I am officially 1/2 way through my treatments. I enjoyed having last week off for sure! I took the kids to the beach on Memorial Day. We had a good time. All the kids are having a fun time playing flag football. I think Troy has found his new favorite sport and Jim couldn't be happier! School is out next week and the kids can't wait! It really seems that 2008 has flown by! We still have the 4 rental houses unrented at this time and we are trusting the Lord to take care of our needs. Two of the houses have had the A/C units stolen (for the copper wiring). We pray for Gods protective hands over us and our property at this time. Please pray for Kelly as she will have to have a colonoscopy and endoscopy done in a few weeks to rule out the chance that she has the juvenile polyposis syndrome that Troy has. We are praying that all the tests come back negative. When Brooke turns 12 she will also have the tests done. Remember to always look for the good in every situation! Thanks for all the help and prayers! Hugs, Melissa

Well as you know my blood work numbers have been low the last two times I have gone for my chemo but after a call to the Oncologist we have proceeded but that was not the case yesterday. All I remember hearing is sorry we can't give you chemo today because your yada-yada-yada and your T-cells and platelets are too low. So my friend Michelle and I left the hospital and went to Panera's for brunch. I am not happy that my body is not handling the chemo very well but am elated that I get a "free" week. I was able to attend a luncheon for Ms. Bacon today that I would not of been able to attend had I of had chemo yesterday. She was the mentor mom I had for years when I attended First Baptist Church on Tuesday mornings for MOPS. She will be greatly missed! I am sad that I will not be able to attend a field trip that I promised Brooke I would go on next week. I know that God is in control and everything happens for a reason!

Oh, wasn't it a Beautiful day today. Troy and Brooke has their first flag football games (ever) today. The games were at the same time on adjacent fields and I was not there to watch. I was downtown attending the Woman of Faith Conference at the arena. It was AWESOME...can I get a witness??? (You had to be there to get it =} ) I got a phone call this week from a dear friend at church Ms. Kay and she hooked me up with two tx so my mom and I could attend. If you have never been to a Woman of Faith Conference before then you need to go! There was Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Luci Swindoll, Sheila Walsh (love HER), Nicole Johnson, Max Lucado, Sandi Patty (the most awarded female vocalist in Contemporary Christian music), and Nicole C. Mullen (she ROCKED the house)! Wow, what a great time we had laughing, singing, praising God and learning about God's Infinite Grace. Monday morning is chemo #6. My official 1/2 way mark. It's all down hill from there....right???? Praise God the hair is still on my head. I think that my Brooke will be the most devastated one if I was to loose it. She wanted to have her hair made into a wig for me. I had to explain that I may not loose my hair but there was another special child that has lost their hair and they need a wig made from her beautiful hair. Oh before I forget...Troy's team won and Brooke's lost. Kelly won her first game Thursday night. See ya in Church tomorrow!

Happy Mother's Day to all my special friends, family members and especially to my Mom! Brooke got her hair cut off this week. She wanted to grow it out and give it to kids with cancer. She had 10 inches cut off and donated it to "Locks of Love". We are so proud of her thoughtfulness. It is important to raise children to think of others and help others when they can. Another round of chemo down. That makes 5 out of 7 done. I am almost 1/2 way through. The usual week of not feeling well. I am down 20 lbs now. It is difficult to eat when your mouth always fells like you drank something hot and burnt the nerves. It is a weird, numb feeling that stays with you. I long for my normal life, as usual! I see my Oncologist tomorrow morning for my usual check up. I am still not feeling too well still , so my mom took the kids to church this morning. Jim is working. Please pray for us financially. We have had 4 of our rental houses come vacant and we need to get those houses sold or rented asap. It is difficult to stay afloat with those extra mortgages. Praise God for the economic stimulus payment we received this month from Uncle Sam to help with the payments. I am reminded of the verse in Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I want to thank Dawn, Kim, Apryl, Jennifer, Candy and Mindy for the meals that you lovingly provided for our family this week! We really appreciate your generosity and sacrifice. May the Lord bless you abundantly!

I want to thank everyone that continues to pray for me and our family. I really appreciate the comments that are left on my blog. I am doing good the last couple of days. I am scheduled to complete my treatments on the week of August 11th if all goes well. I just found out the kids go back to school the following week. I hate that! I was hoping for some time with them when all was said and done before they went back! Oh well. Thanks to my sweet friend Nora for the bracelet! I love it! My mother is out of the hospital and on her way to feeling better. Thanks for the prayers on her behave. Our family saw Team Impact at our church last night and Wow are they awesome! If you are able to make it tonight through Sunday p.m. they are at Westside Baptist Church. Info can be gotten by calling 781-0618 or check out the website http://www.wbcjax.com/. If you don't live in the area you should check them out when they come to your town or city!