Care to Join Me?

Good evening, everyone! I trust that you had a wonderful Christmas with your friends and family, and that you have snuggled in for a cozy winter. We are busily getting ready for our last Christmas celebration, and even though we have been celebrating for quite some time now, we are really very excited to get together one more time with family and friends. One of the benefits of both of us coming from large families...always something and someone new to see.

Anyway, back to the title of my entry. I'd like to invite any and all of you who are interested to join me in an online Bible study of sorts. I have just recently purchased the new study by Priscilla Shirer entitled "Can We Talk? (soul stirring conversations with God)". Anyway, this is a 6 week study covering 6 different topics. I don't know everything about it, but I heard her speak, and am really, really looking forward to reading this book. Truth of the matter, I stink at personal Bible study unless I have a format and someone to be accountable to. So, I thought this would be a new twist on the traditional Bible Study.

If you are interested, we'll begin the 2nd Monday in January (the 12th). Then, each week, I'll post one entry devoted to the study, and you can leave your comments on what you liked/learned/rediscovered through the study. That way, we'll all be able to "chat" about it without sitting at the computer for hours on end.

The book is available at Lifeway stores, and I'm sure other bookstores as well, in addition to its availability on Priscilla Shirer's website www.goingbeyond.com. Furthermore, here is a link to a video clip about the study http://www.goingbeyond.com/feature4.asp. If you're interested, grab a book and join in on the journey. Hope to see you there!

Blessings! Talk to you next year!

Leslie

Happy Thursday!

Just wanted to say hello. We've had quite a busy week, as the "bug" was shared by everyone but me! The house is now back to normal, and we are anxiously adding the finishing touches to our Christmas preparations. I have lots to blog about, but am having a bit of trouble finding the time to do it. Eventually I'll get around to it. Until then, have a wonderful week before Christmas, and enjoy the preparations as much as the actual holiday! No matter your circumstances, God is good!

Love to you all! Thanks for your continued prayers...I head to Oklahoma for another treatment tomorrow...which means I'll be back in my own home by tomorrow night. YEAH!

Blessings,

Leslie

(the photo above is an actual photo of a snowflake from the website www.snowcrystals.com. Isn't it beautiful?)

Well, well, well...

The above title is more of a "name it, claim it" rather than a window into the topic of discussion. Jeff and I have been up since midnight with two little boys who are each sporting their own variation of the "flu"...one...the true respiratory version, the second, a nasty stomach bug. I have done more loads of laundry that I care to count, and none of them contain the necessary clothes we will need for the weekend. It is nearly 4pm, and Jeff has taken off work early to pick up Owen from school.

"Meanwhile, back at the ranch...", Isaac is resting and watching a movie, while Levi snoozes on the couch. My kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, and living room are finally tidy (with the exception of the large mountain of laundry on the loveseat...clean laundry from yesterday that I was going to fold and put away this morning). My house boasts the fragrance of Vicks (from the little boys room), Lysol (from every room), Clorox (again...everywhere), fresh air from the freeze out I produced a few hours ago...all windows open, exhaust fans on, and hoods up! Now, I'm trying to regain some sense of peace by burning a holiday spice candle. Will know in a bit if that was a good idea! Anyhow...WHEW!!! But even still...I'm here to take care of it! YEAH! Last year I was on the road and puny and ICK! But now, I'm back in business, and it's wonderful!

Levi has been a hoot and a half. So, so sick, and yet ever inquisitive and comical. His latest question, "Why do they call it throw UP? Shouldn't it be throw DOWN, because, you know, it's goin' down (insert vision of hand gesture here)?"

"Good point, Levi! You're so smart!"

"Momma?"
"Yes?"
"I sure don't like this."
"I know. I don't either...you'll be better soon."
"I do like stayin' home, though." (Never you mind that he missed "Santa's Workshop" at school today! I scored higher! Woohoo!)
"And I like having you home. Are you about done in here?"

Yes...all his great questions and quotes in the past 24 hours came from the bathroom, a place in which I'd rather not do my visitin'! He's just such a hoot! Jeff and I were bustin' up laughing last night, Levi was just so funny!

Hopefully, all will be well in the morning!

Oh...did I mention that Owen had the stomach version Wednesday? Yah...can you say "New toothbrushes for everyone!?"

Well...I'd better go. Won't you join me in a sing-a-long with Amy Grant?

"It's the most wonderful time...of the year! It's the hap-happiest season of all..."

Blessings,
Leslie

Merry Christmas!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Need a Gift Idea? Check this out!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a blast yesterday at Jeff's folk's house. Just 2 doors down they were livin' it up with a potato gun, daredevil jumping into leaf piles, bow shooting, and as this video shows...go cart riding! Isaac had a blast! Just testing my luck with posting videos...if this works, I'll add another! Happy Thanksgiving! Leslie

A Little Maxine Humor

Gotta Love It!

Well, I returned from Texas with a stomach bug that held on for an entire week. I wasn't alone, though, as my mom brought a stomach bug of her very own back as well. We've both been sick since last Sunday, and although I'm feeling much better, as of last night, she is not. Hopefully a real "day of rest" will do us both some good.

This week, Levi celebrated his 6th birthday! I am so pleased with the sweet little boy he is still. He loves to make us laugh, he loves to read, he loves anything with wheels, he has begun to collect baseball cards, and he joins his brothers in wanting....really, really wanting...even longing for...a dog! (We have no fenced yard, and we're not the indoor pet type people, so we settle for buddying up with our friends' pets, and keep hoping for a farm of our own...)We celebrated Levi's day with a trip to Jump Mania (a room full of inflatables) with the Parker family and the Glenn family. Big time fun. Then we had dinner, and came home to birthday cake and presents. Levi is still recovering from staying up til nearly 9 o'clock! Party animal!

The weather is much cooler here this weekend. We giggled with excitement as we watched the first few snow flurries float to the ground yesterday. The boys are aching with anticipation to use their barely used sleds that Santa brought them 2 years ago. This was also opening weekend for deer hunting here in Missouri, so we've all enjoyed hearing the updates from our friends and relatives as they bring home their bounty (or lack thereof).

I have some good news on the medical front. I have found an oncologist a bit closer to home where I can receive my "every three week" (tri-weekly?) doseage of Herceptin. This oncologist was actually recommended to me by my Dr. at MD Anderson as a physician he has worked with before, so hopefully everything will transition smoothly. I am still scheduled to be back in TX in January for more tests and treatments as well as reconstructive surgery.

