Happy September friends! Now how did that even happen?!
I thought it was time for a life update. This summer has been full of all sorts of things… so this is a snippet of my life, currently.
The lump.
Since this probably caught your attention, I thought I would address it first. A few years ago, I developed a lump on my side (near the bra line). I went to the doctor and he told me there was no need to worry about it. It appeared to be a sebaceous cyst.
This past July, I went to my annual exam with a different doctor. He was immediately concerned about the lump. He said it was too large and hard to be a sebaceous cyst, and he would like the lump to be tested immediately. Regardless of the test results, he would also refer me to a surgeon because he believed it best for the lump to be removed. To make matters worse, because of the size of the lump (it’s bigger than a golf ball), I would most likely have to go under general anesthetic.
Of course, this news sent me reeling. Thoughts of cancer filled me with fear. On top of that, I’ve never had surgery before, and I’m terrified of general anesthetic.
Within a week, I was in for an ultrasound of the lump. It turned out to be a sizeable benign lipoma. Praise God!
So, in a few weeks, I’ll meet with the surgeon, and hopefully, I’ll have more clarity on what’s ahead with the lump removal. In the meantime, I’ll be praying for strength and peace through the remainder of this process.
Celebrating.
Summer is full of birthday celebrations for our family! One particular celebration was a big one: my youngest daughter turned five. We had a wonderful day with her. I know I’m a bit biased, but what a cute little face, hey?!
Fall.
It’s fall! Yay! From the colours on the trees to the sweaters, from pumpkin spice to the crisp air… I adore everything about this season.
I’ve been filling my Fall Pinterest board with ideas and recipes. I look forward to cooking, creating, and crafting. I’m also itching to take out our fall decorations and my Thanksgiving Banner!
I even made a small bucket list to achieve all my fall-inspired dreams this year. You can snag your copy of this download at the end of this post.
Cooking.
With fall comes more activities (extra-curricular and otherwise). I have been testing out all sorts of crockpot recipes. If you have a great standby crockpot recipe, let me know!
Cleaning.
I know spring cleaning is “the thing” but I absolutely LOVE fall cleaning. This past week, I was inspired to start sorting, organizing, and cleaning. We’ve already dropped off one bag of donations!
Every time I clean like this, I ask myself, “How do we get so much stuff (and why?!)?” From now on, I will try to be more mindful of what I bring into the house.
New spaces.
With the cleaning mania, I felt inspired to design new spaces for the girls. My favourite is this quiet reading / learning area which I created in the corner of the living room. Isn’t it sweet?!
Serving.
This summer, I felt strongly compelled to seek out community within my church. I started praying about it and was encouraged by a Christian blogger to ask God to reveal someone to me… and when that happens, to ask them out to coffee.
I prayed this prayer, and within days, I received a message in my email box with the subject line:
“Coffee?”
I kid you not.
The email was from the children’s ministry leader. She wanted to meet me for coffee and see if I was interested in serving in one of the children’s classes.
Friends, no one at my church knows my 20-year history in the child care profession or that I have a diploma in early childhood development. Only God knows, and he called me out of hiding to serve His children.
So, starting this month, I’ll be volunteering twice a month in the grade 3/4 class. I’m excited to see where this new adventure will take me.
Helping.
This summer has presented us with opportunities to help those in need. As I shared recently, we donated school supplies to needy children, but my girls also participated in a city-wide lemonade stand fundraiser for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Their little stand raised a little over $126, and we found out that all the stands together raised over $50,000! How awesome!
Teaching.
I teach the girls year-round, but for the month of September, I’m adding extra learning activities to my youngest daughter’s program plan. In fact, I scheduled and shared all of our plans for September. Check it out if you have a chance!
Watching.
This summer, my husband and I binge-watched the Netflix Series Stranger Things.
Oh. My. Goodness.
I could not get enough of that show’s retro ’80s feel. It was awesome, and I can’t wait to watch the next season.
I’m also patiently awaiting the new Gilmore Girls. I know I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating… I love that show!
Well, that’s most of the news. What’s happening in your life lately?
Do you love bucket lists?! Download this cute Fall Bucket List print and start crossing things off your list!
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Saying some extra prayers now for you with surgery and just so glad that it isn’t cancerous. Got my fingers truly crossed for a quick, painless and easy recovery, as well now. Hugs and am thinking of you. Thanks for the update here <3 xoxo
Thank you for the prayers Janine. I pray the surgery and recovery goes well too.
It’s a full season for you. Happy birthday to your little one! Also said a prayer about your doctor’s appointment to figure out what the lump is.
I appreciate the prayers Sarah Jean. I pray it goes smoothly… and thank you for the birthday wishes for my daughter.
