Well, where did we leave off? Monday, right. I checked off the dreaded mammogram and gynecological visit on Monday, and am thankful for the normal results. Tuesday was my dentist appointment. Oddly enough, this is not something that bothers me. Go figure. The result of that quick visit is that I should rethink the amount of movie theatre popcorn I consume. Enough said. Onward. Wednesday was my yearly visit to the dermatologist. Having had a bout with Basal Cell Skin Cancer a few years ago, I am always a bit anxious for this appointment, although my doctor is the absolute best. She is so patient and thorough with me. I had a list of things I needed reassurance on, and she went through them with me. I did have two small spots taken off, and she feels very strongly that they will be fine, either nothing, a precancerous lesion, or a basal cell. I can deal with that. I am waiting for the results, and am using this time to practice working on sitting with my anxiety, knowing that I will deal with whatever happens in the future, and not allowing it to affect my today. Funny enough, side note here: one of the spots she removed wasn't on my list at all!
So that wrapped up the appointments for the week. Thursday was rainy, gloomy, and cozy here, so Flynn and I did some schoolwork because homeschool knows no bounds. And I did begin the Purge of 2026, starting in our bedroom, where I proceeded to take everything out of my hope chest, feel all the feelings, and promptly put everything back in. After that, I hopped into my unmade bed and took a nap. I will always be real here, my friends. I was beat.
I am free from appointments until next week, so I plan on working around the house to pack, sort, and pitch the items that remain here. Peyton and Chris are always happy to help, and again, I am thankful. Between appointments and clearing the house, we have spent the best time with Peyton and Chris. They have had us over for dinner, games, and movies, and every time I leave their home, I am filled with happiness for the life my second-born has made with her Christopher. If I may be so bold as to offer a little bit of unsolicited advice, pray for your children. Pray that God will bring the person he has chosen for them into their lives in His way, in His time. He will hear you.
Here are some pictures of the happy chaos around here this week. First up: my obligatory photo for Madison, showing her what I was wearing when we went to dinner with my best friend Heather and her husband Dave on Tuesday night.
Always treat yourself after a dreaded medical appointment. It is a rule, I think.
Peyton and Chris had us for dinner on Wednesday after we returned from the dermatologist. She always has everything ready and organized! Steve cooked the hamburgers, and we ate outside of their beautiful home in the most peaceful yard.
Again, I will always be real here. Please note me in this picture with their pup, Tundra. I am wearing another of Rhett's t-shirts from his donate pile because, clearly, I can't pack properly, and Steve's slip-on shoes because I am too lazy to find my own. And I am sporting a lovely bandage right in the middle of my forehead where the doctor removed an annoying spot. So while you mostly see photos of me all ready to go out, know that this is more typical of how I look on a daily basis.
We had hamburgers, homemade macaroni salad, fries, and fresh fruit. All delicious. And then we went inside and played dominoes while a thunderstorm roared outside. Peyton outdid herself again, with a completely homemade ice cream cake for dessert!
It was amazing. And, she kept the rest for another night! The remaining photos are proof that I still enjoy my couch time with the pups. Whenever I have to go out, I look forward to coming home, showering, and putting on my housedress before hitting the couch. Time to relax is not wasted time. I feel very strongly about that.
I apologize for not being around to visit. I will look forward to catching up with you this weekend, my friends. Until then, thank you for the support, kind words, and friendship. I read and reread every comment, and for those of you who have upcoming appointments as well, I am thinking of you. Don't let anxiety of the future steal your joy of today. My therapist's words...not mine! Go, check it off your list, and treat yourself. I am with you in spirit!
Long car rides and waiting rooms are conducive to Pinterest scrolling. Here are a few I saved and would love to share with you before I go.
Ok. I am done!
But...
and
Happy Weekend!
Billie Jo
