Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Day 27 - dont worry im alive

So i know i havent written in a couple days, i've been crazy crazy busy and have not had much time at home...i didnt even watch rachael ray today...that means im booked. haha
but tomorrow i will write about my adventures the past couple days
but please...continue to pray for a few things

1. my Grandma Taylor, really not improving, still in ICU, now she has a trache, pray for healing and then also strength for the rest of my family, this is a really rough situation.
2. Seth living in California, pray that he adjusts fine, does not become home sick and is a Light to everyone out there!
3. My eye...and finding out about surgery, i have had a headache the past couple days from it and it is really starting to bug me...
4 Chelsey, a girl i went to school with who is currently undergoing chemo for leukemia

thank you

God Bless YOU!

xoxo

Shelby Elyse ... now known as Shelbulb, Shelyse, or Arrowfoot...

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Day 26 - Soo stoked

Going to see Buddy tonight at the Civic Center!!!

Day 26 - Today's Song

I know they say you can’t go home again
I just had to come back one last time
Ma’am I know you don’t know me from Adam
But these handprints on the front steps are mine

Up those stairs in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
I bet you didn’t know under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

Mama cut out pictures of houses for years
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
Nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama’s dream

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
- Miranda Lambert

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Day 25 - New Project!

So i'm starting an organization called Cupcakes for Cancer ... i'm going to start making cupcakes to benefit cancer research. Profits will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Akron Children's Hospital, Susan G Komen for the Cure, & the Make*A*Wish foundation. I am so excited to be able to do this. I have been praying about it for a very long time, and i know that is going to bring glory to God! My whole life has been one miracle after another, one answered prayer after another, and i have continued to find Beauty in every Battle. (the title of my book i talked about a few weeks ago) I think that by starting an organization like this, i will be playing a part in maybe helping people's lives me saved, and changed. Cancer research gets closer each year to finding cures, and i think it would be absolutely amazing to be able to donate money to help to find those cures. Each foundation that will be recieving money is for a reason... St. Judes in memory of my "lil bro" Ian Franklin Dolman an incredible family friend who lost his battle with brain cancer a few years ago [ i miss ya little buddy, but i know your up in heaven smilin down on me, and eating tons of crab legs!!! ] Akron Children's because they saved my life...twice! Susan G Komen in memory of my favorite teacher ever Mrs. Arnold, and in honor of my friend Corrie's mom who beat breast cancer! & the Make*A*Wish foundation because they bring so much hope to people with little left! I am starting a blog all about that separetely and if you want to get cupcakes...email me at ShelbyElyse07@gmail.com but heres the other blog ....

cupcakesforcancer2011.blogspot.com

ok well thanks for reading my ramblings....

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Day 25 - Favorite Movie Ever

So tonight i watched Sleepless in Seattle...it is my favorite movie probably ever (yesterday my friend Zak's facebook status was of one of the songs from it, and i just couldnt get it off my mind all day...so tonight i watched it) i love that movie and You've Got Mail. Something about the pairing of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan gets me everytime. I have always wanted to name one of my daughters Annie after the character from Sleepless. Or Maggie after his wife who passed away. Ever since i was a little girl and saw the movie for the first time, i have loved Jonah...he is just soo cute...hahah i wonder what he looks like now!
The whole movie just makes you feel better. It was the perfect movie when you have the flu or if its raining, or if your just home alone watching it with your dog. Everything about it is wonderful. And the soundtrack is wonderful!

Favorite quotes: "Do you want me to say that you are really really short for your age and they shouldn't say anything because it would hurt your feelings?" ... haha i love this one because i feel like this is so me ... like i would have someone day that!

"How long have you been standing there" ... "FOREVER!" ... haha i just love when he says this!

"Jessica, this is your father. Tell us where he is, right this minute!" .... i love this cause roger ( my father ) has said this before...like "shelby i am your father" hahaha do typical dad...

‎"so your hearts are like puzzles with missing pieces, and when you get together the puzzles complete" ... i actually wrote a song knda after this quote...thats how much i love it

Favorite Songs from the Soundtrack: Bye Bye Blackbird - Joe Cocker ; Stardust - Nat King Cole ; Make Someone Happy - Jimmy Durante ; When i Fall in Love - Celine Dion & Clive Griffin

well now that all of you think i am absolutely nuts for being so obsessed, lets just end this little post and pretend i didnt just write a whole blog entry about Sleepless in Seattle

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Day 25 - A Prayer Request

So i was born with crossed eyes (aka strabismus) and had 4 corrective surgeries when i was little...well over the past few months my right eye has been crossing in again and its beginning to really bother me and give me headaches. I got new glasses hoping the lenses would correct the problem...but they have not. So monday my mom is calling my pediatric eye surgeon and we're going to schedule an appt. We are not sure if he will decide to do surgery or not. I am worried though. I dont want to be a bother because we have so much other stuff going on that it has been kinda crazy around here, so i've been trying to keep it on the down-low, but it is the last straw, i can't take it anymore...just please pray for me not to be worried, and the doctors knowledge.

