Reflection

January: of this year (2010) I had the privilege of flying with my friends Kim and her sister Kris to Erie Pennsylvania to see a friend of ours: Kayla Hughes. Read about our trip here: Erie Trip and here: Erie Trip Part 2. It was a lot of fun.

February: Two weeks after I got back from Erie, it snowed in Alabama!!! That is a rare occurrence for us!!!!! Then about a week later my brother had a appointment with a doctor b/c he found a lump on his chest. Mom wanted to be out there with him for the results. Mom and I drove to Texas. Read about it here: Texas Adventure ~ Day 1 and 2. For those of you who do not want to click on the link: My brother has been diagnosed with CML = Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. Its the good type of cancer to have!!

March: Nothing exciting really happened .... Except my brothers WBC = white blood cell count went down considerably. You can read about it if you click here.

April: I got my first ever job (besides working for Daddy during harvest) working at a vet office as a receptionists. I sometimes got to hold the animals and occasionally watch them do a surgery I loved watching them do that!!!!!

May: Read here

June: Read here

July: Click here to read

August: I was reading a book on courtship in America. Its a very interesting read. Click here to read the introduction to the book

September: My brother brought home his fiance (now wife) to meet us!!! When I first saw Amy I loved her!!!!! I really loved her!!!!! I was so happy that she was going to Marry my brother!!!!!

October: I jack-knifed a peanut trailer!!!!! We had a wedding to attend!!!!! It was so beautiful!!!!! I'm so happy that I went!!!!!

November: We had a family Thanksgiving!!!!! It was a blast!!!!!

December: We had a great month until Mom and I got sick on Christmas Eve!!! We have been sick ever since!! It is true that there have been times when we felt great but then, we had a relapse So, I guess we will be sick on New Years Day!!! Isnt that a bad omen or something???

Anyway, I hope that you had a good time recapping (proper word usage) and reading about our year of trials and triumphs!!!!! Have a Happy New Year!!!!!!!

P.S. Here's hoping that Auburn Wins the BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!! GO TIGERS!!!!!

A Part Of Me Has Died Today

Well, I can officially say that I am unemployed. After 9 months, I received a call from my boss who own Southern Regional Veterinary Services (SRVES) who told me that he ws terminating my position. He went on to say that he was going to hire someone else who could do the job I was doing and also be a vet tech. So, I have no job. Thankfully I do provisions to get me by. I just hope and pray that I can find a job soon!! I know that God is looking out for me and I know that HE will keep on providing for me.

I cant say anything bad about my boss(es)!! He and his wife are such a wonderful and Godly couple!!!!! If it hand t of been for them, I wouldn't have even gotten this job!! I love them so much!!!!!

For I know that plans that I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you and plans to give you a hope and a future ~ Jeremiah 29:11

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and to those who are called according to His purpose ~ Romans 8:28

P.S. I just wish that it didn't happen a week before Christmas!!!!

Thanksgiving Adventures

Well, I had 3 pages (according to Microsoft word) of what I was going to put in my blog. Y'all have been spared the torture of reading that much. A couple of people (who shall remain nameless) told me that I put to much detail in my blog. Is this true???

We had 2 blow outs going up there so, what normally would take one day of travel took 2 days.

We passed President Jimmy Carter's house. A black gate was around it and Daddy said that he saw a black car (secret service?) but, I didnt see it. I was too busy looking at the house!!!!!

That's about it!! We had fun seeing family that we had not seen in ages (on my brother in laws side). I got to see my brother and sister in law and her sister.

On Sunday, we did go to a church that my sister and brother in law suggested that we go to. It was great. They had a band!!!!!

Coming home, we did not have any blow outs. All in all it was a good trip!!!

Courting Customs in America

~~~~~ Cupid's Swift Arrow ~~~~~

No book on "Courtship Customs in America" would be complete without a celebration of the most romantic holiday of the year ~ Valentine's Day

Originally, the word Valentine meant the person whose name was picked from a box to be chosen as your sweetheart up until the 1500's. Then around the year 1533, it meant the folded piece of paper with the sweethearts name on it. By 1610, it then became the gift given to this special someone and by 1824 it then became a poem, letter or verse to a sweetheart

Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14 every year. It originally was celebrated in February in ancient Roman times.

~~~~~~~~~~ Valentine Day Cards ~~~~~~~~~~

The custom of exchanging love notes goes back to the ancient Roman times. It was the British, however, who popularized sending one's feelings to another by the means of a printed card. The first Valentine card appeared in 1415. Commercial Valentines first appeared in 1800 in England.

In America, hand-made Valentines appeared around 1740 and were sealed with red wax and left secretly on a lovers doorstep (or sent in the mail). Commercial cards took over around the 1880's but, people still made homemade ones, including ones with trinkets and some with locks of hair. In some cases there were checks written against "The Bank of Love".

When Valentine cards got to America, they became very creative in nature. The first known Valentine to come to the United States was a note written by John Winthrop in 1629 to his wife before leaving England for the New World.

The Valentine ended with "My sweet wife, thou must be my valentine for none other hath challenged my heart."

