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)

Well, I have decided to start a blog. I love talking so seems pretty fitting. My grandmother used to watch me sleep and would say my mouth always started running before my eyes even opened.
I've decided to call the blog -- The Mitchell Homestead -- I like the sound of homestead as it portrays to me going back to the basics in our home, also I dream of a nice bit of land and a cozy home one day, where we can have lots more animals and room to roam!
Our last name of Mitchell seemed very fitting. First of all it's our name. Second it means, " Gift from God" (which my family is to me)  or also " Who is like God"  (which we need to strive to be). 
So in a sense I want this blog to represent a Homestead that while striving to be like Him is a Gift from God to others .
There will be many things touched on in this blog. As many of you know our journey right now is leading us through cancer. I want to share that journey. But first and foremost I want the blog focus to be on family. So I'll try to keep the balance. I also want to throw out challenges to others to try in their family and be an encouragement. 
Love you all, 
      Robin (mama of the Mitchell Homestead)