Reflecting on 2009

I have been thinking about all I want to write about reflecting on 2009. Who would have ever known the roller coaster ride our family would go on in the course of a year's time. Looking back I see the hand of God in our lives so magnificently!

In January, Scott and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. To celebrate, we were planning and saving for a trip to San Diego to see his brother, sister in law and new baby niece in October. We were so happy and excited about the pending trip!

In January, my parents moved to Shawnee. This was so exciting for us becuase they had tried to sell their "farm" in Pryor for about three years off and on. We were pumped that not only were they moving to Shawnee, but moving directly across the street from us. This was God's amazing work. There were no houses in Shawnee on the market at that time that would meet the needs they were looking for. Little did we know the storm we were about to be in.

Also in January, Scott and I celebrated ten years of being in Shawnee at Immanuel Baptist Church. We love Immanuel. It is such an amazing church family. We were about to experience just how wonderful.

In February, we celebrated Jordan and Scott's birthdays. We were busy with the kids basketball schedules. Scott had been feeling bad for a month or so and began having some strange symptoms. He was having back and neck pain and numbness in his hands and arms. We didn't think much about this because he had hit his head pretty hard over the summer and he had been to the dr and was told he was fine, not to worry, it was probably just a pinched nerve.

In March the kids and I were excited to go to my brothers in Louisiana over Spring Break with my parents. Scott's symptoms were worsening. He went to his regular doctor, after he told Gary, his younger brother who had just finished med school that he could not make a three with his fingers, who ordered an MRI. Gary was doing his first year residency in OKC and met Scott to take a look at it. Little did we know that poor Gary had seen a tumor, but didn't say anything becuase he wanted a trusted friend to look at it.

Now is when our lives just became a tornado. Gary tried calling Scott several times, but could not reach him. When he couldn't reach him, he had Ashlie, my sister in law call me and told me to have Scott call Gary immediately. I knew right then Scott's cancer was back. God had been preparing me. I had even mentioned to my friends in my Bible Study that it was a huge fear that I had. Gary was able to get a friend and collegue to help Scott see a Neurosurgeon within and hour. He read the MRI and said you need to begin radiation immediately. Not tomorrow, today, within the hour. The tumor was wrapped around Scott's spinal cord and was about to cause paralyzation. God was at work again. God put Gary and Ash in OKC the first year of his residency I am sure to help Scott get treatment so quickly. We didn't know what we were dealing with, but began radiation and were given an appointment the next day with the radiation oncologist. Scott's brothers and sister in laws met us in OKC that evening. We were so thankful for them coming.

One of the hardest parts of this whole cancer journey was about to be. We had to go home and tell our children that Scott's cancer was back. I will never forget that night. Jacob, my big tough boy, sat in my lap and sobbed for over an hour. I hope to never experience that again.

The next day, we were not given good news (thank you Jesus the doctor was wrong). He didn't give Scott a good prognosis. He said Seminoma cancer never jumps around and the cancer was in his bones. We also met with Scott's regular doctor who set Scott up to see the chemo oncologist. What a blessing Dr. Toma has been in our lives. When we saw her she said that seminoma cancer can jump the way it did in Scott. There are three cases that she knows of! That is not three in her care, three in the world! Scott's cancer did something only three people are known to have done in the WORLD! Holy Moly! We found out it was stage four, it was in his lymph nodes and in his spleen. Dr. Toma very matter of fact told us no problem. We can cure this. I could have kissed her.

March through June of 2009 are a blur in my mind. Scott had radiation and chemo. Let me tell you about our amazing friends and family. I did not prepare a meal in those nearly four months. EVER! Dinner was brought to our house every night. This helped so much. It was amazing not having to worry about taking care of meals and it helped our budget. Some men from the church and my dad began mowing our lawn. There were not many days that we didn't recieve a note of encouragement from someone. Those meant so much to me. I had my friends support in so many ways. They listened to me, prayed for me, laughed and cried with me. When I felt so down and drained they were there.

In April, Scott had said that he was so glad he hadn't lost his hair yet. Funny, this is what Jordan was most scared of. The next day, I kid you not, the next day, he pulled a huge clump out of his hair. He and our youth minister went that day to shave their heads. Our church staff touched me so deeply. They all shaved their heads to support Scott. That meant the world to me.

