It's a New Year

Guess what I got for Christmas? ...................My blog.....................Made into a BOOK!!

Heather spent a lot of time and a little bit of money (about $50) taking everything I had put into my blog over the last 9-10 months, including pictures and comments from all of you and had it made into a book. I LOVE IT. It will remain a treasure to me. I never want to forget all the things I have learned while I was "cleaning out my closet". And most of all, I never want to forget the encouragement that so many of you gave me............. which was a priceless gift.

Then to round out the holidaze, just like many of you here in St. George, we got snow in December!! It's rare, and our kids had school cancelled one day because of it. This is on our trampoline in the front yard. It has become a favorite for ALL ages, ANY time of the year. The frame is falling apart, so I asked for a new one for Christmas (the old one being 20 yrs old), but these kids are on the old one, and you can see we'll need to put up the new one pretty soon.

These next few pictures are of 3 of my granddaughters. The three youngest before Annaliese was born in November. KYLA, 18 mos (Krystal's youngest), KENYA, 5 mos, (Tara's youngest), and KALIA,16 mos (Heather's oldest)
One of my favorite roommates from Dixie College over 30 years ago, Ann Mitchell is a HUGE Jazz fan, and she bought these cute baby Jazz outfits , and we gave them to the girls for Christmas.

OK, now it's time to talk about the NEW YEAR. I think we are all wondering what we are in for with our country, and with our economy. When someone has health problems such as I have had in the past year, that really isn't my first concern. Health is the wealth I want. I am continuing to get positive test results from Doctors, but those will continue to bring me concern and fear for several years to come. I am truly trying to live up to the commitments I have made to the Lord Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. I want to truly have made a LIFE CHANGE, not just an insincere gesture. On the days when I feel normal strength returning, I immediately can see how easy it is to forget the humility I have felt since last March. I am determined to NOT let those feelings last for long. I am giving up some of the things I used to spend my time doing, and replace them with more fulfilling things that will be of value to me eternally. My husband being number one, my family, my scripture study, my temple attendance, my patience and tolerance, my understanding and forgiveness of others are all among the ones that are going to get more of my energy and attention.

I will have surgery in the next two weeks to repair my torn rotater cuff in my right shoulder, and I will have my arm and hand in a sling for 6 weeks. I think the Lord wants me to SLOW down and keep learning at His feet.

Dale has requested that I use whatever energy I have to heal my body so that I will have more energy later to give to this family. Sometimes I get a little out of focus and use my energy on things of less importance. 6 weeks should give me some more time to SLOW down, don't you think? Driving isn't going to be happening for several weeks, neither will much housework get done with my left hand. I am going to join the ward choir, sign up for an institute class, and I am now an official Primary teacher to 4 six year olds. I will focus on that. I was set apart yesterday by a member of the bishopric and given a blessing. I was told that I had much more work on this earth that I need to do, and he blessed me with increasing good health. I was elated!! Today, I saw the Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Ray Richards, and when I told him that, he said "Yeah, but you do things so fast, you'll probably get them all done really quick" I laughed, but I thought, wow, I really do want to SLOW down.

When I went to sign up for the Institute class, the sweet Sister asked me how old I was, I thought that was kind of odd, but when I told her I was 50, she said "We can't accomodate people your age here in our institute anymore". I thought she was kidding, but she wasn't. We older people have to take religion classes elsewhere now. I found one at night over at the Snow Canyon Seminary that is about the Gospels in the New Testament. Perfect for my quest of learning about the Savior.

As for this last picture, I had to save it for last because it makes me cry. 25 years ago, I wanted a night out with some young moms like me once a month, so I created "Club" I invited 5 others to join me to play "Rook", which I think we have done twice in 25 years, but we have invited more to be part of the club so we could "Spread our wings", and really do some fun and interesting things. Now, 25 yrs later, we have a VERY bonded group. We even have a group checking account that we use for wedding gifts, etc.

From left to right is" Front Row:

Me, with no hat, Kim Esplin, Brenda Graff, and Iona Syphus.

back row L to R: Elizabeth Adams, Kristine Gardener, Darla Lyman, Sheri Feller, Lori Hafen, and Shauna Stout (Oliver now)

We have shared everything from having babies, to learning how to raise righteous children, sending some on missions, losing our parents, and even losing one spouse (Shauna's husband Orvil). Five years ago, we faced our first fear of cancer. Kristine was diagnosed with Leukemia. Miraculously they found a drug (pill) that she could take and she has been in remission for 5 years or so. This last year of course we face a new cancer with my breast cancer and chemo. The day this picture was taken (the 12th of Dec) we had gotten together to strengthen Kristine because she has new diagnosis. Stage 3 lung cancer. We fasted together and prayed together. She started chemo right after this and will probably do radiation at the same time because it has metastsized between the lungs and lymph nodes. I have CRIED A LOT. The statistics of survival are about 16 %. We love each other very much, and these experiences are just bringing us closer together. Please pray for Kristine. She has 7 children, the youngest being 12 yrs old.

I have shared many thoughts and feelings with her about my experience, but all of a sudden mine pales in comparison.
Once again, I thank you for taking the time to read this blog, and send me encouragement through your comments/

I do want to give thanks to all of you for helping me when I needed it so badly. Here is my first chance to "Pay it Forward"

Love you all, Karen