A Review of the Past 5 Months Before Starting A New Life

The 6 months that have past since my last post have been wonderful and packed full of many things. I experienced:

-The hardest semester of my college career: Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Spanish 2 (2 years after taking Spanish 1), Great Books: Ancient and Medieval, Religious Thought 2, Women in the Bible, and Hebrews. The first 3 classes just about did me in with all the work and studying involved.
-Many wonderful Bible studies and marriage studies with Paul
- Dress fittings with Mrs. Moyer; Gift registering; Invitation-making and sending; pre-marriage counseling with the McNabbs; bridal showers from South Livingston and my congregation here in AR; etc.
-Fun times with girls like Ashley Ray, Rachel Connelly, Holly Gilbreath, Christina Hubbart, Allison Konrad, Holly Adkisson
-Some enjoyable times shopping and chatting about wedding plans, marriage, and girly stuff with Jenny Diestelkamp.
- Many wonderful times both inside and outside of worship services with the amazing people that make up the South Livingston congregation. Some of the best memories are those of monthly Bible studies with about 8 other women from the congregation at one of their homes. I gained much from the chance to learn from women older than me, and also from the experience of getting to lead an adult study for the first time.
-Finding out where I was going to live and work after getting married. Paul agreed to work with a congregation in Pekin, Illinois (just south of Peoria).
- Lots of traveling.
- A crazy, busy, awesome spring break. We went to Indiana to see Paul’s family before heading to Illinois. He preached in Pekin on Sunday and I got to meet the congregation and see my future home (house is provided by church). We spent Monday furniture shopping and moving our purchases into the house with the help of some of the brethren. Then we left on Tuesday to go to Arkansas, where we spent time with my family and packed up as much of my room as we could so it’d be ready at the beginning of May. On Friday we went to TN and met up with the lady who is hosting the wedding at her house, hung out with my matron of honor Kristen and did some shopping and wedding planning, and met up with the friend who will be making my cake. We stayed the night at some friends’ house and then headed to Florida the next morning.
-A crazy, “it flew by so fast I didn’t even know it was happening” finals and graduation week. Was glad that my parents were there all week to help. Got emotional at graduation, but not as emotional or hard as it would have been if I’d graduated with my original class last year. Had a rough time saying goodbye to our family at South Livingston.
-Left FC at 2pm on Friday with Paul’s car and a uhaul trailer and drove till 6am to get to Arkansas. Took a 2 hour nap at my house, and then with my brother’s help, unloaded the uhaul trailer into our carport, took it to Jonesboro and exchanged it for a small uhaul truck, then came back and loaded all of my bedroom furniture (minus the bed) into it, ate lunch, and loaded my boxes. Then took a 5 hour nap. Spent time with family that evening. Then left for Illinois on Sunday morning. Stopped in Missouri for church services, and kept driving till we got to Pekin for evening services. The congregation helped us unload the uhaul truck into our house after the service. I was up there for a few more days, staying at the house of some friends from the congregation and helping Paul unpack boxes and buy things for the house. Then my dad came up to see the house and meet the congregation on Wednesday, then drove me back home to AR on Thursday.
-Enjoying the last few weeks at home with my family and getting ready for the wedding.
-Going up to Illinois this past weekend with my mom for one last trip to bring a carload of more presents and the rest of my belongings. She helped me and Paul unpack the things and put them away. The three of us also attended the lovely wedding of Nathan and Jenny Combs. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever been to, and it was really nice to see so many friends and relatives. It was almost a mini-family reunion, and mom and I were excited to see a lot of relatives we don’t often get to see. Mom and I left on Sunday afternoon after morning services and lunch, and got back to Arkansas late that night after some scary stormy driving.

-In spite of all the crazy traveling and business, it is nice to know that Paul is already moved into our new home and has started his work with the congregation there. Almost everything is unpacked and set up. We're already familiar with the town, the congregation, and have even met several of our neighbors. This is a huge blessing and will make the adjustment a little easier.