In July, Scott finished his chemo. We went to my family reunion and after, the kids left to go with my parents to Alaska. They were gone about five weeks. My parents are amazing. I am so thankful for the time they invest in my kids lives.

Scott and I were able to go to his parents in July. I went to a conference and Scott was able to spend time with his parents. Their love and support through this journey was amazing. I am so thankful for them. While we were there, our sweet baby niece Addison was born in San Diego.

Scott and I were able at the beginning of August to go to Dallas for the weekend. It was so nice to get away together. We did some shopping and saw a movie.

In August we got the kids right before school started. I began teaching prek this year. It was a very bumpy start, but I love my job. The kids are growing up. Jess started eighth grade, her last year at Grove :( Jacob started sixth grade and Jordan fifth grade.

September was great. We continued in our routine through November. In November we heard news that just made us so happy. Scott found out that his cancer is gone. He will not be in remission for five years, but for his cancer to be gone is just amazing. He has some neuropothy left and his neck and back hurt from the cancer eating away the bone, but he is healthy. I am so thankful.

Through this whole journey of this year, as hard as it was, I have felt the presence of God in my life more than ever before. He has been my rock. He gave me strength and peace. Not to say that this wasn't the hardest thing I have ever endured, but my God is faithful and walked with me and carried me through the storm.

The other day I was driving and had the radio on. I heard Third Day, who is probably my favorite group, singing Mountain of God. The words of this chorus just wrap up my year. They are:

Even though the journey's long

And I know the road is hard

Well, the one who's gone before me

He will help me carry on

After all that I've been through

Now I realize the truth

That I must go through the valley

To stand upon the mountain of God

Powerful!

Christmas Break!

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. I have tried so hard to stop and enjoy each moment. My sister in law Ashlie and I were talking today about Jess graduating 8th grade this year. It is so amazing how fast time goes. Just yesterday we were celebrating her first Christmas. Now this is the last before she is in high school. Everyone tells you how fast your kids growing up happens, and they are so right. I want to savor each moment I have with my kids. They will be grown before I know it!

We have had a great time at our performances we have attended. My prek had their performance Tuesday night. They did such a good job! I was worried they would get scared and not sing out, but nope! They sang loud and proud! All three kids band performance was Thursday night. They all did a great job.

Last weekend was our church's performance. I had been sick the whole week before. I missed the Friday night performance, actually I sat in the crowd and listened while Jordan sang in her part. I was able to sing good enough on Saturday and Sunday. It was a beautiful performance. Four of our staff members sang I Have Seen the Light. It was fabulous! They are so talented.

We also had our church staff Christmas Party this last week. I love getting together with the staff. They are so amazing. We are so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful staff.

I have been busy making peanut butter balls and oreo balls. I am also going to try a taco chex mix recipe. I haven't made chex mix in a long time! The kids love it.I was really proud of Jacob this week. He played his guitar for our youth groups praise and worship time. He takes guitar from one of our college students. He has picked it up really fast and enjoys it a lot. We are proud of him!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

We have had a wonderful last week. Jess had a basketball tournament in Agra. I'd never been to Agra before. It was a lot further than I thought it would be. The girls played hard, but lost their first game. They won their second game with Jess throwing one up on the buzzer and making a three pointer! She was so excited!

Jacob is playing on a league team with some friends from school. The same boys he played footbball with. He loves sports. I am so glad, it keeps him busy. His first ball game was Saturday. They played good and had some really poor officiating and lost. It was a very tight game.

Jordan had her Christmas performance at church, The Camel Lot. It was so cute. Scott's brother and sister in law, Don and Kim and their boys came last night to watch it. It was nice to have them see her perform.

Scott has been hunting every spare minute he has. He still has not gotten the "BIG ONE" he is wanting. Yesterday was the last day for rifle season. So he will be hunting with his bow again. He will be starting back to finish the last three semesters of seminary in the middle of January. He will be driving back and forth from Fort Worth every Monday. I will be glad when he is finished. He can only take 6-9 hours a semester toward his 91 hour MDiv. Seems silly that a masters is 91 hours, but that is what is expected so he will do it!

