A List

1. Luke's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer recently. Since then, she's had surgery and is healing. Please say a prayer for her, we found out that there has been some cancer detected in one of the samples of her lymph nodes. Pray for the oncologist's wisdom and even for the wording with which they deliver messages. We are STILL very grateful because this was all caught VERY early and we know that God's plan is perfect (even though we struggle to see that at times) and that He is protecting Sally. The "unknown" is always scary, but answers are coming quickly as to treatment. As you can imagine, this is an emotional time for everyone. We (and Sally) covet your prayers.

2. I've gone back to the Doctor since my last check up (it's sad that it's been almost a month since my last post). Anyway, I'm definitely pregnant! I say that because I have felt amazing! (I was a LITTLE nauseous at first, but the last 2 weeks I wouldn't even KNOW i was pregnant). My pants are tightening up a bit, but I'm shocked I haven't had to give them up yet. I always heard that you show fast with your second...we shall see. I think it was incredibly noticeable to me with Makena b/c I was thinner and because EVERY LITTLE change, I noticed.

3. Speaking of my OBGYN...SHE was just diagnosed with breast cancer. :( The sweet woman is ONLY 37! Amazingly, her plan is to have surgery soon (like this week) and be back in September-ish. She's going to have chemo but will do it on Thursday afternoons and take the weekend to recover. And, she'll be doing that for 3 or 4 months. We shall see what the future holds for me. It shocked me when i found out how quickly she planned to return. And, selfishly, I WANT her to be my doctor, so I DO want her back, but I also want her to be healthy and feel well. Some people NEED some sort of normalcy to return to their lives, so maybe that's why she's going to continue working through this time? Women, be sure you're doing self breast exams, and going to the doctor for regular wellness exams! Early detection SAVES LIVES!

4. It's been HOT. So hot, that it's hard to think of activities to do with makena because it gets SO boring in the house, but the house is the most comfortable spot. The neighborhood pool is always an option, but I'm not really into showing people my bulging belly (and I'm too cheap to go buy another swim suit right now). Many days, we've opted for the tiny pool in the backyard. It serves its purpose.

5. We FINALLY closed on the land we've been eyeing for several months. We're incredibly excited! It's not too far from where we live now. The plan is to pay it off before we build on it. It's a small neighborhood...so it's good because there will be children around to play with, but the lots are MUCH bigger than the neighborhood we are in now. AND there are several ponds around that are stocked with fishies. We've been fishing several times already--and every time we drive by a body of water, Makena now says, "Momma, fish?".  Luke's very excited to have our kids grow up in the "country" and to be able to walk out our back door to go fishing.

6. I FINALLY finished Makena's stocking. After Christmas, (both years), I'd always put it away and decide to work on it later. Well, I was TIRED of it being unfinished. So i FINALLY got the motivation to complete the project. Next time, I will look at EVERY detail on the stocking before I purchase...these things are WORK.

7. My garden has progressed. But, like i mentioned, it's HOT, so it's slowly turning not green (as you can see from the pictures). I'm currently having issues with birds eating my tomatoes. Grrr....

I've since pulled up the cucumbers and attempted to make pickles. I get to taste text next week and I'm excited!

8. I'll leave you with a picture of Makena being a good momma. We ORIGINALLY bought this car seat as a gift for one of her friends, but when we got it home, she couldn't put it down--so, I returned it and plan to buy her the entire set of baby goodies for HER birthday-it's cheaper to buy them as a set than it is individually. (It has a car seat, stroller, pack n play, high chair, etc). I figure she can watch mommy with the real baby and mimic with hers. :) I can't believe my little girl will be TWO in two months!!!!!!! Where does the time go?!