School's Back For the Autumn

When I was younger, I would wait with anticipation for the school supplies to be put out on the shelves. Finally, my mom would take us to pick our stuff out, and I would bring it home and spend the next few weeks stacking it all up, unstacking it, and stacking it up again. I'm not exactly sure what all the stacking did, but I'm sure it was very beneficial in making me the slightly OCD person I am today.

Now that I work in a school, though, I have to admit that this sight strikes fear into my heart.


Okay, maybe fear is a strong word. More like a dull ache that reminds me that I am not a woman of leisure. I love my job, I love working in a school, and I really do like getting up and doing more with my day than watching episodes of Bones and doing laundry. But when this stuff starts popping up at Target it means that summer vacation is almost over. And I do love summer.

I do, however, still get excited about some school supplies. I mean, have you seen the Vera Bradley stuff? Super cute. And you know that if anything is going to get me excited about school it's Vera.

Celebrating

Well, our first anniversary (together, that is) was a success! We made up for all of those lost anniversary dinners by going to 3Forks. Yum. And more yum. Yum with a cherry on top. Well, more like a steak on top. We had a fabulous time, and it was fun going somewhere different. I only took one picture of us the entire night. The rest of the pictures are of the food, which is slightly embarrassing. But, really, are you super surprised? I didn't think so.

Prayer Warriors Needed

Update 2: My dad is out of surgery and doing well. They took out the muscle in his back like they were planning to, but they didn't have to do a skin graft like they thought. So far so good. The surgeon said he had never seen anyone lose as much of their posterior leg before, but it could have been a lot worse! Thank you for the prayers. He will be in ICU for a few days, so I'll let you know how it goes.

Update: They are three hours into the surgery, and so far things are going well. The doctor said they didn't have to take out his fibula after all. BIG PRAISE! They are currently in the "reconstruction" phase where they are taking the muscle from the back, etc. Please keep the prayer coming.

I haven't updated lately about my dad, but tomorrow is finally the big day. He goes into surgery tomorrow to remove the cancer from his leg.

The surgery has been delayed several times now for various reasons, the latest being that a plastic surgeon had to be brought in on the surgery since it will be much more intense than originally thought. Because the chemo and radiation didn't really do what they wanted it to do, the surgery has to be a lot more intensive.

Basically, the doctors are removing the tumor, the muscle around it, and the fibula. As of right now we are hoping the tibia (that other bone in the lower leg) is okay. Doctors will be taking a large muscle out of my dad's back and placing it in the leg to give it some support. This means they will be trying to connect all the blood vessels etc. in the leg to the new muscle. However, since he has had radiation, it will be harder for the new muscle to be accepted by the leg. So, basically, after 24 hours if the muscle hasn't "taken," they will most likely amputate the leg right above the knee.

Please join my family in prayer tomorrow. Specifically:
1. That the cancer cells would be completely removed from my dad's body
2. That the outcome of the surgery is what is best for long-term survival (that the muscle is accepted by the leg only if that is what is best in the long run).
3. That my dad is able to adjust to his new circumstances whatever they may be.
4. That God gets all the glory no matter the outcome.

Thank you so much! I'll keep you updated.

Big Day

This is a very big day for us in the McDonough household. Not only is it our anniversary, but it is our first anniversary to spend together! That's right, every other anniversary Mike has been out of town for church related business.

The funny thing is, I was supposed to be out of town today, and I think he was pretty excited about it. Because then it wouldn't just be him always leaving on our anniversary. But, that didn't work out, so here we are. Having to actually spend our anniversary together. I have to admit that I am not really sure what I am supposed to do...usually I spend the night in front of the television. We do have reservations for dinner tonight, so I am super excited about that!

Happy Anniversary, Mike! I am so thankful that God put you in my life! Frankly, you may just be the only person that could put up with me. And that's what I love about you! Oh, and all that other stuff, too.

The Guac Mobile

Before yesterday I though there was only one very large vehicle designed to look like your favorite food. The Weinermobile. But I was wrong. Last night, I saw the Guac Mobile. Now, I am definitely making that name up, but I thought it had some pizazz. I should probably get a job naming all large vehicles designed to look like giant food. I would be bankin'.

Now, the Guac mobile isn't technically as cool as the Weinermobile, since it has to be pulled around by a truck. But I am an equal opportunity foodist. Plus, the Weinermobile had that whole unfortunate accident recently. Can you imagine sitting on your couch and having the Weinermobile crash through the wall? Somebody better be getting some free bacon for life. And some cold cuts.

Back to the Guac Mobile. I do love some guacamole, so I was super excited that they were at the Rangers game last night. They were outside the gate giving out free guacamole and chips. Heaven in a little paper bowl.

Wholly Guacamole (best name ever) was out at the ballpark for National Hot Dog Day. Obviously the Weinermobile seems the more obvious choice, but they were probably afraid they'd accidentally take out the side of the stadium. So, guacamole it was.

Inside the park, they were passing out free guacamole with every hot dog, which frankly kind of weirded me out. I will eat guacamole on a lot of things. Chips. Hamburgers. Salad. Mashed Potatoes. Waffles. But hot dogs? We have to draw the line somewhere people. What's next? Mustard on fajitas? I think not.