John Winthrop later became the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

~~~~~~~~~~ Quotes ~~~~~~~~~~

"A kiss is something you cannot give without taking and cannot take without giving" ~ Traditional Valentine greeting, circa 1876

Who's the sexiest man alive?

Can I ask the audience on this one????

Ask me anything .....

formspring.me

Please ask me anything ..... http://formspring.me/katiebugorama

New Mexico

Thursday (October 14.): Well, it started out as me getting up at 3:30am. We Got to the Dothan airport at 5:00. We only live 5 minutes away so, we were able to get there at 5:00. We got on the airplane at 5:30 .... we taxied down the Runway and stopped ..... it was a 30 minute wait .....The captain finally came on the PA and said: "Ladies and Gentlemen, there is a delayed take off. The tower is not open and we had to call someone to come open it and turn on the runway lights."!!!!! I was like: Who in the heck heard of a airport shutdown at 5:30 in the morning?????

Anyway we finally took off (for Atlanta) and I forget what time we got to Atlanta but, we had a 2 hour layover (I think). We got to Albuquerque, New Mexico around lunch and we had a 4 (actually 3 1/2) hour drive up the mountain and we got to our condo at 5:30

After we got there, we had a few hours to change and get ready to go out to eat with the McAfee Family!! I had a blast eating with them!! The second I met them, I had a instant connection with that whole family!!

Friday (October 15): Will and Amy got together and went to a resort town (Taos) down the mountain and got the marriage liscense and while there, they ate breakfast. Dad, Mom and I went sight seeing and we to see someones ranch. We know the person that owns it and he said it was ok so, we went.

Friday night~ Rehearsal Dinner: We heard that the actor Sean Penn was filming a movie near where we were staying (at the condo) but, we had no idea that he was filming on the part of the mountain where the rehearsal and the wedding was to take place!!

We went to the rehearsal. I stood in as "Amy as "bride". I am her height and same age (well, I am older than her by 3 months) bt, anyway ..... Pictures will follow as soon as I get around to posting them. We took the wedding party out to eat at a restaurant called "Sundance Mexican Restaurant" It was very good.

Saturday ~ Day of the wedding (October 16): What a glorious day it was!!!!!!!!!! A day filled with family, friends and memories!!!!! Amy was gorgeous as always and God's presence was felt everywhere!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday (October 17) ~ Day to arrive home: It was an eventful day!!!!!

I just have to say this one thing .........

ON BOARD INTERNET ACCESS ON AIRPLANES IS DA BOMB!!!!!!!!!!

I'm taking a break

I'm taking a break with the blog. I intend to keep writing in here but, it wont be as often due to us being in harvest. I hope to be back to writing more regularly beginning in November. Lord willing, we wont still be harvesting into December ..... Anyway, thanks for being patient and being a reader here!!!

A Memorable Day ( that I dont care to repeat ever again!!!!!!!!!! )

It was 4:00 and I had just taken a empty peanut trailer to the end of the field and drove back to get a full load (at the opposite end from the road).

After Daddy had raked down the peanuts level enough to where they would not fall off, he gave me some last minute instructions: "Now, Kate, I want you to put the truck in 4 wheel low and get up speed quickly and go across the field at an angle to avoid the sand trap." It was 4:08 by the time I got started.

As I was gaining speed, I noticed that tires were spinning in the sand of the field. The tires could not get traction. Finally, they stopped spinning and I was zooming towards the end of the field. I suddenly felt the trailer sliding from side to side. I looked back and it WAS sliding from side to side. Something (or someone) told me to slow down (and I am glad that I did). Then, another snag in the plan!! There were some plowed up peanuts still lying on the ground (waiting to be picked) where I needed to go!!

I should point out that Daddy does not like anyone to drive over plowed up peanuts

Then, I told myself, if I can just gain the traction of the grass then the tires would stop spinning, the trailer would stop swaying from side to side and I can get out of the field. I went to turn and then, it happened!!!!!

I was in the process of jack knifing!!!!!!!!!

I quickly sent up a silent prayer then, did the only thing that I could think of. I pressed the brakes and I held the steering wheel very still. The trailer went straight and I still mashed the brakes and then the truck was being pushed by the trailer. I was pushed sideways.

I jack knifed!!!!!!!!!!!

After the dust had settled, I called Daddy and I said: "Daddy, I don't know what I just did but, I think that I just jack knifed!! He said ok and he said that he was coming.

I got out of the truck and my knees were shaking and I just sat down and cried. Not tears of sorrow because I thought that Daddy would be mad at me but, tears of joy that I was ok.

When everything was said and done and I called Daddy it was 4:13.

Upon looking back on it, if I had not of listened to the voice inside myself and turned later that I did, I would have landed in a very deep ditch (that I was only 50 feet away from when I jack knifed) and possibly would not have lived to tell this story. The peanut trailer could have turned over spilling millions of peanuts and in turn flipped the truck over and would have squished me.

I am very grateful to the Lord for letting me live!!!! I praised Him in the field and I still am praising Him. All day long, I have sung the song: "Count your blessings name them one by one"

Anyway, just wanted to tell y'all of my experience!!!!!

Courting Customs in America

Courting with Fans

To the young ladies and men of the 19th century, fanology was a secret and silent language that could be used to communicate without speaking. Fanology included an intricate alphabet. Sometimes a coded rendezvous time could be made by the number of sticks showing. Other symbols included are:

Covering your left ear to request that your secret be kept

Twirling the fan in your left hand to warn of being watched

Drawing the fan across the eyes by way of apology

A half opened fan to the lips is a way of giving permission to kiss

A funny FB status

This is the conversation that took place as soon as Daddy walked in the door from hauling the last load of peanuts to town:

Daddy: Is everyone in bed?? Where is Mom??

Kate: No, not everyone, Mom is still up.

Daddy: Where is she?

Kate: On the commode

Daddy: Where??

Kate: On the throne!

Momma (from Bathroom): I'm in the bathroom!

Daddy: No. She's in the oval office!!!!!

Gotta love my daddy!!!!!

Courting Customs in America

Courtship in the 1830's to the 1880's

The evolving relationship between women and men for economic support gave way to a more divided relationship. Women were regarded as morally superior and were granted increasing authority concerning household duties and the raising of the family. Men remained the main authority outside the home, for example with the family's farm or business.

During this time period, courtship became very formal. Rings were now exchanged to represent engagement and parents were asked for permission to marry. This period formability also encompassed the beginning of the white bridal gown and veil, which symbolized purity.

Romantic love was the focus of the era and was viewed as the main requirement for marriage. "To Couple is a Custom" (The Bundling Book, 1774 and reprinted in 1836).

Courting Customs in America

The Courtship of George and Martha Washington

It is often said that George and Martha Washington had a whirlwind courtship. After spending no more than 20 hours together on two occasions, they were wed. A year older than her bridegroom, Martha possessed qualities that made her the most desirable woman in Virgina. She had an agreeable disposition and 17,000 acres of farmland.

The wedding was the social event of 1785 in Virginia. Martha gained a husband to run the plantation and business affairs and Washington gained the social status.

