My blessed weekend!

This weekend was a great one! We started out with dinner and a movie with our friends Robert and Heather on Friday...then Greased Pumpkin with the youth on Saturday (picture). Greased Pumpkin is a game Mike played as a youth and has ALWAYS

 wanted to play with youth groups but has never gotten the chance to play.  It is Ultimate Frisbee that you play with pumpkins covered in Crisco! Lots of fun!

I got to talk to my mom and sister this afternoon on the webcam and was so happy! I've talked to my mom a few times but this time I got to talk to my sister too!! I love the bond my mom, sister, and I have. Talking to them together face-to-face made my weekend! 

I also got to catch up with Angela! I love this pic!  It was taken at the State Fair last month, which reminds me...I need to post those pics! I was excited to chat with her and find out what is new in her life.  Our schedules don't cooperate right now so I cherish the times we get to chat. 

The BBB (Bryant Bed and Breakfast) is filling up fast!! We have reservations for December, January, February, and even March!! We have folks from as far away as Bogotá, Colombia making reservations!

Okay, so other than my Colombian friend Andrea, everyone else is from West Texas but still, it sounds good! I’m very excited about Andrea’s visit but there are a lot of details to work out. She’s coming to visit West Texas for a month but I won’t be able to go there while she’s there. She is planning on visiting me on her way out of the country though, which excites me!

My other visitors include my sister! My dad! Mike’s parents! Kate and Bonnie (and hopefully a few of the girls!)!! and I’m sure my mom will make a visit or two during those months!!

HAPPY HARVEST EVERYONE!!
       

                    

Mike and I signing our papers!!

               

SOLD!!!

         

Our "fireplace" before my mom's visit

         

and after!!

           

Another after pic!

Our guestroom

and guess what...we finally got a new car!! It was something we had talked about but hadn't really planned until it happened!  Anyway, we are now the proud owners of a 2009 Nissan Murano!! 

I love this picture...

After much anticipation (and procrastination!), here are the pictures of us at the beach! I finally put them on the computer to be able to put them on the blog for all to see. 

These pictures are from my birthday...that was a GREAT day! We traveled to Port Aransas, ate lunch, and then headed to the beach for Mike to see it for the first time!!  The weather was a little chilly but really nice.  There was a breeze and the water was kind of warm.  Hope you enjoy the pics!

WE ARE HOMEOWNERS!!!

We have joined the group of adults in this world that are in debt for the next 30 years!

I hope get pictures up next week sometime...I need time to get a few things set up, cleaned up, and put up before I showcase our home on the blog. I promise you'll get to see it soon!

I wanted to keep my posts in chronilogical order but I haven't had a chance to post a few and want to give everyone an update!

We aren't homeowners yet but we get to start living in our house today!! The loan is taking longer to get approved due to it being an USDA loan. The USDA requires a lot more info and hasn't approved the loan yet but the bank has...so once it is approved, we're set to go!! We are so thankful that we can start living there today! Our stuff was moved into the house last week and we've been staying in a travel trailor (not as bad as it sounds) but I start work Monday and we're ready to start getting things settled!

We are really enjoying the town! We went to a football game last week and got to meet a lot of people. It is so weird for people to know who we are but we don't know them! A couple came up to us at Chili's today and introduced themselves. She said, "we know you are the new youth minister and wanted to introduce ourselves." I had told Mike that we needed to be on our best behavior because people will know who we are when we don't know they are looking. I thought I'd educate him on the small town aspect of things!

I hope everything is going GREAT in West Texas and elsewhere...Miss y'all!!

We loaded up the U-haul Monday morning and headed out to Barksdale...aka Mike’s grandparents’ house. We had a great but short visit with them. We always enjoy going to their house to visit. Things are so calm and relaxing.  Mike likes to get up early and see the deer catching breakfast in the front yard..I enjoy it too but only when I wake up on my own!

                         

       

                    


        

                            


                       

**Sorry for the format on this blog...I wanted to get it posted and don't have the patience right now to make it pretty!!**

The goodbyes were a bit harder and a bit easier this time around!  We got to spend a year getting reacquainted with those we had lost touch with and also gained a few new friends, which made it hard to say goodbye! It is always hard to goodbye but there was so much to look forward to and so many friends expressed a desire to visit us...I hope that happens because we love houseguests!! and...we want our West Texas friends to ALWAYS be a part of our lives.  

I got several pictures of our goodbyes witth different people. Unfortunately, I didn’t get pictures with everyone so please don’t feel left out!  That just means we have to see each other again to get a picture!

I’m on the airplane to Dallas to meet my sister for our weekend together and I’m FINALLY getting a chance to type a blog! I decided to go ahead and type it up, then transfer it online...that seems to be the only way I can get it done these days. 

