MY Birthday

It is amazing how 20 different people can be in the same room where something happens and you will have 20 different stories of that event.
I write this since I seem to be repeating myself and it hurts every time I have to explain it again..
For my own personal reasons, I do not like the day I was given as my birthday.  It has too many hurt feelings and memories attached to it.  But I learned from a VERY WISE WOMAN (love you Aunt Carole Mercer!) that I can have what ever day I want to celebrate my birthday.

I need things to be positive in my life.  I know this day has happy memories for others...again, 20 different people-20 different view points...

Last year on July 24 something wonderful happened.  I had a double mastectomy and started on a path to healing.  I found that I need to be healthy not only in body but in mind and spirit as well.  July 24th represents this for me!  I love this day!  I love everything about it!  Also not to forget, as I was reminded by my friend Jen Bohn today, that if I visit Utah on July 24th there will be fireworks to help celebrate my day!  AWESOME!

Spring Break

So by the looks at my last post... I have been busy! First I have to say I SOOOO appreciate the cards and letters of support I am still receiving from all over! To go to the mail box and get a letter of love, it just warms my heart! Thank you!!!!!


Spring break this year was a new adventure (pause for the effect..) IN SPOKANE WASHINGTON!







I flew into Seattle


(I waved at my brother and his family while in the air) and then jumped into this...







that took me to Spokane to be helped by the best helper with my bags ever.







Prepare for Grandma OVERLOAD...








What a flirt! He was fine to talk to me at a distance, but finally warmed up.






He took me shopping to the best place ever!






All was fine and dandy until this blond showed up!






We went to see the sights of the town...






We did some coloring...






Spent some time feeding ducks...






and even tried to keep some popcorn for himself....(Good stuff! His Dad made it!)







and figured out fast that if you just kiss Mom, you can get just about anything you want...






I guess I stayed too long for when we tried talking while his shows were on, he would try to stop me with his mind powers!






But then... he knows how to get his way...







A big part of me was left in Spokane with this little family!







I love my family!

Despicable Me 2 - Happy Music Video - Pharrell Williams (2013) HD

Savior, may I learn to love thee, walk the path that thou hast shown, pause to help and lift another, finding strength beyond my own. Savior, may I learn to love thee-Lord, I would follow thee. Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see, Who am I to judge another? Lord, I would follow thee. I would be my brother's keeper; I would learn the healer's art, to the wounded and the weary I would show a gentle heart. I would be my brother's keeper- Lord, I would follow thee. Savior, may I love my brother as I know thou lov-est me, find in thee my strength, my beacon, for thy servant I would be, Savior, may I love my brother-Lord, I would follow thee. This is the song that closed the Sacrament Meeting on Sunday. It was our last time as members of the Mt. View Ward for the next two years. (Yes I bawled!) I love this song and it has taken on an entire different meaning to me now. Jeff and I have been called to serve in the Peach Wood Ward for the next two years to serve the Deaf and Deaf/Blind who have also been moved to the Peach Wood Ward. ...Walk the path that thou hast shown, pause to help and lift another, finding strength beyond my own....I struggle with sign language. I pray often to have Heavenly Father help me to better serve. How better than to be in the same ward with my Deaf/Deaf-Blind brothers and sisters. In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see...this was shown to me several times this last year. When I shared my story of struggle with cancer with my sisters, several sisters shared quietly with me of their own struggles that no one else knew about. I hurt that these sisters have been struggling on their own! I find that I am softer at times since I know we are ALL going through something, we just don't all show it. I LOVE Mt. View Ward! I feel as though the people there are family. I have been served and loved GREATLY there. I have to admit that it is hard for me to change wards. I am trying to keep an open heart and mind to this new adventure. I see the wisdom in the move. It is going to be bumpy for the first few weeks, months...BUT I have seen arms open as brothers and sisters have already expressed the desire to get to know us and to try to communicate with the Deaf on their own. HURRAY! The support has been AMAZING! I haven't moved, I am in the same house, same street..So I know I will still see by brothers and sisters from Mt.View ward. I now have opportunity to meet new friends!...May I love my brother as I know thou lovest me. Find in thee my strength my beacon, for thy servant I would be! Savior, may I love my brother! Lord, I would follow thee!

