Chemo 4- Recap

Getting ready to go...

Comfy clothes, a tote full of things I won't read, do, or look at but just in case, and a cowboy heart cookie for the road

Sunshine, smiles and Starbucks- we are ready to go.

As has become the norm, we arrived, valet parked the car and headed to level 2 for blood work and my infusion. 

As has also become the norm, after completing the blood work, I had to wait for the results and doctor approval to begin my 4th infusion. 

My counts seem to be holding their normal and after minimal waiting we were escorted back to my infusion room (same room as infusion #3 :) 

I am most comfortable in the recliner and quickly settled in to begin. 

The infusion went as planned and on schedule and we were heading home 4 hours after arriving.

What is also the norm is the Chemo Crash- the feeling of being hit by a bus, when the slightest movement sends a wave a nausea over me, when the only relief comes with sleep. 

For this meticulous planner this is one of the hardest aspects, not the Crash itself as by now we have a routine for managing meds and resting as much as possible, the hardest is the unpredictability of when I will Crash. 

Some weeks the Crash occurs day 3 or 4 and other times (like this infusion) the Crash happens almost immediately. 

Its the unexpected and unpredictability that brings the greatest shock. 

And when the Crash hits... it looks like this. 

Sleeping in the recliner, sleeping all the time,  moving as little as possible waiting for the blinding nausea to pass and for human days to re-appear. 

I feel like road kill- lying and suffering and waiting for it to be over 

(not that I know what road kill feels like :) 

Time slowly passes and its easy to get discouraged and when discouragement hits, its when Cancer Sucks the most. When the tears freely flow and anger bubbles at the surface and the unfairness to walk this journey hits me in the face. 

But after a good cry, or a few moments of "this is unfair", when the anger ebbs away, 

 I choose to find Joy and i don't have to look far. 

Thank you to each of you that is sharing my journey, for your support and your love and for holding me up in prayer.

Thank you for the tangible rem diners (cards, gifts, text messages and dates on the calendar to look forward to). 

And especially Thank you for never allowing me to feel like I am doing this alone. 

May you too be blessed with Joyful moments each day

Moments that encourage you and remind you that you are dearly and deeply Loved :)

Joy Full Mantles

During this journey, there are many things that are out of my control and for those that know me well can understand the added struggle and sometimes distress that this may cause.

On my healthy days, the lack of control and stress would result in the rearrangement of the furniture in my home (the number of rooms determined by the amount of stress). but during this season of healing my days of whole rearrangement are on hold or at least toned down.

This weekend I re-arranged the mantle- out with the snowmen (its February and the weekend temperatures were in the high 50's) and was determined to have a Valentine theme in its place.
This proved to be slightly challenging as I did not think I owned any Valentine decorations (at least not a specific box labeled Valentine decorations in the attic) and I was running on low energy and limited on exposure to germs.

So I hunted the house, day dreamed in my chair and slowly the mantle transformed.

There was just one thing missing.... and my mini adventure to Hobby Lobby resulted in the perfect piece- a sign (left edge) with the scripted words Live LOVE Sparkle

Upon arriving home I carefully arranged the pieces and stepped back to admire my display.

Another moment of Joy for my day and my journey

I will admit that mantle re-decoration does not quite give the same satisfaction and stress relief as furniture rearranging but for now it will have to do.

May you too find an alternative Joyful moment

Hair Loss No More

To date I think this is the hardest post I have had to write.

It marks the next largest step in my journey to healing and has also been the most emotional and hardest to accept.

Its the step you hope you don't have to take and deep down you know you might. It's the one that only those that have walked this road can understand.

Its a decision that I wrestled with, prayed about, cried over, and finally accepted.

And as much as I would like to think I have been open and honest in sharing I realize that I have strongly filtered and avoided this reality.

But the time has come to accept the past in order to embrace the present


This picture was taken December 23rd (a month after being diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkins)

That day I hated having my picture taken, afraid the world would know the journey I faced and would pity me. I hated that when I looked in the mirror I wasn't sure I recognized the face looking back at me and feared there was more to lose before it was over.

Quickly the journey to healing began with the implantation of my port a week later and my first infusion the week following that.

There were days of Headbands and Smiles

Mornings when all I could do was to face this new reality with the best tools and attitude I had

and mornings where this Ninja cancer warrior didn't want to face the battle ahead, when tears came before smiles, when I needed a moment before facing the mirror.