I’m hoping to post several blogs this weekend so make sure you read all of them!

We have had quite a time the last 3 weeks...Mike performed 2 weddings, we saw LOTS of friends and moved! We were able to unload our belongings into our future home but because we haven’t closed yet, we can’t unpack or live there!  We are staying in a very nice travel trailor unti we are able to close, which should be Wednesday!!  That’s the over-all update...now for some details and pictures!!

I was so excited that Mike was able to perform a wedding ceremony for my friend Leslie and her now

 husband Cody!!  This was thrown together so fast so that Mike could officiate before we moved but it was intimate, personal, and BEAUTIFUL!!  Leslie and Cody--we were so blessed to be a part of your day! We pray you have a wonderful life together!!

The following weekend Mike had the honor of marrying my sister’s friend (and mine!) Robbie and Jage. This one was planned for a while and was what helped keep us in West Texas a little longer!!  Jage and Robbie had a a great ceremony--despite the wind--and we enjoyed celebrating with them afterwards! We didn’t get a picture while we were all dressed up but glad we got a picture.  Jage and Robbie--thank you both so much for letting us be a part of y’alls day and for all the encouragement! We are excited for you! 

I know this sounds cheesy we bought a webcam yesterday! lol... Our mac computer is kind of old so it doesn't have the camera installed like the new ones, and my mom and his dad have new macs so we wanted to be able to chat with them LIVE once we move!!

We set up the camera last night and visited with Randy and Linda (Mike's dad and step-mom) last night and it was so much fun! I think they were really surprised at how much better it was than even talking on the phone! I'm so excited about being able to SEE them while we talk! I think it will help a lot with helping me not be as homesick. So, anyone who has ichat using aim, or I think you can with regular aim, let me know! We can chat LIVE too!

I'm beginning to prepare to move in a nesting type of way! lol...I hope to use birthday money to get a new digital camera (ours is M.I.A.) so I can send lots of pics of our new home and fun experiences (Mike going to the beach for the 1st time) home to everyone! I've also added a digital camcorder to my Christmas wish list so that I'll have it for when we have kids!! I don't usually have anything I want for Christmas so my family will be glad that I have something on my wish list this early!!

In the HOME STRETCH!!

It is not a secret that I haven't enjoyed living in our apartment from Day One...and guess what! The feeling has not changed! lol...we will finish up our packing tonight (or maybe tomorrow right before the movers show up) and I'm not really sad AT ALL! I've shed an inner tear when we left other places we've lived because they've had some effect on me but not apartment 242...Good riddance!

Have you ever been glad to see the end of something...the end of a job? the end of a relationship? the end of a residence? Please share...

Well, the time has finally come for us to know for sure if Mike will be a full-time youth pastor...

...with an almost unanimous vote, Mike was hired as the new youth pastor at First Baptist Church in Beeville!! We had such a great weekend and met some wonderful people. Although we are always sad about leaving our friends and family in West Texas, we are super excited about this part of our journey!

Mike's first official day will be October 16 (my birthday!) so we will be leaving Midland Monday, October 13...that gives us 3 full weeks here to say goodbye! We are moving out of our apartment this weekend and will be staying with our AMAZING friends, the Swanson family until we leave on the 13th. We have SO much to do this week to get out of our apartment but are hoping to have a little free time once October starts.

We are getting close to knowing where we'll live and I'll share that once it is more official. We REALLY want to have TONS of visitors so PLEASE let us know if you want to come visit!! We have a spare room and would love to see ya!

On a "how's Mike" note, he is doing so well in regards to his pancreas! He hasn't had any problems and will go back October 2 for his stint to be removed and for them to check out his pancreas. Unfortunately, he did get sick with bronchitis last week and was sick this weekend...but he did great speaking with everyone and sharing his testimony in church! He's been to the doctor and is on his way to being better!

So, I'm sitting here waiting on Mike to pick me up...I never thought this week would end!! It's about time! We are headed to Beeville for things to become official...the church will vote Sunday morning on hiring Mike so when we head home, we'll know if we are moving in a few weeks.

We'll be doing several things while we are there...looking at a possible rent house to live in until we can buy our FIRST HOUSE and meeting with a potential future employer for me!! YEA!

It is so crazy how things get built up in our heads...we are filled with anticipation, aren't we? When I read Molly's blog, she reminds me of the anticipation of getting married. MAN! That was such a great time of anticipation! and Kate...she was getting ready to make a move across town for the 1st time in 8 years! I haven't lived in one place much longer than 8 months since I moved out of my dad's house! lol...

There is always anticipation in our lives and I think that's good. I think our lives should change and things should be different but if you aren't able to enjoy your life the way it is...to be content...you shouldn't anticipate something new happening! Have a great weekend!