2014 Here I come!

If I think back to January 2013 I NEVER would have guessed the kind of year I would have had. WO! I am humbled and feel so blessed! Now to look forward to 2014. What will this new year bring? I have some insight on a few things that I will post in a few weeks. It is all hearsay right now so I will not spread rumors. In RS today the theme for this new year was presented. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Sister Simes compared the work that the sisters in our ward have done to a light. She had several lanterns and lamps etc. to represent what work we have done...service, prayers, visiting teaching, meals to those in need...the list goes on. I have been a receiver of the light several times this past year. From the prayers, to meals, to kind words of encouragement to sweet gifts. I hope this year I can pass on the light. I have felt this Christmas season though that something was missing...our family. I was blessed to have my mom and her sweetheart come and visit for a few days and it felt SOOOO wonderful! We also were able to go to Oregon and visit with several family members (and friends we consider family!!) and all the more I realize that I have not spent enough time this year with those I love. I am going to try and spend more time with those I love! I also realized that I didn't take very many pictures! WHAT IS UP WITH THAT? Not this year! Tuesday I start back to work. I have to say I have LOVED my time at home. I thought I would be bored. I haven't had time to be bored. I really was not planning on going back to work until the middle of the month, but darn it!, I didn't play the "Woe is me" card enough. My doctor said I can go back now. BLAH! But I am hoping that going back to work will help me to use my time more wisely. Sleeping in every morning has been so wonderful, only, half the day is gone by the time I get up and get going. D&C 88:124-125 it says; 124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early , that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated. 125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace. These are some great words. Now to put them into action!

One Month And Counting

Every year about this time, at church our ward has a very special Sacrament Meeting. The meeting is filled with the members sharing testimony of songs from the hymnal. This is one of my FAVORITE meetings! I am never sure when it will happen, I just know around Thanks Giving and Christmas time it will happen. Well about 2 weeks ago was this meeting. What a meeting! #1. My heart was so full from all that has been happening the past few months. #2. I love to sing, but my lungs have not been strong enough for me to really sing.. #3. The first song sung..."Because I have been given much" Yes, I started to cry...And I am not a pretty cry-er. Because I have been given much, I too must give; Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see who has the need of help from me. Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care, I cannot see another's lack and I not share... My glowing fire, my loaf of bread, my roof's safe shelter overhead, that he too may be comforted. Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord, I'll share thy love again, according to thy word. I shall give love to those in need; I'll show that love by word and deed; thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed. Today is one month since my surgery. Wow! One month cancer free. That is so wonderful to say. This time last year I didn't even know cancer was in my body. Today I have 6 awesome scars to prove I am stronger than cancer. I also have a funny wheeze and I have an annoying cough. Both of which I have been assured will go away. My side is still sore and I have found that I use my right arm way more than I thought! Sleeping is still hard since I am a side sleeper. I have one more appointment with my lung surgeon in January and then he doesn't expect to see me again for another year. I have check up appointments for oncology and for the breast surgeon doctor also in January where I expect to get the same results of not seeing them again for another year. So from here I can only get stronger! We were able to go up to Oregon for Thanks-Giving. We were able to spend some time with dear friends (we consider all of them family)in Medford and then travel up to spend time with family in Salem. Our oldest and her husband were able to travel down from Washington to spend time with us. SO GOOD TO SQUEEZE EVERYONE! I did miss the rest of my family though. So many health problems, financial problems, time problems, travel problems... the list is long for why we can't all be together at one time. BUT so happy for the time I had. I love my sweetheart and love that I got to spend time with him traveling! Last night we had our ward Christmas Party. My heart again was so full, from a gift bag from a DEAR Lady to seeing my ward family, all the hugs and well wishes, and knowing how much I love them! I was in a room full of love! The program was great and the food de-lish! Our dear Stake President said, "We are so happy to have you HERE tonight!" That touched my heart! SUCH LOVE! BLAH! (Still crying!!!!) This Christmas we don't have money. BUT we have a testimony of love for our Savior Jesus Christ and all that he has done (and is continually doing) for us. We have a beautiful family that I pray for and give thanks for every day. We have a beautiful, warm house to live in. WE are blessed! ( Here is Some Snow Humor!)