I had been warned that not all chemo patients lose their hair and while I knew there was a chance that I might not I chose instead to prepare myself for when not if. I was careful to respond to the Sparkles in the same manner and to make no promises of how long or when it would happen.

As previously blogged, my hair began to fall out several days after completing my second infusion and rapidly decreased the volume of my hair by 50% or more within that two week period. The next infusion continued with a steady though not as drastic decrease of my hair resulting in bare patches and significant thinning resulting in a state of anxiety and stress I had not anticipated. It became difficult to mask the bare spots and to cover up this new found insecurity.

And with many tears I knew it was time to take the next step.

So with the steady hand of a dear friend, a well charged clipper and an empty kitchen, I boldly stepped into this next season

Tonight as I prepared (and procrastinated) writing this post I noticed something between the first and the last picture... there is still a smile on my face that in the midst of all the scary and unknown, the maybes and could's, I can still find a reason to smile and all I can do is take the next step.

The toughest part was making the decision to boldly step forward and to allow my outward appearance reflect my inward battle.

And now that the decision has been made (and executed) I can now breathe a bit easier, there is no more guessing if it will happen or will I know when its time and I can focus my energy and attention on my next infusion.

Meal Time

Whether eating at home

Or eating out

I treasure the meals with my Sparkles

Its a time of laughter and chatting and moments to focus on something besides my illness, treatment and side effects.
Its set time each day to giggle and smile and sometimes whinge and always a time to be grateful

Lillian's Report

Recently Lillian completed a report and presentation on the Dominican Republic.

She spent several weeks and countless hours gathering her information and creating her display. 

We are so proud of her hard work

Job well done :)

Colors of Support

To end my last doctors appointment I saved my most pressing question for last...

What is the awareness color for Hodgkins Lymphoma?

My Doctor smiled and said-

Lymphoma is LIME GREEN
Hodgkins is VIOLET

When pressed further, which is the most "appropriate" color to wear he smiled and asked,
Which color would your Sparkles pick? Wear that :)

The perfect answer and the more I thought about it the more I found that yet again I have been blessed with Joy is journey

Both colors are easy to incorporate into wardrobes or accents and I had both a girl and boy color for my Sparkles.
Both colors are distinct and easy for others to wear in a show of support


That evening. when I shared with the Sparkles, they were not so keen to have two colors and getting to pick.
Lillian did not think that was official enough.

And then it came to me, the perfect explanation....
Lymphoma is like a last name (Sparkman) so Lime Green is for the whole family but if you want more specific you need to know a first name (Hodgkins) so thats violet.
The light bulb clicked and Lillian was animated as she found Joy in this new information.

As I tucked Lillian into bed, I saw the wheels turning as she began to think of ways to "wear" Momma.

And finally as  I typed "lime green violet turtles" into my google search this was the image that appeared...

Joy again
A lime green, violet wearing, Ninja (fighting), turtle
What a perfect imagine for me :)

May you too be blessed with unexpected Joyful moments :)

Cancer and Rubber Ducks

Recently when waiting for my infusion, I noticed a large display of Rubber duckies.

 Upon a closer examination of the collection, I read the story behind the collection and the woman who started it.

Jeanne Craig was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 and during her chemotherapy developed her "fear fighting" advice-‘Just keep ducking- Don’t live in the fear; let the fear and the worry go and just live.” The plaque further explained that this advice evolved from a concept she read in a WWI story that said terror can be endured so long as a man simply ducks, but it will kill you if you think about it.” 

“A lot of recruits in WWI were killed because they were so wrapped up in the fear, they forgot to duck when they should. If you were living in the moment and not wrapped up in the fear, then you would know when to duck and would continue to live.”

Fear goes hand in hand with a cancer diagnosis, and it is very easy to get caught up in the worry and fears of the disease and forget to live. 

The cheerful yellow duckies are a wonderful reminder to "duck' the fears and worry and focus on the Joy that is right in front of you. 

Buddy and I learned that Jeanne has sent and given over 3500 ducks to fellow cancer patients beginning or enduring thier journey. 

Upon further examination of the display, I mentioned that it was missing a Rubbery duckie nativity...

To which Buddy replied.. is there such a thing....

Thank goodness for Wifi and google... and I showed her that there was (and that we owned it). 