I am looking forward to being close to home during the holidays, though, and we are all enjoying the holiday preparations. This past week, we enjoyed attending Owen's school Thanksgiving program, where they sang songs with titles of "Give Thanks" and "Count Your Blessings", themes very near and dear to our family. This coming week, Levi has his Thanksgiving program, as well as a "Friendship Feast" in his classroom. Sounds like a party to me! Then, next week, Owen has his "multi-cultural, non-denominational, can't call it Thanksgiving" feast in his school, and then we're all off for the Thanksgiving break! YEAH!

Thank you for checking in on us still. We are very appreciative of your prayers and your notes of encouragement. Thanks for all you've done to help me in the past year. What a whirlwind that was! You have no idea how wonderful this Thanksgiving/Christmas season is and will be to me and my family, and it's because you kept us in your prayers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Have a wonderful week, and I'll write again soon!

Love,
Leslie

Right now...

I am unwinding after helping Owen finish an "Election 2008" poster, complete with a thorough description of the duties of our President, which candidate we feel is most qualified, and why...all in easy to explain third grade language. Give it a whirl...it's more difficult than you might think!

I am needing to clean my kitchen, as our supper of cocoa puffs and left over BBQ is still sitting out on the counter top. I have yet to eat...

My children are snuggled into their beds, having crashed from their weekend-long Halloween sugar high. The trick-or-treat buckets are securely (ha!) out of reach on top of the fridge. All candy has been dutifully sorted into chocolate, bubble gum, sucker, and chewy-fruity groups (for easier consumption I'm told!).

I am needing to get ready for this week. School, elections, and another trip to Houston await me, and I should be home again, resting in my own bed by Friday night.

I still need to write a letter of reference for my friend Kim. It's written, in my head. Now I need to get it onto paper.

I need to prepare for two separate child care orientation trainings that I'm doing in the next two months. Ought to brush up on those since I took a year off.

I need to send cards...lots of cards...I've missed birthdays, thank you's, and who knows what all. I'm spinnin' a lot of plates here, ladies, with a chemo-tainted brain! Better stand back!

I have enjoyed a wonderful 3 1/2 day weekend with my children and husband. Thursday night I visited with girlfriends around a fire pit...quite relaxing (even if I did come home smelling like a smoked ham!). Friday...friends, food, and candy! Lots of fun! Saturday...garage cleaning and reminiscing with my husband as we dug through all those boxes I blogged about last week. Lots of wonderful memories we've shared. And what fun we've had...and what a pretty bunch of little people we've made! Life is good! Sunday...Sunday School with breakfast casserole and cinnamon coffee cake, then off to meet Jeff's folks and Granny for her 88th birthday celebration lunch. A couple of pairs of jeans for the boys from the outlet mall, and we're back home in time to gather our thoughts for next week.

I'd love to have time to blog about everything I "write" in my mind. Someday...someday! Right now, I'm trying to spend more time with the boys...and Jeff...so I'd better go sit by him in the living room. I'm sure he's missing me terribly! (Ha!)

Thanks for your continued prayers. Thursdays appointments are lengthy...concluding with an MRI at 7 pm. I am praying that everything looks as healthy as it did in May!

Blessings,
Leslie

Furthermore...

It has been brought to my attention that I was a bit harsh about Halloween in an earlier post, and I'd just like to say, for the record, that my aversion is to the ghoulish decorations being right in the entry. I just think they could sequester those things in an area of the store that you could visit if you wanted, but preschoolers would not have to walk through, that's all. Levi is still afraid to go to Wal-Mart, even though I've assured him that it's all Christmas-y now. Hopefully, time will heal his frazzled mind, and we can shop in blissful harmony again, soon (as if...).

Okay...that's all I have to say about that!

Leslie

7 Things You Might Not Know About Me!

I have been tagged by my friend Shelley to post 7 things about myself, so here goes:

1)I was so chubby as a child that I was nicknamed "Moose"! No joke! Uncle Don even convinced me that I was sprouting antlers. I have since passed those nicknames down to either of Anita's children...as infants, they both fit the bill!

2)I have moved 16 times since I was born! All within the state of Missouri. I have a garage full of unpacked boxes to this day. Just last weekend I returned home from my folks with even more boxes of "Leslie's Stuff" that had not been unpacked! I'm 36 years old...you do the math.

3)I love country and bluegrass music! Even more so in the fall. My friends once laughed b/c at a holiday "Ladies night out" for my church, I listed one of my favorite Christmas tunes as "Two-Step 'Round the Christmas Tree", and was the only one who didn't list a traditional Christmas melody...much less religious! It held/holds special memories for me, as Owen and I would "dance" to that when he was a toddler and his daddy was out of town. It counts!

4)Since chemo, I can no longer drink coffee! Go figure. Even though it sounds good, and smells good, I just can't drink it. It's as if it acid washes my mouth and tongue. Isn't that sad? I just drive past St*rbucks and sniffle...don't you feel for me?

5)I met Jeff in college at the Baptist Student Union while I was "promised" to another guy! Wowzer! He opened doors for me, sat beside me during Bible studies and church sponsored meals, and even walked me to class. Once, we even won a free-throw shoot-out contest at SMSU to win 20 tickets for our organization (the BSU) to the season opener of the Bears basketball season. Later that year, I heard him and his brother, Bob, and good friend, Mike sing at Harmony Baptist in Rogersville, and I'm sure I swooned! To top it all off, he wore Wrangler's and Ropers, and if that doesn't make your heart skip a beat, there's just something wrong with you! My high-school sweetheart broke up with me on a Sunday night, and Jeff called my dorm room on Monday night to ask me for a date. And the rest, as they say, is history!

*** Have I used enough "quotation marks" yet? I just realized I'm like Joey off of Friends! Good grief!

6) My dream house is a white farm house with a wrap around porch, huge kitchen, and an upstairs (my 100 year old childhood home on S. Clark street would be great...or the Walton's house would do fine). I'd like a wood stove (or pellet...I'm rational about this part of the dream). I'd like a creek nearby, a clothesline, and a garden...and while we're at it, I'd like a well stocked pond so the boys can fish. I'd also like a barn (to hide all my unpacked boxes in!) and a chicken house...with chickens. Oh...I'd also like a couple of rocking chairs and a porch swing on the front porch. Let's see...yep! That about covers it. Oh...and a jar of sun tea brewin' on the porch. There...that's it. Zinnias...did I mention zinnias....and peonys...

