Nothing Taste Like Chicken... Not Even Chicken!

That's it, taste buds are gone. That went alot faster then I anticipated. So, if anyone out there who can't cook had a hankering to make a meal for me... now's the time. I won't know the difference. It all taste like cardboard-flavored chicken.

OOOOPPPS... how did that picture get in here?

Well I'm getting ready to get picked up for my 4th facial. I'm pretty sure I upgraded my package to include the cucumber slices over my eyes. I'm going to have to ask them about that and maybe get a credit on my next visit. I already feel 10 years younger. (So that would make it right about the time I was turning "over-the-hill" and feeling tired all the time.) Oh well, it's still 10 years younger. How many of you can say that right about now?

Uh oh, who's not watcing the clock... I've got to down a cardboard shake and get ready for another face tanning. Bye, bye, now.

June 24 Update

This is Tiffany - Paul's resting a bit today so I thought I'd upload some info. I know you all are concerned about his treatment. Yesterday he had his first radiation in the morning and then 4 hours of doing chemo in the afternoon. Here's some pics -

For the radiation they have fashioned a mask with a teeth guard for his upper teeth and a tongue depressor to try and minimize the radiation to the upper jaw - keep it to the lower jaw and neck. Once on the table and the mask bolted down it only takes about 10 minutes for the actual radiation.

For the chemo they gave him IV anti-nausea and potassium for

hydration - then the chemo. We sat and played cards and laughed in our little chemo cubicle - I think everyone was jealous because so much laughter was coming from our cubicle. Maybe you're not supposed to laugh while you're getting chemo? Here's to breaking all the rules!

Today Paul again had radiation (thank you Aaron for the ride) - he is a bit groggy and his face is very red. He's taking a lot of medication to keep the nausea at bay - we're praying!

That's the scoop - we so appreciate your love and prayers!

Here's Paul during chemo with his laptop and phone - and of course a big grin!

Life Doesn't Get Better Than This

How bad can life be with these kind of pitures? We have some good times amongst all the bad. Laying around at the lake with a bucket of chicken doesn't suck. Hanging around with family on Father's Day aint bad either.

I wrote a song called "Feels Like Rain" a couple of years ago that, I think, descibes how I feel about life. It talks about how aweful we see the rainy days and how we think we can't handle it. But, it's the rainy days that make the sunny days so memorable. It's the water from the rain that washes off all the dirt from the dry, dusty summer days. It's the blood of Christ that washes away our sins, not His smile.

As everyone knows, my situation right now could certainly justify a gloomy outlook on life. But, I always remember the rain. Nobody likes a cloudy day. Nobody especially likes it when the forecast for the next while seems gloomy. I've had a pretty gloomy extended forecast, but I'm not going to hide in a cave until the storm passes. I'm choosing to enjoy the rain. I'm choosing to look the storm in the eye and say "bring it on!", cause I know it can't rain forever. The storm will pass like all storms do.

You may be looking at your life in the midst of rain. Or, you may be enjoying the sun. But, at some point the forecast may say something else... it might "feel like rain". Don't worry... it never rains forever. Just ask God.

Doctor's Orders

That's right... Doctor said I have recover from the surgery and fatten up for chemo. You heard it. He said mandatory fattening up. So that's what we're doing. In fact, the whole family is in on it. What you see here is a Yellow Submarine exclusively at Thanksgiving Point. We go there as a family for every major celebration. First day of school. Last day of school. Birthdays. You name it, we're there celebrating with a giant Yellow Submarine ice cream treat.

This has been one of the best prescriptions I've ever got. So every night is fatten dad up night. Mac & Cheese with extra cheese. Spaghetti with meat balls. Belgium Waffles with syrup and whip cream for lunch. Eight-Egg Cheese Omlettes for breakfast. Life doesn't get better than this. Well, I take that back. I guess if I had a bigger mouth right now that would be nice. Oh well, can't have everything.