Well, I'm sure you all thought I'd already forgotten about my blog! Since that seems to happen once things settle...but, things aren't quite settled!

Mike is feeling REALLY WELL and will be venturing to work tomorrow. We are finally sleeping through the night...the first few nights home were rough! I know you are all about Beeville so here's the latest!

We are headed back this weekend (September 20 and 21) for the official "in-view-of-a-call." For those non-Baptists (or Baptist that don't know this lingo), this will be where the church votes on hiring Mike. They will have a meet and greet time on Saturday for the church members to come meet us. On Sunday, Mike will give his testimony during the morning service. Following the service, the church will vote and we will know before we leave church Sunday morning! We are so excited!!

I have a lead on a job but won't say much until I know more. I'm hoping to have an "unofficial" interview this weekend. We'll see!

Just a quick post to let you all know that we are back!!

West Texas here we come!!!

Mike is in the process of being discharged!! We changed our flight to an earlier flight we we'll be home by the time everyone gets off work!

Thank you all for keeping up with us during all of this! He'll have to come back in 3-4 weeks to have the stint they did get inserted taken out but other than that, he is doing great!!

See you all soon!

Also...below is the verse of the day waiting in my email inbox...God continues to be good to us even in situations that may not seem good. We are thankful for every situation God brings us through!

"The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. " Lamentations 3:25

Well, we ended up staying over the weekend so they could monitor Mike a little more...he finally got to eat solid food!!! YEA!! The dr. said his CAT Scan showed the cyst has drained A LOT and he wanted to give the cyst more time to drain. He should be removing the cathedars before we head home which is a HUGE blessing!! Neither of us were excited about having to take care of them!!

My sister came to visit this weekend!!! We didn't have much time together but the time we did have was much needed! We spent time playing cards and beating Mike! lol...fun stuff... Mike couldn't let me take a pic without "waving" to everyone!

As everyone would guess, Mike has been doing his card tricks for all the nurses!! After several days of doing them in his room, we were passing the nurse's desk when a past nurse that didn't get to see the tricks said she heard he did card tricks!! Of course, that opened the door for him to do a few!! They were AMAZED! At one point, he had 4 nurses watching a a doctor watched from far away...his nurse ended up taking his vitals while we were standing there! :) He was pretty pooped after standing for a while to do the card tricks though. That was after we went downstairs to play cards at an open sitting area!

We hope to hear from Dr. T soon! We know everything is looking good...just not sure if they are good enough to get discharged today!

Oh!! AMAZING news on Ryan...he got moved to a regular bed (I think on Friday) and was told he'd get to go home sooner than expected! I don't know any details...with Angela and I both at hospitals, we've been communicating as much as possible through texts but it is tough! PRAISE GOD that Ryan is doing well!!!!

In case you forgot what we looked like...here we are!! Now, keep in mind that we've been away from home 15 days as of today and at the hospital/hospital hotel for 10 of those days!!

It was brought to my attention yesterday that I should explain the cathedars that were inserted into Mike's abdomen. They are not the same cathedars they use for bladder purposes. I took a few pictures to show everyone what they look like. If you have a weak stomach...you may not want to look!! I'll put them at the bottom of the posting.

Good news!! Mike should be getting discharged either today or tomorrow!! We'll spend a night the day he is discharged and then fly home the next day!! He is about to have another CAT Scan done to see how much the cyst has decreased since the cathedars were inserted. Also, Dr. T tried to do a scope to see if his pancreas was damaged and needed to be operated on...things were still too tight with the cyst in there for him to see the pancreas. We will have to come back in 3-6 weeks to have the cathedars removed and he will look at the pancreas then. By that point, the cyst should be drained. Good news though...Dr. T said the fluid that is draining does not look like it is coming from the pancreas which is a good thing!!! If it was coming from the pancreas, that would cause them to have to take out part of the pancreas.

I won't be able to post again today unless we find something out before 4:00 (when the computer lab closes) and it is closed tomorrow so hopefully I'll be posting from Dallas Love Field next!!!

These are the cathedars. This is where they are inserted.

Hello everyone! Mike left about 10 minutes ago (1:20) to have the cathedar inserted into the cyst. There is a 50/50 chance this will work and we have spoken with a surgeon that specializes in the pancreas, should they need to do surgery. He was very good at answering all of our questions...and believe me, we always have a lot!! It shouldn't take very long to put in the cathedar and they should know by this evening if the cathedar is working. That is about all I know for now!!

Well...I don't have bad news but I don't have good news either!

