Sleepless in Northport

For the third out of four nights, I can't sleep. Trying to determine why I can't sleep has become a nighttime occupation. Tonight, my guess is the medication for bronchitis.
I've been wanting to write about Savannah and Jason's new home but did not want to usurp their announcement. Finally, I think they have decided that the purchase of their new home in the Clear Creek subdivision on HW43 is definite as Savannah has mentioned it in her latest blog. This is the third house that they have looked at in their search. The first two did not go through which is good because this house is more of what they want. It is located on the back side of Carroll Street, and no houses will ever be built behind them as it is wetlands. It is in a neighborhood of young people; children are everywhere. It has four bedrooms and two baths with a separate dining room and a long porch across the back of the house. Most important, it is close to Gran and Coach who can drop by to visit sweet Libby more often!
This past weekend we spent boxing up the kitchen and other breakable objects. These items are now stored in my garage along with the outside stuff from the storage shed and carport. I know. We'll just have to move them again, but this weekend is going to be a busy one for all of us, so we had to get a jump start. Besides moving, Jason and Savannah's basketball team is playing in a weekend tournament; there is a party for Brant and his new fiancee; and the fall festival is at their church. Jason is going to coach by himself while Savannah is helped by members of their Sunday School class. They are so blessed to have such an awesome group of friends in their SS class.
Dennis overdid this weekend and was totally exhausted. He is no longer taking radiation or chemo. The doctors gave him a break to get his energy back. His latest blood work was good, and he will have a scan in a little over a week. The doctors will then determine what further treatment he should have. Savannah and I have already told him that he will do no more lifting, but he will be the loading specialist giving orders. That will be hard for him to do because he has always been in the midst of every move we've made (and there have been many moves!)
Our latest news on Parker is that he will be home for Christmas. The IMB has signed him on for another year, so he is coming home December 22 through January 6. He already has plans to go to Atlanta around New Year's with Jon Wiggin's group of college kids. (Jon was one of his roommates at Mobile and is now Youth/College Minister at Skyland Baptist.) We are excited that he is coming home, and I am glad that he doesn't have to spend another Christmas away from family.

When it rains......

I guess everyone has heard the old saying, "When it rains, it pours." Well, it has been pouring at my house lately. Dennis is still going through radiation and chemo. He should be through with radiation next week. He has been extremely tired and has missed a few days of work in order to rest. Two weeks ago Momma found out that she has fibrosis, and she has been in the hospital for five days after a lung biopsy to see how far the disease had progressed. So, I've been a little stretched between afternoons and nights at the hospital with Momma and trying to find time to be with Dennis and to help him with his work at school. To add to that, I have bronchitis and am not feeling up to par myself. Also, the news is talking about how Americans should be on alert when traveling in Paris. So, we are all somewhat concerned about Parker's safety. Finally, however, the pouring has stopped, and it is back down to a fine mist.
I really need to thank all the friends and family who have stepped up with offers to help me and especially to pray for my family. Prayers can definitely be felt, and this "pouring time" has caused me to reflect on prayer. It is amazing the sense of peace you get from knowing that others are praying for you, and plan on praying more for others everyday. It has caused me to wonder how people who don't have God and prayer manage through "pouring times."
On a more positive note, I get to spend Friday with Libby. I'm taking a day off just so I can spend the day with her. We plan on going shopping, hanging out, and just having fun.