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Day 24 - Friends are just sisters from other misters, and brothers from other mothers!

So the past few days have been so so fun!
Lets start with Wednesday...I woke up and made that wonderful pancake breakfast with Simina that you see below, then i ate a couple pancakes, and decided to get ready for the day. Then i went to downtown Hudson with my friend Erin to eat at Aladdins for lunch. There was a CVCA fieldtrip and there were a million Sophomores running around...and of course me and Erin chose a window seat where every person that walked by could bang on the window and say hi to us...the waitress got scared and stayed away for long periods at a time. haha
Then me and Erin went into a few stores and headed back home. Then i drove to my friend Natalie's house and drove with her and my friend Brooke to the Blatchford's for Mama Za! YUMM-O! Then after pizza and salad, we all went to Tommy's for Milkshakes! That was awesome...a long story to go along with that one...but i do not want to embarass anybody so i will not tell it. :) All i can say is that it was one of the funniest things of my life. :)
So thursday, i woke up and ate a Strawberry pop tart and didnt do much, i think i went back to bed for awhile. Then i went to store, talked to my sister, did my devotions and then at night i hung out with mom and dad and watched American Idol & Grey's anatomy! :)
So then Today i just chilled in the morning, then Erin came over to hang out for a little while, then i went to Starbucks with my friend Bri, then i came home and showered and such, then went to Applebees with my friend Steve for dinner...i hadnt seen him since Thanksgiving and that is a long time, so i was excited to catch up! Then i came home, but not for long! I then went to the Root Cafe with Erin and Pete ... that was pretty funny... then we came back to my house and played scrabble. hahaha so friendshipy...
Well i'm not quite sure what tomorrow shall hold for me, but i will be sure to tell you about it!
Oh by the way... Sunday i'm going to CAKE BOSS TOUR! BUDDY ON TOUR! WITH CORRIE! Sooooo STOKED!!! :)

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Friday, March 25, 2011

Day 23 - Pancake Morning!

So a couple days ago Simina came over for Pancakes with her little sister Becca, it was early in the morning and we were very tired...but we decided that taking pictures was probably a good idea anyways! Excuse my morning face...



So This is the nice table i set...



Me and Simina...SO EXCITED...hahahah



Pancake Mix...Organic of Course!



2 Tablespoons of Oil...i am sorry that my eye is crossed...if it scares you i'm even more sorry...i can't help it, it just goes like that, i need surgery probably, but i refuse to get it....hahaha



Simina & Becca...SO CUTE!



Soo we never took a picture of the finished product...so i just picked a picture off google...haha :)


xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Day 22 - A Song

So i've been listening to this song all day long...while it is a little sad, there is something completely intriguing about it and i just absolutely love it!

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a, bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Uh oh, uh oh

Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors, oh and
Life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even grey, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had, just enough time

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a, bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had, just enough time

And I'll be wearing white, when I come into your kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little, cold finger, I've
Never known the lovin' of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand, there's a
Boy here in town who says he'll love me forever,
Who would have thought forever could be severed by
The sharp knife of a short life, well,
I've had, just enough time

So put on your best boys and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell them for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singin'
Funny when you're dead how people start listenin'

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a, bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Uh oh (uh, oh)
The ballad of a dove (uh, oh)
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them, oh

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had, just enough time

So put on your best boys and I'll wear my pearls

- The Band Perry

Day 22 - God's Love NEVER Ceases

So my grandma is still in bad shape and now my Grandpa has been admitted to the hospital for the night...WHEN WILL THIS END!!!!
Stressed but leaning on my Heavely Father
continue to pray

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Day 22 - Continue to Pray...

They have now discovered something wrong with Grandma's liver, or something along those lines, she is very weak, and they are thinking about traching her...please pray!

Day 22- Life can be a rollercoaster

So yesterday my grandma was doing really well and in a regular room and everything...then at 1 in the morning we got a call saying that she was back in ICU and back on the ventilator....I know God is working, but it is still really hard to deal with, i just want her to get better! I hate watching her suffer like this.

So my friend Briana showed me this song a while ago and put it on my facebook this morning again...love it!


To the one who's dreams are falling all apart
And all you're left with is a tired and broken heart
I can tell by your eyes you think your on your own
but you're not all alone

Have you heard of the One who can calm the raging seas
Give sight to the blind, pull the lame up to their feet
With a love so strong he'll never let you go
oh you're not alone


You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
'Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with You always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms

Did you know that the voice that brings the dead to life
Is the very same voice that calls you to rise
So hear Him now He's calling you home
You will never be alone


These are the hands that built the mountains
the hands that calm the seas
These are the arms that hold the heavens
they are holding you and me

These are hands that healed the leper
Pulled the lame up to their feet
These are the arms that were nailed to a cross
to break our chains and set us free

- Safe by Phil Wickham


i'll write more later
xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Day 20 - PRAISE HIM EACH DAY!

