Mamaw & the Waterpark

Mamaw is doing a little better and got to come home from the hospital yesterday. Hospice care came and set everything up at her house so she can spend her time comfortably in her own home. I went over today, and her sister, Tink, brought over a ham and we had sandwiches. Mamaw actually ate a plate of food, which is no small feat these days. She eats like a bird these days and it's hard to get her to eat anything at times. She does have lots of help, though. I am there when I can be, which is hard with a family at home that includes three little ones. Of course, don't take that as a complaint, because I want to spend every minute I can with her. My dad and aunt are almost always there with her, thank GOD they are at a time in their lives when they are able to do this. Then, my cousin just got into town and she has been helping a lot as well. My cousin who my Mamaw helped raise and is very close to, is coming home next Monday. She is not aware of Mamaw's health issues...please say a prayer for her...I know she is going to be crushed, and she has a LOT on her right now, trying to get her life together and all...so I am just praying this won't completely overwhelm her.
My family was supposed to go out of town for a few days, but I didn't feel right about leaving with everything that is going on. However, since Mamaw was doing a little better, and had plenty of people to care for her, David and I decided to take the kids to Hawaiian Falls in Frisco (the Colony, whatever?!). They played Christian music and had Bible verses placed around...which for some reason just made me feel good. We spent the whole day there and had a blast. We had so much fun!!! The kids deserved this, and with all the stuff going on here at home, I just wanted some quality time with them. I could go on and on...but I will just say our family had a blessed, awesome day together. My friend, Desiree, actually had plans to take her boys on the same day (which I had no idea about until Weds....isn't that crazy!!). So we did hang out with them some and the boys all had a great time. Isabel was in love with the place...she had no fear and went down some pretty big slides all day long all by herself!




(Joseph with Desiree's boys and a friend)





(David and I aren't used to this much physical activity...lol)

We went to Razoo's afterwards and Andrew wouldn't even wake up, he slept in the booth the whole time, it was hilarious until he fell over and out of the booth and busted his head on the floor...it was horrible...the funny (or sad) thing is, today he doesn't even remember it happening, and he went right back to sleep once we helped him back into the booth...


So, we all came home worn out and with a little too much sun (despite my avid sunblock applications), but the Lord blessed us with some much needed downtime and a safe trip...we are thankful.
Also David's parents left for Mexico today, I am always sad when the leave and we aren't going with them, just because I love it sooo much. So, I pray they have a blessed, safe trip with no problems. And, the same to any of you taking any trips for the rest of the summer vacation...be blessed, have fun, & be safe.
I can't believe summer is flying by so quickly!

Love you all,
Katy

Update & Prayer request

I apologize if I my updates on Mamaw are a nuisance (and I truly mean that),
but I am sending them out to anyone who I think may say a prayer for her because the more lifting her up to the Lord, the better, in my opinion.
I am sorry a prayer request via the computer is so informal,
but honestly it's a good way to reach a lot of people at once :-)

We learned today that Mamaw not only has cancer in her liver, but also in her stomach, pancreas, and lungs. She is 83.
I realize that to most, it would sound like the end for her.
I know that all of us will die.
I know she is elderly and has lived a full, long, beautiful life.
I know this.
I also know that GOD is a GOD of miracles.
I know that with Him ALL things are possible.

We have learned of a dr. in Oklahoma who has a very high success rate of curing cancer...his oldest patient was 92! He worked with someone who had success with a 95 year old.
My point here, is that I want the Lord's will to be done.
He may be ready for her to come home.
On the other hand, His will may involve her spending 10 more years or so on this Earth with us.
This thing is...we just don't know....and I don't want her to be in prolonged pain...but I also am NOT ready for her to go. I want more time with her...so badly.
So, I am asking, begging really...for you to spend some time in prayer for us...
the dr. in Oklahoma is very hard to get into...people are waiting in line to see him...
I would ask you to pray that we are able to get in quickly to see him for a consultation to at least see what he has to say. That my Mamaw will have peace, yet not give up hope. That she will be in as little pain as possible. Above all, I pray that the Lord's will be done.

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." {Matt 18:18-20 RSV}

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." —Matthew 19:26

Thank you from the very core of my heart for taking even just a few moments to offer up prayer for my Mamaw...thank you so much.....

PS For those that don't know her personally, Her name is Pauline Carter...so you will have a specific name for your prayer...