To further pass the time we discovered that there were over 15,000 hits on Amazon for typing in the search bar... rubber duckies. 

Some of our favorites included:

Harry Ponder 

Bride and Groom and Wedding party set

Medieval set (including ducks in armor)

and 

Fairy Tale Ducks 

We were so involved in our duck search that I missed my name being called (3 times) to go back for my infusion. 

Needless to say, this was definitely a joyful moment in our day and an opportunity to remember to "duck" the fear that looms.

Dr Approved

Another highlight of my doctors visit was our discussion on the health benefits of banana splits :)

We are in agreement that since its dairy, protein (nuts) and 2 fruits (banana and cherries) that it is definitely something that can stay in my diet :)

Another blessing and definitely a joyful moment of my days

Headbands, Hats and Hair Loss

First I must offer my apologies for any misunderstandings I may have caused with my initial hair loss post.

While I have lost a significant amount of my hair (at least 60%) I am not bald yet.

The loss of my hair has been extremely emotional for me and not something that I was truly prepared for. (I am not sure how anyone could actually prepare for losing their hair)

In the last few weeks, I have been experimenting with my new normal and trying to find what will work for me
I have tried...

Headbands

and Hats (of several varieties)

and I will be honest that my favorite so far has been the ones that I have received from loved ones as gifts or as a matching set (they have the same one as me).

Yet I haven't found "the One" yet. and I haven't taken the plunge to shave my head yet (though the time is fast approaching)

And as I ponder what is holding me back I know its because this is hard.

Because nothing is making this change easy. No hat or headband makes you feel as pretty or lovely as your long hair did.
No style or color accents an outfit or a mood the same as a hair style and nothing feels as permanent as the moment right now.

Its the last strands of normalcy before the world will know I am battling cancer.

But with battles come victory and with victory there is hope.

So I will hold to the Hope that is promised and seek joy each day in every moment.

May your days too be filled with joyful moments

My Buddy

Feel free to begin humming the 80's commercial jingle as your read along...

This woman on the right has been My Buddy for over 20's years.

We have sung in church choir together, attended church, built habitat houses, laughed, cried, shared the birth of the Sparkles, the death of loved ones, and everything in between and now we are sharing my latest journey together.

She is my cheerleader, my chauffeur, my door holder, my listening ear, my coffee getter, and my dear friend.

I am blessed to have My Buddy to share my journey and I don't know what I would do without her.

She is always there when I need (even last minute) and when I am with her I know everything is under control.

Love you Buddy and thank you

The beautiful woman on the left is her Momma- Martha. She makes the best green beans and has also blessed my life for the last 20 years :)

Chemo 3 Recap

This is how it started...

being chauffeured, drive thru Starbucks (Skinny Caramel Macchiato), and a sun shining day.

After valet parking the car (always an experience) I headed upstairs for blood work and another doctors appointment.

Every two infusions I will meet with my doctor to check in and see how I am doing, answer any questions and discuss any concerns.
Each time I meet with Dr. Azar I am affirmed that I with the right doctor for me and that I am in the best hands.

We agreed on a few minor adjustments to my meds and he encouraged me to be faithful and consistent in taking them as that will result in the best relief.
There were a few ah-ha moments and moments of relief that what I was feeling was typical or to be expected given my diagnosis and treatment plan.

Overall, I left reassured and ready to face chemo infusion #3.

For the first time, things were running on schedule and I was quickly settled into my infusion room (with a recliner :) and began eating my yummy Panera salad while waiting for the return of my blood work and the start of the infusion.

Overall things here went as planned. There was slow start to the infusion as return of my blood count identified a few concerns that needed doctor approval. My numbers are holding their own in all areas but the the creation of new white blood cells (absolute neutrophil). While this number significantly decreased from chemo 1-2 it dropped to 0 beginning chemo 3 thus indicating that my body is not making new white blood cells. While this can be a treatment stopper for other cancer patients, for a Hodgkins patient it just means I need doctor approval to continue with treatment (a quick phone call from the infusion department to the doctor down the hall). It does mean that I have a very high risk to contract infections and must be extremely cautious .
The delay gave me just enough time to finish my salad and it was time to begin.

The infusion took a little over 3 hours to complete and soon we were heading toward home.

It was during the drive home that something felt different.