Sorry i haven't written in a few days...i've been in columbus with the family.
GRANDMA IS NOW OFF THE VENTILATOR!!! PRAISE GOD!

I gotta get to bed, i'll write more soon!

...but please pray for my brother as he moves to california tomorrow morning!!!

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Friday, March 18, 2011

Day 19 - I bake bake bake

Today my class my cancelled...so i did what most people do on a day off...baked 2 giant loaves of banana bread.
now i am sure most of you are thinking "did shelby just say banana?" Well yes i did! i have discovered that making banana bread is a service of love and that i can handle it. I have a little bit of trouble mashing them up and such, but i didn't even gagg today!
Well...bread is cooling, i'm about to go to the bank & then girls night with my true love Katie Knettel! :)

Day 19 - SMILE

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

- Nat King Cole

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Day 18 - I just wanna sing!


Anyone who knows me, knows that i am a drama queen and i have always wanted to be a performer!
So i found this picture...and im pretty sure it engulfs all of that.
Apparently i had gotten home from a birthday party that was western and i decided i'd rather be a rockstar...

Day 18 - O Praise Him!

So my aunt called and the doctors are saying that they may be able to take Grandma off the ventilator today. THAT IS A PRAISE!
keep praying for healing though, we need the antibiotics to start workin on her little body.
also, keep praying for strength for my grandpa, dad, aunts, uncles, cousins, and the rest of the family. this is gunna be a long road ahead of us.

thank you

xoxo
Shelby Elyse

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Day 17 - He will CARRY me!

I call, You hear me
I've lost it all
And it's more then I can bear
I feel so empty

You're strong, I'm weary
I'm holding on
But I feel like giving in
But still You're with me


And even though I'm walking
Through the valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I've been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me

I know I'm broken
But You alone
Can mend this heart of mine
You're always with me

And even though I'm walking
Through the valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me

And when all hope is gone
And I've been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me
He will carry me


And even though I feel so lonely
Like I have never been before
You never said it would be easy
But You said You'd see me through the storm

And even though I'm walking
Through the valley of the shadow
I will hold tight to the hand of Him
Whose love will comfort me
And when all hope is gone
And I've been wounded in the battle
He is all the strength that I will ever need
He will carry me
He will carry me
He will carry me

This song...has sort of become me and my dad's song...through every trial we face, we are consistently reminding eachother that the LORD will carry us through...even when the times look dark...He is there go guide us with his everlasting light!

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Day 17 - God you are HEALER...Awesome in POWER...

Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

GOD YOU ARE HEALER, AWESOME IN POWER...wow what strong words those are. I believe them with all of my heart.
Lord, please use your power to heal my grandma...we need her with us...at least for a little while longer!

You see, my grandma taylor is the one who inspired me to cook first, she taught me so much, and i never got to say goodbye. Today as i stood at her bedside, i am not sure if she could hear me, but i talked to her. She is very very sick and needs incredible amonts of prayer! KEEP PRAYING!!!

xoxo
Shelby Elyse

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Day 16- I love you Grandma...STAY STRONG!!!



Grandma & Grandpa Taylor and I at my Graduation...STAY STRONG GRANDMA!!!!! YOU CAN FIGHT THIS!

Day 16 - Praying for Grandma



Me and Grandma Taylor at my graduation party! I love you grandma...please keep fighting! you can do this!
Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Day 14 - Best Friends Are The Best

So im about to have a Bachelor Finale Party with my Best Friends...sooo stoked!
I sure hope that Emily wins! She is precious.

Day 15 - A note from my Father...

To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do NOT need your help. So, have a nice day!
I LOVE YOU

P.S. And, Remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do NOT attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD(something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in MY TIME, NOT YOURS.

Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold into it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

Now have a nice day,
Love your KING, God!

Day 15 - Oh the Memories...



I've looked up to him forever...haha no pun intended...



Oh the days when the 3 of us could fit in a twin bed...LOVE THIS!



Vacation in North Carolina...oh the car rides...

Day 16 - 1 Peter 1: 3-9

"In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1: 3-9

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Day 15- A Picture



So on friday i went on a Girls retreat...and i got Sterotyped cause of my big hair....hahaha

Day 15 - The Love of the Lord NEVER Ceases...

So my grandma is doing better...she is still in the ICU and very out of it. My parents came home tonight and so we are all back together again, and still praying she continues to heal.

I am still feeling very overwhelmed with everything.Seth is leaving on the 20th and i continue to feel completely devastated...i often find myself just crying for no reason, and then realize its becuase this week has been 100% overwhelming. I am trying to find the best in the situation, but it seems to be very hard lately

People have often told me that i am one of the happiest people they have ever known...i am trying and praying daily for the strength to continue to do so..