Love to you all,
Katy

Loooong week

Well, this has been one of the longest weeks of my life.
My Mamaw went into the hospital last week following a Dr. apt. To be blunt, she has cancer. They know it is in the liver, but still are unable to determine if it is primary to the liver, or if it has metastasized. From what I have read, liver cancer makes up only 2% of cancers. Out of that 2%, it is usually found in those who have a past with alcohol, smoking, or hepatitis...which she doesn't. Today they said they know she has cancer, and instead of wasting more time detecting every place, they want to get the chemo started. They won't be doing surgery or radiation...and I'm assuming that is because it isn't just one place they have to focus on.
I lost my G-ma (grandmother)less than a year ago, I'm still far from over it. When you loose someone you care about, I don't care how old they are, or how much "life" they have gotten to live...when you loose someone...you miss them...period. She suffered from cancer for over 6 years...which was heartbreaking to watch. I am so glad her suffering is over and she is not in pain anymore, but that she has been healed and made whole again by our mighty Lord and Saviour. I am thankful for that...but I also miss her...I will always have a heart just short of being whole without her here.
So, to be still tending to wounds left by G-ma's death, it is just devastating to realize that my only other grandmother, my Mamaw, is now also suffering with cancer.
Cancer...I hate that word, it sounds so hateful. When I say it, I feel rage from somewhere deep start to bubble up and pour out. I'm hurt, I'm sad, confused, angry, scared, and feel so many other emotions that I don't even think have a name. If it weren't for my faith in a most capable God, I would be utterly lost right now. Just lost.
It just so happens that in the last couple weeks I have had a Bible study on sickness, and pastor Jason spoke a little about it. Sickness happens for a reason. I am trusting God to reveal that reason to us, so that Mamaw can be healed, in whatever way He sees fit, and so that glory can be brought to Him. I know that He, too has suffered and has felt loss and pain. I know He knows how I feel. I know He knows the very depths of my soul. I know that He knew about this day and this situation before any of us were ever conceived. I know He has a plan, and that in the end, no matter what the outcome, He knows what is best for my Mamaw. I know that she isn't in this fight alone, but that He will carry her through.
I can only ask for His forgiveness for the days when my faith wavers, and I forget about all that... when the sadness and anger overcome my day...and He will. I know He will carry me through this, too, along with my dad and my aunt...who are scared for their precious mother...who has been there for them all their life.
Mamaw's pastor said this..."We are all going to die, the only difference between me and you is that you now know how you might die. I could walk out today and die of a heart attack, or in a wreck. I may be gone long before you. It's ok to be scared and to cry. The Lord will get you through this in the way He knows you need to come through it." The words helped, and I'm thankful for them. They helped put somewhat of a perspective on this part of our journey, if that's even possible.
So, for right now, I want to take each day as it comes. I don't want to worry about tomorrow, but enjoy my time today. I want to be a great support for my Mamaw who has always given so much of herself to me. I am trying so hard to not do the "what if...." thing, but at night, when I'm laying in bed and can't sleep...those thoughts creep in and it's just overwhelming.
I am so thankful for my friends who keep up with the progress, but especially those who pray for her/us. Prayer is the best gift you can give. I am thankful that I am where I am at in my life right now so I can be there for my Mamaw, and where my dad and aunt are so they can be there with her at all times.
So, in closing for tonight...a small prayer.

Father GOD,
I come to you a bit broken, but faithful in your ability to restore me.
You know our hearts, and you know our struggles.
I ask that you give my Mamaw peace and comfort...take away her fears. Let her be in as little pain as possible. Let her faith be strong, and let her trust in you completely. Whatever your will is for her...for us...let us be accepting, and know that you know what is best for us. I pray that you heal all those who are suffering, in any way. I pray that we are able to savor each moment with those we love...and that we don't take them for granted. I ask that you give us clean slates, and let us start fresh right now...that our past be just that...the past. Please forgive us for when we do wrong, and let us forgive those who we hold grievances against. This life is too short to waste it on negative thoughts.
I thank you for this beautiful day, even amidst all the heartache it holds. I ask that we sleep well and wake to a new day filled with your blessings.
I ask these things in your most Holy name,
Amen.

putting a face to the name...

