Hey everyone! I've decided to switch blog sites, since a lot of people are having problems commenting on this blog. I will keep this site running, but will only blog on my new website. Please continue to follow me, because I love the support! Much love to all of you!
Here is the link: http://trustfaithhope.wordpress.com
God Bless!
Erica Jacobs
Andrew and me
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Goodbye 2013, I will never forget you!
Now that the holidays are over, I actually have time to take a breath and write. This holiday season was just incredible. I have so much to be thankful for that I could just scream! Today I was having a moment of reflection and reminded myself of how blessed I am. Firstly, I have an amazing family. It's getting even better, because I'm marrying into another great family! Secondly, I have found a man who loves me and in return, I love him! Of course there are many more reasons why I am blessed, but I already wrote a blog entry on that! It's interesting, because people always say to me, "I'll bet you are happy to say goodbye to 2013." While it has been a whirlwind year, I've witnessed many miracles and moments of happiness. I was hired for my first job, as a teacher, I was hired in Columbus at an amazing school, Andrew proposed to me in April, and I became closer to God and my family. I also believe that God has healed me, which is definitely a miracle. A year is just a year. It's all about the way you look at things.
I've been off chemo and radiation for more than a month now and I'm feeling much better. I'm taking less naps and working out a little more! My appetite is slowly coming back, but still not back to normal. Also, my hair hasn't started growing in the front yet, but I can handle that. I have my MRI and check up on January 13th. The doctors told me to only take the MRI with a grain of salt, because my brain is still swollen from radiation. The swelling could make it look like the cancer cells have progressed. Basically, this MRI serves as a baseline. I will be sure to update you all on how that goes. Please continue to pray that I continue to heal! You have all been incredible. I can feel all the love and prayers. God bless everyone!
Next, Tarah, Garrett, Andrew, Justin (Garrett's bro), and I explored the Columbus Zoo. Garrett and Justin's amazing Uncle Pat works there and treated us to a fantastic day. First, we saw the giraffes! Fact: Their tongues act as a hand and grab the food like our hands would. It's fascinating! I could have spent the entire day just observing them. Afterwards, we saw ostriches, zebras, gazelle, wildebeests, and the crowned crane. The ostriches were my favorite in this portion of the day! They are really loud and goofy! Next, we were able to see a penguin, a snow leopard, a cheetah, and a fox! The neat thing about the cheetahs is they are raised with a yellow lab. Therefore, the cheetahs exhibit behaviors similar to a dog! After seeing all the animals, we went out to dinner at Liberty Tavern in Powell, Ohio. Let me tell you, it is one of the best meals I've ever eaten. I was in food heaven! Personally, I recommend the scallops and risotto. It was breathtaking! To end our day, Uncle Pat took us back to the zoo and drove us around in a golf cart to see all the beautiful lights. It was really neat. I want to thank Uncle Pat for treating us to a memorable day at the Columbus zoo!
After the Columbus zoo visit, I stayed with Andrew in Columbus until Monday. During that time we bought our wedding bands! We are both really excited about that. One more thing off our checklist and one step closer to being married to my best friend! I can't tell you how I excited I am. Afterwards, we went to my parent's house. We just soaked it all up and really appreciated each other and how God has blessed us with such a strong family. I always turn into a little kid on Christmas morning. My dad went to the extent of writing Andrew and me notes from Santa. It was pretty cute and I think Andrew enjoyed it. It was Andrew's first Christmas at the Jacobs' house. My mom and I made frosted sugar cookies, which were so good. Andrew and my dad even frosted a few. My parents got my sister and me professional digital cameras. We were shocked! Tarah started crying... it was so sweet. Andrew bought me a "Guess" purse, since my last name will soon be Guess. Tarah and Garrett bought me a diamond cross necklace. It is beautiful! In addition, I got a few One Direction gifts, such as a poster, calendar, and the movie. Yes, I do like One Direction and I'm 24 years old. What can I say, I'm a teenager at heart.
On the 28th I had a fantastic day. On my way down to Dayton to see Andrew's family, I stopped in Lima to visit some Perry friends (I lived in Lima last year and taught at Perry). I was even able to see two of my students. They didn't know I'd be there and were pretty surprised. Seeing them really makes me miss teaching. I feel so blessed to have these amazing Perry friends, who have been there for me while I taught with them and during my battle with cancer. Honestly, I could've spent all day just catching up with them; however, my parents and I had to head down to Dayton to see the Guess'! After a delicious dinner with the Guess', my parents had to drive all the way back up to Toledo. Andrew's family really spoils me. I am one lucky girl. Andrew's grandparents gave me this sign that lists what cancer can't take away from you and another one that says, "With God all things are possible." So true! Andrew's mom gave me some cute miracle earrings and a "Believe" pin. Zach and Tanya got us an Olive Garden gift card, which all four of us enjoyed the next day! New Years Eve with the Guess family is always a lot of fun. We went over to their friend's house and celebrated!
Below are two pictures of my Perry peeps! I love you guys!
At the New Years Eve party! Hello 2014!
The other day I met up with two Galloway Ridge teachers. Both ladies are truly inspirational and have dealt with their fair share of obstacles. They are great examples of strength, courage, and hope! Plus, they are extremely kind! Yesterday four out of five of my bridesmaids went bridesmaid dress shopping. My matron of honor is my sister, Tarah. The rest of my bridesmaids are my cousin, Kristen, Zach's girlfriend/my friend, Tanya, and my high school friends Cassie and Ann. Ann lives in California and will be making a trip to Ohio, just for me! I'm so honored! They were amazing, because after only 20 minutes of shopping they all agreed to wear an adorable dress. Now were on the search for reasonably priced yellow high heels.
