Hi Everyone,
My new hubby and I are back from our honeymoon. We had a lovely relaxing time in France and a great couple of days in Rome where the weather was gorgeous and our hotel was perfect. Thanks to everyone who came along to the wedding, we both had a great day.
Dad, Mum, James and Carys are all on hols in France, Dad just wanted me to write a quick post for him to apologise for the lack of posts as they've had a few problems with the internet out there so he'll be back and refreshed on Friday ready to post again!
Godbless to you all,
Amy (Mrs Fokkens!) :)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Married (At Least Legally) Hurray!
Well guys, flew up to Edinburgh yesterday and got the guys legally wed at the beautiful registry office on the Royal Mile. Super little ceremony - all legal now and so we can enjoy Saturday's celebrations with gusto! Congratulations Mr & Mrs Fokkens.
Last night we share a meal with 17 of James' Aussie friends and relatives which was fun (and loud!). 'Stagging' it today - doing paintball war-games. Time for the Pommes to crush the rebellious Aussies (at least that's the theory). My Dad's the only one with a service record having done 6 weeks national service but he's 70 now. Hopefully they'll be kind to us and my Dad can still remember how to stalk the enemy. I am expecting some bruises.
Got Alpha week 1 tonight - thanks for your offer of help Sian but I managed to negotiate my way out of birthday and stag commitments - don't feel too sorry for Teresa she's being pampered all day at the Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden on Amy's 'hen' do.
I'll post some pics up of all the fun ASAP.
See ya
Dave
Last night we share a meal with 17 of James' Aussie friends and relatives which was fun (and loud!). 'Stagging' it today - doing paintball war-games. Time for the Pommes to crush the rebellious Aussies (at least that's the theory). My Dad's the only one with a service record having done 6 weeks national service but he's 70 now. Hopefully they'll be kind to us and my Dad can still remember how to stalk the enemy. I am expecting some bruises.
Got Alpha week 1 tonight - thanks for your offer of help Sian but I managed to negotiate my way out of birthday and stag commitments - don't feel too sorry for Teresa she's being pampered all day at the Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden on Amy's 'hen' do.
I'll post some pics up of all the fun ASAP.
See ya
Dave
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Bought The Suit
He, he - quick trip to Bluewater and the suit was got, Pierre Cardin and in the sale. Love a bargain! New shoes too, and belt, and socks and pants. New everything actually.
Off to Edinburgh to get the two lovebirds formally married before the 'Blessing' and big, big party on Saturday. Finally managed it.
All Aussie relatives are now here and lodging in various houses, hotels and cottages throughout Bedfordshire - we're all getting together for a meal on Wednesday night.
Thursday night sees me with a triple dilemma; it is week one of our Alpha course, James' stag night and Teresa's birthday - me thinks I'm stuffed on two fronts whatever I do. Think of me! Any volunteers to help Ken & Mu in my place at Alpha week 1 to release me from at least one of my obligations? Beg, beg...
I'll post some Edinburgh pictures on Thursday.
See ya
Dave
Off to Edinburgh to get the two lovebirds formally married before the 'Blessing' and big, big party on Saturday. Finally managed it.
All Aussie relatives are now here and lodging in various houses, hotels and cottages throughout Bedfordshire - we're all getting together for a meal on Wednesday night.
Thursday night sees me with a triple dilemma; it is week one of our Alpha course, James' stag night and Teresa's birthday - me thinks I'm stuffed on two fronts whatever I do. Think of me! Any volunteers to help Ken & Mu in my place at Alpha week 1 to release me from at least one of my obligations? Beg, beg...
I'll post some Edinburgh pictures on Thursday.
See ya
Dave
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Wedding Central
Greetings all Blog Buddies to 'Wedding Central'.
James arrived as finally scheduled on Wednesday morning. Great to see him, great to see Amy finally get her man here! Our MP (Alastair Burt) managed to convince the Scottish Registrar into marrying the couple formally on next Wednesday in Edinburgh. This means that everything can go ahead on the actual wedding day of October 18th - I love it when a plan comes together. If you've been hanging fire on the wedding present you can go ahead now but the original code won't work; just enter REDFERN or FOKKENS and you'll find their list - be obscenely generous!