7) Hmmm...let's see. I love to hear old timers tell stories. I could listen to Uncle Howard, Granny Fannon, or my Uncle Keith for hours on end (all of whom will never read this blog, so I feel safe in referring to them as "old timers"). I love to hear how things used to be done, what used to be where, and how to make something from nothing, a skill very few possess these days. I love to hear content people talk about life...it causes me to be more content!

There you go! And I now tag Kim and Carrie to post 7 things about themselves!

Thanks for the Poo-poo!

A big thank you to the ladies at Salem Avenue Baptist Church in Rolla for inviting me to speak last night. As I learned at the Ladies Luau, "poo-poo" actually means "apetizers" in Hawaiian, and I'd just like to say that the food was amazing! I'd share more Hawaiian greetings, but Nelda swiped my Hawaiian glossary, so that's all I remember! Thanks again for having me! I had a wonderful time!

Blessings,

Leslie

Bah Humbug on Halloween

I have had it...really, I have. Is there honestly any reason for my children to have to see all the freaks of the poly-vinyl variety every time we enter a store? Could they not just put up a sign that reads, "All un-holy, un-natural, scary, freakish apparel and accessories located in the dark recesses of the store." Is that too much to ask? Apparently so.

I have just spent the afternoon with my children looking for costumes for the Fall Festival (Halloween alternative) at our church. They both wanted to be specific characters which I did not have the resources to build at home. So, we set forth to price store bought costumes. ( A big shout out to Aunt Suzan who began this costume search tradition last year when my illness kept me from being all that holiday-ish! )

Anyway, we walked into the Factory Card Outlet, only to be greeted by a foul looking ghoul who was mechanically "alive" for all intents and purposes. The little boys came unglued...I'm not kidding. That should've been a major hint, but I lured them into the birthday aisle, where they were momentarily mesmerized by Backyardigans, Thomas the Tank Engine, and Diego...relatively harmless animated characters.

All was well until....they looked UP! MORE GHOULS! Hanging from the ceiling, of all places! Heaven help us! There were tears, wails...I may have been hot lined for all I know. They were just a mess. Owen, on the other hand, was content to peruse through the assortment of light sabers. "Just find that costume lady, and tell her what you want!", I insisted. He did, and we proceeded to the checkout, only to be startled by gummie snakes, tarantulas, and the like! My goodness! At this point, I was questioning whether a 9 year old could make a purchase alone if given my debit card. I knew the answer, but I was tempted.

The little boys were once again distracted, this time by the mylar balloon assortment over the counter. Thomas, Diego, Charlie Brown...all sorts of friendly faces inflated and smiling down on us. But then...we had to leave the store. I kid you not, never in all my life have I seen two children simultaneously freak out before, but I saw it today! They were crying, kicking, running the other way. Totally blindsided me. What in the world? I looked at the lady and stated, "You might want to move that thing from the entrance." Turns out, the boys were not as distracted as I might have hoped, and I literally had to fight my way out of the store. It was an intense struggle...no joke. They wanted to leave, but were too frightened. Good grief!

And me, well, I was really very understanding. I tried to bolster their confidence. I tried consoling. I tried carrying and shielding. I relied on all my motherly, child-development educated, common sensical resources, but I failed...girls, I failed miserably!

Owen and I were laughing, it was all just comical. I mean, understandably terrifying, and had I known, I would have made different costume shopping arrangements. But it was hysterical...in every sense of the word. My babies had to be dragged in front of and past a hell-ish looking mechanized ghoul to get out of the store.

Isaac actually threw a shoe kicking in refusal, and Levi was just walking with his eyes covered, screaming "NO!" and running into who knows what! It was a mess. I think from now on the boys will be baseball players, or football players, or my suggestion...Norm Abrams from This Old House! Anything but anything that has to be purchased in a store. AND...I will be shopping alone until all Halloween decorations are gone.

I must go now...I need a LONG rest!

Just a thought...wouldn't it be amazing if we all had that kind of reaction when confronted by sin? The sudden urge to flee...to get away, no matter how crazy we looked or how rediculous we behaved as we headed the other direction...back toward Christ and his righteousness. I've been made numb to the ugliness of sin...in so many areas. Wow...what a wake up call!

Blessings,

Leslie

There's Another Man...

It's true. There's another man in my life. I've known him as long as I can remember, but just realized this week how much I love him. He called me on Wednesday...wanted to do lunch. I had planned to put Isaac down for a nap, but agreed to meet him anyway. You might know who he is...many of you have even seen me with him. Oh, calm down already...it's my dad! Yep! He called me on Wednesday, and said he was selling some calves at the sale barn, and wondered if Isaac and I would like to meet him to watch them sell, and then eat a burger in the cafe. ABSOLUTELY!

I love going to the sale barn with my daddy. Actually, I like going anywhere with him. When we were little, he'd let me tag along with him to ball practice. Sometimes, he'd let me go with him to a tournament planning meeting (they had doughnuts there!). I almost always got to go with him during the paper drives for the Booster Club in Vandalia. And to go grocery shopping with him...well, that was just fun (Oreo's anyone?). In high school, he first took me to a livestock auction, though, and I've loved them ever since.

Farm folks are just my favorite people in the whole world. They're practical, they're sharp, they're friendly, and they are fun to listen to. I suppose if I went to the sale barn daily, I'd grow tired of the sights (and smells) of the place, but when I take my boys and meet my dad, it's a special day.

Ordinarily, I abhor the smell of tobacco smoke...but at an auction, it's just part of the atmosphere...as are all the other smells. I love the fragrance of sizzling burgers from the cafe, coffee, pipe tobacco, and dirt. I like the denim, the boots, the hats, the trucks, and, well, just all of it. I know...I'm crazy...but I love it.

We were too late to see dad's calves sell, but we sat and watched the sale for awhile anyway. Dad's an excellent teacher, so as we watched, he answered all my questions I used to be to embarrassed to ask, like "Is that per calf, or for the whole lot?", or "How do you know those are all steers from way up here?" (well, obviously I know the physiology of a steer, but when the whole pen is full of cattle, how do you know what the ones in the middle are?)