Lamentations 3: 22-24

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Day 14 - No Frowns...Just Smile



Try to look at his face and not smile...

Day 14 - Song

So i'm watching Dear John tonight and i LOVE this song that Amanda Seyfried sings...


I love this place
But it's haunted without you
My tired heart
Is beating so slow

Our hearts sing less than
We wanted, we wanted
Our hearts sing 'cause
We do not know, we do not know

To light the night, to help us grow
To help us grow
It is not said, I always know

You can catch me
Don't you run, don't you run
If you live another day
In this happy little house
The fire's here to stay

To light the night, to help us grow
To help us grow
It is not said, I always know

Please don't make a fuss, it won't go away
The wonder of it all
The wonder that I made
I am here to stay

I am here to stay
Stay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im_ZVNX1QZM

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Day 14 - Flashback

Watching High School Musical with Erin tonight...haha love it...such flashbacks!!!

P.S. keep praying for my grandma...i'm driving to columbus in the morning to be with the rest of the family...she is still not doing well, pray for strength!

Day 14 - prayers

please be praying for my Grandma Taylor...she was rushed to the hospital today....she is so tiny and frail i hate that she is suffering!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Day 13 - wish i was at the beach




This is a picture my best friend took for me...she drew my life verse in the sand...LOVE

Day 13 - a verse

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
- Philippians 4:6-7

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Day 12 - I think its ok to cry

So Seth is for sure moving to California. In 2 weeks. Like i said a few days ago, i couldn't be more proud of him, and i know this is where God wants him, but i am just feeling overwhelmed.
I dont want to cry, because i want to be strong for him, but i find myself just wanting to scream "DONT GO!!!! PLEASE DONT LEAVE ME!!!!" I wish with every ounce of my being that he could just stay in Ohio.
Tonight we talked and he said "shelbs we've conquered being apart, we know we can do it and still be fine..." That i totally agree with, i get it. But the fact is, California is very very far. He lived in South Carolina for a year, and yes that was far, but California, it's like a world away. I am just struggling.
I feel as though i need to just go with the flow, which is not easy for me to do. But i will give it the good old try.
All i know is that the Lord is in control and God is good. That is all i can stand on.
I know also that Seth is going to California for a reason, and though i may not see it right now, i'll understand later.
Ok thats all...wishing i could sleep...but i can't.

xoxo

Shelby Elyse



Dont Mess with the S & S ...

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Day 11: 6 years - the reality of the beauty in the battle

So, today is 6 years since the day of my brain surgery....PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Around the End of January in 2005 I started getting headaches in the back of my head, my mom didn't pay much attention, but then by the end of February, I had one everyday and it would not go away. So on March 1, 2005 my mom took me to the Pediatrician, He thought maybe it was a food allergy, but he decided to do a cat scan just for proticol. (later i found out that my blood pressure was out of this world high and that my eyes didn't look quite right) On March 3, 2005 I went in for a cat scan, they took us to the waiting room, and then there was a phone call for us. It was my pediatrician, he said that my brain was covered in fluid but they couldnt see clearly enough to know why, so they gave me and MRI. I thought nothing of it, just being 13, i wasn't thinking something could be terribly wrong. About 30 minutes later i was taken up to the Neurosurgery department. And within 10 minutes...

I was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor. Everything is a bit foggy from there on out, but i remember just asking "Am i going to die" and "will i be the same..." The Answers, were encouraging! but my life was in a spiral, and i didn't know why at 13 i would have to be going through this., 6 days later i was in surgery, to try to remove it, because it was causing some things not to function right, and it would have killed me eventually, they said that if we would have waited too long, that i would have seizured and died. The Lord must have really talked to my mom, because she had the intuition to take me to the doctor, and the doc knew that it was a little weird, and he knew i needed a cat scan. The Lord was just working!

We were told my surgery would last about 5-8 hours...well they were wrong! I guess i always have to be the center of attention, and have to be a little bit dramatic, because quickly enough 8 hours turned into a whopping 22.5 hours! My poor family had to just sit and wait, the nurses described the process as watching Grass grow, apparetly i had a lot of blood vessels in my little brian! The surgery was Performed by one doctor (Dr. Aldana!) and his team of nurses(Renee and Kelly were my favorites)! We were told that Dr. Aldana drank a few gatorades, ate a sandwhich and went to the bathroom only a handful of times. He is my hero. The man saved my life, it took him almost 24 hours, but the man saved my life!

On March 9, 2005 one surgen at Akron Childrens Hospital saved my life.

I was in the pediatric intensive care unit for a few days, then got moved to the oncology floor. Never fear, it wasn't cause it was cancer, it was because i needed the best care possible! My tumor was shipped off to Johns Hopkins hospital in Boston, and they categorized it as a catagorized as an Oligodendro Glioma-Low grade neoplasm...hahaha say that 5 times fast! We were considering doing radiation for the remaining parts of the tumor, but they decided that i'd been through enough already and that thye would just watch me.

