tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40033185964810662152023-11-16T03:10:38.574-08:00Karen the Kancer KillerKaren Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-76911345451762959882013-06-17T12:59:00.000-07:002013-06-17T13:06:21.102-07:00Change your Thoughts... Change your World!!I took the title from a cardboard sign hanging from the ceiling in "Steamroller Copies" Store.<br />
"Change your thoughts....change your world"<br />
<br />
I want to tell you how this has affected me for good.<br />
<br />
On Mondays, I am privileged to be able to attend a Meditation Class for Cancer Survivors.<br />
We spend about 20 minutes meditating and filling our minds with positive "thoughts".<br />
<br />
I know it works. It continually changes my world.<br />
<br />
For years, Dale (the educated social worker that he is), has been TRYING to teach me about my thoughts and how powerful they are for good or for not.<br />
<br />
Before I always thought, " but how do I change my THOUGHTS"? "Aren't they always JUST THERE, don't they just HAPPEN?"<br />
Interesting to me, that ME, who has a strong desire to control <u>everybody and every thing</u>, did not see how I could CONTROL my thoughts.<br />
<br />
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<b><i>Cancer has been my best teacher, as far as mortality goes.</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>(Heavenly Father is the Master Teacher behind the cancer)</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
I did a lot of soul searching during that time and I found that every time I saw a "thought-provoking thought" , I wanted it. I purchased wooden boards with thoughts on them and then of course, I found the wonderful world of VINYL lettering........:)<br />
<br />
One day, I was laying in my bed, and realized that I have now SURROUNDED myself with<br />
great thoughts, that do change my feelings about life and in turn,<b><i><u> it has changed my world..</u></i></b><br />
<br />
I open my eyes to see on one wall, "Be Grateful, Be Smart, Be Clean, Be True, Be Humble, Be Prayerful".<br />
That's on one wall, to the right of that it says "PRAYER" and over the top of that in "glow in the dark" vinyl lettering, it says, "Did you think to pray?" (so cool that it lights up when I go to bed at night). Next wall says in large letters carved in wood. "RELAX", with a picture of the St George Temple at night. Next wall, "Miracles happen to those who believe", (pics of my six kids under that).<br />
Last wall says"FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS", over pics of Jesus, my family, and some friends.<br />
All these thoughts got me through my cancer year, and are forever sealed into my heart.<br />
<br />
When I look elsewhere in the house, I find things like "Lord, put your arm over my shoulder and hand over my mouth". (a good reminder daily), or "Always pretend you are wearing an invisible crown".<br />
<br />
In the kitchen area, one of my favorites is "May this house always be too small to hold all our family and friends" and "Gratitude makes what we have... enough", and another one at the end of the hall "Love grows best in little houses...." These thoughts keep me grounded and grateful that I EVEN HAVE a house, even though it is not that lovely or large.<br />
<br />
Probably the one that helps me the most is in the front room when you first come in. "Be Of Good Cheer, It Is I, Be Not Afraid" That is right above a picture of Jesus Christ, my Savior, and he even has a smile on his face.<br />
<br />
There is so much in this world that scares me , and I have a tendency to be afraid of everything.<br />
Today, at meditation, we heard some soft music and the words "I have <b>deep</b> peace". Those words were repeated over and over for 20 minutes. It went <b>deep</b> down in to my heart. I could see an image of<b><i><u> Jesus </u></i></b>in my mind.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's where the REAL PEACE is found.</span></i></b></div>
<br />
I am so thankful for the knowledge that I HAVE CONTROL OVER MY THOUGHTS, and if I have to write them on the walls of my home, I will!!!<br />
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<br /></div>
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My world is going to stay changed</div>
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with POSITIVE and THOUGHT-PROVOKING THOUGHTS!!!</div>
Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-48577129418769929932012-10-17T05:16:00.000-07:002012-10-17T16:19:35.845-07:00I'm in School Full TimeSometimes I have asked myself, "What do you do with your time Karen?"<br />
For about 30 years, I could easily answer that.<br />
<br />
I'm the mom.<br />
<br />
I remember once talking with a friend who also was a mom but spent MUCH of her time doing other things. I didn't know how she did it. I was exhausted just working at home. I didn't feel like I could afford much time doing other things because my house and family would suffer if I did.<br />
Sometimes I felt like a failure, that didn't contribute much to the world.<br />
<br />
I only went to two years of college and didn't even graduate with ANY degree.<br />
<br />
As I was watching this friend go to and fro, and feeling exhausted for HER, trying to do all that a family requires and still take on a lot of projects and always on the go, I remember thinking and then telling her, 'I just need to KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING"<br />
I felt such conviction in saying that. I KNEW in my heart that that was EXACTLY what the Lord wanted me to do, and I felt a confirmation from the spirit that this was the MOST important thing anyone could be doing that was in my shoes.<br />
If I couldn't keep life AT HOME together, nothing else mattered.<br />
<br />
I'm the mom.<br />
<br />
I have LOVED being the mom, and with all of it's ups and downs, I wouldn't trade it for ANY OTHER CAREER.<br />
<br />
Well, now, all my children are "raised", so to speak.<br />
My baby is 18, she is away at college.<br />
<br />
My days seem to be busier than ever, but I find myself questioning,"What is it that you DO all the time Karen?"<br />
<br />
The answer came to me the other day while driving. It was pure inspiration.<br />
<br />
"I am in school FULL TIME"<br />
I hear a lot of women now days saying just that, or some have gone back to school part time.<br />
<br />
I have NEVER had the desire to do that, and now I see why<br />
