Update

We decided that since it's been almost a month (a month tomorrow actually) since my surgery, I should be fine not having someone with me all the time.  Our community and church has been amazing, in providing all of our meals since we have been home.  Danielle, my super amazing best friend, also worked out a schedule so that I had people sitting with me and helping me with things around the house until I felt strong enough to be home by myself.  I have honestly been going stir-crazy not being out and about and working!  My radiation nurse encouraged me to be as active as I feel I can be and I will know my limit.  So, this week I have been working from home lots and I have even gone in a couple times to work! I'm so excited!  I really missed my Oaklane family!! 

Just so you are aware, I made my decision on chemotherapy.  It really wasn't too difficult of a decision, after I started researching and praying about it.  I figure let's tackle this with all the resources we have available to us.  Yes, I may have days where I don't feel well and we will have to be slightly more conscious of the people I'm exposed to.  But in all honesty, like the nurse said, we are fortunate that it's getting to be Springtime and flu season has passed; all in God's timing! 

So, we go up on Friday for a radiation "verification" session, where they make sure the mask and mouth piece fit and are all aligned properly with the radiation beams.  And my first actual day of both radiation and chemotherapy is Monday, April 1st! 

Tonight, Danielle is hosting the first planning meeting for my benefit that her and my family and friends are throwing, in order to raise funds for my medical bills.  It's strange, but I have no doubt that all will work out financially.  I was nervous about it all right after we got home from the hospital; you see, we haven't gotten all that far in the Dave Ramsey baby steps.  Even though we were working hard to pay off debt, we still have quite a bit left to pay down.  And after I logged into my online health insurance claims website and saw that many of the amounts billed to my insurance were posted, totally over $80,000, I honestly started to get a little worried.  But all Travis could do was laugh.  He just kept telling me that "God will provide." After lots of prayer and my husband holding me accountable, we both feel at such peace with the bills.  If I've learned anything from this experience, it's that I'm not in control, God is.  And I need to trust in his provision for us. 

Matthew 6:26-27 says, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" 

I hope you have a wonderful last week of March, friends!  Remember to live your life for Christ and that you are not in control.  :-) 

God bless,
Alicia

God will provide us all our needs! 

Busyness Almost Done?!

This weekend was filled with lots of fun and excitement... and cold air!  :)  Aunt Bonnie is back from Nashville, it was Montana's football senior night, I had my Southeast Iowa Walk to End Alzheimer's for work, we wrapped up our 2012 race season, went to visit an old friend's church to worship, and had a wonderful cookout with our family.  Although it was the coldest weekend this fall, we didn't let the weather put a damper on our fun!  I sure am glad this weekend is over, though!  :)  Running from one event to the next can be draining and tiring, despite being things we love doing. 

Now that my final Walk is over, my work schedule will begin to slow down some, which will be a relief for our family.  And we now have our Saturday evenings back, since race season has ended.  But the holiday time is quickly approaching and I pray for strength and much patience to get through another holiday season, with our many family functions and juggling of schedules.  Trying to stay positive, though!  :) 

My 24th birthday is also quickly approaching.  This birthday isn't a big one or anything, so I'm not really too excited about it or anything.  I did decide what I want to do, though; I will be spending Friday, October 19th scrapbooking with a group of ladies at a scrapbook shop.  I'm super excited to spend some alone time with my scrapbook, getting Lucas' 1st Year Book done!  :) 

Have a wonderful October, friends! 
God bless,
Alicia

Travel

My second week on the job requires me to attend a two-day training in Des Moines for new staff orientation.  Today, I woke up around 5:30 to get ready, drop Lucas off with Grandma Sharon, and drive to Des Moines.  I make it here without any problems and even 10 minutes early.  I had a wonderful time learning more about my new position.  I am so excited by the variety and intensity of my tasks!  This week, my boss is taking paid-time-off and therefore when I get back to the office, I will finish the week out by myself.  My goal for this week is to recruit at least 5 Walk teams!  I have my list made of team captains to call and now I just have to put aside time to call them.  I will dive in head first on Wednesday morning!

Tomorrow, I will finish up orientation here in Des Moines and go home to see my guys... I sure am missing them tonight!!  This is really the first time I have been away from Lucas for more than 24 hours.  I know he is being well taken care of though.. Mom and Grandma took him to the circus after daycare.  I bet he had a blast!  :)  And his Daddy will get him to bed and up for his day tomorrow.  It sure will be nice to give him big hugs tomorrow night though! 

I am also expecting a big phone call tomorrow at 1:00!  Dave Ramsey will be calling me to interview me on our experience with Financial Peace University!  Yay!  I'm not sure if it will be live or recorded to air later, but I am super excited to have the opportunity to be an example for other young people! 

Anyways, I have a big day tomorrow and I'm ready for bed (yes.. at 9:00).  Have a wonderful week friends!  God bless,
Alicia

Lucas and Work

This week, Lucas will be 11 weeks old- that's almost 3 months!  Where has the time gone?  He's turning into such a big boy- starting to be able to sit up for a tiny bit on his own, being curious about new sounds and places, and enjoying spending time with his mama!  :)  It has also been a great thing being able to have him at work with me.  Luckily, our board of directors decided that it would be beneficial for my family and our center to have him come to work with me.  I try finding babysitters for important work meetings and things, but otherwise, Lucas is with me all day!  This is such a blessing!  I get to see all of his milestones, see his personality, and have the comfort of him being with me instead of in a daycare.  However, it can also be stressful at times.  On days like today, when he's fussy and extra demanding, getting work done can be difficult. 

Next Chapter

I interviewed at Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging (WIAAA) last Friday for their Program Coordinator position and I felt really good afterwards.  I was excited about working with agencies and helping them fund their programs in such a way.  Well, on Tuesday they called me and offered me the position!  They weren't planning on doing so until after the first of the year, but they said they were excited about having me!  :)  Although it is a long drive each day to Rock Island and it's more administrative than direct care, but I am actually really excited about this next chapter in my life! 

Christmas is just two short days away!  I'm not so sure where this year went, but I am excited for our five- yes, FIVE- Christmases!  Please pray that it's not too insane and that I remain calm and relaxed.  Sometimes I get anxious and uptight during exciting times.  Also, with snow coming, pray for everyone's safety in their traveling to and from.  God bless!

Unofficially Done

After three and a half years of attending Monmouth College, I am now complete with my Bachelor of Arts degree!  On Tuesday, I will find out my final grades for this semester and I am excited to be entering the 'real' world!  I had an interview this morning at Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging and I really enjoyed the ladies who interviewed me.  I am looking into going into the nonprofit sector and plan on continuing my education to get my Master's Degree in Social Work!  I know it will be a long three years- working full-time, going to school part-time, and being a family woman.  But it is important for me to complete my Master's Degree and will really put me in the next income bracket and make me more satisfied with myself!  I am excited for this next chapter in my life, although worried and nervous also.  Please pray that God continues to provide and watch over Travis and I.