we are close to having everyone all set regarding outerwear.  I have been all ears for advice on the best way to layer and what works versus what doesn't work.  The last time we were in any substantial snow was Brandon's kindergarten year during Spring Break in Red River.  For some crazy reason, I think this trip may be a tad bit colder than that trip was.  Although, we did get to experience a snow storm while we were walking across town.  That was very interesting with two small kids.  Here are some pictures from that fabulous trip. 

Our trip ended with a stop at Palo Duro Canyon on the way home. Such wonderful memories.

We had such a good time and all we did was sight-see and tube each day we were there.  I am looking forward to the trip to Montana and all the memories that are just waiting to be made. 

Amanda watched 'It's A Wonderful Life' recently.  I love that movie.  Something about seeing things differently makes us realize just how blessed we really are.  That is so true and I am often reminded of that in my own life.  Despite what we have going on right now, our family has so much to be thankful for and we still have so much to hope for. 

1 Corinthians 2:9
  But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
    nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him"

Isaiah 55:8-9

For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Our Weekend so far

So far, our weekend has been a relaxed one, much to our delight.  We just took our yearly family pictures.  It was hot, muggy and the mosquitoes were terrible!  I have been taking our family pictures since the kids were little, and each year we get a little better at it.  It is always funny to watch us - we pose, I check the camera, then put it on self timer and dash into the shot.  Entertaining for sure. 

PaPa Smith took Amanda hunting and she got her first buck.  He is a beauty.  We are having the horns mounted for her to hang in her room.  She is very proud - as she should be!

As if her first buck wasn't exciting enough, we have another very exciting announcement to share with you.  Amanda has been granted a wish from Make a Wish.  Now, let me just clarify in case you are wondering, this is not an indication of how Amanda is doing, but rather a wonderful opportunity for our family to get away and have some fun during this challenging time.  When we were first approached, I was totally against the idea.  It was just too hard for me to even think about it.  It was explained, however, that the organization has changed it's requirements and they don't only grant wishes for terminal diagnoses, but they grant wishes to children going through serious illnesses that have been nominated by their doctor.  It was still a very hard decision to accept the offer.  That being said, we did accept and Amanda's wish is to go to Montana, ride horses and see snow.   How fabulous does that sound?! Fabulous and cold.  So we are preparing to go Montana next month.  December in Montana.  Yikes.

Amanda continues to slowly get her energy back.  She is starting to show some of her spunk as well.  Since I struggle to live life one day at time, the Jesus Calling devotional from yesterday was very timely for me.  Amanda has been having sore joints from some of her activities.  If you will recall, prior to her diagnosis, this is how all this started - with pain in her joints.  So you can imagine that this sometimes send me into a minor panic mode worrying that there could be a change with her tumor.  I truly believe her soreness is not something to be alarmed about, but rather just expected from physical activity, yet I still find that it weighs heavily on my heart.  Even if there was a change going on, what can I do about it?  Oh, how much energy and emotions I waste on my times of worry.  So grateful that God's timing is good and there is always a reminder sent my way in some form of where my focus truly needs to be.  Often it is Thomas.  This time it happened to be Thomas and the November 16 Jesus Calling devotional:

As you look at the day before you, you see a twisted, complicated path, with branches going off in all directions.  You wonder how you can possibly find your way through that maze.  Then you remember the One who is with you always, holding you by your right hand.  You recall My promise to guide you with My counsel, and you begin to relax.  As you look again at the path ahead, you notice that a peaceful fog has settled over it, obscuring your view.  You can see only a few steps in front of you, so you turn your attention more fully to Me and begin to enjoy My presence.
The fog is a protection for you, calling you back into the present moment.  Although I inhabit all of space and time, you can communicate with Me only here and now.  Someday the fog will no longer be necessary, for you will have learned to keep your focus on Me and on the path just ahead of you.

Psalm 73:23-24 
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.