The recovery process was long, again, i only remember little things, because they gave me medicine so i wouldn't remember the trauma. I missed a little over a month of school (mom of course stayed home with me) , and gained alot of weight due to the steroids and such ( that part was not fun! )

I remember the day after i found out that i had a tumor i ended up going to school to visit everyone, and just being in a complete fog, like a nightmare that i couldn’t wake up from… Everyone was talking to me, but i honestly just wanted to be in a uniform that day, and be in class instead of having people tell me how sorry they were for me...

I recieved literally 100’s of cards and e-mails, countless stuffed animals and too many bouquets of flowers and cookies to imagine. My School even had a special spot i the chapel where you could pray for me! Everyone was praying, literally all around the world. It was hard to imagine that my one little tumor in my head, could effect so many people! But through it all, God was my rock, and my parents and brother and sister were my best friends! I would have died without Jesus on my Side
I was terrified to go back to school, because of the embarrassing lack of hair on the top of my head, i remember coming home from my first day and taking a 4 hour nap, just from exhaustion and having to tell the story 100 million times...

I remember a few weeks after my surgery it was easter, and i got permission from the doctors to go to my grandma's house which is a few hours away and i was sooo excited. I also remember getting black and pink converse for easter! haha

Like i said, i really only remember bits and pieces, my mom and dad are the people who really remember that time the best!

But 1 Doctor on March 9, 2005 saved my life, and changed my point of view on life FOREVER!

Now 6 years later, the part of the tumor that is left in my head hasn’t grown! i am feeling great, except for migranes occasionally, and i realize that Life gives you challenges, and you can either face them alone, or rely on God and Family and Friends. We found out this past fall that i never have to go back for another MRI ever...and for that i feel so blessed! They said after 6 years of routine MRI's and no drastic change, i am considered Stable! THE LORD IS GOOD!

My life verse is Psalm 46:5 "God is within her, she will not fall; He will help her at break of day." And i do not think this could be anymore true for my life. I remind myself everyday of this verse, because it reminds me that there is no reason to worry. God is in complete control over me, He will not let anything happen beyond what i can handle!

Through the whole process everyone i know has been there for me. And I thank everyone who prayed for me through the years, and still lift me and my family up everyday...You all are the real hero's in my eyes...the prayer warriors!

xoxo

Shelby Elyse



This was at my Sister's Wedding in January...probably when my tumor started growing the fastest. I wasn't feeling well, even then.



This was the night before the surgery...those little cheerios were what this one special machine hooked up to, to help guide the surgen...i didnt like those little things very much. Or the fact that they shaved some of my head this night. Or the fact that i was as pale as a ghost...hahaha exuse the hair please



This picture is from easter ... a few weeks after surgery. My cousin Kayla begged me to take a picture with her...this is the only picture of me we have from this time...i refused any other camera's. As you can tell...i was already chubbing up from the steroids. hahah :) oh well

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Day 10 - oh brother

The Best Brother EVER!



Day 10 - Wishin & Hopin & Waitin & Prayin

In Philippians 4 it says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." now this is much easier said than done...but i am sure trying my best to do as my Lord commanded! As i mentioned yesterday...the past few days have been some of the most exhausting of my life. Emotionally that is. So you see people, i have an older brother, and his name is Seth. Seth is 7 and 1/2 years older than me, and while some people may say the age gap is too far for us to have a great relationship, i say the age gap is the best thing that's ever happened to us. Seth is my best friend, the best brother that anybody could ever ask for, in a million years. So long story short, yesterday he flew to California to a soccer coaching job interview at California Baptist University...and he got the job. To me this is the ultimate definition of bittersweet.
I know the Lord has amazing plans for Seth, i can see them in action, and i can see that this next step in Seth's journey is 100% the right step in the right diretion for God's plan for him. Now some of you may be thinking. . . then what is the problem?
I do not believe there is a giant problem. . . it is more of a sadness. A sadness that i cannot explain. A sadness that when i think about my big brother, my best friend moving to California, my eyes well up with tears immediately and i have to think of something else to keep myself from having a breakdown. Now, if you dont have a big brother, this is probably harder to understand. And, if you don't know how me and Seth's relationship works, your not going to understand either. I realize that i am a drama queen 95% of my life. . . i know i take things over the top and some people find me ridiculous. But this news, this news was a little too much to handle. I knew in my heart that Sethy would get offered the job. . . but i never in a million years thought that the words i would hear next would be "i'm moving in 2 weeks." WHAT!? 2 WEEKS!!!!!! But that isn't enough time to say goodbye, that isn't enough time for me to cope with all of this. My mind needs time to adjust to new things. . . and 2 weeks is not a long enough time. During those 2 weeks im only gunna see him for 2 days!!! I was planning on going down and hanging out with him over my spring break...so no...this is NOT okay with me. This move is NOT okay. I just am gunna hve to move past it i guess and take hold of what i know is to be true, and that is that God is in control. Last night a wise friend said "Don't worry Shelbs, everything will turn out perfect." Well i sure hope he is right. . . because as of right now . . . i am in full panic mode. All i want to do is sit and cry.
Tonight Sethy asked me to come with him. To go to school out there and live with him. I would love nothing more than to do that. . . but i am not sure if mom and dad would go for it. . . i would even be willing to change my major and go into a whole new profession if it meant that i could go with Seth.
Well i am going to go to sleep now, i am a wreck clearly. Sorry i am CRAZY and emotional...hahaha