You sure did get my attention with that lump and I’m happy to hear that it’s benign. I was scared about a year ago and went and got a mammogram because of the same reason. Turns out it wasn’t cancer either but it’s always a good idea to get tested. BTW you’re not biased at all. That is a beautiful face and happy 5th birthday to her. Being 5 only happens once in a lifetime and sounds like you all had a great time. Here’s a beautiful week ahead and I’ll be praying that everything goes well at your appointment.
Thanks for the kind words and prayers Amanda.
We had a wonderful 5th birthday – I still can hardly believe that my youngest is five! It seems like such a big milestone.
Jennifer, I’m so glad that your lump turned out to be benign, and I pray that you’ll feel calm as you undergo your procedure. (I just had a similar situation and had the stitches removed today, as a matter of fact. All is well on my end, too!)
Can I tell you how much I love fall, too? I. LOVE. FALL. Everything about it — the weather, the crispness, the pumpkin everything! I smile because, like you, I also tackle cleaning in the fall with renewed vigor. (Summer invites many things, but cleaning the house rigorously is not one of them.)
And Survivor will start relatively soon, right???
Glad to hear all is well with you too Robin!
We are such kindred spirits… fall cleaning is my thing! It makes more sense too — you’re getting ready to hibernate for winter. Whereas in the spring, who wants to clean? You want to get out and enjoy the warm weather after the long winter. lol
Can’t wait for Survivor. I really miss it in the summer!
So so relieved about the lump! Thanks for the good news there!
And happy five to cutie!
I absolutely love Stranger Things and Gilmore Girls, so we’re compatible there!
As for fall, gosh, I love it. Even seeing planting tulip bulbs sends my mind reeling because on the other side of fall and winter, is a spring, in which tulips will grow. Can you tell I’m such a summer person?
Fall is glorious, though. Just glorious here.
Well we have all sorts of things in common don’t we. Fall is just so spectacular. I adore the colours of the season. Summer is swell but oh – fall how I love it!
Oooo, having a lump is a bit scary. I’m glad it’s not a bigger deal than it is, though I send you many many well wishes and thoughts for your surgery.
On another note, it sounds like you have many fun things on the horizon for Fall and I look forward to seeing your creations on the blog! :)
Ah, Jennifer, so many things near and dear to my heart in this post! Am listening to the “Holy…” link as I type. I’ll always be grateful to that song, because 20+ years ago, I sang a Steve Green version of it in church, and a cute law student told me afterwards he liked my song. It was love at first conversation! When our worship team led this same song a few weeks ago, Mr. Law-Student-Turned-My-Husband said, “You know it was exactly 23 years ago when you sang that song in this very church and I fell in love with you.” (Insert sappy, happy sigh.) Also, I was JUST thinking about that fabulous Thanksgiving banner, which I made last year thanks to your tutelage and cannot wait to get out this year! Happy fall…stopping by from the #ShineBlogHop! ;)
That is wonderful that your lump didn’t turn out to be a problem!
What a fun fall bucket list! I have “have a baby” on my list for this fall, but I should try to get in a few fun fall events before I get too tired to do anything. :)
Happy Fall Jennifer! I will send you prayers and strength for your surgery. Finding a lump is always scary. Congrats and Happy Birthday to your little one! One of our favourite activities in the fall is the Edmonton Corn Maze and jumping in a big old pile of leaves.
Oh God thanks that is nothing ‘big’ hope you will be alright now:)
#SHINEbloghop
Well thank GOD that lump is not cancer! I held my breath until I read through that one…
I love that song- definitely a favorite of mine too! <3
You are SO on the ball- always. I'm just amazed at all you do Jennifer! I mean, just look at all you accomplish and oh that God story got me in the gut. *Only God knows* I just can't smile any harder knowing how He is taking such good care of you, my friend. The pre-school ministry sounds PERFECT! And surgery will be okay, my friend. I know it seems terrifying, and it may shoot your anxiety through the roof- but GOD'S GOT THIS.
Rest in that, okay? And coming from someone who's done the A a few times- it's no biggie at all. Just think of it as a much needed NAP. :) The month before my big surgery, my little kids (then 3 and 6) knew "Mommy was going to take a 7 hour nap and she couldn't WAIT to go to the hospital for it." I kid you not, I literally told them that every day- and MEANT IT! My daughter had been SO sick for weeks, with this horrible virus that trigger her asthma out of control, so I hadn't slept at all- like the entire month. I was a hot mess. So being knocked out? YES PLEASE! Waking up was ahem, no fun. BUT THE NAP! Oh yes. :)
I love fall too… but I always really struggle with letting go of summer. Sigh…
Oh Jennifer I’m so sorry I missed this post!
I’m so glad the lump is being removed, for your safety. I know it’s nerve wracking but you will do great.
I hope you enjoy volunteering in the classroom! What a fun experience!
Thanks for the kind words of encouragement Tiffany. I’m delighted that I don’t have to go under for the lump removal. What a relief!
I’m already enjoying my volunteer position. It’s awesome!