My family and I will be leaving early Thursday morning to go to TN, and Paul and his family, as well as all of our attendants, should also be arriving on Thursday as well. The wedding is on Saturday at noon, and hopefully the weather forecast will stay positive. Paul and I will be honeymooning in Nashville for 3 days after that, and then heading back up to Illinois. I’d appreciate your prayers for safe travels, good health, and our marriage in general :).
  • snoopy
    *sigh* that sounds wonderful! I'm so excited for you!!
    by snoopy at 06/01/09 11:11AM
  • jenuso
    I didn't think they were, but I will ask that you be invited. :-)
    by jenuso at 06/05/09 6:17AM
  • kristindoula
    OK, I just read that you are going to be working in Pekin! I grew up in the Peoria area! Born and raised! All my family is still there and worships at Paris Ave. :-) Small world! What is your last name? (BTW, I take it you recently got married...congrats!)
    by kristindoula at 06/13/09 7:27PM
  • kristindoula
    Regarding the insurance...what I meant was that it pays 100% of the visits I'm doing with the CNM/OB. I'm doing dual-care ~ most of my prenatal care with my homebirth midwives, but a few visits thrown in with a CNM, and one visit with the OB, in order to have back-up in place just in case I would have a need for transfer of care, and for any needs I might have, such as the bloodwork I had done.

    IF we are to get our insurance company to pay *anything* (reimburse us) for the homebirth, it's going to be after a long, drawn-out fight on our part. They won't pay for sure if we don't appeal it, but this time we plan to do all we can to persuade them, since we are saving them SO much money going this route. I think you made a wise decision about the maternity rider. Paying that kind of premium per month for something you know you won't use just doesn't make good sense, huh? Sometimes I feel that way about our insurance in general, because we just really NEVER use it. We never go to the doctor (unless you count my chiropractor...and now just these few prenatal visits I've chosen to do with the CNM this time)...but as soon as got rid of our insurance, we would probably have some major medical need...so we pay our monthly premium "just in case." At least right now, we have a GREAT plan, so 100% of anything we do use (like chiropractic) is covered.
    by kristindoula at 06/13/09 8:38PM
  • dear2deer
    Hi! We are from Peoria as well and attend Paris Ave. I hope you are getting settled in ok and Congratulations on being married. We will have to get together soon. Some of us just started a Marriage Enrichment class a couple nights ago. We meet every other Friday night at someone's home. Maybe you and your husband could come sometime. It's only five sessions long.
    by dear2deer at 06/14/09 7:51AM
  • dear2deer
    I saw you knew the Mosburg's. Jena watched our girls Friday for us when we went to the class. They are a great family!
    by dear2deer at 06/14/09 7:54AM
  • dear2deer
    The next class (Friday June 26th) is titled Love, Honor and Cherish. We will be focusing on the husband's responsibility in marriage. It will be at our house in Peoria. Our email is edwards9976@sbcglobal.net. Email me and I'll send you the address. My name is Rachel. I look forward to meeting you both as well.
    by dear2deer at 06/14/09 1:36PM
  • kristindoula
    Yes, that was my Green family that had him for Thanksgiving one year (can't remember if it was last year or another year). :-)