I am staying busy with everyone's activities and doing my side photography. I am really busy right now trying to get everyone's Christmas pics taken and edited. I love that "hobby job".

We had a great time at Thanksgiving with Scott's family and then back to Shawnee with my parents and brother. It is always nice to see everyone. The kids enjoy seeing the cousins on that side a lot! It was really hard/sad not to have Gary, Ashlie and Addison with us. Maybe next year! While in Dewey for Thanksgiving, we celebrated Christmas with Scott's parents and brother's family. The kids all got laptops! They were so excited! Thanks Don and Margie!

I hope everyone is enjoying every minute of the Christmas Season. Take time to remember the reason we celebrate, the birth of our Lord, Christ Jesus!

Thankful Day 14

I am so thankful for the sacrifice that my God made for me by sending Jesus to die on the cross to save me from all my sins. I am so unworthy of His love, yet He loves me. I pray that each of you have a personal relationship with Him. Here are the ABC's of how to have a relationship with you.

* Admit you are a sinner. Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death (everlasting punishment).

No sin is allowed in heaven

*Believe that Jesus died on the cross and that He rose again. His blood was shed to pay for your sins. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

*Choose to trust Jesus alone for the forgiveness of sins. Romans 10:13 Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

John 3:18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

When you believe in Christ you are a Son of God, God forgives you of all your sins. He then promises you a home in heaven forever. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to contact me. Each of you are precious to not only me, but most importantly to Christ!

Thankful Day 13

I am so thankful for my grandparents. Although all have them have passed away, they will have forever left an impact on my. My grandpa Troyer passed away before I was two. He was an avid fisherman and a hard worker. He and my grandma had thirteen children. They were Amish until my dad was around five. He was a carpenter and wanted power tools so they were excommunicated from the Amish church. They then became Mennonite. My grandma Troyer was the biggest picture of sacrifice and giving. She was always baking, gardening, quilting, or watching grandchildren, great grandchildren and even great great grandchildren. She loved the Lord and it showed in everything she did. She loved us and prayed for us. She set such an amazing example of how to live.

My papa and grandma Shafer. Some of my first memories are being with them. My grandma was an amazing seamstress. She could go look at something in the store and go home without a pattern and make it. No one would have ever known it was homemade. She was an amazing cook. My papa Shafer was one of the most influential people in my life. He loved us so much. He was a little rough around the edges, but that never mattered to me. He took me everywhere with him. He let me go to work with him and to go to "town". He took me everyday we were together to get breakfast. They didn't have much, but they gave so much to me. I am a better person because of his influence on me. He used to always joke with me. He would tell me my epidermis was showing. Or that I had garmets on. Used to make me so mad. The time I spent with him was amazing.

Thankful Day 12

I am so thankful for my class this year. They are amazing. I have learned many lessons from the kiddos and their parents. I have grown as a person and as a teacher this year because of them! This has been a really hard year. I have had to deal with issues I never dreamed I would face in my classroom. But, those sweet faces make every hardship worth it!

There is never a dull moment in Pre-K. I love that! I love that the kids want to please so much. I love that they love me. I love that they are so eager to learn. I love when they are so eager to learn! I love how they encourage and love each other.

I am so blessed to have my sweet class!

Thankful Day 11

I am so thankful for my girlfriends. I have many many people I am thankful for. I am not going to try to name everyone, for fear of leaving someone out. God has put ladies in my life that I am honored to consider friends! The laughter, support and love each of you give me is amazing. Some I have known for a long time. I love that facebook has reconnected me with old friends. It is so neat to see where everyone is. Some friends are newer, but equally as important. To each friend in my life, thank you for your love, laughter and tears. You each are amazing! Thank your for what you bring to my life!

Thankful Day 10

I am thankful for my and my children's school We are a part of a school that is small, about 400 students from PreK-8th grade. I am thankful that the kids are sheltered from much of the junk that goes on in the world. They are able to keep some innocence and I am forever grateful for that!

The teachers at Grove are amazing. They love teaching and it shows. They take the time to get to know the kids and develop relationships with them. They push our kids academically and the kids amaze me with their test scores.

I consider it an honor to teach at our school. The teachers I work with are amazing people. I call them all friends. I have a Godly principal and superintendant who are so supportive. They guide and direct and are such a help!