Anyway, we watched the sale, walked the catwalk overlooking all the livestock. Isaac especially enjoyed that, because you are above the cattlemen and their cattle, and to watch them open and close all those gates and lead the cattle to the arena...well, it's just heaven for a little boy. And I just followed my daddy, and listened to him explain the whole process from beginning to end to my littlest boy, who felt 10 feet tall as he walked behind his grandpa.

It may not sound like a date to you, but on Wednesday, I had a burger with my daddy in the cafe at the sale barn, and it was definitely a date!

Love you Daddy! Thanks for the date!

Leslie

5000 Words?

Happy Fall! What a difference a year makes! Just some pictures I've taken in the past month.

Life is good...God is amazing!

Have a good weekend,

Leslie

Field Trip Anyone?

Hey...I just did another thing that I've missed out on for a year. I accompanied Levi's kindergarten class to the pumpkin patch! You haven't lived until you've gone on a hayride, run through a hay maze, and stumbled through a pumpkin patch with 50 kindergartners! Wow! I feel so alive! (Or tired...one in the same, I suppose!) It was a beautiful morning, and everyone had a terrific time. Here are some pictures!

Two's-day!

#1) I have not dropped off the face of the earth! I have just been very busy, and have chosen to go to bed at night instead of blogging. Between school and Texas, we have managed to all come down with a nice case of bronchitis or allergies...depending on the individual. Collectively, we've gone through an entire bottle of Dimetapp and 2 Z-packs of antibiotics. Other than that, we're all okay.

#2) I am LOVING this fall weather. Mostly, I've been on the run...doing things with my family and friends that I could not do this time last year. What a blessing to be healthy again and able to enjoy the sights and sounds of autumn. After my family's trip to Bennett Spring, we enjoyed a couple of trips to the Rutledge-Wilson Farm (part of the city parks in Springfield), a trip with Johnny and Rhonda and the girls to Silver Dollar city, a visit to the pumpkin patch (conveniently located on a parking lot...oh well...we saw the real pumpkin patch at the farm, and we're taking a field trip to another one tomorrow), two trips to Texas (for Jeff...only one for me), several trips to the park up the road to ride bikes, and lots and lots of backyard fun. Isaac has learned to ride without training wheels, Owen is perfecting his archery skills, and Levi is perfecting his comedy routine as well as his knowledge of all things automobile-ish. I purchased an entire drum set for $5 at a garage sale, and have honestly enjoyed watching the boys find their inner percussionist.

Anyway, all that said, I haven't really done a lot of journaling, so I will try to catch up soon.

Thank you for checking in. Leave a note if you can...I'd still love to hear from you.

Blessings,

Leslie

Hurricane Anyone?

Well, it looks as if I left the gulf coastal area just in time, doesn't it!? What a storm they have coming in. All the beaches that we walked this summer are gone today...WOW!

I just wanted to give you a quick peek into what we've been up to. Jeff's birthday was Tuesday. Upon arriving home, he was promptly ambushed by three Nerf-gun-armed children who pelted him with Nerf darts for a good half hour. Following that, we enjoyed a birthday dinner, and then an ice cream pie! What fun! Here is a picture of us on that night. Don't I have a good lookin' bunch of guys?

Hope you have a great weekend. Keep our friends and family in TX in your prayers. They surely have a hard week ahead of them.

Blessings,

Leslie

Help Bring a Child Home from Africa

Hey! Real quick, my friend Kim and her husband Bryan are in the middle of an international adoption. They are waiting for the OK to go and get their little one who is currently in an orphanage in Ethiopia. If you would like to help them bring their new little one home from Africa, you can either email me at davis-clan@hotmail.com or link to her blog listed just to the left ("KIM").

They are selling T-Shirts as a fund raiser. The monies will help them with airfare for both them and their child(ren)...yes...they might get siblings! Any help would be appreciated. Check out Kim's blog for the history of their adoption process. If you don't want a T-shirt, but would still like to help, just let me know and I'll get their contact information to you.

The cost of the T-shirt is $15 if you contact her/me directly, or $18 if you use paypal. Either way, she and her husband will benefit, and will be able to meet their financial needs more quickly.

If you can't make a donation, you should still check out her blog. What a sweet family they are!

Blessings,

Leslie

HOWDEEEEEEE!

Hey! I'm still here...just really busy. School started, Jeff changed jobs, and I flew back and forth to Houston for a treatment! Woohoo...never a dull moment here! I still have to prepare for church tomorrow, and my bed is covered in laundry, and the dishes need washed and/or put away...I don't have enough time to write a lengthy note. Just know that everything is fine, and I have a ton to write...and pictures to post...when I get a bit of time! I will say it is GREAT to be home. What a wonderful thing to have TONS to do! I love it!

And Donna, now that school has started, Isaac misses Shelby and Tucker even more! Wanted to come "over" to Texas just last week. :0) He doesn't like being home "alone".

Love and blessings to you all!

Leslie, Jeff, and three very busy boys

Look who I got to snuggle one day this week! I LOVE being home again...I can help when I'm needed! Yeah! This is Cal and Cassie, aka

Dollbaby 1 and Dollbaby 2! They are as sweet as they look, and they smell even better! Seriously! Twins...WOW! Double the work, but double the lovin'!

My children started school this week, so I have been enjoying my time with Jeff (who is enjoying some time off) and Isaac (who is enjoying playing "only child" for 8 hours a day). We have been trying to finish all the projects we didn't finish this year...no problem! I'll post pictures this weekend...I think...I have great intentions!

I'm going outside...there is a football game in the backyard and I'm going to help my husband shovel some gravel. Doesn't that sound romantic? Well, we are loving it!

More later!

Leslie

Wednesday's Update on Kevin Waters

Great news! Kevin is being discharged from KUMed this afternoon (8/20)! We are so excited to see our babies, we can't hardly stand it!

Please continue to pray for Kevin as he continues to gain his strength. He will be following up with liver doctors, infectious disease doctors, respiratory and physical therapists in the coming weeks and months. Thank you all so much for your prayers, calls/cards and support over the past few weeks. Thank you seems so inadequate at a time like this, when your prayers have been what got us all through, but thank you! I will keep you updated over the next few weeks as to how Kevin is doing. I'm sure he'll be contacting you all as well...as soon as he's able!

