Prayers

My biggest prayer requests are
1. that my energy level stays up as I have been easily tired lately
2. that my throat will stop feeling like I have an elephant stuck in my esophagus
3. that God's provision will be abundant next week for all my family

Thank you all so very much! I have been feeling so much better than last week (an understatement). But, at times I get discouraged at how little I can do without feeling so exhausted. I know that the coming weeks will see great improvement on that end. I also look forward to a time when food sounds good, and not just essential to swallow down for much needed energy.

Jadyn asked me today if I was emailing anyone while I was typing on the computer. I told her yes. She said, "Great! Because the more you email, the more you can win!" Confused at first, I remembered that her school is doing a gift wrap fundraiser and every time you email five people, you get entered in a drawing for prizes. However, you are emailing them the information about buying the gift wrap, not just a friendly hello! (I did not disappoint Jadyn, she thinks she just might win!)

Thanks for listening...
Take care,
Jess

It's ME!

Okay, I am back home:) Not that I don't LOVE my Grandma's, but it brought tears to my eyes to see my three beautiful daughters and husband come running up to me when I was dropped off at home this evening!!

This morning, I was still feeling weak, so I went to Dallas to get IV infusion of liquids/saline. It did the trick, and I felt SO much better afterwards. I was like a new woman. It was such a great turn-around that it cannot be attributed to fluids alone. That is just how great our God is; he does things so great, just so we know it is Him!

I was able to go to see Katelyn's first choir performance tonight which was delightful. I am feeling tired now, but will enjoy my bed and waking up to sounds of giggling (oh, okay sometimes fighting, tired, rushing, always beautiful) girls.

I am going to take it easy for the next few days. It is great to hear of how many of you were taking care of my family in my absence. It is a blessing to know that all our needs are met by such an amazing group of people. Keep your prayers up, I am feeling them every moment, which by the way is my newest mantra, "Thank you God for THIS moment." I have been finding ways all day to say that back to Him. I know I will in the coming days.

I can't wait to share with you the amazing things that have come from when I was physically at the weakest I have ever been. But, right now my soft bed is calling.

Good night, or good morning if you go to bed on-time!
Jess

Feeling Better... Almost

The new meds took effect and today was a vomit-free day (now there's a phrase I never thought I'd have in my vocabulary). Now, Jessa's favorite thing to do when she not feeling well is to take a bath. It just might be her favorite thing when she is feeling well too. One of my favorite lines from Katelyn was "Dad, mom said she was going to take a twenty minute bath, but she's been in there an hour. When do you think she'll be out?" Jessa does indeed enjoy baths. However, apparently baths and dehydration don't mix well and after she took a bath at her grandma's Jess said, " I felt the worst I have ever felt." That was all her grandpa (better know as Popo) needed to hear. Off to the store he went bringing back bullion (which MeeMaw put four of in one cup!), Gatorade, soup, and apple juice. If there is one truth you can say about any McNutt it is that they don't doing anything halfway, especially when doing that something might make Jess feel a little bit better.

I think drinking fluids will help, but Jess will go tomorrow to get hydrated through an IV.

Praise God that all my kids have been picked up from school and dropped off on time. That they have been fed and their teeth have been brushed. That have made it to gymnastics, church, volleyball, and soccer. That they have made it to school with their lunch. Courtesy of Katelyn, their hair has even been done right. Don't we have an awesome God?

The Red Devil

Before this chemo treatment, Jess had told me that one of the chemo medicines was called "Red" and some other names. One of those other names I just found out is called "The Red Devil" and it has been just that for her. She started feeling sick on Saturday and has been throwing up all weekend and into today. She called Dr. Haley today and she called in Jess some new medicines to lessen the side effects. When I brought over the medicines to her she seemed pretty week, but the good news is when got off the phone with her an hour later (she and Bryn are staying at her grandma's) she sounded much better already. I think she has been relieved that God has been taking care of our family while she isn't feeling well (I always think He loves to show His love through other people), but we sure miss her.

Jessica Seeing Red

After doing a week of radiation two weeks ago, Jess started chemo again on Friday. She started on two heavy hitters that she has never been taken before, one of which is better known by its nickname "Red." So on Friday, Jess was literally seeing red though she has been just as optimistic as usual. Her hair is going to fall out again, so this time she is going to get a wig from a place that a friend from church has recommended-- they apparently have wigs that are actually comfortable while still looking good. Bryn has probably been hit the hardest this time although she is only four. She obviously doesn't fully understand what is going on with her mommy, but she definitely has been sensing that something is wrong. Consequently, she has been extremely disobedient lately especially with Jess. At my school, I think God has given me especially wonderful students this year in my classes-- he definitely has a way of making my burden light. If Jess is feeling better this week, I'm sure she'll want to post, but if not I'll keep you up to date. Thank you for being our prayer warriors. One last thing before I go, if you know someone who has been recently diagnosed with cancer here are four things you can do to help: 1.Tell them about www.blogger.com where they can set up a web page like this one. It will be an easy way for them to keep people informed so that they can specifically pray for them. 2. Set up a meals coordinator. This may have been primary reason Jess and I kept our sanity during the first 6 months of her cancer treatment. 3. Mow their lawn. Dealing with cancer can be just like your whole family running a marathon-- it can zap the energy out of the entire household. I am extremely grateful for the godly man who mows our lawn-- without him our lawn would like the African plains. 4.Pray

Finally a bring you a Bryn and Jadyn story. Before Jessa's birthday (she turned 32 on the 18th), I asked the girls what they wanted for her b-day. Jadyn told me we should make her a picture because she said, "Every time I give mom a picture she says that it's wonderful." Bryn told me that we should buy her a dress. She said, "Mommy told me that she wanted a dress just like mine in her size." We ended up getting her sunglasses, a watch, and Scrubs Season 1 and The Closer Season 2 on DVD (her two favorite shows).

