A Proverbs 31 Woman

As some may know, today has been a busy day for the Swanger family. It has been a day of waiting and doctors and anticipation.

Some of you may know that my Mother-in-law, Linda Swanger, was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer. She decided on a lumpectomy and underwent that surgery today. The surgery appears to have went very well and we are now waiting on pathology results. They did take lymph nodes for testing and those will also be on the pathology report. She is currently at home resting. At this stage, things appear to be as positive as they can be and now we are praying and waiting for good pathology reports.

I want to thank those who have sent her encouraging notes and calls and have kept her and the family in your prayers. I wanted to give a quick update on the surgery, but I also wanted to share with you some thoughts.

When I first met Linda, My exact words to my then boyfriend/now husband, was "Your mom hates me! She said nothing to me!!" He reassured me that that was only her quiet nature. As years passed, I learned very quickly that he was right. Once I became a part of her life, there weren't many "quiet" moments. Her laugh is loud, hilarious, and contagious! Her personality is sweet and caring, especially towards her family and those she loves. And above all else, her spirit is faithful and willing. Willing to take any challenge that comes her way, and believe me, she has had many. She always takes the bull by the horn and her heart is always striving to do what is right. I know that many of you have known her much longer than I have and you know this very person that I am telling you about. 

When I married Josh, I was going through many things within my own family. There were voids that I wanted so desperately to fill. Please don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my in-laws, but I will never have the relationship with Linda that she has with her children, Josh and Britney. There are things as their mother and as a family that they experienced that I can never understand. I can say, however, ever since Linda entered my life, she filled a void for me with a relationship that I had waited a very long time for. I would like to think that while I am not her birth child and may can not have the relationship with her that they have, we have our own special relationship that no one else can have. She teaches me so much about not only being a mother and friend, but about being a christian. Please believe me when I tell you that the faithful woman that you see at church is the same faithful Christian woman you will find throughout the week. Just ask those she's close to and works with. 

No one expects to get cancer. It will never happen to you or your family, right? Well, no. With every cancer diagnosis, I can understand depression, anxiety, fear, anger, etc. While I'm sure Linda has experienced these feelings, her main goal has remained to help any others that she can and to continue to pursue Christ. How amazing?! As I drove to the hospital this morning, I listened to a Christian radio station. (If you don't, I would highly recommend it) Song after song spoke of having no fear for we have already won the fight, or "I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind", or "We were meant to be courageous." It brought tears to my eyes. We know that no matter what happens in this life, we have won the fight. We will live eternally. What confidence! What a thought to remember during tough times.

I just wanted you all to know what an example my sweet Mother in law is and what a blessing she is. (Many of you already know that) Often times, I think of Proverbs 31 when I think of her. I can assure you that her family would have many nicer words and experiences to share, but I just wanted you to know my two cents worth :)

She did ask me to post a surgery update on her site, but I thought I would add a little something extra. Please continue to shower her with prayer and encouragement as I'm sure this journey will not be an easy one but it appears to be one that she is determined to make a positive experience in the end. Thank you all so very very much!

Packing for 3 1/2

Long time, no post! Whew! Having a toddler, a job and other responsibilities seem to take up my extra "blogging" time. For now, I'm back. Not only am I back for blogging, but I'm back with a little green olive sized sidekick! Yep.....for those who don't know yet....the Swanger family is growing. (More like mommy's poor tummy) But that's another blog for another day! 

What's on the agenda for today?

 V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

Oh yes, the salty smell of the ocean, the rough sand between your toes, the seafood......yes! BUT In order to get to those things, I have to get my crazy, busy, nutso family in to gear! 

Wouldn't you figure that VBS would be the week before vacation, the vacation forecast would include rain, along with the husband jinxing the travel vehicle and now, 24 hours before we leave, said vehicle is in the shop! Needless to say, this momma is stressed! Nevertheless, we WILL go on vacation. :) So on to packing for a family of 3 1/2. 

I've heard from other packing/traveling mommies some tips of the trade. I've also heard some tips to keep my active, attitude prone toddler busy! Because our vehicle situation has changed, I've decided to make a list of packing must do's for our little family in order to save space. Maybe they'll help someone else and maybe some of you already do these! 

FIRST- Write it down.  Call it pregnancy brain if you want, but if it isn't listed, it isn't packed. And heaven forbid we get to Florida without that favorite shirt! 

SECOND- Lay it out. I try to put it all on the bed and make sure all of my days are accounted for. 

THIRD- Roll it.  Saves on space and saves on wrinkles if you'll roll it up and place it in your bag that way. 

FOURTH- Save space. By that I mean, if you can split the little wampus' stuff up and put it in yours and the hubs bag, do it! Fewer bags to carry later and your hubs may be thanking you. 

OTHERS- some other tips that I've figured out after a few trips......if there will be a washing machine, use it! It may not be appealing to do laundry while on vacation, but your back will thank you for it later when you have a million things to carry up 20 flights :) make a list of things to do before you leave. (Bills to pay, laundry to finish, trash to take out) It will calm the "did we forget something?" thoughts. Next, Do you REALLY need the stroller, pack n play, huge toy, play may, etc?? In our case? NO! Saving space right there. 

Another thing we are doing a LITTLE differently this year, and that's a budget.......well let me explain. Ever gotten home from vacation and said "wow, we spent more than I thought we would. " Yes you have. Don't try to pretend. Unless you have a money tree, you've noticed. Not a bad thing. We could care less what we spend on vacation and won't hold back on anything. This year, all of Mommy's extra cash from the semester is going toward vacation. So, I've made out a little list (yes another one). Nothing strict but just a list of what things we'll need or want to do and how much those will be. That way, I'll have an idea of the cost before we go. 

This will be Carter's first time at the beach as a mobile munchkin. I'm excited to see what he thinks and nervous that he'll be completely unlike his momma and daddy and hate it. A few tips that I've heard work, are a baby pool under the umbrella, sandcastle toys and balls, plenty of snacks, sunscreen, and baby powder (to wipe off all of that sand).

So I'm off to my crazy 24 hours before leaving but would love any toddler/beach tips not listed from other experienced mommies! Wish us luck!