    I hear ya on the medical stuff. We're the same way.
    by kristindoula at 06/14/09 2:59PM
  • smallgreenbug
    Oh I deffinately didn't sleep any before my wedding. But, we took all of our pictures except for the ones with Christopher and I and with our families before the ceremony, so that probably helped a lot. I walked down the ailse at 10:30 in the morning, so we had to be at the wedding hall at 8:00 in the morning to do pictures, which means I had to be awake even earlier (I think I got up around 4:30, just to make sure all of my girls got everything done in time). But besides the things that I mentioned, I think I had a PERFECT day and wouldn't really change anything big about it. I think one of my favorite parts was that we had each of the groomsmen do a little reading, which made it very meaningful for everyone involved and very unlike a traditional ceremony.
    by smallgreenbug at 06/17/09 4:09PM
  • smallgreenbug
    Amanda Nash also walked at 10:30, but hers was on a friday, which is what I also wanted but then my family freaked out about it so I moved it to a saturday.
    by smallgreenbug at 06/17/09 5:29PM
  • stitchinmom
    Hi, Alice! This Jonna and I met you at the Edwards house. I'm glad you came to the class, I thought it was a really good one. I hope to see you again!
    by stitchinmom at 06/26/09 10:18PM
  • redtop
    Hi, Alice! This is Olivia. It was really great to meet you and Paul on Friday night. Hope to see you again soon!
    by redtop at 06/27/09 4:58PM
  • lightbringer
    I don't know if Paul told you, but I have some time in between when I leave work and school that I'll be able to come over:) Jeffrey decided to torment me with details about your dessert; it sounds awesome (sigh)....
    by lightbringer at 07/15/09 4:13PM
  • smallgreenbug
    The epidural was amazing, and I didn't think the pitocin was all that bad (of course I really don't have anything to compare it to). And throughout everything, the nurses kept saying that Elijah was happy and doing well (he continued to respond very well during all of the treatment). Thanks so much for keeping us in mind.
    by smallgreenbug at 08/12/09 9:14AM
  • jjorangeswirl
    Psalm 108, sorry i left that out!
    by jjorangeswirl at 11/19/09 2:59PM
  • onelittlecandle
    Hmm, sounds interesting! I haven't tried the apple vinegar myself, but Jarret had. It helped temporarily, but then the stuffiness all came back. I'm kind of afraid it'll take my breath away and/or irritate my throat if I try it.
    by onelittlecandle at 01/18/10 8:31PM
  • worker_at_home
    hey, i miss you. 8) you need to come for a visit!
    by worker_at_home at 01/28/10 11:07PM
  • slave_of_jesus_jdb
    Nice use of the semi-colon! I wonder if I'll ever figure it out...
    by slave_of_jesus_jdb at 02/15/10 9:15AM
  • bonnielass
    Thanks, I'm excited, I'll have to admit that I wanted to wait to have children, but that God had different plans in mind for us and that I'm sure it'll work out for the best. How are things going for you and your hubby?
    by bonnielass at 03/01/10 6:05PM
  • worker_at_home
    Hey, sweet niece! Have a fun visit this weekend. I'm so excited that you can all visit together..............enjoy it!! Give hugs for me!! And keep one for yourself!!
    by worker_at_home at 03/13/10 12:02AM

Winter Break

This past winter break was the most awesome I had ever had.

Me, Paul, and Melissa drove up to Arkansas together, making a detour to see Kristen (one of my best friends and matron of honor) and her husband. She's been insisting on meeting the fiance for quite a while now :P. We stayed at their house for the night and got to stay up late talking and catching up.

We got to Arkansas the next day, shortly before Paul's family arrived from Indiana. Our parents got to have a reunion (they knew each other back in college) and it was fun to hear them get reacquainted and share old college memories. They stayed in AR for a few days before heading back up to Indiana with Melissa. Paul got to preach at my congregation on Sunday evening. He had preached there before, to fill in for my dad, so my dad got to hear him preach for the first time.

Paul stayed at my house for the next 5 days. We got iced/snowed in for a couple of days with my family and got to go "skating" on our own personal ice rink on our driveway. We had planned to go up to Illinois for Paul to meet with a church up there who is considering taking him on as a full-time preacher; however, due to the intensity of the weather and ice up there, they decided it'd be better for us not to travel since they might cancel services anyway. So instead, we headed to Indiana to surprise Paul's family, since the weather and road conditions were good for their area. We stayed with them for about 4 days. We got a lot of good food, got to watch several movies and play a whole lot of card and board games. I also got to experience -15 wind chill for the first time in my life. I was pretty excited to finally experience real northern cold, even if they only had a snow shower and some ice while I was there :P. We celebrated Christmas with them early by opening presents and having a huge Christmas lunch on New Year's Eve, before leaving to get back to AR that night.

We got to spend an awesome Christmas day with my family filled with food, presents, raking leaves, and singing hymns together before bed. Then Paul left the next morning to get back to Florida. I spent the last few days home working on putting together our wedding registry and cleaning out/decluttering my room, among other things. My family also hosted a New Year's Eve party for people from church and the party didn't end until 1am! Then the very next morning I got on a plane to come back to Tampa!


Highlights summary if you don't have time to read the above:

Getting to know Paul's family better and start feeling like part of the family :)
Spending 2 out of 3 weeks of the break with Paul
Getting to spend time with Kristen
Getting to see snow/ice covering the ground in AR
First -15 windchill experience
Playing more card and board games in 3 weeks time than in my entire life combined
Getting to celebrate Christmas 2x with both of our families
Great devotions every night with Paul and my family
New Year's Eve party at our house with people from church
Getting ready for our wedding and marriage!