xoxo

Shelby Elyse


p.s. Please be praying for a girl i went to highschool with, her name is Chelsey and she was diagnosed with Leukemia today.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Day 9 - Overwhelmed is an Understatement

Today has been an emotionally exhausting day and i am completely overwhelmed...details to come later....prayers would be appreciated though!

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Day 9 - I'll always be a Brown Eyed Girl!

Hey where did we go,
Days when the rains came
Down in the hollow,
Playin' a new game,
Laughing and a running hey, hey
Skipping and a jumping
In the misty morning fog with
Our hearts a thumpin' and you
My brown eyed girl,
You my brown eyed girl.

Whatever happened
To Tuesday and so slow
Going down the old mine
With a transistor radio
Standing in the sunlight laughing,
Hiding behind a rainbow's wall,
Slipping and sliding
All along the water fall, with you
My brown eyed girl,
You my brown eyed girl.

Do you remember when we used to sing,
Sha la la la la la la la la la la te da

So hard to find my way,
Now that I'm all on my own.
I saw you just the other day,
My how you have grown,
Cast my memory back there, Lord
Sometime I'm overcome thinking 'bout
Laughin and a running yeah
Behind the stadium with you
My brown eyed girl
You my brown eyed girl

Do you remember when we used to sing
Sha la la la la la la la la la la te da.

- Van Morrison

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Day 8 - oh malakai james...how i love him!



Try to look at that face and not smile....

Day 8 - Song for today

So i heard this song a few months ago. . . a nashville singer wrote it for a little girl who has cancer. . . i truly fell in love with the song, it is absolutely beautiful, and i just decided to share!

Look at all the angels watching you
They’re singing songs that we have never heard
Their voices ring like bells over the mountains
Oh, if only we could hear their words
God is near, little girl.

Your eyes are brilliant,deep sky blue.
Your quiet wisdom is an evening song.
The angels must be breathless at your beauty
Like the world catches its breath before the dawn.
God is near, little one.

And Jesus bends to hear you breathe;
His tender hands are holding you tonight.
His heart is ravished when you look at Him,
and oh, the endless mercy in His eyes;
God is here, little light.
- Audrey Assad

Day 7 - Just a Quote...

DREAM Until Your Dreams Come TRUE!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Day 7 - I get by with a little help from my friends

Today I woke up and ate a bowl of Kashi Berry Blossoms...it is my new favorite cereal...it tastes like the berry berry capt'n crunch!

Then I decided that I was still quite tired...so i crawled back into bed for an hour. :) Then i went to the bank and cashed my check from babysitting last night, then i came back home.

Then about an hour later my mom got home and we went shopping for a new outfit for me to wear tonight...i was pretty excited about this, because i knew tonight would be special. So mama t had macy's coupons...so we went there, i tried on like 10 or 11 dresses and found nothing...so we went to Kohls, where i found an adorable oversized sweater from the Lauren Conrad collection, in a pretty dark teal color, and then i found a scarf, that was just the cutest scarf ever, and had that dark teal color on the flowers on it. I was just so happy.
So then, out of the corner of my eye, i see this girl, with hair just like mine, her haircut was adorable, and her ringlets were perfect. So i did what every normal curly girl would do...i walked up to her and asked her what products she uses, we proceeded to have a nice discussion that only people with curly hair would understand, and i was out the door, oversized sweater and scarf in hand. I then walked down the sidewalk, 4 doors down, right into Sally's beauty supply and bought the products that the girl was describing! :) Yes...i know this may sound crazy...but if you had to deal with my hair everyday, you would do the same exact thing.

So then i went home, showered, and put the products on my hair, and said a few prayers that my hair would turn out lovely. I then laid on my bed and listened to a little joshua radin to get pumped for the night!

Then i put on my favorite pair of American Eagle jeggings...put on my deep turquoise cami, a brown long sleeve shirt with cute buttons down the back, my oversized deep teal sweater, my new scarf, and my brown flats with the gold buckle that matched the gold accents in the scarf. I topped it all off with my newest headband that has little light light pink fabric flowers on it.

10 minutes later becca and elly came...and we took this picture...


Then i went to Cheesecake Factory for dinner with Becca, Elly, Simina, Corrie, Jessica, Rachel, Kristen, & Becca. I had so much fun! I love those girls so much and they are all such a blessing to me! I got a strawberry lemonade, buffalo blasts, a side salad and a piece of chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake to go...by the end of the night i started feeling not so hot, i was super tired and super full...then i started feeling feverish again.

