Starting from where I left off, a week passed pretty slowly. I tried finding out my results earlier but, of course, they wouldn't tell me until my appointment. As we all know they came back with positive -- I have breast cancer.
That day was one of my hardest - ever. My husband and I came home from my appointment, sat the kids down and broke the news. There was a lot of tears. After a few minutes my 16 yr. old snuck back to his room. I went in a few minutes later, hugged him and just cried. I asked him what he was thinking. He just said "Why?" I couldn't give him an answer. I did respond though with " Only God knows why and He also knows what's best. There could be just one person who comes to know Him through this and that would be worth it. Someone we love might find Jesus. " So that has been my prayer.
God has shown me, He is in control. Curtis knows that too. You see over the last few years we can look back and see His hand all over many aspects of our life. We've had some tough times. That's why it was even harder to tell my older ones who have already been through a lot. We want to shelter them from that. But I firmly believe God is going to use them in  BIG ways and they will be able to look back and see He was preparing them.
One of the ways God shows me He is there is by bringing verses to mind; verses I learned as young as 2 and 3 years old. One particular verse is Proverbs 3:5,6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Many times verses were my encouragement. I encourage you to memorize God's word.
So I throw out my first challenge -- I am challenging families to learn 100 verses this summer. I will try each week to give you some good verses to work on and ways to learn them. This is about 1 a day. Some will have a couple verses together like Proverbs 3:5,6. It doesn't matter if you have kids or how old you are or whether you know the Bible that well or not. Even if you aren't a Christian, I challenge you to try it. It never hurts to excercise our memory skills. Please comment below if you are in. I'm excited about us all doing this together. 
Love,
 Robin ( Mama of the Mitchell Homestead )

We Love the Mitchell Family

Hi everyone! I am a friend of Robin's and have asked her permission to overtake her blog for one post. :) For those of you who know Robin, she is an amazing mother, wife, and friend to so many. She has the gift of compassion and hospitality and always opens her heart and home to others.

Robin recently began her battle with cancer, and her positive attitude is a true testimony to the power of God. I wanted to do something for her family that will show our love and support, so I decided to host an online fundraiser for her.

To help us spread the word about this fundraiser, please post the above banner image as your Facebook header until June 23. Share the link to this blog post with your friends through email, Facebook, and Twitter to help the Mitchell Family.

Here are two ways to participate. First, you can make a DIRECT DONATION to Robin's PayPal account using this email address- robinmitchmom@yahoo.com

Second, you can HAVE FUN SHOPPING at Jamberry for yourself or for unique gifts for a friend of family member. The Mitchell Family will receive 20% of every purchase until June 23! So spread the word to everyone who loves to have beautiful nails.

Jamberry nail wraps are the latest craze in fashion! If you haven't heard about these innovative nail wraps, they are heat and pressure activated vinyl adhesives that last up to two weeks on your fingernails and up to four weeks on your toenails. Yes, you read that correctly ladies! There is also no chipping, smudging or dry time.

Jamberry offers over 300 designs and they are AFFORDABLE.  Don't you love that word? You can do a full manicure or pedicure for less than $4.00!

Jamberry nail wraps are non-toxic, formaldehyde-free, and even safe enough for toddlers. I especially love the Mommy and Me nail wraps- so cute and FUN!

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There are lots of stunning designs for the summer, such as these nail wraps for the 4th of July!

You can create your own nail wraps using the Nail Art Studio. You can use photos, artwork, and your own designs. This mom uploaded her daughter's art work, so her daughter could wear her very own custom designs. So sweet!

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If you have any questions about Jamberry nail wraps, you can visit my site at PrettyNailWraps.com

Enjoy shopping through Robin's fundraising link-   

Make sure to take advantage of Jamberry's Buy 3, Get 1 FREE deal!

Blessings,

Tamara Chilver

     April Fool's Day, a fun day. I always enjoyed playing pranks. My best was wearing my "Yes, I'm pregnant"  shirt to church. Having as many kids as I had people just didn't doubt it. I also posted it on facebook then just didn't respond with April Fools so people kept asking for days. It was great, until a couple weeks later when I found out myself it was true. I guess the joke was on me. 
     Well this year -- the usual, got one of my kids with it in physics class -- of course, he didn't know it was April Fools day so it was easy. Later in that day I had my doctors visit. I'd been seeing doctors a few times. I had a lump, figured it was something still there from nursing. Doctor said she thought that was probably it too. So no worries. It was just for a consult to see the surgeon. He looked things over. Then was washing his hands. I had to open my big mouth and ask him what he thought. I won't forget it -- EVER -- 
     He turned around and faced me and said " Do you really want to know?"
      I replied "Yes"
     "I think you have breast cancer and I think it's spread to the lymph nodes."
     I just sat for a minute. "Is this for real" I thought. "Is he going to say April Fools?" I waited -- it never came. I made my appointment for my biopsy the next day, and of course, left in tears. 
I called my husband when I got to the car. I could tell he was as shocked as me. Was it even possible? I nursed 8 kids. 
     I remember quickly going through emotions: crying, denial, anger. I mean after all who was this guy. Is he a real doctor? He doesn't even know me?I even called my Doctor to find out his credentials. Was she sure she he was a good doctor. 
     I then called my family and told them. My sister April said she kept waiting for me to say April Fools -- and I never did.
     I didn't want to end this post here, but I also didn't want it to be to long. Looking back and seeing how the events happened I know God had me in his hands the whole time. He held me. In the next few posts I'll share I how I went from here to "the peace that passeth all understanding" 
     
     Love you all, 
            Robin (the mama of the Mitchell Homestead)