During the first year of their marriage, Washington wrote to a friend: " I am now, I believe, fixed at this seat (Mt. Vernon) with an agreeable consort for life."

Courting Customs in America

***** BACHELOR TAX LEVIED *****

In the days of early America, the desire for marriage and children was so desirable that a tax was levied on bachelorhood

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Acquaintance Customs ~

Dances were a popular folk activity in early America. When unmarried young men and women attended these folk dances, they always carried 'conversation lozenges' on the person. Conversation lozenges were often heart-shaped sweet candies with tender messages of love written on them. The young lads presented them to the ladies they were attracted to. If a young lady did not return the lozenge, or if she gave the young gentlemen own of her self-designed lozenges, it was assumed that the pair was on the way to become a socially recognized couple.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***** The heart as a symbol of love *****

Throughout romantic literature, the heart is regarded as the ultimate expression of love. "I give my heart to you." "I love you with all my heart." "My heart goes out to you."

Courting Customs in America

*Note*
This is a short one so, I am going to combine 2 things together. Just wanted to let my readers know!!!!!

***** Courting Customs *****

Parental involvement in courtship was expected because marriages was not merely an emotional relationship between individuals but also a property arrangement among families. A young man was expected to bring land or some other form of property to a marriage while a young woman was expected to bring a dowry worth about half as much.

***** The Courtship of Dancing *****

Dancing has always been a form of courtship in America. In colonists America, for example, each village had its own fiddler who seemed to always been available for barn dances. The festive dances were conducted on the hard wood floors with bits of straw scattered for effect.

Later, every civilized village had a dancing master who provided proper instruction in the art of dancing. Little boys and girls learned how to dance the minuet, to bow and to curtsey(sp).

Courting Customs in America

~ Manners and Morals of Bundling ~

In the community, there was definitely a dispute as to the manners and morals of bundling. The moral question always involved the female. "Was it right and proper for a woman to bundle with a man to whom she is not married?" The question, in reverse, was never asked of a man

In those days, a young gentlemen might have the right to bundle with his beloved, if he was given the chance, and yet, at the same time, declare it to be immoral for the girl to accept his companionship in the bed. And, most certainly, a young gentlemen had every right to be disturbed if he learned that his partner had previously bundled with another.

Puritan New Englanders did not regard love as a necessary precondition for marriage. Indeed, they associate romantic love with immaturity and impermanence.

True love, the puritans believed, would appear following marriage.

A proper marriage, in their view, was not based on love and affection, but on rational considerations of property, compatibility, and religious piety. Thus, it was acceptable for a young man to pursue "a goody lass with an abundance of money" so long as he could eventually love his wife-to-be.

The Art of Bundling in Early America

Getting to Know Thee

Bundling is an early American courtship custom, thought to have originated in Holland and the British Isles. It was extended to America, particularly to New England, and most widely practiced in the years prior to the Revolution of 1776

Bundling is the practice of engaged or courting couples, laying on a bed together, completely dressed or bundled, persuing their romance. The couple was usually separated by a bundling board, sack or bolster.

Bundling normally took place when a suitor visited his intended and needed to stay the night due to bad weather or to many miles to walk back.

Bundling is believed to have died out in the nineteenth century as bigger houses were being built and more beds were available but, the fascination with the custom continues to this day.

~ Bundling Quotes ~

"Quiet as a mouse we were after midnight. We just laid there and talked until then"

"As long as he minds his manners, bundling is permitted"

"Many happy marriages came from bundling"

"Many will giggle and laugh at the process"

Courting Customs in America ~ Second Dates

Increase and multiply was the cry of encouragement from the villagers in early America

Courtship customs and activities have changed much over the years. In days gone by, the ritual of courtship was very structured.

1. Introduction of the man and woman was considered proper and mandatory. After the first introduction was made, the mother of the household would request a 'call' from the man. This meant that, in the mothers presence, the man was to pay a visit. Parents would sometimes sit in a nearby room and listen to the couple's conversation

2. Second dates were expected more often that not.

3. Decorum was propriety and good taste in behavior was expected

Courting Customs in America

Courtship In The Colonial Times

American courtship began when the colonies were first being formed in the new land. The challenge of forming new towns, farming the land and learning survival skills were often more than the colonists could handle. These tasks required a greater amount of man power to meet the demands; the rituals of courtship were kept short and simple an order to facilitate quick and early marriages. Courtship was less parent-oriented and more a simple necessity of interdependence that depended on the financial status of the future husband and his ability to support a wife and a family.

The parents focused much less on the search for the perfect marital partner for their daughter and focused more on the wedding her in order to bear children and thus help support the enormous work load.

Many believed that love developed only after a marriage progressed and not before. In time, there was a movement towards marrying for love-a love that involved openness and sincerity in a future mate.

The seeking of a mate was not necessary because couples often knew each other from social activities, such as church or school. These settings gave the couple the necessary time and opportunity to get to know each other in a structured setting.

Courting Customs in America

I'm reading a book called "Courting Customs in America" and I as read, I am finding stuff that I want to remember so, I'm writing it in my blog. The following is the introduction to the book:

When the settlers first arrived on the shores off the new world, courting customs were simple and easy to follow. It would be later in American history that more complicated courting rituals would develop.

For many couples, courtship was devoted to disclosing personal faults and dissecting their reason for marriage. They considered romance and passion childish and unreliable motives for marriage and instead sought love that was more tender and rational.

Over time, the rituals of courtship changed and parental influence and involvement in the selection of their children's marriage partner visibly declined. Young women and Men were increasingly free to pick or reject a spouse with little parental interference. At the same time that courtship grew free, however, marriage became an increasingly difficult transition point, particularly for women, and more and more women elected not to marry at all.

Originally, laws were passed in this country that gave parents "the care and power ... for the disposing of their children in marriage." Through the changes in courtship customs and social attitudes, marriage became an option for women and not a necessity.

Through all of this, many colorful courtship customs developed. Many have since then become outdated or have simply "fallen out of custom." Still others survive to this very day ... For example: the offering of a ring from a man to a women to establish the beginning of the 'engagement' phase of their relationship.