The lining of the cyst was too thick for the stint to be inserted so they are having to look at Plan B. Mike was admitted to the hospital this afternoon and they will do a CAT Scan either tonight or tomorrow. At that point, our doctor, a surgeon, and a radiologist will examine the CAT Scan and determine if inserting a cathedar (spelling??) would be the best route or surgery. Hopefully they will insert a cathedar to drain the cyst. This will take 3-4 days for the cyst to drain during which Mike will be in the hospital. If they decide that draining it surgically is the best way, he will be in the hospital for at least 1 week. The route will be determined in the morning.

Looks like Dallas gets to see us a little longer!!

WOW! What a crazy 10 1/2 days we've had!! Just to catch everyone up and clarify a few things...

Beeville
Mike and I traveled to Beeville on Friday for him to lead a back-to-school event for the youth. The weekend went REALLY well and we got to meet a lot of the youth and their parents. We felt so welcomed and "at-home." We looked at a few housing options and found a really cute house that is in our budget! We got a call from Nikki (the unofficial committee leader) on Wednesday night saying the committee met and are recommending that the church hire Mike as the new youth pastor. For those of you not familiar with the way Baptists do things, the search committee will present Mike to the church (so yes, one more trip there!) and the church will most likely have a chance to ask Mike questions and then vote on whether or not to hire him. We do not know any details yet on when we will travel back to Beeville.

Surgery
We then traveled to Dallas and met with the doctor performing the surgery. The doctor shared that things were a bit different than we thought. They would be putting in two stints like we anticipated but they would have to examine his pancreas and see what was causing the cysts. If it was a certain thing, they would have to remove part of his pancreas. Of course we both panicked since we have heard bad things about having your pancreas removed but Dr. Tarnasky did say that since Mike was already diabetic, there wouldn't be as many problems as with someone who isn't diabetic. He has his procedure on Thursday morning but they were only able to insert one stint in the section of the cyst that affects his bile duct. They were not able to get to the section that is affecting his stomach. That is why he is having a second procedure on Tuesday. They will use different scopes and equipment to access that section and insert the stint. Also, this is the area that they will use to look at his pancreas so we don't know what the status is on that yet. There is a chance that they won't be able to insert the second stint. At that point, there are a few options but they both have factors of time and higher chance of infection. One option is inserting a cathedar (no idea how to spell!) to drain the cyst and the other is surgery. One of Dr. Tarnasky's associates does the type of procedure that Mike will have on Tuesday and will assist him.

Well, I think that sums it all up!! :) We have had a pretty good weekend here in Dallas. We decided to stay rather than traveling several more times! We have had lots of quality time together!! Also, My dad is in Dallas right now so we are able to visit with him and that has been nice.

Ryan Kennedy
Please continue to keep Angela (my best friend) and her family in your prayers. Her 19 year old brother Ryan continues to be on a ventilator and in ICU in Lubbock for double pneumonia. Angela and I have been in contact at least once a day and she said yesterday was a little better than the past few days. He was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday after being found unconcious in his apartment. He had been diagnosed with bronchitis the day before but once at the hospital, was diagnosed with double-pneumonia! He has woken up a few times but has not been coherent. He is fighting right now and needs our prayers!

Thank you all for your prayers and support! We are praying that we are able to go home on Wednesday!!

Post Surgery

Hey everyone this is Christy and Cymbre is having internet issues but wanted to give you an update on Mike. Just a quick note to let you know that Mike's surgery went well but they could only insert one stint. They will have to go back in on Tuesday with different equipment to insert the other stint. They are going to stay in Dallas until then and they aren't sure yet if he will have to remove part of Mike's pancreas. She'll try to keep ya'll updated and thanks for the prayers!!

Pre-Surgery, Post Dr. visist

We met with the doctor today and there are a few things we weren't expecting. Once they begin the procedure tomorrow, they will look to see what is causing the cysts. It is filled with fluid from the pancreas but they do not know how or why the fluid is filling the cysts. There are a few possibilities and I don't know how to explain them. But, if the cause is one option, they will have to remove a portion of his pancreas or the cysts will continue to return. Dr. Tarnasky said the removal will not be as serious as it could be since Mike is already diabetic. If they find that this is necessary, they will wake him up and we will discuss options. He indicated that the removal surgery could happen quickly. The recovery is one week. I'm not sure if that is one week in the hospital or just one week out of work, in bed, etc. If the removal is not necessary, they will insert a stent. Dr. Tarnasky said they will keep him in the hospital overnight to make sure the procedure does not cause pancreatitis. Thankfully, we are currently staying in the hospital hotel so I will be able to stay in our room and still be close.

Also, PLEASE keep my dearest friend Angela and her family in your prayers...her little (19 year old) brother was rushed to the hospital in Lubbock about an hour ago with double pneumonia!! He was not concious when he was taken to the hospital and I know her family would appreciate ALL prayers!!!!! Thank you all so much!!!