And realizing just how much God has richly blessed me!




How do you sum up 10 exciting, eventful months into one blog?

I don’t know. But here goes.

This past spring, I did my first teaching internship with a Kindergarten class at Lewis Elementary. The school, teacher, and kids were all awesome. However, despite that, I realized during this time that teaching (in the context of a large class in a public school) was not for me. I was miserable and stressed out, more than my other fellow student interns. The idea of going through 2 more internships made me want to puke. I kept thinking, “if I’m doing this badly with an easy class, and a great teacher and school, what’s going to happen when I get placed with a bad teacher or a class with a lot of ADD and ESOL kids?” I still wanted to work with kids, but something like tutoring or being a paraprofessional, which don’t require a B.A. But after spending 4 years in school, I didn’t want to leave without a B.A, and I was determined to still graduate in May 2009. Getting the Liberal Studies degree with components in Psychology and Religious Thought/Church History, along with an (already completed) Elementary Education component was the only way I could do that. I consulted with FC's career advisor and my Elem. Ed. professor before making the decision, along with a lot of thinking and praying. Changing degree paths was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, especially that late in the game, and months after I made the decision I still wondered if I did the right thing. However, I can now say that I know I’m happy with the decision I made, and there’s not really any room for regret now.

The end of spring semester was hard. I was watching all the people left from my freshman class graduate with their B.A.s; so many of my friends were leaving. Jen and Dominic Venuso were moving to Minnesota. My wonderful roommate and friend Laura was moving back to Indianapolis.


This summer, on June 13th and 14th, I had two of the most eventful and exciting days of my life.
They included: driving to TN to go to the last night of a gospel meeting held by my old congregation (with the visiting preacher being a man and his wife who moved away shortly before we did and who were like my second parents for 10 years of my life); driving to Athens, AL to meet up with Paul (who had come up to be a groomsman in Kevin and Karen Markum’s wedding), then leaving him to go to Huntsville to visit one of my best friends for her birthday party, and then while trying to make it back for the wedding, getting so badly lost 2x that I miss the wedding and only make it to the reception; then driving with Paul up to Opryland Hotel to have dinner and walk around the gardens, and getting proposed to in the Cascades atrium in a beautiful spot next to the top of a waterfall, then walking around in a happy state of bliss afterward. I still can't believe I'm marrying such a wonderful man :). I love you.

This fall semester was highlighted by: living on the upper-d floor of the new, wonderful Terrace Hall with Christina Hubbart as my suitemate; getting the traditional cold shower courtesy of christina, Ashley Ray, Rachel Connelly, Holly Gilbreath, Allison Konrad (fellow upper-d floor friends); having fun times with the above-mentioned girls throughout the semester; adjusting to the academic rigors of Liberal Studies and having to learn how to write research papers and essay tests all over again; loving my Liberal Studies classes (especially Social Psych with Dr. Dickey) despite the challenges; getting to spend more time with my future sister-in-law; getting to spend a lot of fun time with my awesome brother Daniel when he flew down for a visit for several days; getting to share in the excitement of Move-in day for the new Boswell Hall and walk through and marvel at it; having marriage studies and Bible studies with Paul every Saturday morning at Lettuce Lake; catching “the plague” and having the worst stomach flu of my life (along with 1/2 of the student body); attending Holli "Cundiff" Curry's wedding; having Thanksgiving in FL with Paul, my grandparents, and other family in the area; getting to use our season passes to Busch Gardens many times and learning to tolerate, and then love, roller coasters; getting engagement photos taken by a wonderful lady in our congregation; teaching the stories in Acts to the Pre-K class at South Livingston every Sunday morning; figuring out date (May 30th 2009) and place (community center in La Vergne, TN), attendants, number of guests, colors, officiant, etc. for the wedding. It’s been a whirlwind.