I am so thankful for our school and each person who is a part. No job is too small or menial! Each person at our school has a love for kids and it really shows!

oops missed one!

I realized today that I missed blogging yesterday on thankfulness. So, I will do two today.

Thankful Day 9

I am so thankful for our church family. We have been at IBC for almost eleven years now. Seems impossible. We absolutely love IBC. The people there are amazing. They have loved on us and supported all these years!

Our church staff is wonderful. We serve with the most commited and "real" staff I have ever known. Each family lives out their faith. We all love each other and so enjoy being together. Our children are friends as well. We are so blessed to be a part of the staff.

Some of my best friends are involved in our church. Each year our Women's on Missions group sends us to the pastor's wives conference. While there this year we heard so many women talking about how they could not be friends with the ladies in their church because of the backbiting and jealousy. I can not imagine. My friends in the church are what keep me going!

They came together when Scott was rediagnosed this year and set up meals for us for almost three months! They came and continually asked, what can we do to help? I am so blessed.

Some of the men in the church took care of our yard all summer along with my dad. I can not tell you what a blessing this was. Scott was in no condition to take care of our yard. I could have done it, but to be honest, that would have been a stretch for me. People in our church took our children and distracted them while Scott was sick. They gave our kids rides to activities when he was too sick to be left alone.

There were not many days that we did not recieve a card or a prayer gram from someone in the church. I have kept every single one. They meant so much to me.

My church friends also keep me accountable. Thank goodness! I have friends who are honest and true and let me vent and help me keep my emotions and thoughts in check.

Thank you IBC for loving my family. You all are amazing!

Thankful Day 8

I am so thankful for Scott's brothers and their families. Scott's brother Don and his wife Kim and their boys Greer and Grayson live in Norman. They love their family and are very involved in lots of activities to make their children well rounded. They love sports and their church. My kids enjoy spending the time we get to with them. Don and Kim are very dedicated parents. They put their children first in everything they do. They are hard workers at their job and good at it. I am proud of them.

Gary and Ashlie and sweet baby Addison live in San Diego, where they moved in May. We miss them so much. Gary is a radiology resident at USD. Gary and Ashlie are special to us for many reasons. One that I will forvever be grateful for is that Gary helped get everything moving so quickly in March when Scott was rediagnosed with cancer. He answered all our questions and was such a help. Ashlie is such a wonderful mom and such a dear friend. Gary and Ashlie have made family such a priority. I am proud of that! She and Gary love the Lord and seek to serve Him. I don't know what I would do without them!

Thankful Day 7

I am thankful for my brother Rudy. He is an amazing person, who has overcome some major hurdles in his life. I am so proud of him. Rudy is a drug and alchohol recovery counselor in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I wish he lived closer. I really miss him!

Rudy is four years younger than me. I think we about drove my parents crazy growing up with all the fighting we did! Boy did we ever fight. I remember having knock down drag out fights! We were and are very close though!

Rudy loves fishing! Loves is probably not a strong enough word for it! And he is very good at it! He also shares my love for cats. I guess it is hereditary! Rudy is an amazing cook. He loves cooking for us when we are together. And even though I love giving him a hard time about his cooking, I really like it (just not when it sets my mouth on fire bro, easy on the pepper and tobasco!).

Rudy is an amazing uncle. My kids adore him! He is so good with them and he is fun for them to be around. He takes time to play with them and get to know them.

I am so thankful God gave me my brother. Life would be so dull without him!

Thankful Day Six

I am so very thankful for my in laws. They raised Scott to love the Lord. They have loved and been such a help and support in our lives. They give sacrificially to us. Thank you all for all you do for us!

I am thankful that they love our kids. The kids sure enjoy being with them! They are always excited to go to Grandma and Grandpa's and have their good home cooking, especially their breakfasts!

Thankful Day 5

I am so thankful for my parents. When I think of them I think of sacrifice. They are always giving. They moved from their beautiful home in Pryor to live across the street from us (still beautiful, just not all the land, ponds, etc). They go to all our kids activities with a smile. They were a tremendous help to us when Scott had cancer this last year. They took the kids so many times and never complained.