Upon arriving home, this is what i was greeted by...

A very itchy and unexpected rash.
So instead of a nap, my afternoon was spent calling the doctor, managing the itch and a bit of worry and fear that I was having a reaction to the infusion drugs and there would need to be  a change to my treatment plan.

But a bit of Benadryl cream, a much needed nap and a reassuring follow up call with my doctor and the reaction was under control. Further investigation is under way to identify the cause of the reaction and hopefully avoiding it for the future.

The days post chemo were spent resting and taking advantage of spurts of energy and finding joyful moments to bless my days.

Chemo 3

Today is the day.
Chemo 3 and a doctors appointment- 1 chemo cycle finished (2 infusions) and a heading toward a quarter of the treatments complete (3 of 12)

A more detailed update to come... but in the meantime

May your day be filled with Joyful Moments and opportunities to Sparkle :)

Wii games and Ebay Stalking

Just a fun night at Casa de Sparkman

The Littles have been asking all week to play the Wii together and Friday night was the perfect opportunity for family night.

After a very healthy dinner of nachos we headed to the living room to play.

First up, Dance Dance Revolution

Cooper and I had the best seat in the house- cuddled together in the Momma chair and giggling at the silly sisters.

Next up was Super Smash Brothers with Daddy

And finally Mario Kart

Then with the Littles safely tucked into bed, and Madi enjoying some quiet time to read Rob and I indulged in a bit of adult activities.....

That's right, we spent 45 minutes stalking eBay auctions that were ending and waiting to see the final bids of the items sold :)

We were hunting for Nintendo Classic systems (retail $60) and watching prices soar on eBay for double the retail price.
The most humorous part is unlike most people who stalk eBay, anxiously awaiting the close of an auction to attempt to win the final bid, we already own the Nintendo Classic System (my sister bought it for me as a Christmas gift after stalking her local stores :)

Finally off to bed with a quick detour to play Mario Bros 3 on the Classic :)

I love Normal days
I love Family Nights
I love old school video games
and I especially love when my Sparkles are included in all 3.

Sparkling Sparkles

Even before my diagnosis I would occasionally ponder what my legacy would be.
While I know I am unique and special (Thanks Mom and Dad) I know that my life is ordinary... a Momma of 3, a wife of nearly 10 years, a part time admin in a small company, a member of a mega church, a participant in a life group, a friend to many.
I do ordinary things- grocery shop, run errands, homemaking, school volunteering, activities at church, an occasional missions trip.
Yet often when people think of a legacy (me included) I think of BIG- big donations, BIG projects, Life Changing experiences and Large groups of people impacted.

So how was ordinary going to translate to something like that.

And the other day, it all became clear.
My legacy was already happening, in an ordinary way with the help of my Sparkles and I was filled with tremendous JOY

Little did I realize so many years ago that a Momma nickname would turn into a way of living and blessing others.
My Sparkles.... My Legacy

Recently my uncle passed away and it was during the difficult conversation with the Sparkles that I realized our legacy was already being lived out.

Within in their grief of the unexpected passing of my uncle each Sparkle stated in their own way that they wished they had said Goodbye a little better, hugged a little tighter, played another game- if they had known it would be the last.
And as I held the three on my lap (quite the challenge these days) and snuggled them close the words just began to flow....

Did you Sparkle him?
Did you share your joy when you were together?
Did he leave better then he came?

(All in reference to our last visit together over Thanksgiving)

A tremendous joy filled my heart- our Legacy
Sparkling those that we encounter- spreading joy- and blessing others

As the tears turned to giggles of memories shared, as the snuggles turned to wrestling (it always does with three sparkles on one lap) a difficult conversation turned into a challenge for days to come.

And a Legacy was started...

Journey Together

For the most part, Sparkman Escapades is mine (a few rare entires from Rob) and has been since I began blogging in 2008 but a few years ago Rob started his own blogging (very different then the family and sunshine post of mine).

Recently his entires have been his perspective of our cancer journey and I hope you will take time to read it.

His blog (Pragmatist's Opinions) is on the left side bar of Sparkman Escapades or you can go from this link....
http://www.pragmolitics.com

I am reminded that this is not a solo adventure. That the hard days are not my own and that everything is better together.


May you be blessed by our journey and our stories- I know I am.