Mamaw & Izzy 2005

4th & the movie

Well, 4th of July came and went. I hope your holiday was as blessed as ours. Family, friends, and food...who can complain? I don't have pics uploaded yet, but will add some soon. We had so so much fun...although we did miss out on the Moore's get together (maybe next year!).
I got brave and hosted a get together here at the house...it kept growing and growing and yea, in our little house we had about 40+ people...CRAZY!
At one point I looked out, and all the kids were on the trampoline, I thought it might possibly bust the springs loose...but, it's still in working order :-).
David cooked out burgers (delish, I might add) with all the fixin's and tons of sides (thanks to Kris for the AWESOME pasta salad...I'm dreaming about it now), desserts, and to top it all off...old fashioned homemade ice cream. The amount of food we consumed should be illegal. I was so full, I thought David might have to roll me into bed later. Self control is not one of my strong points. Then, after we couldn't stuff ourselves with even one more morsel, we all got our lawn chairs out in the front...and set off a couple hundred dollars worth of fireworks (One of the added things I LOVE about living in Reno, outside the city limits). It was beautiful, although I will add that when I was younger, that money would have bought us a LOT more fireworks. I guess EVERYTHING has gone up in cost! It was pretty neat though, because our neighbors were doing theirs at the same time...so we got to enjoy each other's. All the kids were doing sparklers and having the best time. Isabel was all dressed up, and she ended up having an accident (which I didn't know about until later) which NEVER happens, so she went to change herself...she came out in a black, velvet winter skirt...it was hilarious. I was embarrassed that her outfit was no longer matching...but then thought, "What they hey"..and I let her wear it for the rest of the evening?! Go me!
Andrew would die if I told you, but his little crush was out here...she is so cute...but, he is just to young for a girlfriend...still, it was so cute to watch all the kids interact with each other. I got to spend some time with people who I don't get to see a lot...which was really nice. I did miss my sweet G-ma :-(. But, I bet she enjoyed the show from Heaven :-).
The night went off w/o a hitch, who knows? Maybe this will be an annual event at the Ibarra household?!
Then, Yesterday, my cousin came into town with her daughter and we went to see Kit Kittredge (sp?) with my nieces...I totally recommend this movie...for boys or girls. It was such good, clean entertainment for the family...a really good movie...See It!
I feel like most of today has been spent in the kitchen. I cooked two meals plus we made chocolate dipped strawberries (one word...Yummy!!!). And for once, I actually cleaned up right after we finished instead of saving it for later. Go me again!
Well, guess that is about it for now. I can't believe that we are starting the 2nd week of July...the summer is flying by. We have got to start going to the pool more, or else David is going to kill me for getting that membership (oops). Yikes.
Ok, maybe I will see some of you there!
Love to you all!
~K

ECC 3:1-8
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

DEU 14:26 Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or
other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household
shall eat there in the presence of the LORD your God and rejoice.

My affinity...

I have finally figured out why God didn't make me rich.
Because no matter how much I had, I would spend every last coin on clothes.
Okay, that was a lie. I would spend it on shoes, too.
Now, I used to love to shop for myself...but after three children, yeahhh...I'm not that interested in clothing for myself. But! I love shopping for my kids. Especially Isabel, because there are so many options, choices, colors, etc. Growing up, my friends thought I was nuts because I would go shopping and get a closet full of new clothes, hang them up and just look at them...I never cared if I got to wear them or not. Now, I have passed that affinity on to my children's clothes, especially for Izzy.
My family knows the depths of Isabel's closet, and I was talking to my brother one day about it. I told him, "I don't care if she ever wears it all or not, I just love seeing all the patterns, colors, fabrics, etc...It's euphoric." He just looked at me like I had completely gone off the deep end. Which I don't deny.
When I am shopping for clothing, I am usually drawn to the European lines...Oiliy, Cakewalk, Save the Queen, Paper Wings. The thing about those lines is they are so so beautiful & unique with colors and patters...of course, the price tag is unique, too!
I love modern, hip stuff...but I also share a love for vintage items, like I might have worn as a baby...so with me, almost anything goes!
Clothing is wearable art, right?
I just think it's so fun to mix and match different colors,
even though I'm not always sure what I'm doing!
Anyway, to make for a really worthy blog, I have to include pictures...
these are things I love...but are just out of reach...checking account wise :-)

Anyway, I know this blog was totally superficial...apologies!
I was just looking online and got caught up in the moment!
~K