Mike is in his MRI right now so I don't have much time! The hospital doesn't have wireless so we can't use our laptop...BUMMER!! The hospital does have a library/computer lab area that I can use but it is only open from 9-4:30!!

The trip has been a good one so far! Monday and Tuesday were really nice and we both kind of forgot that the medical portion of our trip was coming up! I had a GREAT time with Angela...we hadn't gotten to spend time together in a while so it was very refreshing. Plus, I got to see her new apartment and it is so cute!! She has THE BEST tub...so you know I took a bath!!

We are staying at the hospital hotel and it was nice to wake up and walk through the hospital to radiology this morning rather than having to fight traffic, park, etc. It will be really nice in the morning!! We are meeting with the doctor this morning at 10:30 and the surgery will be in the morning at 8...we have to be there at 6 though!!

Tonight should be a good one...my mom and Mike's dad and Linda are all coming in this afternoon. We'll have some time to spend together before the surgery. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!!

This weekend has been super busy but we feel it went so well!! We spent the weekend in Beeville and Mike put together a Back-to-School Bash for the youth and it went REALLY well! We got a chance to hang out with the youth and get to know several of them...that was GREAT!! There are a lot of band kids so I'm down with that! :)

Mike led the introduction to Sunday school and I think he did a great job! We met a lot of parents on Sunday morning and they all had positive things to say about Saturday night.

We were able to look at houses on Saturday morning and found one we REALLY like!! I'm not going to include details in case things don't work out...but we hope they do! We should hear this week if Mike will be going back in-view-of-a-call.

Please keep us in your prayers...we'll be flying to Dallas tomorrow and spending a few days relaxing (and visiting friends and family) before his surgery on Thursday. I'll keep you updated!

I heart my sister!

I really do...some people may wonder at times since we do "fight" more than we should but it is the way we operate. Although I'm sure my mom is tired of it after 25 years! Christy and I have always had a unique and special relationship. We truly are each other's best friends. She is the first person I want to call to share news, good or bad, with (other than Mike of course)!

With all the talk of moving, I have to begin to prepare myself...to leave her again...and it KILLS me!! We have this thing where I ALWAYS try to talk her into moving where we move. I hate not having her around know I'm going to miss out on things in her life by not being here. She and I always had each other growing up. We lived together until Mike and I got married...we never lived apart. WOW! That sure changed! But, she has always been great about coming to visit...I pray that never changes.

I love how I can call Christy and use 2 words from a song and she can give me the title and artist! I love that she understands me when I'm laughing so hard, I can barely breathe and yet still try to talk! (When I was little and had a cute but bad speech impediment, Christy used to translate for my parents!) I love that I can call and tell her a movie is coming out and she gets just as excited as I do! I love that we have the same taste in music!! I just love her!!

My failed root canal...

Well, I attempted to have a root canal yesterday!! My stubborn tooth decided it didn't want to part ways! lol... The dentist couldn't numb my nerve enough and said he is only allowed to use so much numbing stuff, SO I have an appointment with a dentist that specializes in root canals! At least I'm not in major pain!

Great is Thy Faithfulness

That is the phrase you see when first entering our apartment. Mike and I took a small trip for our anniversary...we like to get something on our trips to remember that time in our lives. Since we really didn't know what the gift for a 4th anniversary would be (paper? aluminum? silver? lol) we decided on a wooden sign. This sign symbolizes so much for us.

I find it so rejuvinating to look back at our 4 years as a married couple. We have had so many opportunities to praise God for all He has done. Others do not always understand why we continue to follow God and take steps that are out of our comfort zone. Throughout our adventures, there is one thing that has remained...God is faithful! GOD IS FAITHFUL! I love that MY GOD IS FAITHFUL!!

Praise God, for HE is faithful!

We are getting so anxious for the end of the month! We will be traveling to Beeville AND Mike will be having surgery. Our trip to Beeville will give us a chance to do something we've wanted to do our entire relationship...walk on the beach together!! Mike has never seen the ocean or beach and we plan to go South on Sunday night...

Of course I have the whole trip planned in my head, but making it a reality is so different! I did some researching today because I know some beaches and areas are better than others...especially in South Texas!! I know that no matter the outcome of my planning, we will enjoy our time together and cherish this "first" in our lives! I'll probably be calling Angela soon...her family vacations there a lot and she can probably give me some good insight! Hopefully we'll take some pictures for everyone to see!

Nothing to do on a Friday night??

Come check out Glovebox--THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY--at Sedona Grill on Wadley (and Garfield)!

Mike's dad's band will be playing at Sedona Grill...we are going on Friday night around 9...come join us...and if you let us know you are coming...we'll save some seats!!