On Tuesday (the day before James arrived) Amy and I visited IKEA in Milton Keynes to buy the basics for their new house - a sofa and a bed! On Wednesday they rushed off to John Lewis to choose their wedding presents and visit IKEA again. Phil & Jen (James' Dad & Step-Mum) arrived into Birmingham on Thursday, Amy & James and I picked them up. They all came round for dinner on Friday night. It was great to be re-acquainted after seeing them last in Sydney.
This morning James, Amy & I picked up Larissa, Nathan & Ben (+ his wife Jody) - all James' family in one go! What great people, love em all - new family - how exciting! You know me and talking and people - I'm in heaven. The plane was 4 hours late which meant I missed my flu-jab which I have to have because of reduced immunity (chemo related).
This evening Michelle (James' Mum) arrived into Luton from Amsterdam where she had been visiting family. She's stopping in a holiday cottage in the next village to ours (Harrold), Ben & Jody will be joining her after a few days in Devon. Nathan & Larissa are stopping with James at the new house.
Tomorrow everyone's off to London for the day then coming to us for dinner in the evening. We love entertaining: Teresa's turn to cook tomorrow.
I've been asked to give testimony at a healing service in a Methodist Church in Grantham tomorrow morning. Sounds exciting; I'll let you know how it goes; my James (son, not son-in-law) is coming with me. Teresa, Chloe and Carys will be at Wottoon New Life for the Harvest Festival Service. James Redfern has a football match in the afternoon.
Next week is looking a bit mad. Tuesday XLR8 (Youth Group) and Amy and all the Aussies are going to Paris for the day. Wednesday is Scotland (for the legal wedding), Thursday is Stag & Hen 'do's'. Friday is the day before the big day an Saturday is the big day. Ekk....... Still haven't bought a suit. Must. Really must. No, really must. Tell me to buy a suit, 'Dave, buy a suit' - 'OK, Monday'. Goodness, don't you guys moan a lot at me.
Any how watching scary Zombie film with James R called 'I am legend' so better sign off.
Once more thanks you mad, diverse and slightly barmy blog community for all your never ending support, prayers and care. You are heros.
See ya, (at the wedding if nor before or afterwards).
Luv
Dave
James arrived as finally scheduled on Wednesday morning. Great to see him, great to see Amy finally get her man here! Our MP (Alastair Burt) managed to convince the Scottish Registrar into marrying the couple formally on next Wednesday in Edinburgh. This means that everything can go ahead on the actual wedding day of October 18th - I love it when a plan comes together. If you've been hanging fire on the wedding present you can go ahead now but the original code won't work; just enter REDFERN or FOKKENS and you'll find their list - be obscenely generous!
On Tuesday (the day before James arrived) Amy and I visited IKEA in Milton Keynes to buy the basics for their new house - a sofa and a bed! On Wednesday they rushed off to John Lewis to choose their wedding presents and visit IKEA again. Phil & Jen (James' Dad & Step-Mum) arrived into Birmingham on Thursday, Amy & James and I picked them up. They all came round for dinner on Friday night. It was great to be re-acquainted after seeing them last in Sydney.
This morning James, Amy & I picked up Larissa, Nathan & Ben (+ his wife Jody) - all James' family in one go! What great people, love em all - new family - how exciting! You know me and talking and people - I'm in heaven. The plane was 4 hours late which meant I missed my flu-jab which I have to have because of reduced immunity (chemo related).
This evening Michelle (James' Mum) arrived into Luton from Amsterdam where she had been visiting family. She's stopping in a holiday cottage in the next village to ours (Harrold), Ben & Jody will be joining her after a few days in Devon. Nathan & Larissa are stopping with James at the new house.
Tomorrow everyone's off to London for the day then coming to us for dinner in the evening. We love entertaining: Teresa's turn to cook tomorrow.
I've been asked to give testimony at a healing service in a Methodist Church in Grantham tomorrow morning. Sounds exciting; I'll let you know how it goes; my James (son, not son-in-law) is coming with me. Teresa, Chloe and Carys will be at Wottoon New Life for the Harvest Festival Service. James Redfern has a football match in the afternoon.
