It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these, but here goes…
1. It’s been one heck of a week. We were in Dallas, we got home, we’ve had VBS every day and something fun every night. I’m pooped.
2. Since April, every time I’ve flown with Hudson I’ve sworn that it’s the last time I’m doing it by myself until he’s old enough to use the potty. I know I’ll go back on my word again. He’s not a bad flyer, but it is definitely exhausting to fly for three hours with him when he doesn’t sleep.
3. Things with my mom aren’t exactly getting better. I’m trying my hardest to stay strong, stay positive, and not get overwhelmed with worry. I’m trying to adopt her attitude and my dad’s attitude and put all of my trust in the Lord. A friend said to me this morning, “Just remember, Man’s words are words, God’s words are life. He is not defined by statistics.”
4. Remember to check into my mom’s blog for the full story at What’s the Plan?
5. I’m now a sunscreen addict and have to bite my tongue if someone even mentions a tanning bed.
6. Thank you for the great, encouraging comments on my post about trying to find the right balance of satisfying my creative tendencies and being home with Hudson without getting too overwhelmed. My number one priority is that little boy. He is the reason that his daddy and I work so hard every day.
7. I’m losing some weight. I’ve also been pretty stressed lately, but hopefully the weight is coming off in a good way and not because of stress. I heart FitLab.
8. I’ve got a name and a little plan for this party-planning business. Now I just need our life to slow down to a crawl so I can take some time to work on everything.
9. I absolutely adore my family. And I know more than ever how important family is.
10. Vacation Bible School has been so much fun! I love working with the second graders and Hudson has had a great week being in the 1 year old class. I got there just in time to hear him singing “e-yi-e-yi-o” to all of his teachers this afternoon.
11. I’m dreaming of a vacation. Preferably here.
12. And I’m not sure what else to say because, frankly, my mind is running in circles. I’ve got a ton on my heart and a very full MomAgenda. Seriously, every page is full. And it’s not all stuff I want to do. But it’s life. It’s responsibility. We get through it and we go through stuff. But I have some incredible friends and a family that I can’t imagine this world without.
13. I know what else to say. I’m looking forward to curling up on the couch with my book.
Toodles, poodles!
I love posts like these! You…being you. I’m praying for you! Miss you!
Love this post – like you just spilled out the contents of that busy, busy brain of yours and shared it with us. Praying for you and for your family!
I just read your Mom’s whole blog — I’m praying for her, you and your family. I’ve gotta say that I just her attitude and spirit. My Dad actually does melanoma research, so I (unfortunately) know a lot about it. 🙁 Big hugs hun!
I just read your Mom’s whole blog — I’m praying for her, you and your family. I’ve gotta say that I just love her attitude and spirit. My Dad actually does melanoma research, so I (unfortunately) know a lot about it. 🙁 Big hugs hun!
Praying for not only your Mom, but also you and all that love her. What a strong woman she is. I know you are so proud to be her daughter. -Turner 🙂
How refreshing! I adore that you always speak your mind! Your mom, you & your entire family are still in my prayers. Oh, and I too am a sunscreen queen…it’s quite ridiculous honestly, but hopefully my newly formed habit will rub off on others-no pun intended!
Aahhh…Wild Dunes. We just got home from IOP last week. Hands down, my favorite place on Earth.
Best wishes for your mom – I know how it goes. My mom battled breast cancer two years ago, and my dad’s prostate cancer diagnosis followed six months later. Both are in remission and right as rain now, but coping with illness changes your perspective completely.
“Toodles, poodles”…that just put a big ol’ smile on my face!
Sounds like lots is going on in your life, some good and some not so good. I know far too well how tough it is to have faith and hope with things aren’t looking so great. But remember that God is good. He is holding you all so close right now and will protect you. I’ll be praying for you and your momma! BIG hugs 🙂
I could feel your emotion in this post! Still praying for your mom and you friend! I can’t imagine dealing w/all you have going on! Hugs to you & I love you much.
Erin –
I am praying for your momma and I am praying for some peace in your heart. There is nothing more important in our lives than our families and I am hoping for only good things for yours.
Whatever you do stay off the internet (this comes from my experience with my mom). Trust in your God and that he will work through the doctors and their work. And know there are a lot of us lifing you up!!
Jenn
I mostly want to congratulate you on deciding to go for it with the party planning. I recently made up my mind about starting a business too. So exciting!!
On a side note, just saw Tracy Turpen’s blog post with your family pics. LOVE the one of you holding Hudson while he tugs on your necklace!
i just saw hudson’s one year photos on tracy’s blog. they turned out great!
You deserve some couch time! I will keep your mom in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you get to Wild Dunes…we just got back and it was great! Have a nice weekend.
Erin thank you for being so honest. I’m keeping you in my thoughts! *Hugs*
There is no harder reality to face than one of our parent’s being sick. I have been in your shoes recently with all of the unknowns and just praying that God will bring you and your mom and family out of the other end of the tunnel safely and for it to all be behind you. I will keep your mom and the rest of your family in my prayers.