We love you all! Thanks again,

Renee

Another Update on Kevin

Good morning! More good news for you...Kevin was moved out of the ICU last night to his own room! He is in room 5306.

He's still on a little oxygen and doing his breathing exercises diligently. Right now they are still monitoring his labs daily, working with respiratory therapy, and physical therapy. His liver is still improving daily. And his kidney doctor came in and said he didn't need to see her any more!
Please continue to pray for him to regain his strength, his breathing to improve, and his GI organs to heal completely.

Thank you all so much for all your support and prayers. We love you.

-Renée Waters

Update on Kevin from Renee

Good morning! Yesterday was a BIG day for Kevin as he was able to have the ventilator removed! He says he is having to "think about" breathing, which is unsettling for him to say the least. But his monitors show he's getting plenty of oxygen through his system with just the nasal canuli. Much less to deal with than that ventilator. Plus he can talk to me a little already, so the frustration of our inability to communicate has decreased considerably. He's off his pain medication and sedative, which is making him feel a lot better also. He is extremely weak, after almost 2 weeks of inactivity and little to eat.

His liver functions and kidney functions have continued to improve each day. They aren't back to normal yet, but they're headed there. Kevin will have to follow up with a GI doctor later on to see if a liver biopsy is needed. Right now the doctors are continuing to monitor his blood work, get chest x-rays each morning, work on breathing, and physical therapy. Right now, we still don't know what exactly happened to cause such a huge infection and overall shut-down of his body. They said we may never know.

He's come such a long way from 2 weeks ago. Can you believe we thought he'd have to have a liver transplant last week? He doesn't remember much, if any, of these past days...which is good. I was telling him about the countless people praying for him, radio stations and websites, and the numerous emails/phone calls I have received. He looked at me and said "this must have been serious"! If he only knew!

Please continue to pray for his regained strength, his breathing to get easier every day, and for his GI organs to continue to be healed. There's a possibility that he will be moved out of ICU in the next day or so. If you'd like to send him a card or letter the address is:

Kevin Waters

c/o The University of Kansas Hospital

3901 Rainbow Blvd

KC, KS 66160

Thank you all so much for your support and continued prayers. I'll email again with updates.

Renee Waters

Monday, MONDAY, MONDAAAAYYYYYYY!!!

Hello everyone,

Just a quick post to let you know that Jeff and I are heading out tonight for my first "every three weeks" appointment. We will be flying this time, so hopefully we'll not be as road weary as we have been in the past months. Wednesday, I'll see my doctor for a checkup, and then up to the chemo floor for a dose of Herceptin...woohoo! Then...back home for one final week of summer before the boys head back to school. I don't know what we'll do to celebrate, but you can bet there'll be s'mores involved!

Also, I just want to say that it was so good to be back in church yesterday. We were so glad to see our SS class. They just take such good care of us.

Thank you all for your continued prayers. Please pray this week for my whole family as we travel and as we are apart. Maybe say an extra prayer for Isaac, who cannot seem to figure out why he feels so grumpy, he just knows that he is. Also pray for my mom and Joetta who are going to be watching the boys for me.

And, please continue to pray for Kevin Waters. No word yet on how his weekend went, but we trust that the Lord is continuing to heal him.

Blessings to you all! You know that we love you and appreciate all that you've done and continue to do.

Jeff, Leslie, and the boys

p.s. hope you enjoy the picture of Grandpa Coach's rooster! He's a dandy!

Saturday p.m. update on Kevin W.

It's Saturday evening, and I thought I would update you all on Kevin's state. Things have remained "stable" this week, after getting settled in here at KU Med Center late Tuesday evening. Some things have improved slightly, some have remained the same, and some are starting to deteriorate. The good news we received today is that he hasn't had a fever for about 48 hours. His liver functions are also starting to improve slightly which is definitely an answer to prayer. His lungs look about the same as the past couple of days (by CT). His kidney functions are starting to deteriorate slightly, which his doctor warned us about earlier in the week. She also said they will probably get worse before getting better, so these next few days will be very important. He was awake some of the time today, which was good to see, but also very frustrating for him. He was trying to communicate (unsuccessfully) with me and the nurses. One of his questions was how much longer does he have to have the ventilator in?...to which there's no answer at this point. He was getting very frustrated and so was I.

We were able to see Cal & Cassie for a couple of days this week (which was definitely good for me!). My sisters are taking care of them, and they are doing just great. We are so very thankful for all the prayers and support we have received from all of you (our family and friends) and even complete strangers.

We know that Kevin's "Southern Gospel" friends are praying non-stop and have checked in constantly. Thank you Craig O'Dell (N'Harmony) and Leslie Davis (Heritage Boys) for taking care of communicating all of that for me. Kevin loves his SG friends, and his times he spent singing, and will be so thankful for your outpouring of support and care.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol & the Troopers Association...from "road dogs" to "brass"...have been to the hospital to shower their love on Kevin, myself and his family. The cliche of 'one big family' is definitely coming true. It is unbelievable what the MSHP is doing for us.

Our church family from Antioch Bible Baptist Church in Gladstone has been unbelievable! They found us a place to stay and have fed us all every day! Kevin and I were the 'old people' in our small group and the 'young kids' have taken such amazing care of us. You have gone above and beyond for us this week. Thank you!

Kevin still has such a long way to go. Please pray continually for his healing and peace and patience until that comes. Continue to pray for the doctors to find exactly what is wrong and know exactly how to fix it. Also, feel free to pass this along to those who would also be praying for him and to those I may have left off this email list.
We love you all and are so very thankful for you.

-Renée Waters

Levi, Levi, Levi...

He came through like a champ! "Hardly even cried," says his daddy. Just looked at the nurse and proclaimed, "Hey! That hurt!" He got 4...count 'em...4 shots, and is pretty sore today, but oh...so...proud!

News from KC

Just wanted you to know that Ray Batson (Renee's daddy) just called me with an update this morning. He said that Kevin is just holding steady...no worse than he was. The doctors at KU say that his situation is one of the weirdest things they've ever seen...it's either a toxin in his system or a virus, they're still trying to figure it out. Ray said they've done a multitude of tests, and taken tissue samples that they've sent to Mayo for examination. It'll be a couple of days before they hear back from Mayo. Anyway, whatever it is affected his liver first, and now his pancreas and his kidneys are affected as well.