Mr. and Mrs. Chris Wagner

A good friend of mine is about to "take the plunge." Miss Kimberly Rogers will only be Miss Rogers for one more week! WOW!!! I can't believe it's time for her to get married! I remember when she was in middle school and we chatted about life, boys, and everything in between. We wanted to know who God had for us...and now we've found them! I pray that God blesses their marriage and the life they will officially begin next week. I absolutely LOVED being a true newlywed (we are almost out of that official stage!!) and I know she is going to LOVE it!!

Congratulations Kimberly and Chris!!

May you always remember why you fell in love!!

More News!!

Mike received a call on Monday from the pastor in Beeville, Texas. We will be going down August 23 for Mike to lead a back-to-school gathering for the youth that he is also planning!! He will also lead the short introduction for the youth Sunday school. This will allow the committee to view Mike’s teaching/speaking. If they do not have any other reservations at that time, he will go down one more time in view of a call. The committee is supposed to meet between August 24 and September 1 to decide if they will bring him back in view of a call.

We are so excited about this direction. When we visited Beeville, we got such a sense of belonging. With a few of the ladies, I felt I'd known them forever. They really reminded me of the support group of adults that I had as a high school student. The committee has some great things in mind for the youth group and the future youth pastor and we are excited about the possbility of joining them. What they want for their youth group is what we have always felt a youth group should be.

We will have a CRAZY week and a half the end of August. If you haven't read the previous posting, Mike is having surgery August 28 in Dallas. That is the week directly following our trip to Beeville. We are still working on all the logistics for that! Please keep us in your prayers through all the transition and medical issues.

We have a date set!!

Mike has an appointment August 27 with a doctor in Dallas for his consultation. His surgery will be the next day. We were told he should be able to go home the next day. This particular doctor specializes in this and will use a scope to insert a shunt to drain his cyst off of his pancreas. Mike was so releaved that there won't be an incision.

Thank you all for your prayers and concern. We are praying that this surgery will help resolve his medical problems. It has been quite an ordeal!

Thank you for being a friend...

We lost a Golden Girl this week....Estelle Getty passed away. I LOVED "The Golden Girls" when I was younger (and every now and again these days). I remember watching it at my Nana and Dad Dad's house right before another show that I LOVED but I can't remember the name of it! It was about a doctor whose daughters lived with him and he had a dog...anyone? lol...anyway, I loved Estelle's character's quick whit. She was hilarious! Anyway, just wanted to say a little something about a little lady...

Mike's medical information is being sent to a doctor in Dallas. They should be contacting us in a few days. Dr. Patel told Mike to call him if we did not hear from the new doctor within 2 days. We should know more in the next few days.

On a different note--how crazy is Hurricane Dolly? My friend Angela was vacationing with her family in South Padre...thankfully they left Tuesday morning to head inland. I saw a few pictures online today but not many. I pray there wasn't much damage to the coast.

Odds and Ends

Mike is having his MRI (actually an MRCP) done as I type this. Of course, we won't know any results until next week but this is the first step to scheduling his surgery.

We are going with my mom, Craig, and my sister to the movies tonight...WE ARE SUPER EXCITED! We are going to see The Dark Knight. And we were smart! We already have tickets! Yea for presales!! It is going to be really interseting to see Heath Ledger's character. It is such a sad situation that he isn't around to see the final product.

I got to go to the Grand Opening of Maurice's in Midland last night...for anyone who doesn't know, I LOVE Maurice's! Kate was brave enough to go with me and it was a nice time. Not only did I get to catch up with my buddy but I got a few new digs and jewelry! Plus, Kate's the kind of friend that will answer truthfully to the dreaded question, "Does this make my butt look big??" Good times!

My sister scanned this picture and sent it to me...it seems like so long ago...but in a good way! So much has happened in the last 4 years and 2 months--to the day!! (I'm going to have to tell Mike, "Happy 4 year, 2 month anniversary!!" lol)

Just wanted to share this picture with you all!

OH, on an update note, Mike is having his MRCP (MRI) done this Friday morning (7/19)--keep him in your prayers!

Mike had an EDG done today. The results were good in the fact that they confirmed what the dr. thought was going on. He has cysts on his pancreas that are pushing on his small intestine, causing his food not to digest properly. The cyst is also affecting his liver numbers by cutting off something else...don't remember all of the details on that. He will most likely have an MRI done and then probably surgery...in Dallas. That is all down the road. We'll keep you posted..