Hairloss and Banana Splits

This week has been tough....
2 infusions and this seems to be the pattern, the week after chemo almost being a greater struggle then the week of treatment.

Treatment week comes with its own list of toughness- when the symptoms are the worst and its about managing not relief, its about getting to the next day and the next and hoping that better days are coming

But week 2 is harder... its when your mind tells you should have more energy or appetite. When you feel like you should do more and can't. When the nausea is more tolerable and you debate whether to take the meds or tough it out.
Its also when the clock begins to tick that the next infusion is just around the corner, when sleepless nights begin to plague you as you ask yourself can I do it again, am I ready

And this week 2 included beginning (and fast) loss of my hair

I would be surprised if the first question that most people ask about chemo is if they will lose their hair (it seems to be the most known side effect of the drugs)
It certainly was one of mine. And while there is no guarantee that a person will or will not lose there hair, it was a discussion that my doctor and I had starting day one.
He was clear to make no promises but also gave the facts of what to expect...
Hair loss will occur 2-3 weeks after second chemo
Hair will typically come out in chunks or large bunches

I while these things were helpful to know "before" it happened it didn't really prepare me for the reality.

Because like all things Me, I don't follow the normal pattern or expected

My hair began to fall out 5 days after my second infusion.
When your hair falls out, it hurts.... your head just hurts
Yes it comes out in chucks but also in strands, constant shedding and large masses.

And I was certainly not prepared for the sadness that would go hand in hand with each strand.

Because facing this every morning is hard...
the first look in the mirror after a shower wondering if today will be the day someone notices
The pending questions of when to shave the remainder off...

Its just not something you can prepare for or think ahead about

Because losing your hair is not a out vanity or even beauty, its a bold statement that tells the world I am fighting a battle and the battle is hard
Its a reality that you can't easily ignore or pretend isn't there.
You can't escape the reminder

For me, losing my hair has been more shocking then hearing the cancer diagnosis. It has created a greater challenge to CHOOSE JOY each day instead of wallowing in the sadness or unfairness of my illness.
It means hugging my Sparkles a little tighter as they too cry for Momma's hair and reality of the months ahead.

And it means that through the tears and the sadness that there is joy to be seen and experienced but I have to choose to find it

So with each strand of hair lost, I have been blessed a joyful moment

• a text from a friend sharing her joyful moment of the day and asking for mine (received right at the moment when the tears are flowing and the sadness is strong)
• a farmhouse sign on clearance given by a friend from far away to add joy to another room in our home (may there be as much joy as their are Christmas trees during Christmas Palooza she said) 

• flowers from an aunt and uncle to brighten the room 
• extra snuggles with the sparkles 

And on the really tough days,

Banana Splits- guaranteed joy :)

Your days be filled with joyful moments too

Lists

It is highly encouraged throughout this process to keep a journal- to track your emotions, thoughts, symptoms and questions and while I would say that I most often am a Queen of List Making in this area I am failing... at first it was because I couldn't remember my thoughts long enough to write them down  (think Dory from Finding Nemo) but now I realize that its more about being stubborn and a bit wishful that if I don't write it down, it will go away. That the nausea really doesn't last nearly the entire two weeks between treatments, that my days will be more joyful then sick, that I really don't have THAT symptom that some people experience

And yet in the midst of being forgetful, stubborn and a bit wishful I was robbing myself of Joy

Because not writing it down doesn't make it less true or less sucky
Not writing it down doesn't decrease the frequency or increase the probability

Not writing it down only means that I am left riding the same merry go round of thoughts and symptoms and missing the opportunity to live in the JOY

So today I started writing it down and I was immediately blessed

Because the worst of the nausea is only the first 7 days after chemo (at most 10)
Because sometimes a shower and clean comfy clothes is enough of an accomplishment for one day
Because there are a few good hours each day where the symptoms are at bay and there is relief

It is so easy to get dishearten on this journey to healing but that was not the path I chose from the beginning.
I choose joy and I hope you will too

Be Prepared

Anyone else immediate think of Scars song from Lion King.... well I did :)

I love Disney.... and quite often I can relate most thoughts and conversations to something Disney and so it is not surprising that following my 2nd chemo infusion the song "Be Prepared" from Lion King has infiltrated my thoughts and quiet moments.

Because while the infusion itself went better then I had hoped (or at least better then the first) there was much to "prepare" for....