The doctors do say, though, that they expect the condition to reverse itself, and for Kevin to recover, and they said they may never know what caused it. He opened his eyes last night, Ray said, and looked at his friend, Scott Richardson for awhile. Scott was able to tell him what was going on, and assure him that everything was going to be okay, and then Kevin went back to sleep. This morning, he opened his eyes again and looked at Renee, and she was able to talk to him a bit before he fell asleep again.

Ray said he's still on the respirator, but is breathing on his own quite a bit. The doctors say that his age (34) and his health are on his side, and they are just waiting for the situation to reverse itself, and for his system to fight off whatever this is. He said that if it is a toxin, they can begin treating him for that, but a virus will just have to run it's course. Ray thanked us for our prayers, and said they believe this is an excellent opportunity for God to perform a miracle, and they are anxiously awaiting for that to take place.

Kevin and Renee's babies made the trip so they could snuggle their momma for awhile. I'm sure she was glad to see them!

Thanks for your continued prayers.

Blessings,

Leslie

Right now...

my red-headed baby is getting his physical and shots for kindergarten! Thankfully, his daddy took him. Four years ago, I took Owen, and I vowed that day that Jeff could take the next one. Poor little guy...I'm sure he'll be upset about the shots, but then again, he may be tough as nails and never shed a tear. We'll see. I always feel so deceptive, b/c I don't mention the shots until the actual time. Doll-baby...he didn't even see it comin'!

An Update from Kevin's Wife, Renee:

I'm at a Best Western using their email very quickly to let as many of you know what's going on as possible. Kevin was put in Intensive Care yesterday. He was unresponsive when we tried to wake him at 5am Tuesday. They tried drugs, oxygen, went down for some CTs and finally got him on a ventilator...all by 6:30am. He is being fully sedated due to the miserable circumstances of the vent. At this point has a wide-spread infection and his lungs and the majority of his abdominal organs are being fully effected. Especially liver. We were allowed to transfer over here to KU Med Ctr, as they have a liver specialist that was willing to take him, after a few strings were pulled. It helps to know people...thank you Robin. He is receiving amazing care here so far and has a wonderful team of nurses and doctors.

Right now there isn't anything we need other than your continual prayers and those of everyone you know. This is an extremely serious situation. He has a lot going for him (age, non-drinker/smoker, good overall health, strong and stubborn) but also has a lot going against him right now. Feel free to share whatever information you'd like with your family and friends as we will take all the prayers we can get for Kevin at this time.

Thank you all for your continued prayers! To answer some of your questions, Renee grew up in Republic and Kevin in Rogersville. They are in their early 30's. Cal and Cassie are in their early 1's! :0)

Blessings,

Leslie

Prayer Request

Please pray for our friend Kevin Waters today. He has been admitted to the hospital in KC due to symptoms of liver failure. The cause is unknown, probably a type of super virus. It just came on all of the sudden, and he has been in the hospital and very sick since Saturday.

Kevin and his wife, Renee, are long time friends of ours, and have been so supportive of our family throughout my fight with cancer. During the past year, they have survived a high risk pregnancy, and now have two beautiful twins, Cal and Cassie to add to their family.

Please pray for Kevin and his doctors (Kevin was not waking this morning, and they are transporting him to another hospital), Renee...for strength and peace, and for their entire families...brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers.

Also, I should mention that Kevin is a Missouri State Highway Patrol officer...just so you know how tough he is. Pray that he can fight off this attack on his body.

Thanks for your support!

Love,

Jeff and Leslie

Shared with me by my Aunt Betty:

Chocolate Sings

One day I had a date for lunch with friends. Mae, a little old "blue hair" about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate."

I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast.

"Along with heated apple pie," Mae added, completely unabashed.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time.

But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine.

I couldn't take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down.

The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae.

I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait.

I smiled. She asked if she amused me.

I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me.

How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?

She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, "I'm tasting all that is Possible.

I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should.

But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good.

This year I realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven't been this old before."

"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored.

I haven't smelled all the flowers yet.

There are too many books I haven't read.

There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down

and kites to be flown overhead.

There are many malls I haven't shopped. I've not laughed at all the jokes.

I've missed a lot of Broadway hits and potato chips and cokes.

I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face.

I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace.

I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast.

I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most.

I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain.

I need to feel wind in my hair. I want to fall in love again.

So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner,

then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner,

because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire.

I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."

With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind, " I said.

"I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!"

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we love and respect. Remember that while money talks,

CHOCOLATE SINGS!

Friday, August 1st

Hello everybody! Just wanted to ask you to pray for us Friday as Mom, Levi, Isaac and I make our journey home. I have a treatment in the morning, and then we'll be on our way! Just keep us in your prayers that we'll have safe travels, and that the boys will be pleasant on the way home! (Hey...it can happen!) Usually, pleasantness is not a problem (seriously), but they are tired, and so are we, so pray...pray...pray! Anyway, it's too late to load the car tonight, so we're loading in the morning, which may rush us a bit. Hopefully everyone will rest well, and the entire day will flow smoothly.

Thanks for your prayers. We so appreciate them and you!

Blessings,
Leslie, Bootsie, Levi, and Isaac

Lengthy and Long Overdue...

I don't know whether to start way back when or just skip to the good news...

Let's go back a ways....

• I'm nearly done with the proton therapy that I mentioned weeks ago. It has been amazingly tolerable. Not a single side effect that I can see. I walk backwards now, but other than that...JUST KIDDING! It has been a breeze. For awhile there were some problems, as the main "thingy" that produces the proton beam went on the fritz. I had to settle for the "Lexus" of radiation for a few days until the "Lamborghini" was repaired and running again. Ahhh...the trials of the radiated! Anyhoo...it was quickly fixed, and I was back in the proton program within a week.

By the way...I don't think I've posted this anywhere until now, but I'm their first breast cancer patient...ever...at MD Anderson in the proton treatment center! How 'bout that. Their slogan (MD Anderson's) is "Making Cancer History", and...I did!

• As for the "regular" radiation, I finished that on Friday (25th of July). I've got a great sunburn from it, but that's about it. I met some terrific patients and outstanding staff during my "radiant" summer. I have pictures and stories to post soon. Shane, Susan, and Danyel were my radiation therapists. I wish you all could meet them. They were the absolute best...very professional, yet very personable. I consider them lifelong friends now, and can't wait for Jeff to come back with me so I can introduce them to him.