Post to come later about the best winter break ever :).
  • bibbit18
    that is a really fun and full 10 months
    by bibbit18 at 12/31/08 10:40PM
  • prtbone
    I love you :)
    by prtbone at 01/01/09 12:34PM
  • babyelephant
    Hi! I did not realize you are still in Florida! I guess we'll get to see you at lectures! Have you met my little sister, Caroline Roberts? She lives in Sutton. She and her roomie, Shannon O'Rear are in Lindz's and my old room, 208. Congratulations on the engagement! Do you have a date set?
    by babyelephant at 01/04/09 6:39PM
  • bonnielass
    Wow, sounds like you've been busy, I know how that is! I can't believe there's only a little over a month left before I get married (I'm so excited!) and Melissa Lynn is getting married this Saturday, time passes by fast! Sounds like you have a lot done, I'm excited for you, hope all continues to go well. May 30th is coming just around the corner! How exciting!
    by bonnielass at 01/06/09 10:07PM
  • smallgreenbug
    oh I've had mr. Fannin before, his isn't the class that I am worried about...it's all the other classes with all of the other teachers (I have a different teacher for each class, I just realized that)
    by smallgreenbug at 01/08/09 9:05AM
  • smallgreenbug
    does indeed sound like a busy several months, but when you stretch it out of that long of time, it probably didn't seem busy during
    by smallgreenbug at 01/08/09 9:09AM
  • engelishgentleman
    LOL at your excitement over -15 degree weather!!!
    by engelishgentleman at 01/11/09 11:27PM
  • hmjmom
    Your winter break sounds wonderful! I miss the snow, but not -15 windchill!
    by hmjmom at 01/12/09 5:43AM
  • brownie
    Alice! I was just thinking about you and Paul. Alyssa and I were talking about the time we all stayed at the Stathams. that was so much fun. I miss you boocoos!
    by brownie at 01/12/09 4:42PM
  • babyelephant
    ha! How ironic!
    by babyelephant at 01/14/09 4:55PM
  • bonnielass
    Sounds like you have it all planned out! Hope all continues to go well!
    by bonnielass at 01/14/09 10:31PM
  • bonnielass
    Things are going well, I'm going to go and hopefully tell the rental place about renting chairs by this weekend. I'm going to get flowers for the crousages and bootineers. My bridal shower is this weekend (one of them, the other one I'm not supposed to know about at work, will be in February sometime. One more month, I can't wait! I'm kind of stressed just because I've got a lot going on, school, work, wedding, and Trax (mine and Larry's puppy), so it's stressful, but it's going good, it definitely keeps me busy and on my toes :)
    by bonnielass at 01/14/09 10:36PM
  • ward
    Thanks and thanks. I wasn't sure (and to some degree still am not) how this one was going to go, with some of the classes being a little less structured than I'm used to.
    by ward at 01/15/09 5:06PM
  • bonnielass
    I'm not sure I can juggle all of that either, I'm just kind of going with the flow for right now, and hoping that I can juggle it well! Kris Gardena is doing our pictures (he's Larry's second or third cousin), and he did a few engagement pictures as well. I'm so excited I can't wait, less than a month left, I can't believe it!
    by bonnielass at 01/18/09 8:35PM
  • bonnielass
    Thanks, he is a purebread long haired Chihuahua, when I tell people that, they are like, no way, that's not a chihuahua! It's funny!
    by bonnielass at 01/24/09 10:26PM
  • dominic
    Hey, now that you've used it a while, what do you think of the ESV study bible?
    by dominic at 04/02/09 11:29AM
  • snoopy
    mmm, I don't know what they are doing -- all I know is that they are homeschooling :)
    by snoopy at 04/20/09 10:07PM
  • spacehobbit
    That's alright. I did not go to graduation. I still have grad classes. I wasn't much into the whole end of the year thing this year. Too much to do. Advice for this next month (and life in general): don't panic. From a wise author named Douglas Adams. =) You enjoy the last bit of weeding planning. Don't get overwhelmed b/c you are just going to stress yourself. It's your day. Throw the stresses on someone else to deal with. I can't imaging putting myself through what I see my friends do. I plan on a stress-free wedding, Lord willing. Best of wishes towards you and Paul. Take care and have a good married life.
    by spacehobbit at 05/06/09 9:53PM
  • brownie
    so can I come to your wedding?
    by brownie at 05/18/09 10:50AM
  • brownie
    okay, then I hope to be there on Sat! Love you!
    by brownie at 05/25/09 8:51AM

Final Update and Concerns About Brother

---2/28/08----(Ignore date above; I've drastically changed post)

My brother is out of the hospital and doing much better, although it'll be a while till he's completely back to normal. He's started classes and seems to be doing pretty good, which is great. I'm just worried now that he'll push himself too hard and wear himself down or relapse. He hasn't started working again yet and won't for a few more days, but we're hoping that he can change jobs or do less physically draining work on his current job.