The study of courtship customs always provide food for thought. What was courting like back then? How has it changed to this day in time?

I will write more as I read more of the book.

Update on the Case of the msising purse

I found my purse last Wednesday. It was ............ hanging on the bicycle rack that we have on the back of the trailer to haul our bikes around. Just thought that I would update y'all

The Case of the Missing Purse ~ By: Kate Kirkland

~Friday:August 13th, 2010~

This is the background story that I had to go through to get to: The Case of the Missing Purse ~Chapter 1~

It was clear when I left my house and then 5 miles down the road it started raining then it eased off and 10 min. down the road it started raining. It went on like that for awhile. I finally got on 231 South and it started pouring. Then it eased off but when I entered Florida it started pouring again. I was forced to slow down. It stopped raining windshield wipers off. Sunshine!!!!! Sped up!!!!! Pouring rain again. Something (or Someone) told me to slow down. About the time I did, I hydroplaned. If I had of been going the speed I had been going before I slowed down, I might of had a wreck.

~Chapter 2~

Still raining!!! Will this rain ever let up???

I slowed down to 45 mph on the country roads. I tell ya, those roads were just waiting for a wreck to happen. I was still hydroplaning and all I could do was just pray ... especially when I was approaching a bridge or something.

~Chapter 3~

10 miles from my friends house, it stopped raining and the sun came out!!! We visited and I played pool. Now, I never have played pool in my life and I told them that I had never played so, what did I do??? I upt and won 2 games!!! Seriously!!! I couldn't believe it!!! Then we had to drive 2 miles to their farm to get the 4 wheeler!!!!

~Chapter 4~

Farm girls to the rescue!!!!!!! The 4 wheeler was behind a hay wagon. We would have to move the hay before we could get to the 4 wheeler. My friend Rachel and I know how to drive a tractor. She (Rachael) cranked up the tractor. There was a bushhog (mower) that needed to be detached from the tractor so, we got it unhooked and hooked the tractor to the hay trailer. Rachel pulled it up enough to where she could get it (the 4 wheeler) out. She got it out and I backed the trailer back into place.

Then, the 4 wheeler was low on gas so, we hopped in my truck and went 2 miles down the road to the gas station and got gas in a gas tank. Then it was off to have fun. We went muddin' and exploring. We rode into Houston County (the county that Dothan is in) Alabama. I left about 5:00

~Chapter 5~ On my way home

I took my purse outta my truck to write a check for Rachel cause she got me soup and crackers for me when she was coming here cause I was sick. So, I wrote her the check, and put my purse back in my truck. I left Rachel's house going home a different way than I came. I went home 95 (aka River road. It also goes along the choctawahatchee(sp) River). I came home through Columbia and then on through Headland.

The Case of the Missing Purse:

I remember having my purse east of Columbia cause II reached over (from the drivers seat) to the passenger seat (which is where my purse was) to see if I had my glasses in there but, they weren't so, I continued driving. When I got to Headland, I thought about going by a cafe shop called Koinonia Cafe to get me a smoothie but, I didnt cause it was late and I didnt know if it would be open so, I just came home. When I got home, I got outta my truck (I cant remember if I had my purse with me) and I talked to my mom who was working on a flower bed (she cant remember if I had my purse either). Anyway, a little later, Daddy asked me to go with him to get corn outta the grain bin. I thought that I moved my purse from my truck and put it in the cow truck (the truck that we use to feed cows with). I've missed it since Friday morning. I'm praying that I find it soon.

In lieu (is that the proper word?) of losing my purse, I was walking outside in the rain and I asked God: "What are you teaching me by losing my purse?" God promptly told me: "Good things come to those who wait"!!!!! I suppose that God is going to teach me patience one way or another!!!

The Great American Farmer

Through the heartland of America he travels

Through the summers and winter snow and rain

With the golden grain a flowin' and the big combines a rollin' always moving with the harvest of our land.

Proud of living free and proud of this great country

As he looks out from beneath his sun tan brow

Reachin' out to feed the people of America, the world moving to the beat of his own country drum

He's everywhere in this great land. He holds the good earth in his hands

He's a friend. He's the great American farmer

(spoken)

You'll find him on the way to the field before the hot summer sun touches the morning and he'll still be out there with the last daylight, working that piece of ground that lives in his mind forever. Its a permanent part of his soul.

You'll find him pumping fuel into his tractor or settin' post for his electric fence to keep his cattle in and you'll find him cutting cane in Oklahoma, picking cotton in Texas, bailing hay in Indiana, New York and California. Cuttin wheat in Kansas and the Dakota's ,combining corn in Iowa, Nebraska and the Carolina's.

He's got dirt on his big calloused hands, sweat stains, straw hat and a heart as big as this big land that he works. He's got a a country girl for his wife and kids like everybody else. You'll find him in town visiting on a Saturday afternoon and sittin in church on Sunday morning

He listens to the world through his radio and TV and he's always at the mercy of the weather that guides his fortunes forever. He's humble and he loves his neighbors. He knows what friendship really means. He's a good man and he loves this great country of ours.

He knows the pride of standing at the end of the field and looking at the even furrows that move out to the end of the world watching that bumper crop stretch up to touch the sky. He knows the beauty of a soft gentle rain and how to break that top crust so that mother earth can enjoy a refreshing drink.

You'll find him sweating from the hot summer sun and the exhaust of his big 4-wheeler and sometimes you'll see him crying inside as he looks out at the hail stripped stalks that put his whole years work to death the night before he was to have reap the harvest of his dreams.

You'll find him leaning on the kitchen table late in the evening weary from the labors of the day. Happy that his farm is bedded down for another night. He's got dirt on his face and his hair is must, his shirt unbuttoned and his shoes off. A glass of ice tea in his hands and he is laying down a few soft words to his wife about the country, the politicians and next year.

You can count on him when the chips are down. His word is his bond and his honor

In the winter time, you'll find him out in the shed working on his tractor, combine or one way getting ready for the springtime and the long hard summer ahead.

He knows the excitement that comes from watching the yellow school bus kicking up dust as it moves down a country road with and load of happy kids and he lives knowing that his crop can burn up in the summer sun and his house can burn down on a winter night and help could never get there in time. You'll find him on a winter evening sitting by the fire with his hands wrapped around a hot cup of coffee. Yes, he is more than a friend ... He's the great American farmer

(singing)

He takes time to thank the Lord on Sunday morning. He finds beauty in the gentle springtime rain. He believes in this great country and his neighbors and his friends and he knows just where America begins. He's everywhere in this great land. He holds the good earth in his hands.

He's a friend. He's the great American farmer.

He's a friend. He's the great American Farmer

He's a friend. He's the great American farmer

Now that I have money saved up .....