So, now for the grand finale....

• I met with my medical oncologist, Dr. Booser, on Wednesday of last week. He told me that he has been reviewing the research, and sees no benefit in sending me through those 10 extra weeks of chemotherapy we had been planning on. "So, let's just move on to the Herceptin every 3 weeks," he calmly stated.

Excuse me...say that again? I'm DONE?!!! Just like that...I'm through with everything? Just Herceptin every three weeks until further notice. It doesn't even have any side effects....so...I'm through!

I was so stunned that I had to run it by my radiation oncologist, Dr. Woodward.

"What does this mean?"

"Well, basically, you're cancer free, we've done all we would do, and you've responded extremely well. We'd love to say that it'll never come back again, and we certainly hope it won't, but the truth of the matter is that there is no rhyme or reason to cancer. You are through with treatments, (except Herceptin), you are cancer free, and it's really just 'Have a great life, and call us if you need us!'"

Are you kidding me? To quote one of my father-in-law's old time preacher acquaintances...HOT HALLELUJAH!

Now, obviously I'll be going back regularly for checkups, as well as reconstructive surgery, but...HELLO...the cancer is GONE!

I know! Stunning, isn't it? Feel blind-sided? Me too! I truly believe that I've been healed, by the hand of God and his skilled physicians. I don't even know how to sum it all up, but when it's all soaked in, I'll write it here first.

Thank you all for your support, your prayers, and your love. We have been blessed beyond our wildest imagination.

Leave me a note when you read this. I'd love to hear what you're thinking about my news!

Love and blessings,
Leslie

( I realize at this point I may have failed to mention earlier that Jeff and I, along with my oncologists, feel that Herceptin only will be sufficient post-cancer treatment, and we have chosen not to participate in their Bone Marrow Transplant study at this time. In a nutshell, they still have no proof that it would be beneficial to me...especially since I'm already cancer free, and will be on Herceptin for years to come. Herceptin, a "monoclonal antibody" works by marking the cancer cells as foreign cells, and allows my own immune system to kick 'em in the tail! Developed right here at MD Anderson, thank you very much! I think I'll let them work the kinks out of the BMT before I jump right in.)

Thought For The Day

“We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing - that He is preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the future. But as we grow in His grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, at this very moment.” ~ Oswald Chambers

Check out my Slide Show!

In a Nutshell...

July 4th: No treatments. Flew home and spent the weekend of the 4th with my family. Went to James River's "I Love America" celebration, then to Anita's on Saturday to see baby Brody and my brother, Kevin, who was in from St. Louis.

July 7-11th: Brought Owen to TX with me. What a hoot! We had a fantastic road trip down, and spent the rest of the week going to treatments and taking him to see his cousins (second or once removed or something like that) Jordan, Keirnan, Gabrielle, Alex, and Miguel. Celebrated his birthday with Gabrielle, Alex, and Miguel on Thursday night the 10th. He was elated.

July 11th: Owen's 9th birthday. At his request (and without any hesitation on my part) we spent the weekend with Kirk, Nanette, and Portia and their summer farm help, Jeremy (or Germy...however you want to say it!) on their farm. Owen wanted to ride 4 wheelers for his birthday, and boy...did he ever. He was thoroughly spoiled (pictures will follow...tomorrow). 4 wheelers, trip to Austin, new hat from the hat shop that made all the hats for the cast of Lonesome Dove...umhmm...big stuff, new belt, new UT hat (camo, too), fishing, tractor riding, golf cart riding, cattle buying, bow shooting, dirt, deer feeding/watching, more 4 wheelers, steak, steak, bacon, doughnuts, birthday cake. "This is the BEST birthday ever!" stated repeatedly. When asked on Saturday what he wanted to do on Sunday, he replied, "Everything that I did today!" What a kid! Thank you, Thank you Kirk and Nanette...and Portia and Germy!

July 14th-17th: Radiation and Proton therapy consumed our days from noon to 6 pm. Gotta love that commute into and out of Houston.

July 18th: Postponed one day of treatment to head home. Road tripped with Owen...phenomenal kid. Made a trip home in record time: 11 hours!

July 19th: Thoroughly cleaned Uncle Randall's car...he had let me use it (with very little notice...thank you, thank you Uncle Randall) to go to Houston. Washed off seagull "presents", bugs, and a variety of other road trip trophies. Vacuumed out dirt and hay from the farm, sand from the coast, and food from the trip. Smelled of new car scent when returned. Thank heavens for Armour All and high pressured washes!

Then, returned home at 2ish to repack Owen and Jeff for a trip to Rolla to celebrate my in-laws 50th wedding anniversary! Congratulations to Larry and Roberta Davis! I hear the celebration was a fantastic success and immensly enjoyable...even by two tiny twins!

July 20th: Loaded two preschoolers and my extremely patient mom for a road trip back to Houston. Met my cousin Ed and my cousin Bob and his wife Shelly and their son Adam near Dallas for a quick visit. Realized at 8:49 p.m. (after even more potty stops) that we were not going to make Houston before dark, so we checked into a Hampton Inn and cozied in for the night. Got a full night's rest and a complimentary breakfast, and

July 21st: Made it to Houston by 12:00 noon, just in time to drop by Aunt Teresa and Uncle Howard's where Mom, Levi and Isaac stayed while I darted off to my 1:15 appointment. Picked them up a little after 4, then drove to our borrowed home in 106 degree heat in rush hour traffic. Started some laundry while Mom started supper, filled the wading pool for the boys, sprayed on some OFF, grabbed a glass of ice water and welcomed myself back to TEXAS!

A more relaxing entry will surely follow...soon. Just wanted you to know what's been going on since July began! My goodness...that makes me tired just to type it!

Hope your summer is going well. Anybody ready for some crisp fall weather yet?

Love and blessings,

Leslie

Quick Hello

Just wanted to write a bit and let you know that I'm still doing fine. I go into the medical center every day for radiation, and then come home. It's pretty uneventful...it's not uncomfortable or anything. I just lay on a table, and they set their cross hairs on me (I come from a huntin' family), and then I'm done. It hardly even makes a noise. Much more pleasant than anything I've had done to me thus far!