Next week is looking a bit mad. Tuesday XLR8 (Youth Group) and Amy and all the Aussies are going to Paris for the day. Wednesday is Scotland (for the legal wedding), Thursday is Stag & Hen 'do's'. Friday is the day before the big day an Saturday is the big day. Ekk....... Still haven't bought a suit. Must. Really must. No, really must. Tell me to buy a suit, 'Dave, buy a suit' - 'OK, Monday'. Goodness, don't you guys moan a lot at me.
Any how watching scary Zombie film with James R called 'I am legend' so better sign off.
Once more thanks you mad, diverse and slightly barmy blog community for all your never ending support, prayers and care. You are heros.
See ya, (at the wedding if nor before or afterwards).
Luv
Dave
Monday, October 6, 2008
Great News
Just heard from the hospital.
No malignancy in my oesophagus. It's clear; no sign of cancer. Just scarring from the radiotherapy.
Praise God.
See Ya
Dave xxxxxx
No malignancy in my oesophagus. It's clear; no sign of cancer. Just scarring from the radiotherapy.
Praise God.
See Ya
Dave xxxxxx
SNORE, SNORE, SNORE, SNOOZE........
Slept on Sunday from 6.00 pm until 7.00 am on Monday morning and had the most bizarre dreams. Goodness knows if they mean anything! Hope not.
We had a good weekend, Teresa and Amy were in Ireland on Kip McGrath business until late on Saturday, we went to Church as a family on Sunday morning. I was preaching on the 'Parable of The Vineyard'. After a late dinner I slept until this morning!
As of 4pm today I've had no biopsy results - though they are due today. Last time a 5 day wait became 15 and I went mad worrying; hope this won't happen this time. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything. By the way, not feeling too well at present and swallowing is not good, keep being sick after meal s- really hope this is just the chemo side-effects. Keep praying!
See ya
Dave
We had a good weekend, Teresa and Amy were in Ireland on Kip McGrath business until late on Saturday, we went to Church as a family on Sunday morning. I was preaching on the 'Parable of The Vineyard'. After a late dinner I slept until this morning!
As of 4pm today I've had no biopsy results - though they are due today. Last time a 5 day wait became 15 and I went mad worrying; hope this won't happen this time. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything. By the way, not feeling too well at present and swallowing is not good, keep being sick after meal s- really hope this is just the chemo side-effects. Keep praying!
See ya
Dave
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Recovery Day 1
Hiya (yawn)...
Knackered as always the day after. You feel 'subdued', quite mellow really - a bit spaced out. Teresa and Amy are off to Belfast with Kip McGrath early tomorrow running meetings and interviews, I'm very proud of them both. Amy has turned into a great PA.
Still looking like James Fokkens should be with us by Monday!
Not really got a lot of energy to say alot else.
See ya
Dave
Knackered as always the day after. You feel 'subdued', quite mellow really - a bit spaced out. Teresa and Amy are off to Belfast with Kip McGrath early tomorrow running meetings and interviews, I'm very proud of them both. Amy has turned into a great PA.
Still looking like James Fokkens should be with us by Monday!
Not really got a lot of energy to say alot else.
See ya
Dave
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Chemo Round #5
Hi Guys,
Round five happened and was much the same as before. Feeling sick, sensitivity to the cold, headache, tired. BUT very much ALIVE and intending to stay that way! Got a few days now to sleep this off. The arm pain without a PICC line is pretty bad but bearable.
Spoke again today with my Macmillan nurse about yesterday's endoscopy, really do have to wait for the biopsy results. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they were negative? If not, we'll keep fighting, praying and chemoing!
Well bed beckons.
Thanks for checking in on me.
Luv Dave
Round five happened and was much the same as before. Feeling sick, sensitivity to the cold, headache, tired. BUT very much ALIVE and intending to stay that way! Got a few days now to sleep this off. The arm pain without a PICC line is pretty bad but bearable.
Spoke again today with my Macmillan nurse about yesterday's endoscopy, really do have to wait for the biopsy results. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they were negative? If not, we'll keep fighting, praying and chemoing!
Well bed beckons.
Thanks for checking in on me.
Luv Dave
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