... I can go places!!!!! I opened up a savings account last month and already I have "tons" of money in there!!!!! I'm not gonna tell everyone my real amount cause that is my business but, it is alot!!!

Anyway, I have so many places I wanna go!!!!! Here is my list of places:

1. I wanna fly to N.C. ~ To see my sister, my BF (best friend) and also a friend that I met through HSA who is in the hospital in Raleigh
2. Fly to CO. ~ To see my bestest "sister" who lives there
3. To PA. ~ To see my friends: Mrs. Hughes, Mr. Hughes, Kayla, Katie, Matt, and Emilie!!!
4. To MA. ~ To see Carrie Orth
   
5. To Ohio ~ To the HSA summer get together in September!!! I dont know if I will be able to go to that though since we are harvesting during that time!!!

Lets be realistic!!!! I cant go tp all those places because I am also saving for these items!!!!! Here is the list:

1. A phone ~ I'm praying everyday for the phone that I have now that it will continue to work until I get more money saved up!! As we all know ..... phones are really expensive
2. A CAR!!!!! At the rate that I am making money ..... it will take me 20,000 years to get a car!!!!!

I guess I have as the saying goes: "Champagne dreams on a beer budget" Meaning, I have all these dreams and not enough money to do them!!!

Will Update ~ July 15

Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for your interest and especially your prayers. We had a good trip to Dallas yesterday. Today, we accompanied Will for the bone marrow transplant consult. Part of me wanted them to say ‘let’s do it.’ But part of me was concerned about getting through it. To make a long story short: not now, but be prepared just in case.

Ten years ago, the only hope for survival beyond five to seven years was the bmt. But it is not without complications. While it has a 75% chance of a cure, there is still the other 25%. Plus there are possible side effects. With the introduction of Gleevec, bmt has taken a back seat as treatment of choice. It is reserved only for those for whom the medications do not work. About a year ago two more were released and there are about twenty more in the pipe. The doctor is very pleased with how well Will is doing on the medication. There is the chance that it will quit working, but that is slim. So we will continue with the meds.

We are however going to screen Anna and Kate just we will know if one of them can supply the marrow or if we need to go into the general population. Already having this done will save time should a crisis occur.

Again, thanks for your prayers. We are having a good visit with Will and it is doing Thomas good to get away.

It is good to have friends who care. We are truly blessed.

Debbie

Daddy Saves the Icecream!!!!!

Well, It went like this:

We went to Landmark Park to hear the "Music at Moonlight" people. It had been going on a few hours when a "POP!!!!!" happened down in the woods (a fuse blew in a breaker box). Then a few minutes later, people were sitting in the church yard listening to music and they heard a "POW!!!!!" (a transformer popped and sparks started flying and smoke started rising. Well, the fire dept. came then 30 min. later the power truck came.

All this time I was helping Park staff take drinks to park staff so, I knew what was going on.

Anyway, I was giving a park staff (actual staff) her drink when she told another park "staff" (volunteer) and I that they were going to cut off complete power to the park and that we were needed in the Martin Drugstore (were the ice cream is) to consolidate all the ice cream we could into one freezer. I got 20 yards away from the staff member (actual staff) and the lights went out!! I rushed in there to help the lady that was running it. There was still people waiting in line to get their ice cream and such . With her one flashlight we finished filling orders and closed up shop. The power going off ran everyone off at 9:15.

Daddy came to get me at the drugstore and as we were walking I was telling him the plight that the ice cream was in. We got in the car and I said: "Daddy, cant you help them out some how??" He didn't say anything for a while. He and Mom started discussing it and came to the conclusion that we would loan the Park one of our generators to use over night (for the freezer that the ice cream was in) until the power could be restored the next morning (this morning).

So, we came home and Daddy went to go get the generator from the barn and I went to get the gas and 10 minutes later we were on our way back to the Park. We showed the guy that over sees everything going on in the park how to work the generator. The guy told us that if they hadn't of found a generator quickly that they would have lost about $800 worth of ice cream. I wasn't about to let that happen!!!!!!!!!! They've already lost a bunch of stuff when the Maintenance Barn burned down. When we finally got back home (the second time) it was 10:30

I woke up this am (morning) and I am heading to town. I've tried calling them (the park) to see if the power has been cut back on and I cant seem to get a answer and eventually I get a busy signal which seems to indicate to me that they still don't have power. First I have to cash a check at the bank though.

Well, I started waking up at 6:30am then I got up out of bed at 7:00. I rushed and got everything on my truck. I dont think I forgot anything except maybe for my Mucinex D (allergy medicine) and my Moms camera battery charger (maybe it has enough charge) and some cash. I might need to go back home and start from there.

My truck was 2000 miles overdue on getting serviced so, I decided to wait to the last minute (today) and get it seen about. I get here to the care dealership at 7:30 and there was already a long line. There are 3 cars ahead of me that is getting the oil changed and then it will be my turn. Momma talked to "our" service guy here and he said that it will be atleast an hour and a half before I am ready to get on the road. Then, technically, before I can get "on the road" I need to go and get my truck washed. That wont take 10 minutes though. I've a plant in the back of the truck wrapped in a plastic bag so that it does not get washed when I go through the car wash.

Imagine how it will feel if it was expected a nice rain shower and it got a full fledged soap bath instead!!!!!

Why is it that every time I go up to the Godin's house that I have to get my truck serviced, get a tire changed, install windshield wipers, ect. ..... I mean, its like I jinxed ..... LOL, JK-ing!!!!!

In the showroom now listening to 2 people (possibly farmers) talking about chicken houses. They were talking about how you are always in debt to the chicken company. Meaning that if they say "hey, if you build 2 chicken houses we will get you signed onto a contract". By the time you get those to paid off and you tell them that you don't want anymore they take the contract with you somewhere else.

After I got through with the car dealership, I went to get my truck washed. Then I went back home to get some last minute stuff and I came on up here to my home away from home. I think that I arrived here at 1:00.

Farmer's Daughter ~ Rodney Atkins

Well I heard he needed some help on the farm

Somebody with a truck and two strong arms
Not scared of dirt and willin' to work
till the sun goes down
So I pulled up and said I'm your man
I could start right now and we shook hands
He said the fence needs fixin',
the peaches need pickin'
And the cows need bringin round

Chorus:
I was haulin hay, I was feedin the hogs
and that summer sun had me sweatin like a dog
So I cooled off in the creek
then it was back to work in the daggum heat
I was cussin' out loud, thinkin bout quitin'
Lookin' back now I'm sure glad I didn't
Cuz just when i thought it couldn't get no hotter
I caught glimpse of the farmer's daughter

She was just gettin' home from Panama city
she was all tanned up and my kinda pretty
When her eyes met mine
I was thinkin that I would sure love my job
as the days got shorter our talks got longer
the kisses got sweeter and the feelings got stronger
so we'd hop in the truck and get all tangled up
every chance we got