Isaiah 41:10 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

A better day

Today has been a good day.  Amanda woke up feeling better this morning, and I am so thankful!  She is still on the weak side, but better than she has been, so that is a good sign!  She spent the morning resting, did some school work and then it was off to ride at ROCK.

Amanda making Granny Kelley's deviled eggs

Amanda's Thursday ride continue to focus on teaching her how to ride, and today she worked on reigning.  Freedom was feeling a little cantankerous, but she worked hard and stayed focused. It sure wore her out.  After her lesson, we had the privilege to meet Patti Colbert, the Executive Director of the Mustang Heritage Foundation.  Amanda, when we are able, does school work in the Patti Colbert Learning Center at ROCK.  On Thursdays, Amanda rides Freedom, a Wild Mustang that was a part of the Extreme Mustang Makeover that the Mustang Foundation hosts.   If you remember, we watched the documentary, "Wild Horse, Wild Ride" right after we learned that Freedom was at ROCK and it was through that documentary that we first heard of Patti Colbert and the Extreme Mustang Makeover (Highly recommend that video!) Learning that Patti is involved with ROCK was a really neat connection.  To have the opportunity to meet her and visit for a short while was already a special treat for Amanda, but then Patti extended an invitation to come out to her place to ride horses. You should have seen Amanda's face!  What a cool opportunity.

Patti Colbert, Amanda and Ms. Judy

Freedom is such a beautiful horse!

I wonder what they were talking about today...

Today was evidence of answered prayer. Thank you for praying for her to start to feel better!  My hope is that she will continue to improve for the weekend. 

Psalm 33:21-22

For our heart is glad in him because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.

Don't forget, the special "half-way" edition of Team Watson shirts are available to order for another week.  The flyer and what the logo will look like are pictured below.  The shirts will be black with the neon green logo. 

 

If you are new to our blog, you can read our story from the very beginning on our Caring Bridge page.

The blahs continue

Well, I am starting to feel like her 'chemo hangover' is a little stronger and lasting a little longer this time than in the past.  Yesterday she didn't feel up to doing much of anything and today she actually told me she didn't feel up to her lesson at ROCK.  Let me just pause and let that sink in....

We did actually make her lesson, but it was after deep deliberation and thought on her part.  I think that she couldn't pass it up, no matter if she ended up going only for a portion of the lesson.  Much to her delight, she was able to not only stay for the whole lesson, but she even did some physical therapy while she was at it.  I think she talked the entire time.  Her team at ROCK is so much fun to be with.  She had a great time, laughed a lot and I have the pictures to prove it.  I think those that have the gift to work with children are amazing. Today everyone had so much fun and were so silly, I teased them about doing a "blooper reel" from today's lesson because of all the goofiness and laughter, so look for that below.  ;)

I don't know if I have ever shared this with you, but after our trip to Dallas back in March to see the musical "WICKED,"  we received a signed poster from the entire cast and crew for Amanda!  I took a picture a few weeks ago of Amanda and Ginger with the poster framed and hanging in our den.  It is a beautiful memento from that vacation.

We don't go back to Dr. Harrod's office until next week, so it feels like we have a nice break in front of us with no doctor's appointment this week.  Please pray that Amanda will quickly bounce back and start to regain some of her spunk and energy.

Since we don't really have much to share on the home front, I threw in a few extra pictures.  :)

Sitting tall and the story begins....

A little PT and continued story telling...

Still talking...

Riding side saddle

Love seeing this smile.

Believe it or not, this is physical therapy! And she was still talking...

They have so much fun together!

What a good day.

Now, our bloopers:

I've been accused of not getting Kristin's best side.....so she was ready for me!

They just can't help themselves.

Ms. Judy playing peek-a-boo.  These ladies are some serious fun.

I think Amanda was tired of having her picture taken.

I really don't know what to say about the two of them....but they had a really good time today....

Shandi totally photo-bombed this shot! (Shandi is the horse in the corner. She is a Norwegian Fjord and she is BIG. She kept side stepping until she was in the shot.)

Telling Romeo thank you.

Romans 8:26-28
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.