New Knives? What Was I Thinking?

I chopped off the tip of my thumb tonight. (I know some of you are not surprised.) It hurt, but not nearly as much as I thought it would as soon as it happened.  When it wouldn't stop bleeding, I decided I should probably have someone look at it. After a not-so-thorough examination at the CVS Minute Clinic it was determined that some gauze and antiseptic spray would do the job. I'm guessing it will take a long time for this one to heal. So, next time you see me, give me a thumbs-up because I'll sure be giving one right back.

25 Random Things About Me

Yes, I fell into the trap of answering this tag on Facebook so I thought I would share it here also. It actually turned out to be quite fun. 

1. I love Dr. Pepper. I drink it every day. 

2. I am crazy competitive about most things. I've gotten much better about this. (Right Michael?) 

3. I run a lot. I enjoy it, but mostly I do it so I can eat whatever I want. 

4. I eat whatever I want. I rarely choose healthy foods. 

5. Everyday before Michael comes home, I like to put on lipstick and comb my hair. 

6. I am proud that my almost 2 year old can say, "Starbucks."  

7. Spring weather is my favorite. Every year, on the first warm day, I buy a magazine, go to a park, and paint my toenails. (Michael kindly watches the kids) 

8. Bravo reality TV is some of my favorite. I can't get enough of Top Chef and Project Runway. 

9. My secret dream is to be a dancer like the ones on "So You Think You Can Dance" 10. I enjoy studying the Bible with women, but don't like being called "Beloved" "Sister" or any of the other girly terms that come when Christian girls get together. 

11. I can't stand to watch cartoons that are made for adults. What's the point? 

12. I love having people in my home. If you stay past our kids' bedtime there is strong chance you'll be asked to play Scrabble with us. 

13. Hearing my children giggle is my favorite sound. 

14. I think about December 20, 2009 all the time...the last day of Joshua's treatment. 15. For the first time in 10 years, I love my church. 

16. I worked summer camp one year at Student Life. I was the Black Team leader and lead youth groups in a cheer that included something like, "Black Attack! Black Attack!" I wish I could have those days back. Not my thing. 

17. I love being married to Michael. There is no one I have more fun with. 

18. It would be impossible for me to wear any more clothes to bed than I do every night. (sweatshirt, pants, socks...the works) 

19. Finding a good deal with coupons and such has become a game for me. Which is great since I'm so competitive. 

20. I enjoy reading. I feel smart when I read books about theology and history, but I love to read Christian fiction novels. Cheesy! 

21. I am a very methodical TV watcher. I check DVDs out from the library, watch it on-line, and NOW I have Tivo. My favorite series are Felicity, Gilmore Girls, Friday Night Lights, Bones, and Arrested Development. 

22. Getting stuff done during nap time stresses me out. Everyday when the kids go to sleep I get a treat of some kind and work on my methodical TV watching or my Christian fiction. 

23. Michael says there are 2 of me. State-side Jana who likes to do her hair and is overly particular about food preparation. After 3 international trips together, he says there is also world-traveler Jana who doesn't mind cold showers, undercooked meats and body odor. I guess I put up a good front. 

24. Michael and I got married when we were 20. We tried to rent a car on our honeymoon and they said they didn't rent to minors. So, we used public transportation all over Lake Tahoe. Very romantic! 

25. I thought I loved Jesus 5 years ago, before I had kids. I did, but I become increasingly more aware of my need for grace and my fight for joy alongside Him who is able.  

Two years ago I was tagged to do this on my blog and I couldn't think of anything that didn't involve Joshua's Leukemia. Wow how things can change. This was freeing.

As for tagging someone else...I'll tag you all. I love reading this stuff.

Andi's Talking

Andi has been learning new words on a regular basis. But recently, she has picked up the pace. No doubt, a contributing factor is her older brother constantly asking her to repeat words. Joshua thinks it is just as cute as we do when Andi says, Josh-josh (Joshua), pin-cess, Jee-cess (princess and Jesus sound alot alike), pees (please), tan-tou (thank you), and several others. Check out for yourself in this sweet little video.

Back From Clinic and Happy News

Everything went well at the clinic today. Joshua's blood counts were in the perfect zone. Great news considering all of the travel and sickness we have been through in the past month. They administered his chemo and IVIG (immune booster), and gave us the prescription for steroids. It may be a tough weekend, but officially only 12 more treatments left. Dr. Zieber says that barring no complications, December 20th will be our final day of treatment.

Hard to believe that we've been on this road for 2 years and three months. 

Hard to believe there's less than a year to go.

We aren't throwing a party today, but my heart is leaping for joy.

Clinic

Joshua and I are headed to the clinic today for his monthly treatment. Please pray that all goes well.

Surprisingly Great

When I got a call from my friend, Valerie, that she wanted me to join her at a Bryan Adams concert at the Ryman. I immediately said, "Yes." Valerie was quite surprised that I was so eager to join her. Apparently, I was the 4th person she had called and the others had all laughed at her request.  To be honest, my excitement was a combination of wanting to go to a concert at the Ryman (my first after living here for almost 5 years) and wanting to go to concert that I would know at least half of the songs. Even though I was only 7 when Bryan Adams hit the world by storm with the Summer of '69, my 2 older sisters heavily influenced my choice of music growing up.

As for the actual concert, it was great. It was a solo acoustic show with no opening act. That means it was Bryan Adams for two hours. He played every song I was hoping for as well as some Willie Nelson covers. Even better though, he didn't play "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You." A strong choice since that song has been overplayed to the highest degree. Also, as a bonus, he had a song writer from here in Nashville join him for a few songs. I don't remember her name, but she was great also. The biggest kicker though, was when Martina McBride emerged from two rows in front of us the join Bryan on stage. They sang "It's Only Love," It is a song he originally did with Tina Turner, but Martina did it justice with her killer pipes and super short skirt. 

All in all, it was a great night and I am thankful to Valerie for including me in the experience. For the rest of you, keep me in mind when you are looking for someone to join you at any obscure concerts. I'll be glad to cheer for any 80's rocker you throw my way.

Make a Wish Trip

SHHHHH....

We're going to Disney World for Joshua's Make-a-Wish Trip in April. 

We accidentally told some people, then some more people, so we figured everybody ought to know... except Joshua. It's still a surprise to him, so everybody keep your yappers shut.

We've said it before, but let me say it again - this organization is incredible. They've arranged for a limo to pick us up from our house to take us to the airport. They bought our flights. They rented us a car in Orlando. They are providing us tickets to any theme parks in the area. And they have a great place for us to stay.

The resort is called the "Give Kids the World Village." We'll have our own villa, 5 on site restaurants, ice cream all day long, several pools, and a life-size Candyland playground among other things. Should be great.

Adding to the awesomeness of the Make a Wish Foundation is the fact that a week before we leave, they're going to host a party for Joshua somewhere cool (don't know where yet). All his friends are going to be invited, and that's when he'll find out that he's going to Disney World.

So until then, the first rule of the Make a Wish trip is - Don't talk about the Make a Wish trip.

The second rule of the Make a Wish trip is - Don't talk about the Make a Wish trip.