we were down by the river all night long
when the sun came up I was sneakin' her home
and draggin my butt to work
with the smell of her perfume on my shirt
I'd be on the tractor she'd be on my mind
with that sun beatin' down on this back of mine
Just when I thought it couldnt get no hotter
I fell in love with the farmer's daughter
we got married last spring
Woah and there ain't no better life for me

I'm still haulin' hay and feedin' the hogs
and that summer sun has me sweatin' like a dog
so i cool off in the creek
and she brings me outta glass of sweet ice tea
I'm on the tractor and shes on my mind
and I can't wait till its quitin' time
and just when i think it can't get no hotter
I come home to the farmer's daughter
Yeah the farmer's daughter

Paxton trying to bark

When Paxton finally barks ..... He gets a treat

American Honey ~ Lady Antebellum

She grew up on a side of the road
Where the church bells ring and strong love grows
She grew up good
She grew up slow
Like American honey

Steady as a preacher
Free as a weed
Couldn't wait to get goin'
But wasn't quite ready to leave
So innocent, pure and sweet
American honey

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summer time
And American honey

Get caught in the race
Of this crazy life
Trying to be everything can make you lose your mind
I just wanna go back in time
To American honey, yea

There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summer time
And American honey

Gone for so long now
I gotta get back to her somehow
To American honey

Ooh There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowing in the wind
Calling out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothin's sweeter than summer time
And American honey

And American honey

Update on Will

This was written by my mom:

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let everyone know Will has reached the second level of remission. The goal for this level was three to six months and he reached it in three. God continues to bless!

He is doing very well..enjoying work (most of the time), active on his bike and active in his church.

He saw his doctor yesterday and he suggested we consult with a bone marrow transplant (BMT) specialist. This is not because there are urgent problems. The meds are working and could continue to work for years, however there is always the possibility of things changing. It is much better to get the transplant when you are in remission than when in a crisis situation. If the BMT is successful, he would be able to get off the meds. Although Will is doing well, there are several advantages to getting off the meds.

We had to discuss with the doc the pro’s and con’s of doing the BMT here or in B’ham and have decided that we will pursue that here.

They thought we might be able to see the BMT doc this week, but it didn’t work out. Will is going to be home (Alabama) week after next and I’ll have my granddaughter, Lia, the next one. We are going to make the BMT appointment for the first week or so of July so that I can come back out.

I fly home tomorrow.

Thanks again for all your prayers. We continue to feel God’s goodness in all of this.

Status messages that I cant post on Facebook .....

I cant marry anyone with the last name beginning with "K" If I did, it might be hazardous to my health. Think about it. I I married someone with a last name that starts with that letter ... I would be: "Katherine "Kate" Kirkland K ....."

Will Update

Mom called me and told me that Will is fine. He will be seeing a bone marrow transplant specialist the beginning of July. Things are looking good so far. We will have the transplant done as soon as we can...and as soon as we find a donor match. Please pray that my sister and I are donor matches.

I have not been trough this before and neither has my sister so, we will need guidance as we pursue this. Thanks for all the prayers!!!!! You guys are truly special!!!!!

Status messages that I cant post on Facebook (More to come at a later date)

If a guy/man wishes to express interest in me, he must do so through my parents first. That way I dont get my hopes up (does that make sense?????)!!!!!

Status messages that I cant post on Facebook (More to come at a later date)

1. If a guy wants me to call him he will have to pay me $500 up front. Never again will I pay off a $1,400 phone bill all by myself.

2. I was 3 minutes away from the vet office and they called me and told me that they were slow and that i didnt need to come in ~ Added: 5/30/10

I will add more later as I think of them .....

Hi!!!!! My name is Kate Kirkland

Hi!!!!! Its me, Kate Kirkland!!!!! I am 24 years old and I finally decided what I wanna do with my life!!!!! I want y'all to help me by praying for me!!!!! I will need to be constantly reminded of my goal!!!!! When y'all see me get involved with a guy ..... I need y'all to slap me so that I can concentrate on my goal!!!!!

I wanna be a vet tech!!!!!

Reflections on the past year

Well, a year ago today my Granddaddy passed away. Its hard to believe that it has been a full year. It seems like it was just yesterday. I miss seeing him and I miss talking to him and I missteling him that I love him. I love you Granddaddy!!!!!!!!!!

Will Update:

Mom is flying to Texas next Tuesday and is coming back next Thursday. Will has a appointment with his leukemia doctor June 2 to discuss dong a bone marrow transplant so, please be praying that the doc will have some good news!!!!!

Another Update ..........

I dont know how many of you read my blog but, I pray that a few of you might.

My brothers doc called my mom or my mom called my brothers doc (I dont know which) and they are discussing the option of my brother having a bone marrow transplant. Now, this means that my sister and I would have to have a "screening" and that means that someone would have to swab our mouth to see if we are a donor.

I'll let you know more as updates become available to me.

Please pray that if necessary we can find a donor within the family!!!!!

A funny Story that my friends and I made up

“Freaky One Accord Nuns: In Gossip Form”

This all started on Sunday, December 16, 2007:

It started as a personal “note” to Mary and it snowballed from there.

Kate: I love you, Mary! If you get married before I do, I will kill myself.

Mary: Correction; You will become a nun.

Kate: I don’t think that they will let me in because I talk too much.

Mary: and because you are Baptist

Kate: What else could I be?

Mary: A nun

Kate: We have been through this, I cant be a nun b/c I talk a lot and I am Baptist

Mary: Well, you could be a nun if not for that. Right?

Kate: Yeah, I guess so. Maybe I should ask Patricia. What I could be.

Mary: How about a penguin?

Kate: Hold on. Patricia, What could I be Besides a nun?

At this point Kate slides the paper over to Patricia and she (Patricia) passes it to Grace.

Grace: If it is a problem of talking to much contact Jennifer. She has some duct tape.

Jennifer: What color would you like?

Then Erica gets a hold of the paper

Erica: This is insane!!

Mary: No it’s not, Crazy Head. Continue…

Grace: Kate, are you sure a nun is the best job you could have? I mean you would have to wear black all day. Wait! Is being a nun a job? Hmmmmmm

Grace: another thing, what if you met your husband-to-be at Mary’s wedding? Would you still become a nun? Just wondering.

Kate: Is he good looking?

Erica: Not sure

Grace: How would we know if he is good looking or not, he is your husband-to-be not ours. Anyways, I was just wondering.

Jennifer: I’m with Grace. What if you met some nice lookin’ hunk at Mary’s wedding?

Kate: I might recant

Erica: In reference to what Grace said, what if the nice lookin’ hunk asked you to dance at Mary’s wedding?

Grace: Yeah, would you say yes or would you refrain from boogieing with your Prince Charming since your almost a nun?

Elizabeth comes in

Lizzy: I am Batman. That is all

Kate: That makes no sense whatsoever to the story, Elizabeth

Grace: Kate, you never answered Erica’s question: Would you dance or not?

Kate: I would not get down and funky if that is what you mean

Grace: Since you wont be getting funky, would you maybe waltz with him if he was extremely cute?