Needless to say, the car ride home was very entertaining....me simina elly and becca laughed a lot...then i got home, put on my pajamas, ate half my piece of cheesecake...and then i took my tempature...guess what folks 100.5! whose suprised...not me! hahahaha....ohh boy! When will this end?

Well, on a happy note...i had a wonderful day. I felt incredibly blessed...and i am very full!

xoxo

Shelby Elyse


shout out to Corrie Blatchford...for giving me the cutest card ever today! LOVE YOU SISTA!

Day 6 - my main man




So i would like to say that i have the best daddy in the whole wide world.
I love you pops!

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Day 6 - Friendship

So tonight i hung out with my friends Erin & Becca...and i just have to say...I AM BLESSED.
God has blessed me with some freakin awesome friends...i mean its truly incredible
okay thats all!

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Day 6 - Sometimes it's hard...

So as i think back to 6 years ago when i was diagnosed with a brain tumor, i can't help but think about the family and friends i knew then, that i know prayed for me, loved me, and comforted my family and i, that are no longer with us on earth. Somedays i think to myself "Why me God, Why did you choose to let me live, but bring them Home to spend eternity with You?" To some people this may sound absolutely crazy that i think that, but it is absolutely true. How can i not think that? How can i not think about the fact that 6 years ago i knew people who had cancer, would get cancer in the next 3 years following, or were perfectly healthy at that time...and now they are gone...now they are dead. I find peace in the fact that those loved ones are in Heaven with our King, and that i wll see them again one day. It is just hard for me to be at peace with the fact that i am living, and they are not, well on earth that is. I know full well that God has be on this earth for a purpose. I understand that He has an amazing plan for my life, it is just difficult at times to not exactly know that purpose, and still be totally happy about where my life is. I may sound a bit crazy...but it is almost 2 in the morning...and i do have bronchitis...and i am on medicine. haha. But as i was sitting last night i started thinking about this whole topic, and i thought of a song that i used to really love, and it describes this perfectly. Yes it may be a Hilary Duff song, and yes it may be a little bit cheesy, but it is 100% true. Someone's watchin over me....not just someone, a lot of someones! And that to me is more amazing than anything...I miss you Great Grandma Ollie, Ian, Mrs. Arnold, Grandpa Herman...but i know that you are all in Heaven having a wonderful time! I LOVE YOU!

Here is the Song....

Found myself today
Oh I found myself and ran away
Something pulled me back
The voice of reason I forgot I had
All I know is you're not here to say
What you always used to say
But it's written in the sky tonight

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
Someone's watching over me

Seen that ray of light
And it's shining on my destiny
Shining all the time
And I wont be afraid
To follow everywhere it's taking me
All I know is yesterday is gone
And right now I belong
To this moment to my dreams

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
Someone's watching over me

It doesn't matter what people say
And it doesn't matter how long it takes
Believe in yourself and you'll fly high
And it only matters how true you are
Be true to yourself and follow your heart

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
That I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even when it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
That someone's watching over
Someone's watching over
Someone's watching over me

Someone's watching over me


So thats all i have for tonight everyone...i have to sleep...for tomorrow is a celebration dinner with my best friends!

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Day 5 - 6 Years

Today is the 6 Year anniversary of my Diagnosis with a Brain Tumor And i am FOREVER Thankful

6 years ago today i was just a normal little girl......well as close to normal as it gets!

6 years ago today i was sitting in class and excited to get out early that afternoon and spend time with mom and dad.

6 years ago today i was expecting for them to tell me i was allergic to some food

6 years ago today i was only 13

6 years ago today i was only about 80 pounds and 4'9" literally a pint sized person

6 years ago today i was a curly headed ball of joy...still am :)

6 years ago today i was wearing jeans and a hello kitty hoodie (hoodie courtesty of andrea nykamp!)

6 years ago today i got the cat scan...then they "saw too much fluid"...then i got an MRI...then reality struck...i was sick.

6 years ago today, i remember the ride in the orange elevator, the doors opening and seeing the words "neurosurgery/brain clinic" on the walls and thinking to myself "nothing is wrong with me, why am i up here!?"

6 years ago today i can remember the shock, the confusion, the sadness, the anger...i didnt know what to feel

6 years ago today i can remember mom and dad crying in confusion

6 years ago today i can remember having to call my sister and brother and tell them that i had a brain tumor

6 years ago today i remember i became exhausted immediately and just wanted to go to bed

6 years ago today i can remember having to tell Elly, Ana, Allison and Erin that i had a tumor over the phone.

6 years ago today i head a knock at the door and Pastor Joe and Mrs. Coffey came to pray with me...best thing ever

6 years ago today i sat in the cvca lobby with some random kid, totally scared about my cat scan and he prayed for me

6 years ago today i remember asking " Am i going to die" and "Am i going to be the same?"