Two Weeks Cancer Free

Its hard to believe that two weeks have come and gone already since my lung surgery. It would be great if I could say "Time Flies When You Are Having Fun." I am THANKFUL for comedians as I have their voices in my head while I am healing that give such a good giggle. The face of Calvin from Calvin and Hobbs pops into my mind OFTEN! OK..so where am I with my healing...Since the moment I was released from the hospital, Jeff has had me moving! I was released Wednesday night and Thursday morning Jeff got me up early to get into a much needed shower. Then we were out of the house most of the day as well as most days. I am so sore on my right side and I am frustrated at how little I can pick up. I don't sleep well yet since I can't find a comfortable spot. I came home with a horrible cough that I still have not been able to shake. I have a cool wheezing sound that intensifies when I walk up the stairs. Other than that, if you were to see me, you never would have guessed that I had surgery two weeks ago. I do have to go in for another chest ex-ray this week since I have a small amount of fluid in my lung and they want to make sure it has not increased. Then I have an appointment next week with my doctor (everyone is out this week for Gobble Day). He is quite happy with how well I have recovered but still wants me to listen to my body and not over do it. Last Saturday was our adult session at Stake Conference (church meeting) and Jeff and I went. My favorite question of the night was from the Stake President himself..."What are you doing here?" Well President ____ it is Stake Conference. I have had my name on over 5 temple prayer rolls, my ward has been praying for me and a United Methodist Church in Texas has been praying for me. I have a very strong testimony of prayer. IT WORKS! My heart is just over-flowing with all the love that has been shown me. The beautiful flowers, the cards and gifts have been amazing. I have learned through a few of my gifts that soft things really help recovery!!! I LOVE my soft socks and blankets! I am putting that one in the brain to remember later for others who are in pain. I have seen on Face Book several people are doing their month of things they are Great-FUll for. I have not joined in since I don't even know where to start. I have so much to be THANKFULL for. I talk to my Father in heaven several times a day telling him all the things I love. My heart is also hurting for the ones around me still battling with health or finances or family problems. My step mom has been battling health problems so much worse than my own for years now but I don't hear but little bits now and then and now I have a better understanding of the daily frustration that she has been facing. I worry about my step dad and his struggles for health. One of the men my husband works with had a very scary heart attack this week. I think that when the scriptures talk about the plagues that will be happening in the last days, it is talking more about health plagues. Several of my friends fight depression, cancer, dialysis, and other problems. I had a fun day out with my youngest daughter today and in our discussion I let her know that not for one minute, am I sorry that I have had cancer. I am THANK-FULL that my father in heaven wanted me to stretch and grow and knew I could handle cancer. I don't know what he wants me to learn from this adventure but I know that he loves me enough that he walked me through it so I could grow and someday I will need to know all this to help another. I learned that we are ALL going through something REALLY hard in our lives. Not one person is sliding through. But what we do with that hard time shows the person we are becoming. I was given the opportunity to talk to some of the young women in our ward and I shared that I have been on this path with cancer. Now it is not my choice if I want cancer. BUT it is my choice how I react to it. I can sit down and throw a temper tantrum and complain about it to who ever will sit still long enough to listen, or I can educate myself and find humor and TAKE IT ON! I have learned something about myself..."I can do hard things!" I was given some great advice from my high school friend Marlisa SEVERAL years ago when I found out our second oldest was diabetic. She said..."One day you will want to wear the red shirt, but you find out the red shirt is dirty. Cry that the red shirt is dirty, but don't cry because your daughter has diabetes. Learn how to deal with the diabetes and be happy you are helping your daughter to be healthy." I hear that advice again now...With the love of my INCREDIABLE husband I say over and over again...I CAN DO HARD THINGS!