Kate: If he was really cute and charming I would think about waltzing with him

Mary: What if he was a complete Cheese Head? Just wonderin

Kate: Mary what is a “cheese head” and how dare you call my future husband-to-be that!

Erica: Why not get down and Funky? Just wondering

Kate: ‘cause I already got down and funky at Will’s wedding already

Erica: Ha! Ha! So just do it again.

Kate: O.K. Back to me being a nun

Erica: LOL

Grace: Whoever said that Mary was even getting married? You know she might end up being the nun. We could start our own, “ One Accord Nunnery”!

Kate: Would it be a Baptist Nunnery?

Mary: A-men, Sister Grace. A-men

Grace: Although, Mary wouldn’t be able to fit all her hair under one of those thingys. We might have to shave her hair off. Any one volunteer?

Kate: Off with your hair!!

Kate: Could this be a future play?

Mary: Freaks!

Erica: We could call the play, “One Accord Freaks: In Gossip form” or “Freaky Nuns”

Kate: Mary, you are one of the freaks

Mary: Of course

Grace: Kate, would you mind wearing black all day? I wonder if those hat things are heavy. How much do penguin costumes cost?

Kate: Not sure. I thought that nuns wear other colors of clothing

Grace: Even if they don’t, you could be the “Hippie Nun” Peace out!

Erica: All I know is that they wear black 24/7

Mary: I think I could be a Baptist version of a nun. You know, an old maid

Grace: No dancing during mass

Kate: Oh man! Now I cant get down and funky

Grace: No, Kate. That’s only at weddings

Erica: Amen, Sister!! Amen!!

Day 2 ~ Of me staying alone

(Day 2) May 1 ~ Well, it was great. I woke up around my usual waking hour and I got dressed and got Paxton's things together and I took him and his stuff to the vet to stay with me all 8 hours so that can take him out when needed. He whined, cried, barked, yelped, whimpered and carried on a lively conversation with the American bulldog next to him. Whenever Paxton would whine ..... it would almost tear my heart out. He was very content on my lap up at the front counter. He couldn't stay there though. The owners wanted him in the back and I completely understand that but, couldn't they make an exception just this one time????? No, rules are rules and I dare not beg. I want to keep my job!!!!!!!!!! This is my first job that I have really actually loved!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, I get home about 9:00 last night and I just make sure the lights are off inside but, on on the outside where I can see out but, no one can see in and I also make sure all the doors and windows are locked!!!!!

(Day 3) May 2 ~ Was great. Better than yesterday went. I just st at the desk and listened to Paxton whine and cry and bark and yelp and whimper. I wrote don the times that I was allowed to take Paxton out and I stuck to that. I take him out every 3 hours to let him go do his thing.

Oh, before I forget ..... The vet office that I work at (Southern Regional Veterinarian Emergency Services) is having a open house. The public can attend. So, y'all come out and see me in action (well, those of you who live in the Dothan Area)!!!!

My first night staying alone in my 24 years of living

Well, the day started out with me getting up at 5:00 and staying up until Mom and Dad left .... about 7:00. I fell asleep an hour or 2 after they left and woke up at 10:00 (my normal waking hour). I got dressed to go to town and Paxton and I went to headland to cash a check (the lady at the bank drive-thru gave him a dog bone) and then we went to Dothan to Pets Smart. There I got him more squeakers for his toys and I also bought him a new chew toy which he really seems to be liking.

Anyway, 2 of my friends invited me to go with them to their churches but since they go to seperate churches they both started around the same time and I was having second thoughts about leaving the house and also coming home all by myself to a house out in the country (this woeld is not what it used to be)! So, I wound up not going with them but, then I got a phone call from one of the members that go to First Baptist Church in Headland. She invited me out to her house to ply some games with her and another person since she knew that I would be lonely with Mom, Dad and Grandma gone. Anyway, I had fun and the game we played that I had never played before (or atleast I don't think that I have) was Mexican Train. I won the whole game ..... we only played 3 rounds!!!!!!!!!! I am going to by that game next time I see it.

I got home around 10:25 and I came in and called Mom and told her that I got here ok. She told me to turn on all the outside lights which I did and now, i am praying every second for protection while I sleep b/c like I said ..... this is the first time in all my 24 years of living (except for that one night last year before I wound up in the hospital) that I have ever stayed by myself!!!!!!!!!! Anyway, I am going to bednow. I will wrte about day 2 tomorrow!!!!!!!!!! Good night!!!!!!!!!!

My 15 seconds of fame!!!!!

I did a lot more than what they showed but anyway, here I am on TV .....

http://dothanfirst.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=105175

I will know how many people read my blog by how many responses I get to this ......

I got ......... *cues the drum roll* dddddddddd (rolls "r's") rrrrrrrrrr ..........

A. Married

B. A kid

C. A job

D. A puppy/cat/horse/baby calf

E. A boyfriend

F. All of the above?


OK, I know that that was a stupid question but, I am seeing how many of my friends pay attention. Hopefully half (if not all of you) are paying attention!!!!!!!!!! I love you guys!!!!!!!!!! Will you pass this test with flying colors??????????

I know that it has not been long since I wrote in my blog but .....

Oh, where to begin .....

Well, January was great!! As you all know, I was sick this month last year (2008) and I was not sick this year so, that is a praise!!!!!

In February, I was also sick this month last year (2008) but, I was not sick this year!! Praise the Lord!!!!! This month we found out that my brother has Leukemia and we have been busy tending to Will (my brother) and all that jazz. Will continues to stay in remission. Thanks to all for your continued prayers!!! Please don't stop!!!

Here we are in March!!!!

I was sick half of this month in 2008 but, I was not sick this year!! Hallelujah!!!!!

Mom came home March 3rd as I posted in my last post. I was so glad to have her back home!!! I missed her so much!!!!!

Will brought Paxton (aka Paxtonian aka Pierre) to stay with us for a *few* days!!!! In this case, a *few* days means 2 and a half months (atleast). I am so excited to have him here!!! I will post some pictures later!!!!!

Also, Mom and Dad went on their annual legislative trip to Washington, D.C. to meet with the congressman (of our district) who is Bobby Bright!!

Oh, and also this month, I went to Landmark Park to volunteer and I wound up playing my violin with a group of people (the same group of people that Kim Godin played with last fall)!!! They gave me oodles and oodles of their music to learn and I have been learning it!! I've *translated* some of it to tabs already!! I cant wait to play with them in the fall!!!

Did I mention that I have a new outfit to wear to Landmark Park???? I will post pictures later!!!!!

My future is looking brighter and brighter as the days go by!!! I cant wait to see what God has in store for me!!! I am sooooo excited!!!!! Can ya tell???

Well, I must be getting in bed since I have to work tomorrow!!! Good Bye until I can think of something else to write .....

Will update ~ March 4

Dear Friends,

It’s been a few days, but, rest assured, no news means good news. Will’s blood work continues to improve and we continue to be thankful for your prayers. He, and we, are dealing with the reality of CML better and better every day and continue to be grateful to God for his blessings.

I made the trip home from Dallas yesterday and have spent the day putting out a few ‘hot fires’ and resting. I had an unusually good trip home for which I am thankful. It is good to be home, but it was ever so hard to leave him in Dallas.