I’ve been out of the loop with the wedding and honeymoon….but glad I checked in. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this tough time. Thank goodness your mom is being vigilant and getting every single part of her body checked! I love reading her words-I see where you get your eloquence in writing from:-). Keep us posted, and hang in there.
Loved this post! When my family was facing some tough medical decisions for my brother and I, my mama always said, “God has the final say. Doctors don’t know everything.” Just remember that when things get tough.
Erin,
I understand the stress and worry that you are feeling for your mom right now. My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer 22 months ago (he’s been cancer-free for 18 months now). Sometimes the feelings can just blindside you, and I can’t recommend anything better than putting your faith in God. I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Thinking about you and your mom, Erin… I have family members struggling now and family members who’ve overcome the struggle. I know how hard it is, and also how important it is to keep on hoping and looking forward. Big hug!
I hope everything calms down and things with your Mum are ok. hang in there!
Just wanted to let yo uknow that I am thinking about you, your mom and your family. Praying for you each and every day.
Definitely thinking of your mama Erin. Sending lots of prayers your way.
Prayers for you mom! Your motto is a good one, though I know it’s still tough on you 🙁 Thinking of you too. As for your party planning, looking forward to hearing your progress as you start this new venture! If you were here or vice versa, you bet I’d be calling on you!
Ah – the circles. I keep thinking they’ll slow down and they don’t.
As for keeping your mouth shut about the sun. I don’t. When you’ve had a family member *especially parent* expereince skin cancer…. gives you that whole new perspective. It’s kinda like smoking – people don’t care too much when they are young and invincible (even though they KNOW the dangers)… but these choices will haunt them in 15-20 years when they have a different life and different priorities.
Thinking about you and your family! I know it’s tough!
Hey shug- I’m so glad you passed along your mama’s blog, so we can get updates without harassing you. Being a grown-up is so flipping scary sometimes. I’m glad VBS was fun- sometimes I take this to extremes, but I feel like activity is the best way to deal with stress and sadness. If I’m too busy to dwell- well, I don’t! Eventually, of course, we all have to tackle our emotions, but staying busy helps me. Let me know if you need a chit-chat or vent- I’m here!
Um, also, my new sign off will be “Toodles Poodles”. Hee, that tickled me to death!
Saying prayers for your mom and you and your family, Erin! Hang in there- God has a plan!
I just got caught up with your mom’s blog and am continuing to keep you and your family in my prayers. She’s strong and positive and I truly believe everything WILL be ok. Hugs to you as I know you’re dealing with a lot right now.
Erin, I don’t know a lot about what particular type of skin cancer your mom has, but I wanted to share this. My father-in-law was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma with 6 months to one year to live. He took a treatment that was experimental at the time, but is becoming more and more common. It is called IL2. He had two rounds of treatment. He has been well for 3 years now, but gets PET scans every 3 months to stay on top of things. I just wanted to share any bit of information that might be helpful.
So sorry for your worries. God will see you through. You will LOVE the Isle of Palms and Wild Dunes! My husband and I went on our honeymoon and knew it was our go to vacation spot for life, especially once we had kids. We have a little girl born just days before your cutie and another one on the way (surprise from God!) in August. Can’t wait to take them back with us. The Boardwalk Inn and the entire area is an awesome, perfect place for families.
Sorry things aren’t getting better with your mom, will send some prayers your family’s way. If it makes any consolation; I was getting ready to make a tanning bed appt. all week but kept going back and forth on it since it is horrible, after reading your and your mother’s blog I have decided to stay pasty… AND LOVE IT! Stay strong, God will guide. <3
I am sorry to hear about your mom’s melanoma. I will pray for you and your family. Also, somehow I missed that Hudson is named after your dad – is that right?
I’ve been praying for your mom; her faith is so inspiring. I too get upset when people are reckless with things they know are harmful to them. I actually read an article the other day about how sunblock may not be as beneficial as we think. All I could think is why not use it? Why take the risk? I hope her story/blog can open people’s eyes to take care of themselves.
On another note, I’ love to know how the FitLab assessment has helped you to this point. I would really like to get tested, but I need more info.
Thinking of your family and sending prayers your way. Both of my parents went through melanoma removals and the subsequent testing and worry and I know how hard it can be. I love your mom’s suggestion that perhaps this is the only node in her body that would have tested that way, and her relief that the dr. pulled the nodes s/he did – what a positive and amazing role model she is! I can see where you get your wonderful attitude. I’ll keep all of you in my prayers.
Aw, I can tell your head is spinning. These posts are good…it’s therapeutic to write out your stress. I hope you can relax this weekend. Praying for your mom’s health and that you’re able to feel some peace soon.
Reading your Mom’s blog right now and praying for your family.. Hope things slow down for you soon girl. You are amazing to keep going like you do =)
Erin– I just read your mom’s blog… she has such an inspirational outlook on everything that is happening. I have her in my prayers.
I am praying for your Mom and your whole family. Back when I was in high school both of my grandparents {Mom’s parents} were diagnosed with cancer within two weeks of each other.
I think we all would benefit if life would slow down to a crawl. I am praying for your mom and family. Hope you have a relaxing weekend.
Love these posts! I’m praying for your mom. I’m totally with you on the tanning thing, except I don’t always bite my tongue!