Thank you so much for all the prayers.
  • hmjmom
    You really need to update! :-)
    by hmjmom at 09/29/08 5:59AM
  • cowgirljen
    It's not September, it's October! ;-)

    We will probably keep the house at about 45-50 degrees, so whenever it gets colder than that is about when we will turn on the heat.
    by cowgirljen at 10/01/08 3:51PM
  • pokyribble
    no problem! I don't get to show the dress off very often. :) And I'm glad you like Critter Castaways! I had never seen the show before I started working it, but I love it. You should definitely come see it next time you're at Busch Gardens...maybe I'll be working that day. :)
    by pokyribble at 10/04/08 4:59PM
  • mastermind9879
    Hey Alice, good to hear that your brother is doing well. I hope that you and paul are doing well. Well come to my account sometime.(reminder, i am Jeff, Pauls little bro).
    by mastermind9879 at 10/04/08 6:16PM
  • thepianoman12
    Certainly, Eric and I neither are saying emotion is bad at all...emotionalism is where you do things considered spiritual for that emotional appeal and that feeling you get. I think you probably understand the difference though. Good comment.
    by thepianoman12 at 10/07/08 2:51PM
  • trefe_something
    yeah, usually you would have to take general psych first, but because I/O is an every other spring course, that we HAVE to have to graduate, Mr. Yoho is waving the general psych requirement for me, and I guess whoever else is in the same spot as I am...since we fulfilled our behavioral science credits, just not with psych...
    by trefe_something at 10/27/08 10:15AM
  • mastermind9879
    Don't worry, I'll be at the wedding.
    by mastermind9879 at 11/14/08 3:38PM
  • bonnielass
    You're engaged, Congradulations, when is the wedding?
    by bonnielass at 11/18/08 11:03AM
  • bonnielass
    Awesome, that's exciting! Mine is February 14, 2009, Have you bought your dress yet? How are wedding plans coming?
    by bonnielass at 11/18/08 10:26PM
  • bonnielass
    Thanks for the prayer!
    by bonnielass at 11/18/08 10:27PM
  • slave_of_jesus_jdb
    Fair enough, thanks for saying so ;)
    by slave_of_jesus_jdb at 11/19/08 3:58PM
  • bonnielass
    Sounds like you are on the ball, six months before the wedding is about when Larry and I got our registry stuff done too, you're not behind, don't even worry about that, I always think that way myself, but realize that I have more done than I should have by this time and that there are somethings that you can't do until a couple of months before the wedding.

    I'm registered at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and JCPenneys
    by bonnielass at 11/20/08 11:42AM
  • bonnielass
    You can register at one place or you can register at a couple of different places, how you and your fiance want to do that is up to you.
    by bonnielass at 11/20/08 11:43AM
  • bonnielass
    Awesome, So what kind of colors (or theme) were you thinking of for your alls future place?
    by bonnielass at 11/23/08 11:28AM
  • bonnielass
    Larry and I were leaning towards Black, white, Silver (gray) for the colors for our apartment. With the exception of our bedroom, which will be in Brown and Black, and then the main bathroom, which will be in Bamboo, and tanish brown color
    by bonnielass at 11/23/08 9:54PM
  • waynardferguson
    Glad to hear somebody read it. I was beginning to worry that my comment had once again gone unnoticed.
    I may get to work with him this summer actually. Its all still very tentative right now.
    by waynardferguson at 11/25/08 1:06AM
  • waynardferguson
    It's 11:54. I just got your message and sent you a study guide in your email.
    by waynardferguson at 12/09/08 10:54PM
  • waynardferguson
    The wedding is currently set for December 30th--near the end of this month.
    by waynardferguson at 12/09/08 11:41PM
  • brownie
    I do love the Carpenters!
    by brownie at 12/15/08 9:57PM
  • mastermind9879
    Thanks, and I hope you will have a fun time with us. Say hi to daniel for me. He is quite an awesome guy.
    by mastermind9879 at 12/17/08 7:34PM

Update on Brother (my name will be turning white a lot for next few days)

Guys, please pray for my brother. I am so worried about him right now. He's been sick for the past 2 weeks, and has had to miss school and work. It started out as stomach flu, then he got strep throat (doctor said it was the worst he'd seen in 2 or 3 years), and now they're saying he has severe inflammation and tonsilitis. He may have to go to the hospital.