As for today, I'm cooped up in my house and just relaxing! The snow is coming down hard and I feel lucky to be here with my parents. Actually, I just feel so blessed to be alive. It's been go, go, go in my life and things are starting to feel more normal. As things get back to normal, I have to make more of a conscious effort to keep building my relationship with God. Like I've said before, when things are going good, it is easy to get caught up in life! It's easy to start taking him for granted and forgetting that the only reason we are on Earth is because of him. He has given me a second chance and I intend to do what he has intended me to do. Do I know exactly what my purpose is? Not exactly, but I'm taking that journey one day at a time. All I know is I want to use my time here to do good and tell people how I am getting through this difficult time. It isn't me... it is all God! Through him, I've been given trust, faith, and hope.
A snowman my dad made today and dedicated to my mom, Tarah, and me! Love you, dad!
With all my trust in the Lord,
Erica Jacobs
I've been off chemo and radiation for more than a month now and I'm feeling much better. I'm taking less naps and working out a little more! My appetite is slowly coming back, but still not back to normal. Also, my hair hasn't started growing in the front yet, but I can handle that. I have my MRI and check up on January 13th. The doctors told me to only take the MRI with a grain of salt, because my brain is still swollen from radiation. The swelling could make it look like the cancer cells have progressed. Basically, this MRI serves as a baseline. I will be sure to update you all on how that goes. Please continue to pray that I continue to heal! You have all been incredible. I can feel all the love and prayers. God bless everyone!
Since I've been quite busy, I thought I'd share what I've been spending my time doing!
I'll start with December 14th and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. That weekend we stayed with Tarah and Garrett. Like always, it was a blast. I'm in a heightened state of "Erica" when I'm spending time with the entire entourage. I become an entertainer and I just can't help it. Anyways, despite the bad weather on Saturday, we drove to Cleveland and went to the show. What a performance! My favorite part was by far when they played the electric violin and electric guitars! In my opinion, there was some singing and story telling that I could have done without. Thanks to Andrew Guess we all got to experience something new and spend time with each other.
Next, Tarah, Garrett, Andrew, Justin (Garrett's bro), and I explored the Columbus Zoo. Garrett and Justin's amazing Uncle Pat works there and treated us to a fantastic day. First, we saw the giraffes! Fact: Their tongues act as a hand and grab the food like our hands would. It's fascinating! I could have spent the entire day just observing them. Afterwards, we saw ostriches, zebras, gazelle, wildebeests, and the crowned crane. The ostriches were my favorite in this portion of the day! They are really loud and goofy! Next, we were able to see a penguin, a snow leopard, a cheetah, and a fox! The neat thing about the cheetahs is they are raised with a yellow lab. Therefore, the cheetahs exhibit behaviors similar to a dog! After seeing all the animals, we went out to dinner at Liberty Tavern in Powell, Ohio. Let me tell you, it is one of the best meals I've ever eaten. I was in food heaven! Personally, I recommend the scallops and risotto. It was breathtaking! To end our day, Uncle Pat took us back to the zoo and drove us around in a golf cart to see all the beautiful lights. It was really neat. I want to thank Uncle Pat for treating us to a memorable day at the Columbus zoo!
After the Columbus zoo visit, I stayed with Andrew in Columbus until Monday. During that time we bought our wedding bands! We are both really excited about that. One more thing off our checklist and one step closer to being married to my best friend! I can't tell you how I excited I am. Afterwards, we went to my parent's house. We just soaked it all up and really appreciated each other and how God has blessed us with such a strong family. I always turn into a little kid on Christmas morning. My dad went to the extent of writing Andrew and me notes from Santa. It was pretty cute and I think Andrew enjoyed it. It was Andrew's first Christmas at the Jacobs' house. My mom and I made frosted sugar cookies, which were so good. Andrew and my dad even frosted a few. My parents got my sister and me professional digital cameras. We were shocked! Tarah started crying... it was so sweet. Andrew bought me a "Guess" purse, since my last name will soon be Guess. Tarah and Garrett bought me a diamond cross necklace. It is beautiful! In addition, I got a few One Direction gifts, such as a poster, calendar, and the movie. Yes, I do like One Direction and I'm 24 years old. What can I say, I'm a teenager at heart.
Below are two pictures of my Perry peeps! I love you guys!
At the New Years Eve party! Hello 2014!
The other day I met up with two Galloway Ridge teachers. Both ladies are truly inspirational and have dealt with their fair share of obstacles. They are great examples of strength, courage, and hope! Plus, they are extremely kind! Yesterday four out of five of my bridesmaids went bridesmaid dress shopping. My matron of honor is my sister, Tarah. The rest of my bridesmaids are my cousin, Kristen, Zach's girlfriend/my friend, Tanya, and my high school friends Cassie and Ann. Ann lives in California and will be making a trip to Ohio, just for me! I'm so honored! They were amazing, because after only 20 minutes of shopping they all agreed to wear an adorable dress. Now were on the search for reasonably priced yellow high heels.
As for today, I'm cooped up in my house and just relaxing! The snow is coming down hard and I feel lucky to be here with my parents. Actually, I just feel so blessed to be alive. It's been go, go, go in my life and things are starting to feel more normal. As things get back to normal, I have to make more of a conscious effort to keep building my relationship with God. Like I've said before, when things are going good, it is easy to get caught up in life! It's easy to start taking him for granted and forgetting that the only reason we are on Earth is because of him. He has given me a second chance and I intend to do what he has intended me to do. Do I know exactly what my purpose is? Not exactly, but I'm taking that journey one day at a time. All I know is I want to use my time here to do good and tell people how I am getting through this difficult time. It isn't me... it is all God! Through him, I've been given trust, faith, and hope.
With all my trust in the Lord,
Erica Jacobs
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)