I've stayed up too late already, but I wanted you to know that I'm fine. Owen is down here with me for the next couple of weeks. He's a blast. He has a good sense of humor, loves to hear and tell a good story, enjoys playing games, and is enjoying me almost as much as I'm enjoying him. I can't believe he's almost nine already...his birthday is this Friday! What a guy! And did I mention how strong he is? I don't have to carry a thing!

I'll write more another night. I have lots of stories to tell...travel stories, 4th of July, etc. Right now, it's pushing midnight, and I'd better get to sleep.

Thanks for your continued prayers. I appreciate them so much.

Love,

Leslie

More Good News!

Well, hip-hip-hooray! I found out today that I don't have to have my neck radiated. Apparently, at one point, an ultrasound showed that I had an enlarged lymph node in my neck that they suspected was also cancerous. Well, long story short, my cousin and medical-connection-extraordinaire, Jenny, called in a favor from the head of the Head and Neck Ultrasound department at MD Anderson, and she (the department head) did another ultrasound of my neck this morning. After comparing it with my original, she determined that what the other department thought was an enlarged lymph node was actually a blood vessel...yep...a blood vessel, and does not require any treatment of any kind. Her words..."Don't let them radiate your neck." Well, don't worry sister! I won't!

It's only by the grace of God that they haven't radiated my neck already, since my radiation treatments are already beginning their 3rd week! Ordinarily they would have, but my fantastic Radiation Oncologist (who could be the long, lost twin of my sister-in-law, Diane...so much so that I could chat with her for hours!) said she didn't want to radiate it until she knew exactly which node they were suspicious of...and then she ordered the follow-up ultrasound! Wasn't that wise!? Evidently, in the healthy world, you don't just go around radiating things just to be safe! Well, bless my soul! How about that for God getting in my business? Aunt Teresa and I had a good chuckle about that this morning! You'd think He was taking care of me or something! :o)

So...all those many years ago, when Jenny entered medical school...and even before that..maybe when Aunt Teresa met Uncle Howard...or even when Grandma Walker had Aunt Teresa (just one of her 12 children)...or even when...well, you get the picture...God knew that one day Jenny would be callin' in a favor for her cousin from Missouri! How cool is that?!

Kinda makes you think that there's a reason for what YOU dealt with today, doesn't it? And we know that He works ALL things together for our good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

So, thank you all for your continued prayers. What a wonderful gift you are giving to me and my family!

Thank you Jenny! Thank you "Head of Head and Neck Ultrasonography", thank you fantastic Radiation Oncologist, and thank you God!

...did I just win something? They like me! They really like me!

Ready the Proton Radiator!

What? I'm sorry, say that again?

I know...sounds like Marvin the Martian on Bugs Bunny! I have been approved for the MD Anderson Proton Radiation Program! Having trouble containing your excitement? I know...sounds like a real summer treat, doesn't it?! Well, it is for me!

I just received word today from my radiation oncologist that she got approval from my insurance company for me to receive "Proton Radiation" of my spine. She had asked last week if she could pursue that option, and I told her to go for it.

Evidently (and I hesitate to explain these medical treatments since several of you reading this know WAY more about it than I do) "proton" radiation radiates only the area needing radiation, and doesn't "exit" the area, therefore radiating otherwise healthy tissue. In other words, they will be able to radiate the small area of my spine that used to have cancer in it without potentially damaging my spinal cord or the other side of my body!

Furthermore, it is rare that they allow this for a breast cancer patient with metastatic cancer, because since the cancer has already spread, why worry about damaging tissue with radiation? My radiation oncologist argued, however, that I was not your TYPICAL breast cancer patient, and that based on my pathology reports post-surgery, my cancer has responded extremely well to the treatment I have been receiving, and they are going for a "curative response" (excuse me...did I hear the word "cure" in there?).

Well, the insurance company responded by saying they appreciated my radiation oncologists' explanation of the situation, and they would fax an approval letter within the hour (that was at 1:30 today).

So...how about that? Still not getting goose bumps? (Probably because you're not under the proton radiator! Just kidding!) Well, my doctor explained that the radiation I am and will still receive for the primary tumor is excellent...the best in the country...the "Lexus" of radiation therapy. The proton radiation, however, is the "Lamborghini" of radiation treatment, and as she put it, "Why settle for the Lexus when you could have the Lamborghini?"

So...19 more "regular" radiation treatments left, and 20 (I think) proton radiations to go! Simultaneously! Let the party begin!

Am I glowing?.....I feel radiant......

Look at my new nephew!

Big Plans!

Well, not really...but the boys think so! Today they both are going with me to treatment. There is a childcare facility ("Kids Club" as we call it) just upstairs, and they are going to play with all the "cool toys" while momma gets radiated just a few feet below them! How strange is that?! Anyway, after that, we are all heading to Galveston for dinner. Might as well...we're this close, right! Levi wants to get in the ocean again, but Isaac says no! "There are crabs in there!" He is COMPLETELY afraid of crabs...saw one tiny one on his first visit to the beach, and has never forgotten it. That's why in those first pictures of our visit, he is walking on Jeff's boots. Silly guy! Anyway, we want to eat by the ocean, and so we are!

Everything continues to go well. I'm even getting good at driving in Houston traffic. I must be one of the best, because a few people have even given me the "#1" sign! (Oh, that was awful!) Anyway, hope your week is going well. I'll write more later!

Love,

Leslie

Greetings from Texas

Just a quick entry to let you know that I have finished my first two radiation treatments...only 28 to go! (Not that I'm counting!) We are enjoying our stay here and looking forward to a little fun this weekend. We may even go to the park...woohoo!

The little boys are napping right now, but have spent the morning playing outside. They are loving it here, too. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Jeff and Owen are busily cleaning out the toy room in hopes that the two little ones won't miss what's missing when we get home. They are also building a table for Owen to put in his room. Sounds like big fun!

I am so thankful for Jeff. He is a great dad as well as a wonderful husband. He assures me that he will be just fine "suffering" through Father's Day with only one son (the only one who can bait his own hook and cast a line without injuring himself or others)...I think he has a day of R&R planned...and he definitely deserves it! NEXT weekend, he can take his two littlest sidekicks fishing...maybe!

I hope you all have a great Father's Day, and I'll try to write more at the beginning of next week.

Love,

Leslie