6 years ago today i remember the responses ... "we're going to try our best to save your life" and "we're not sure, we'll try out best."

6 years ago today i remember the tears in my neurosurgen's eyes...he wanted to give us good news...but there was no good news to give.

6 years ago today i tried to stay strong ... but i couldn't any longer

6 years ago today i was just excited to go to applebees for dinner, i didn't get too

6 years ago today i thought i would be at school the rest of the year

6 years ago today i remember being very light-headed when they told me, then i started shaking and became overwhelmed with fear.

6 years ago today my life was changed

6 years ago today i was told " this is gunna be a long road..."

6 years ago today i met the guy who would save my life ... Dr. Aldana!

6 years ago today i went from being considered "healthy" to considered "deathly ill"

6 years ago today we were told that if my parents had waited a week to take me to the doctor i would have seizured and probably died

6 years ago today i remember hearing the sorrow in my pediatricians voice as he told my mom that i needed the MRI because something was not right

6 years ago today i remember my mom crying outside the MRI machine, thinking i couldn't hear her...ohh mama t

6 years ago today i felt more LOVED than i ever have im my life .

6 years ago today i never imagined that at around 6:00 at night my life would change forever

6 years ago today i remember thinking the worst...thinking i would never survive.

6 years ago today i remember asking God to heal me...or use this story for His glory...whatever was in his will

6 years ago today i was only in 7th grade, i was still a little girl, and i was fighting for my life...

6 years ago today, people started telling me i was their hero...but the truth is, everyone who prayed for me are my hero's...

Psalm 46:5 " GOD IS WITHIN HER, SHE WILL NOT FALL; HE WILL HELP HER AT BREAK OF DAY."

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Day 4 - James Taylor Is My Hero

n my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Yes I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind

Karen she's a silver sun
You best walk her way and watch it shinin'
Watch her watch the mornin' come
A silver tear appearing now I'm cryin'
Ain't I goin' to Carolina in my mind

There ain't no doubt it no ones mind
That loves the finest thing around
Whisper something soft and kind
And hey babe the sky's on fire, I'm Dyin'
Ain't I goin' to Carolina in my mind

In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Yes I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind

Dark and silent late last night
I think I might have heard the highway calling
Geese in flight and dogs that bite
Signs that might be omens say I'm going, going
I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind

With a holy host of others standing 'round me
Still I'm on the dark side of the moon
And it seems like it goes on like this forever
You must forgive me
If I'm up and gone to Carolina in my mind

In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
To hit me from behind
Yes I'm goin' to Carolina in my mind


LOVE THIS SONG...DESCRIBES TODAY...GOIN' TO CAROLINA IN MY MIND...

xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Day 3 - Switchfoot "twenty-four"

Twenty four oceans
Twenty four skies
Twenty four failures
Twenty four tries
Twenty four finds me
In twenty-fourth place
Twenty four drop outs
At the end of the day
Life is not what I thought it was
Twenty four hours ago

Still I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You
And I'm not who I thought I was twenty four hours ago
Still I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You

Twenty four reasons to admit that I'm wrong
With all my excuses still twenty four strong

See I'm not copping out not copping out not copping out
When You're raising the dead in me
Oh, oh I am the second man
Oh, oh I am the second man now
Oh, oh I am the second man now

And You're raising these twenty four voices
With twenty four hearts
With all of my symphonies
In twenty four parts
But I want to be one today
Centered and true

I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You
You're raising the dead in me
Oh, oh I am the second man
Oh, oh I am the second man now
Oh, oh I am the second man now
And You're raising the dead in me

I want to see miracles, see the world change
Wrestled the angel, for more than a name
For more than a feeling
For more than a cause
I'm singing Spirit take me up in arms with You
And You're raising the dead in me
Twenty four voices
With twenty four hearts
With all of my symphonies
In twenty four parts.
I'm not copping out. Not copping out. Not copping out.



love. this. song
xoxo

Shelby Elyse

Day 3 - A day to be Joyful

Today my big brother Seth came home to visit! He's my best friend and him being home is always the best!
We get along really well...even though he tries to bug me and act funny to get my nerves up! i'm just gullable...
We went to luigi's for dinner with mama t and pops and corrie came too!

i love my family...they mean the world to me!

Please be praying for Seth cause he has a big interview early next week at California Baptist University.
while inside i feel sad and sick about the thought of sethy moving away so far, i know that if that is God's will, he needs to follow it
so it makes the whole thing easier to deal with.

A great friend gave me a verse today... In Matthew 28:20 Jesus says " And surely i am with you always from the very end of the age." This really struck a chord with me, i think it is amazing. Something everyone needs to remember. Even on the days we feel totally lonely and overcome with sadness...we need to always remember that the Lord is on our side. He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. And for that...i am filled with peace and JOY!

xoxo

Shelby Elyse