Birthday celebration!

Hi there!

I just celebrated my 32nd birthday Tuesday! I am so thankful for another year to play with my precious and beautiful girls, go on trips with my family, celebrate holidays, absolutely love each day with my husband, grow closer to my friends, and so much more!! Some of the girls in our family went to the Gaylord Hotel over the weekend to celebrate. I loved relaxing, having great meals, and spending time together. On my actual birthday, Jadyn (Kinder.) came home from school saying we just had to go to CICi's pizza for dinner--it was a school fundraiser. "It helps give money to the school, Mom!" How could I resist! So, CiCi's it was. It was a great day, too!

A few days ago Bryn and I were driving in the car around lunchtime. Have I mentioned I love having her all to myself for half the week when she is not in school? Being number 3, Bryn usually does not get this one-on-one time. Next year she will be in school full time, so I am relishing this year! Anyway, she asked me what we were eating for dinner. I told her that I did not know, but we would worry about lunch before we worried about dinner. She shot right back, "Mom! Why would I worry about lunch and dinner?" When I tried to explain, it just got funnier, "Mom! First you say to worry about dinner and now not to worry about dinner??"

I should have learned this lesson from Bible Study Fellowship, which is about Matthew this year... "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:31-34

Since I last blogged, I have had a week of radiation to help ease the pain in my clavicle. I think it is helping already. Starting tomorrow, I will start a new chemo regime. I will have one round every three weeks of two drugs: adriamyocin and cytoxan. My doctors have decided hitting it strong will be the best line of attack. Honestly, a few weeks ago, I was not ready. I had been a little down and did not want to go through this crud again. But, last week I have really had a mental and physical shift. I have been feeling a lot better, and have enjoyed being with my family and friends. I have settled into the routine of the girl's school and my job. I guess things have just been getting easier. I feel like I can handle tomorrow and whatever comes after that... But, I really would be lying to myself to think that I don't need your prayers and support more than ever. I do! I also know that although today I feel good, in a few days I will feel crummy. That is when I need you too!

Jake or I will update you on how things are going in the coming days.
Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Jess

Pictures at last!

We had a great time visiting with Jake's family from Maryland a few weeks ago. Jake's dad and step-mom Donna came with Jake's sister Hannah (10). Then Jake's sister Sarah and her husband James came with their now 1 year old Vanessa! Happy birthday Vanessa!


The whole happy family!


James, Sarah and Vanessa!


Katelyn and Bryn giving daddy a huge hug.



Everyone had fun on the carousel; it was Vanessa’s first time!


Jadyn was helping Vanessa everywhere she went...


Katelyn, Jadyn, and Bryn happily climbed atop a huge dino sculpture in front of the science museum.


A lot of the family headed to Incredible Pizza for an indoor day of fun. Jadyn is racking up some serious tickets.


Bryn favorite thing at Incredible Pizza is riding round and round.


Precious baby Vanessa looking through a tunnel at the mall playground.


Bryn (4) looking through the same tunnel.


Bryn (when she was 18 months) looking through another tunnel at the playground; this seems like just weeks ago!


We had the first day of school last week for Jake, Katelyn, Jadyn, and Bryn. They all had a super week. Here are first day of school photos of everyone.


Katelyn's first day of school started with 7th grade volleyball tryouts at 7:00 AM, thus the dark background!


Jadyn, all ready for Kindergarten


Jadyn and her principal (Aunt Sandy) with Bryn too!


Sandy with Jadyn and our wonderful cousins Zander (3rd grade) and Kaylee (1st Grade).


Jadyn with her amazingly awesome Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Maurer.


Jadyn all ready for school at her desk!


We saw my nephew Austin on our way down the hall. He was heading off to 2nd grade. What a wonderful thing it is to have all our family at the same school! Austin is so excited to have seen Bryn in the hall.


Bryn ready for her first day in her Pre-K 4 class. She is so excited about school.


My Grandpa took Bryn to her first day of school as I was having surgery. So, here she is with MeMaw and...



with PoPo!

Katelyn made it on the volleyball team at her school. This is quite an accomplishment as over 120 girls tried out for just 48 positions. To celebrate, we took her and a friend to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Katelyn was thrilled as she has been asking to go for a long time (years!).


Katelyn posing with her friend!


Jadyn and Bryn had a great time too! Princess hats, wands and light up accessories were courtesy of Grandma!


This was their first time to go to Medieval Times. Jadyn and Bryn were in amazement the entire time.



All smile and wide eyes at the sights and sounds below! They also couldn't believe that we got to (had to) eat with our hands for every course.


Jadyn asked me to take pictures of everything. I'll spare you the details, but here is her favorite...a jumping white horse.


The last thing Katelyn and her friend did was sit on the torture chair. They were in big trouble for having so much fun!

I think I am caught up now on photos. Love to you all, and have a happy Labor Day!
Jess