My parents go on these wonderful vacations and take our kids along. They have been many wonderful places like Florida, Alaska, Colorado, oh they have a ball together. I am so amazed at how they love my kids. The kids will have such amazing memories of them as they grow up!

My parents have also been an amazing example of giving to God and their church. They have both been on mission trips and help at church. They both help at Awanna's and have taught Sunday School.

They have rooted me in a love for God, which I am eternally grateful. They had my brother and me in church everytime the doors were open. They instilled Godly morals and values in me. Thank you for being such amazing examples of God's love in my life.

I love you mom and dad so much! I am so thankful for you all!

Thankful Day 4

Today I am thankful for my sweet Jordan girl. Wow, you want to talk about a surprise. Jacob was nine months old when we had the surprise, you are having another baby. I was so uncertain how I could take care of a three year old, an eighteen month old and a newborn at the same time, but guess what? I survived! Jordan has been a joy in our lives since the minute she was born. For the first year or two of her life, she was miss serious. Rarely smiled, but had that look of I am paying attention to everything you are doing and taking this all in look on her face at all times. She was HUGE as a baby! I have this picture of her and all her sweet rolls, I will try to find it and scan it.

Jordan is our happy go lucky, find fun in anything you do kiddo. She smiles now all the time. We laugh when she is playing basketball becuase she always has a smile on her face. We also joke that she could talk to a brick wall!

Jordan is growing into such a Godly young lady. She is such a sweet friend. She never meets a stranger. She is her mamma through and through. Scott teases that she even stands and walks just like me. And, she does.

She is my girlie girl. But she also loves the outdoors! She loves fishing with her Papa!

I am so thankful God put Jordan in our lives!

Thankful...Day 3

I am thankful today for....Jacob! My Sweet boy. When Jess was about 18 months old, we decided we wanted to try to have another baby. Not long after, we found out we were pregnant with Jacob. While I was pregnant with him, we moved to Valdosta, Georgia, where he was born. Jacob was a huge baby! He smiled when he was about four days old. I remember sitting with him in the rocker and he looked right up in my eyes and smiled. I thought it was just gas. But then he did it again. I yelled for my mom, who was staying with us and helping, and she came and he did it again. He has been smiling since. Definately a mamma's boy!

As Jacob has grown, he too has become a Godly young man. He is a friend to all and strives to make sure everyone is included. I am so proud of him about that. He seems to always root for the underdog. He has such a tender heart for little kids. I really see him doing something with children when he grows up.

Jacob wants to be just like his daddy. He loves hunting and fishing. He is an avid sports fan! I am so thankful for my Jake the Snake!

Children

Keeping with my Thankful Theme, today I am thankful for my children. But I am going to take a day for each of them.

So, Jessica Elisabeth Schooler, our very big surprise! We had this five year plan after we got married. hehehe! I wanted to finish school and teach year or two before we had kids. Then I wanted to stay home. God had other plans for us. Jess gave us a big, wonderful surprise! We had been married about nine months when we found out we were pregnant with Jess. She has been such a tremendous blessing in our lives. I was so excited when we found out we were having a girl. She was a great baby. She smiled at everyone, never met a stranger.

As she has grown, she has become such a godly young lady. She amazes me at her strong will (in a good way!). She is so responsible. She is a hard worker. She has only made one B in all her school career, and boy do I have a hard time with that B. It was not a fair B! :( She is a good friend. She is loyal and true! She is a good babysitter to Miss Emily.

I am so thankful for my sweet Jess the Mess!

Thankful (thanks Ash!)

So, my sister in law Ashlie, has inspired me to blog about one thing I am thankful for every day from now until Thanksgiving. So here it goes!

I am so thankful for my husband. The last two years I have been faced with the realization that each day is precious and that we are not guarenteed a tomorrow. Scott is my everything and I love him dearly. Through his whole ordeal with cancer (both times!) he faced it with dignity and grace. He is a godly man. He seeks Christ in all he does. He loves me and our children. He puts us first, even when he would rather be hunting! He keeps his promises. If he tells us he will be somewhere, he will. He doesn't change his plans because something bigger or better has come up. He provides for us and more than that sacrifices for us. And he even gave up his hate for cats and let me have one!!! :) Small and silly, but it meant a lot to me! Thank you for all you do for us babe! I love you bunches and bunches!