Favorite pictures of my Mother.

I miss you so much.

Week Seven Chemo Buddy and a note from Kris.

Kris Rosebrook Eberle

Went to the oncologist today for the results of the scan yesterday. He came in smiling claiming to have only good news. The larger tumors are responding well to the chemo and have shrunk by about 2/3. The Dr is suggesting a procedure that will drain off the water on the lung and then attach the lung back to the walls, then the water won't continue to pool. Please pray for wisdom in what to do.
This is Angie Cope, her favorite sister reporting from Port Orchard ;)
I think this Chemo Buddy reflects our opinion of Cancer more than any of the others:)

Day 4 Blogtoberfest. Not a Wordless Wednesday post. A Miracle in our Life.

I came very close to not blogging today.  I was going to break my commitment after just three blogs.  This morning something happened.  A miracle to say the very least.  I had spent my entire day yesterday in despair, crying, praying, crying again.  Constantly telling myself that I had promised to have Faith and Trust.  I joined a new Bible Study yesterday and cried through the entire presentation.  I cannot help it, it is my makeup.  My emotions are on the surface, my tears are always ready to flow.  Sad, happy, scared, it doesn't matter.  I have the most free flowing tear ducts in the entire nation.  Today, my tears are tears of JOY!!!  I know we have rounded only one of the bends in this journey we are on.  I know also that we will shed many tears as we climb the hills and shout with joy and jubilation as we run down the other side of those hills. Today is a joyous day.  Today is the day my precious Kris learned her largest tumors have shrunk by 66%.  Today is the day she made the decision to continue with treatment instead of ending it.  Today is the day I learned that I will have my daughter for a little longer time.  The length is in God's hands and I thank and praise him for each one he gives us.  Yes, today, I am crying tears of JOY.  Thank You Jesus!!!

So much to think about.

Me, Kris and Tricia

by Kris Rosebrook Eberle on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 12:58am

I'm not much of a country music fan, in fact when I hear it,  my hair stands on end and I usually bellow out a great big TWANG! But there is one song that has given me plenty to think about. 

 Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying 

I'm not much of a bucket list kind of person. Sure, I have made big plans for my empty nest years. I want to ride motorcycles all over the USA. Fly somewhere on a whim with my sister. Learn to scuba dive. Travel to Nepal with my brother-in-law. Hike the Grand Canyon. Go to a white sand beach. White water kayaking......All that seems so trivial now.

I totally believe that if God chose to He could completly heal my body. I believe that He wants me to ask Him to extend my life. I believe that He wants His best for me. I believe he will answer my prayers. The answer may be yes. The answer may be no. I believe He is faithful and regardless the answer, worthy of my praise. 

My reality on this day is that I am dying. (I don't know how I could hurt this much and not be.) So, how am i going to live while I am dying? I want to hug my husband and both sons, my parents and each of my sisters, my brother, and my friends and tell them what they mean to me and how much I love them everytime I see them. I want to make new friends and feel my heart grow. I want to declare that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, that I do not fear death. Whether it be sooner or later, I am looking forward to Heaven.

Tuesday at 10AM I will be having a CAT scan to find out if the chemotherapy is working. I will have answers Wednesday.

Please keep me and my family in your prayers. Though we know the truth about our eternity it is an emotional rollecoaster, and none of us are experienced at dealing with our emotions.

Day 2 of Blogtober Fest

Stan and I drove over to visit Kris today. She lives on the Kitsap Peninsula and Stan and I live about 60 miles North of Seattle. 

 These bridge pictures are of the new (on the left) and old (on the right) Tacoma Narrows Bridge

 Short of taking the ferry across Puget Sound, this is the connection to the Peninsula.  If you have ever heard the song They Call the Winds Mariah, it is a song about a wind storm that hit Washington State  in 1940.  It was so strong, that it caused what is called harmonic tremors on the original Tacoma Narrows bridge, which collapsed into the sound below.  Fortunately, no one was on the bridge. The Bridge was called Galloping Gertie by the construction workers because they noticed how the bridge deck would sway up and down in wind conditions. She was only 4 months old when she collapsed.  The replacement bridge was not built until 1950.  The new eastbound bridge was finished in 2010.  When the bridges were built in 1940 and 1950, they were the third longest suspension bridges in the world.  Stan is a destination driver.  He does not slow down for me to take pictures, so I have learned to take them through the windshield of the car.

 Stan, Kris and I were happily playing Banana Grams when Joseph came inside and suggested we do something together.  He prefers to be outside.  I asked we do something so I could take pictures.  We settled on taking their boat out for a while.  We headed North from their home to Poulsbo. These are pictures I snapped as we sped up the Sound.

 There were plenty of big beautiful homes along the shoreline, but I found this one to be quite unique. I love the ivy growing on it.

 A sailboat in the harbor as we were coming into Poulsbo.

 The marina at Poulsbo.

 Several seals were lounging around the docks.  They looked quite content.

 My grandson Andrew tying us up at the dock.

 We went for a little walk uptown.  Kris is a real trooper and does not complain, but I think it was a bit much for her.

 There were many unique shops along the way, but I really liked this one.

 A seal in the harbor.

 This is a jelly fish that was in the water along the dock.

 I just snapped this picture as we were headed home.  I would love to be able to make the same trip in a few weeks when the trees turn color.

 A stairway from someones home down to the beach.  They would certainly make for a good workout if you did them every day.

 Bremerton is the home of the Puget Sound Navel Shipyard.  Many ships are in moth balls here, as well as under repair.

It was a fun afternoon and brought to mind the times I begged Stan for a boat.  He does not really enjoy the water so it never happened.  Hmmmm, I don't enjoy the snow but he has skis. Oh well, I will just ask Joseph for rides a little more often:)  We got back to their house at about 5:30, spent a while thawing out, had dinner and came home.

Thanks Joe, Kris and Andrew for a great afternoon.  Love you.

Day 1 of Blogtober.

I am not a Winter person.

In fact, if I could live where the sun shone all year, I don't think I would ever tire of it.

So it makes me sad that my flowers are putting on their final show.  

I took a walk outside this morning to take some final pictures

 This is my "Front Yard Rose.  The only one I left up front when we redid our yard.

 Rose of Sharon.  I want to move it, but Stan wants it to stay.  I think it is kind of out of place with the new landscaping.

 Our new Weeping Cedar we planted yesterday.

 My Hydrangeas did not bloom as well as they have in previous years.  Many of my neighbors said the same about their Hydrangeas.

 Two roses in the back yard.  I love the dew on them, but I do wish they would last much longer.  Autumn is in the air and soon my garden will go to sleep for several months.

Blogtoberfest

I was blogsurfing tonight and ran across this little fun game to take part in.  Decided to play along.  I hope you decide to too.  You can link up here
The goal is to post something every day.  Since I have been struggling with bloggers fog, I thought this might give me the kick start I need.