Be prepared that nausea will be a reality for the next 7-10 days 

Be prepared that fatigue will plague your days

Be prepared that the only thing you might accomplish today is a shower 

Be prepared that the risk of germs and infections is escalated in such a way that changes must happen

Be prepared that for every symptom the meds can alleviate the side effects might be worse 

Be prepared that my hair will fall out (its a matter of when not if) 

Be prepared that no matter how much I have thought about it or planned that there will still be surprises and unexpected things

Be prepared that while I am going to conquer this disease I will also hate the fight (most days)

And as easy as it is to make the list and say the words it is quite difficult to embrace this new reality 

Because knowing it and living it are two very different things 

Nothing prepares a person to have cancer and nothing prepares the cancer patients family for the journey. 

All you can do is walk through and find the Joyful Moments 

2nd Chemo

2 done- 10 to go.

I am so blessed that my fears were unfounded and the second chemo went better then the first. It is still a very steep learning curve and easily becomes overwhelming to take in all the information. The four plus hours is physically and emotional exhausting and leaves me with limited energy.
At this point please know that no update = going as planned and we will update as soon as I am able.

Since this was the second chemo of the first cycle I did not see my doctor before my infusion.
I checked directly into the infusion center (same building but down the hall from my doctor) an shortly after check had my port accessed, line put in and blood work drawn.

Then back to the waiting room to await results of the blood work and to wait for a room to to become open for my infusion.
We waited about an hour before being taken back. (probably pretty normal although on weeks I see the doctor I believe this will not be as long or filled with other things).
It gave me (and Rob) some time to chat, make a few lists and to be a bit more prepared for the day.

This time we were given a chemo room instead of the cubby.
It had a bed and jack and jill bathroom within. While it did have a door, it was not closed so it was still fairly open.
I learned I prefer the reclining chair instead of the bed so next time that will be my request.

Another reason for the delay was regarding my blood counts.
Most stayed the same but the two numbers that fight infection and suppress my immune system were way down (12. 5 at my first infusion and 1.5  for one and 8.9 for the first and 0.2). With my given numbers they are well below there acceptable range (3.6-10.6 for the first number and 1.7-7.5 for the second one). This is not uncommon for cancer patients and particularly for lymphoma patients as my cancer is directly related to my immune system.
The blessing is that even though the numbers are low it did not stop me from receiving my treatment :)

Every treatment and doctors appointment they draw my blood and do a full work up and carefully monitor my numbers.

The lower immune numbers means being a bit more cautious about exposure to germs- lots of hand washing and avoiding sick people

From arrival until departure we were at the 4.5 hours.  A lesson in patience and accepting this new normal.

During my infusion I chatted with rob and watched HGTV (Fixer upper :)
the time pasted quickly and we were soon on our way to eat (the hardest part of chemo being at 10 is that lunch is in the middle of my infusion).

I had decided before my infusion that I wanted Pad Thai for lunch from my favorite restaurant (Bangkok Kitchen). It tasted just as good and I had hoped and although my appetite was small I was a blessing to have food to eat :)

We have a good plan in place for this week to manage my medicine and hopefully make things as smooth as possible.

Your continued prayers are felt and greatly appreciated.

May your days be filled with joyful moments.

A.

Awana Mishap

Sometimes when it rains it pours...

Wednesday evening while at dinner I got a call from the Awana leader that Lillian had gotten hurt. She was bandaged up, brought home and we immediately left for the immediate care.

Waiting at the Immediate Care with an Ice pack

 First look at the cut and the explanation for what happened
Apparently they were playing at game time. Lillian was crawling on the floor (per the game) whenever another child tripped over her causing Lillian to smash her head into the ground. The force of impact broke her glasses which then stabbed her in the forehead.
Yes- her injury was caused from her own head and own glasses :)
Oh the talents of my Lilli-bird

 Although the cut was fairly deep it was not wide (deep puncture wood from the glasses) it was opted to use Dermabond liquid stitch to close the wound.
She was very glad to not have to get a shot or to have stitches.

 Waiting for the glue to die and smiling for the promised lollipop (she picked red)

 Bandaged up and reading to go home- in and out in less then an hour

 And the next day, time to shop for new glasses which were put on rush order and arrived less then week later :)

The storms may come but the blessings that follow are never far behind.

Here's to a less eventful Awana this week.