Photos

So...I'm sitting at work, waiting on five o'clock...and started messing with my photobucket account. I haven't looked at the pictures I have saved on that account in a long time. It is so interesting to me how you can look back at a picture and remember either all of the positive things about that time in your life or all the negative things. Although I am negative more than I'd like to admit, I caught myself remembering all of the positive things about those times. A lot of the pictures were of Georgia and I caught myself REALLY missing Georgia: the people, the weather, the smells, the sounds...I think I just need a trip back! Mike and I have talked about visiting GA since we left 2 years ago (WOW!! it's only been 2 years???) but have yet to make it there. I hope to go soon...maybe in the next 2 years or so. We'll see! Until then, I'll have to make due with my photobucket pictures and memories of the people, the weather, the smells, the sounds...

WE'RE BACK!!

The MIKEANDCYMBRE blog is back in session!!

I'm not sure why I abandoned the blogspot...maybe it was that my life seemed more under control and didn't require as much communication...maybe I just got lazy...who knows! No matter the cause, I'm hoping to be more proactive about writing.

If you're reading this, feel priveleged! I'm not "shouting it from the rooftops" that I'm using the site again. Mike and I have always had so many people involved in our lives (not in a bad way) and I'm beginning to see the beauty of not sharing EVERYTHING with EVERYONE! It is a hard habit to break! I run into people from my past and don't hesitate to share all of our current details with them...I guess I've always been like that! Knowing that only a "few" of you know that I'm updating the blog, I feel good about sharing...but I'm also not naive to think stuff on here is private. lol...

Anyway, Mike and I are excited to say that God may be leading us to a new destination. He has interviewed with a church in South Texas and they are doing further reference checking. We hear this is normal from some of our minister friends. It's nice to have people who know how things go with ministry! Sometimes it's like Greek to me! :)

Well, this is it for my first posting back...hope you all enjoy!

a year ago Tuesday...

(*A Note to Jennifer...I know this is some of what I wrote you but it inspired me!*)

I can't believe it has almost been a year!! It's all I seem to think about this month...My mind keeps taking me back to the heat and humidity of when we moved in...We (Randy, Linda, Mike and I) were so miserable. And poor Justin Ray...we were SO thankful for Justin that day, August 8, 2005~that’s the day we moved into Sunlake and began what we thought would be the one of the greatest experiences of our lives. And it was and has been...but in a COMPLETELY different way! We soon met Justin's wife, Jennifer and they invited us over for dinner. YEA!! Another couple! Justin and Jennifer had already met Tim and Stephanie so it was a little intimidating but that meant we now had 2 couples to get to know!! Shortly after, at orientation, we learned there were several other seminary couples in our complex, one of which was Rhyne and Micah. Orientation was also where Mike met Rhyne. I wish we had met them so much earlier than we did. I feel we were cheated in a sense...we didn't have as much time to get to know them as the others. But we soon got to spend some time with them and it was like we were old friends! They are the only ones that have ever given us some competition on "Friends" trivia! (And they better be practicing because we're definitely having another round when we see each other again!) It was amazing to have such good friends with the Ray's and Putman's after such a short time.

We were so excited! And the atmosphere of the city was amazing...there was EXCITEMENT and newness! We would drive around for hours and hours, just learning the city and the sights and sounds. It was also the first time we were able to visit different churches! We were so excited about that part! We visited 2 with the Ray’s and Peabody’s and were so thrilled about the church we were to attend August 28…Gosh, it was an AMAZING time! A VERY SPECIAL TIME...

I miss that time everyday and long to go back to those 3 weeks! Gosh it would have been so much fun to live there for 2-3 years together! I think about all the things we (the 4 couples) would have shared together...probably several births (I’m sure Stephanie would have been first! Lol…She has since had a baby), birthdays, holidays when we couldn't get home...we would have been each others families and I could see God forming those bonds in those long but short 3 weeks! When I spoke with Jennifer after we were in Georgia, she said those were the longest 3 weeks ever...in a good way! Mike and I totally agree that it was as if time stood still. Truly an amazing time! But, with all things, it was to come to an end August 29...3 weeks to the day of us moving in.

Hurricane Katrina caused so much damage to the city of New Orleans and surrounding areas. The area is still such a mess; I know we were blessed by being able to evacuate (THANK YOU JUSTIN AND JENNIFER...AND EVEN MORE, JENNIFER'S PARENTS!!!) without problems and most of our stuff "survived". But the emotional stress this storm brought was way more than I had expected. I was able to "handle" the changes at first but after a short time, the reality of it all sunk in. It is something I have tried to put into words for 11 months and I still come up empty…I wish I could explain it…

Despite the emotional roller-coaster it has brought, we are so blessed to have experienced the last year…We made such good friends, not only in New Orleans but also in Georgia, that will last our entire lives. Miles upon miles (lol) may be between us but I believe the friendship God rooted in us will keep us close. We share a bond that is special!!

Please keep New Orleans in your prayers…not only for those who have moved back and are working to repair the damage but also for those that continue to deal with the emotional stress of the storm. I can’t imagine enduring this without the love, direction, and support from God, my family, and friends! Thank you all!!!