--------Update-------

This morning they had to take him to the hospital. His temperature was at 103 and his throat was so swollen he had just a slit open to breathe through. They're giving him a strong antibiotic, painkiller, and steroid. He'll probably have to stay 2 or 3 days.

-------------Update-----------------------

In spite of all the medication, he was still in a lot of pain the last time I talked to my parents. His throat has stayed pretty swollen, with very small space to breathe through. His temperature is still pretty high. They are now saying they may have to operate on his tonsils (but not for sure). They're also running a lot of tests, but the results haven't come back yet.

---------Update-----------------
Apparently my brother has mono, and a very severe case of it. I can't fathom this; he's one of the most healthy, energetic people I know. They're keeping him at the hospital until Sunday. However, the good news is that he's starting to feel a lot better and eat more solid foods.

I know a severe case of mono can keep a person down for a couple of weeks or more. Please pray that he can recover as quickly as possible. he's already missed some school, and will miss probably a week more while recovering and could have a hard time catching back up in all of his college classes.

Also please pray that Melissa or anybody in my family hasn't caught the mono. Mono has a long incubation period, and its possible that it could have been passed along, long before he knew he had it.

Major thanks to those of you who have told me on here or in person that you are praying for him.
  • desi
    praying...
    by desi at 02/21/08 7:39PM
  • spacehobbit
    Oh you know I am. Well, he's only missed a week of school, but still, that ain't good. They switched his meds and he said they actually did something for him, but it didn't last too long. Lord willing, he won't have to go to the hospital. Do you understand how badly I want to be up there NOW. *sigh* This stinks. Really. Truely.
    by spacehobbit at 02/21/08 8:26PM
  • onelittlecandle
    I'll keep him in my prayers, Alice.
    by onelittlecandle at 02/21/08 9:38PM
  • trevaesa
    We're praying for your brother and the rest of the family
    by trevaesa at 02/22/08 1:08PM
  • prtbone
    check out his blog on "Command, Example, and Necessary Inference"
    by prtbone at 02/23/08 12:09AM
  • ominie
    Alice, thank you for the comment on my blog. I am thinking about and praying for your brother! May all our requests please the Lord so that He will make everything well again soon!
    by ominie at 02/23/08 12:22AM
  • thearteest
    That's exactly how mine started - fever like the flu, a couple of bouts of strep throat, then, after a third doctor visit, a diagnosis of mono. Fun stuff - especially in the middle of the semester. Will be praying for him - rest will bring recovery :)
    by thearteest at 02/23/08 9:23PM
  • spacehobbit
    hahaha...I just liked how you called it "the mono." lol I got to talk to your mom earlier this evening when she stopped by home. All is going well.
    by spacehobbit at 02/23/08 10:32PM
  • spacehobbit
    I got to talk to him again a little while ago. He is sounding so much better. Lord willing, he will be able to go back to school on Monday. Whoop!
    by spacehobbit at 02/23/08 11:57PM
  • spacehobbit
    Daniel said that the doctor's note said he can go back to school and work on the 25th. He might wait to go back to work just yet, but he is looking forward to going to school tomorrow.
    by spacehobbit at 02/24/08 7:05PM
  • spacehobbit
    ...and what's up with your name turning white now?
    by spacehobbit at 02/24/08 7:17PM
  • spacehobbit
    I just got off of the phone with Daniel and he said that the doctors did tell him to go ahead and wait another week for work. Yesterday was the other way around, my bad. :)
    by spacehobbit at 02/24/08 8:09PM
  • lightbringer
    Thanks; I'm looking forward to getting to know you better, too! I'm so glad we got the same shift on Saturday:)
    by lightbringer at 08/21/08 1:13PM