We are still praying for hematologic remission (blood looks normal) by mid May, cytogenic remission (marrow is normal) by mid August and molecular remission (bone marrow stem cells are normal) within a year.

Barring any crisis I won’t have anything to report until we reach those goals. So please keep him on your prayer list and consider no news to be good news. You will be the first to know as we reach each and every goal.

Again, we are thankful from the depths of our being to a great and mighty God who holds us in His hand, and to all of you, His children, who have lifted us up in prayer over the last couple of weeks.

Love,

Debbie….and Thomas & family.

The Life of a Farmers Daughter ~ Part 3

well. at 6:00 pm yesterday, Dad and I were on our way to a farm meeting about Cotton. BTW, cotton is rare in the US right now since nobody made all that much. I fear that cause of that, the prices for clothes is gonna be higher than they are right now. Now, I don't know this a fact (well, actually I do...) but, it is what I got out of the meeting from yesterday.

Anyway, Dad and I were coming home last night around 8:00 or 8:30 and all of a sudden Daddy lammed on brakes ..... cows were in the road. Now, Alabama is what they call a free range state. That means that we technically do not have to have fence but, we do anyway as a precaution and if a car were to hit a cow and damage the car .... the person can not sue the farmer. Inst that great?!?!?!?! So, After discussing with Daddy weither or not I should go back down the road to the cows to sit with my flashers on, Daddy let me go. Well, I had to ga up my truck cause it was running low. I ot back up to the house to tell dad that I was headed down there and to get my phone and I was coming outside and I thought that I heard sirens!!! I thought that someone had hit a cow!!!!! So, I got in my truck and took off rather fast down the drive way ..... I was going down the road at 65 MPH with my flashers on. I got down there and saw that the cows were in but, I stayed to help look for some stragglers. I even helped the owner feed the cows and check the fence.

Out in the country (well, here anyway), if you wanna have a neighbor hood get together have a fire truck ambulance, a police car stop at your house or the cows get out and people are bound to show up to see what is happening!!!

Until I can think of something interesting to right about..... so long!!!!!

Hallelujah!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!!! He is worthy to be praised!!!!!

Will's blood work continues to improve!!! His wbc (white blood cell) count was at 230 and now, it is at 164!!!!! For those of you who do not know, that is very, very good!!!!!

Will Update ~ Day 9 ~Feb. 26

Another good day today. First my apologies. I think I got the date wrong on yesterday’s report. It was the 25th, not the 24th.

We got the results from the draw taken yesterday (Thursday). Will’s wbc continues downward and uric acid was in the normal range for the first time today.

The doctor is pleased and says Will can go back to work next week if he feels like it and I should be at ease about leaving him and returning home. Note the word “should”

Right now, we are enjoying having Thomas with us. He will fly back Sunday. The plan is for me to stay and make sure Will has a good day at work on Monday then I will return home on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If things keep going this well, I won’t be updating so often, but keep us in your prayers. The goal is to have hematologic remission (normal blood analysis) in three months or less. Thanks to all of you again for all your prayers. God is good and we are blessed.

Will Update ~ Day 8 ~ February 24 (written a day late)

Good news today. The wbc was down for the first time. We had a chance to talk with the doctor. He is delighted that Will has no virtually no side effects and says he is more concerned with liver and kidney function which is looking good.

Again he extolled the virtues of the Gleevec…..high probability of remission, virtually no side effects after initial introduction, a normal life with no signs or symptoms of leukemia once hematologic remission is reached, history of long term successes, etc

We are so thankful to a great and gracious God who, before we ever knew we would have this need, before we ever knew what we needed to pray for, looked ahead and provided not only this drug and the research behind it, but also provided so many other things that enabled us to cope at this time. Not the least of which is all the friends who have lifted us up in prayer. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We love you all.

Will Update

"Seems" was the operative word in the yesterday's report. The WBC in yesterday's test was off the charts for the doctor's in-house equipment. It has been all along. That's why we have to wait on LabCorp. We finally got it back and the WBC had risen on Monday. It has risen in today's sample also. It’s gone from 205k on the 11th to 244k on the 22nd and, now, 263.
Dr. Mirtsching does not seem too alarmed. According to his nurse, it sometimes takes a week to start working. Looks like I will be here another week after this. I will stay until the doctor says it is ok to go.
I hope everyone is getting the emails. My outlook does funny things when I send to long lists. I am attaching a read receipt to this one so I will know. I have thought of setting up a Caring Bridge account. It would be easier for me, but Will says to let him think about it. I will honor that.
We have lost count of all the churches who have put Will on their prayer list. Please know we are so thankful for each and every prayer that is lifted up. We most definitely feel them.
Praise God, Will is still not having bad side effects from the meds. If you’re on Facebook, you know his spirits are still up. God is good! We are still trusting him to work this all out in His way and in His time.

Another Update ..........

We had a roller-coaster weekend; nothing medical, just emotional. But today was much better. We got the results from the bone marrow biopsy confirming the diagnosis, but the blood work showed improvement. With CML, the white blood cells are either overproducing or not dying off as they should and are crowding out the red blood cells which results in low RBC. Today, the wbc was still out of range for the in-house equipment at the doctor’s office so it had to be sent to LabCorp. We will hear from it tomorrow to know for sure, but are expecting that the WBC is dropping, because the RBC was up.

The doctor is pleased that the only side effect Will has had from the medication was a little nausea this morning. We are thankful to a great and gracious God and are trusting in Him.

I have thought about setting up a Caring Bridge (see www.caringbridge.org) account for Will, but it looks as though the critical stage of this will be behind us soon. If for some reason, we find out the medication is not working and it appears this will be a long, drawn out ordeal, I will do that. So for now, just forward this to anyone you think might be interested and, if they respond to me at the email above, I will add them to the list. I only have one or two email addresses for fellow church members as my lists are at home. I didn’t know I would need them.

Some have asked how this was discovered. Will had been to the doctor for a lump that appeared on his chest. They thought it was just some fatty tissue, but come to back in two weeks. When he went back (on the 11th), it had shrunk a little, but the doctor had blood drawn. With an upper limit of 10,000, Will’s WBC was 205 thousand. His RBC was low. An appointment was made with the oncologist for Thursday, the 18th. Dr. Mirtsching, the oncologist thinks the lump is just a collection of white blood cells.

I want to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes. So many of you have put Will on the prayer list at your respective churches. Please know that these prayers have been needed and appreciated. Please keep it up. Although today was good, we are not out of the woods yet. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.