I didn't want to post anything until it was official...if you've kept up with us, you know things change CONSTANTLY...Mike and I finally got to move into my Nana's mother-in-law house!! Just in case you don't know what a mother-in-law house is, it is a smaller house back behing a main house. Anyway, the tenant moved out July 15 so we got to move in Tuesday and are so excited to have our own place. We have lived with someone in many different situations since September! Anyway, it is a one bedroom, one bath house. We have a very SMALL backyard (which Mike is happy about!) and our own carport!

Other news about us: Mike is still working at Clark's hardware and I'm still at Tessco. I am planning on subbing once school starts and know that will keep me busy! Nothing much new in this area right now!!

We were so happy to get to go visit Mike's grandparents this past weekend. They live in the hill country and it is so nice to get to visit with them, play cards, and just relax! Although, we were more active this time than in the past. We drove down Thursday night after we got off, played golf Friday, played LOTS of cards Friday and Saturday night, then went to church with them Sunday morning and headed home Sunday evening. It was a great time!! I'll add some pictures below of our trip. Not many but a few! Hope everyone is having a great summer! Thanks for checking in on us!!

It was brought to my attention that I have been neglecting my blogspot blog...I am a myspace addict!! Although I don't blog on that, I have been checking it instead of this! SOOOOOOOO, here's a new blog to catch EVERYONE up!!

We have moved back to west Texas (Andrews to be exact). We aren't sure if it will be temporary or long-term but for now, we are staying with my Nana until we have definite plans! No need in getting locked into a lease somewhere!! Mike's job was being cut short and due to having several weddings to attend during June, we decided to leave Woodstock at the end of May. We got back into Andrews Labor Day weekend and Mike got a summer job at a local hardware store our first week here. It isn't quite what he wants to be doing but it will work until we figure out what we'll be doing next. I am filling in for my mom at her office while she is on vacation and have applied for a case worker position with MHMR and a local bank, both in Andrews. We will see if anything happens with those!

Let me explain about the "what we'll be doing next." Mike has his resume in at a couple churches in the area. We don't know anything about the direction they are going with the search and are trying to keep from getting tied down somewhere in case God moves us to one of these churches! Howard Payne University began an undergraduate program through Midland College last semester and if we stay in the area, Mike will start there in August. He has taken classes through HPU's certificate program that they have in Midland since High School and really enjoyed them.

We have REALLY enjoyed being home...you don't realize how much things mean to you until they aren't there. I know I have truly realized the value of family through the past 10 months. Without the support of our families, we COULD NOT have survived...physically, emotionally, spiritually, or financially...our exprience this year!

Anyway, we are doing GREAT and just enjoying being home and surrounded by our friends and family! By the way...the picture at the top is from Michael Peterson's wedding....CONGRATULATIONS MICHAEL AND AMANDA!!!

stuff

ANGELA'S COMING!! ANGELA'S COMING!!

I'm so excited that Angela is getting to come visit us before we move...she'll be here May 14 at 5 and I'm counting down! I don't know if the ATL can handle us!! lol...I have all sorts of stuff planned! CAN'T WAIT!!!


Mike and I were leaders for a Disciple Now weekend this weekend in Griffin, GA (by Hampton) and we had an AMAZING weekend! I had high school girls and they were AMAZING and Mike had 7-8th grade boys...we both had a good weekend leading them to learn the basics of Christianity!

We got to go golfing Friday afternoon in Griffin and man, was it an experience! Mike and I both love to golf but had never golfed together. We hit range balls once but never played. Anyway, Georgia courses are STUPID! lol...they have hills and lots of trees and water! In west tx, if your balls go out of bounds,you can look for them. NOT IN GEORGIA! Out of bounds is full of trees, bushes, and all sorts of critters! I lost two balls in the trees and one to a snake on hole 2. The snake slithered at me when i was trying to get my ball out of the bank of a creek....i decided it wasn't worth it. I called my dad from hole three to gripe about Georgia courses after I had to hit a ball on the side of a hill and the slant nearly made me fall and roll! lol...but after i called him, things got better. The land flatened out and we started remembering how to play..lol...all in all, we did OK for not playing in a while but more than how we played, we had a GREAT afternoon together. It was a nice way to start the weekend. I only wish I had taken my camera! Those would have been great pictures!

We are starting to finalize everything with the move and it's a bit more stressful than the other moves. Gas is going to KILL us...God has been taking care of us little by little already concerning the move so I know it will all work out! If anyone can help us unload into a storage room on memorial day (Monday, May 29) we can use all the help we need. It shouldn't take long!!! Anyway, better get back to work...i'm doing data entry for the tape ministry today!! yea!!