.<br />
I am already doing it.<br />
<br />
I thought this through. This is my WEEK.<br />
<br />
On Monday morning at 9 am, I have a <u>Zumba class </u>to start off my week,<br />
I then, rush off to a <u>Meditation class </u>as a stress buster to get THROUGH the week.<br />
Then I have a <u>Cancer Support class</u> to keep positive about living with cancer. Not that I have it anymore, but my world is full of people who do., and that is a very important SKILL to learn, how to live in this world with the challenge of cancer.<br />
<br />
Then I have a break for lunch. :)<br />
Monday afternoons, I spend 3 hrs in a <u>Service class </u>called Relief Society Presidency meeting.<br />
I learn TONS in this class about helping others and at the same time helping myself.<br />
There are about 160 women in this organization that have needs and most of them have families that have needs, and I am in the leadership of this group to help meet three of those needs.<br />
Faith, Family, and Relief. I spend several hours each week in a <u>"Lab"</u> for this class. I go with one or two other women to meet these 160 women in their homes in a personal setting.<br />
<br />
Monday night, I have a <u>Family Class</u> with my husband and daughter and 5 grandchildren. We learn about living the gospel and we help teach each other basic Christian principles.<br />
<br />
Tuesday, I have the day off.<br />
I use this day for Re-grouping and catching up on all the things that get neglected the rest of the week. I try to keep this day JUST FOR ME.<br />
If I feel like sleeping in, I do it.<br />
If I feel like reading, writing, cleaning house, or whatever my heart desires, I do it<br />
It's my "Fill my Pitcher' day.<br />
I do, on occasion,spend the evening going to my <u>"LAB"</u> for the Relief Society class, making visits.<br />
<br />
Wednesday, classes start early as I have a 5:30 am <u>Temple Class,</u><br />
They repeat it at 6:00, and 6:40 if for some reason I can't make the first one.<br />
At 9:15, I have my <u>exercise class</u> again, but instead of Zumba, it's Step Aerobics this time.<br />
I run home and shower and then hurry off to an <u>Addiction Recovery class</u>.<br />
I have someone that I love dearly that has a Pornography addiction, and I need to learn about addictions to help me love him in spite of his problems, and come to understand that the strained relationship is not because he doesn't love me, but because he has an addiction that controls him.<br />
I take a lunch break after that, then I have the afternoon off to catch my breath.<br />
I am in charge of dinner on Wednesdays, so I take care of that. ( for my grandchildren)<br />
At 7:00 pm, I am off again to a<u> Religion Class</u>.<br />
This year we are studying the Book of Mormon in detail.<br />
I get home from that about 9:30 pm.<br />
<br />
On Thursday, I have to work, but I am lucky enough to start off my day at 6:30am with a <u>Yoga class.</u><br />
With the economy the way it is, we have been a little tighter than usual with money, so I have to help bring in a little bit if possible, and I have a need to complete projects that feel like I have completed something. I also love the feeling that i have I helped someone out.<br />
<u>I clean houses</u>.<br />
I love to clean, and I have learned that people are willing to pay $20 an hour to have me do it.<br />
I usually have one house I do in the morning, and one house I do in the afternoon after.........you got it....... my lunch break. :)<br />
Thursday evenings, I once again, go to my <u>"Lab"</u> for my Relief Society class, and make visits to people's homes.<br />
<br />
Friday, I have my <u>exercise class</u> again at 9 am<br />
This is my slow day and I actually get a TREAT at 1 in the afternoon.<br />
My brother is a massage therapist and INSISTS that after cancer, I need a weekly massage for 90 minutes.<br />
<br />
AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH<br />
<br />
What a blessing.<br />
<br />
What do I do with my time???<br />
<br />
Now, I keep MY <u>PERSONAL</u> HOME FIRES BURNING!!!!!!!!<br />
I have found that if I take care of myself, I can be of GREAT SERVICE to others.<br />
<br />
I think I am in the best classes of all right now in my life.<br />
I am really learning A LOT, and I am growing in so many ways. ( we're not going to talk about weight)<br />
<br />
I had to ask myself, "WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR?"<br />
I think this year, it is "Religion"<br />
That's great major<br />
<br />
But , I will always be<br />
"THE MOM"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-86253972105131026412012-08-23T01:05:00.000-07:002012-08-23T01:05:26.182-07:00"Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole"" The WHOLE need not a physician, but he that is sick"<br />
<br />
What does it mean to be "Whole"?<br />
<br />
Do you feel like you are whole right now, or is that something you hope for in the future?<br />
<br />
I have been studying this idea of the Savior making me (us) WHOLE.<br />
<br />
One of my all time favorite stories is where the woman with the Issue of Blood, reaches for the Savior's robe and touches just the hem of it, and yet she is made whole. Something she had longed for for 12 years. Later in Matthew, many are brought to the Savior, and as the verse reads., "and as many as touched his garment were made whole". I wonder how the word got out. Another story that is interesting to me is the one about the ten lepers that came to be cleansed. After Jesus told them to shew themselves to the Priests, they headed off and found they were cured. ONE turned around and gave glory to God. In otherwords, one man out of ten thanked the Lord for this miracle. Jesus says to him, "You are whole". So ten CLEANSED, and only one made whole.<br />
That sounds like something more than just a physical cure. It sounds like it could be mental and emotion, not to mention spiritually cured too.<br />
<br />
I know we all feel so NOT whole a lot of the time. A year or two ago, I wrote a post about being "broken", and I think the same idea applies here.<br />
<br />
We all feel broken, a little cracked, a little "messed up" at times.<br />
I have felt it so many times, I probably out do all of you. :)<br />
I cannot tell you how many times I have sat in the celestial room in the temple in one particular chair, and looking up to the chandeliers, I have said to the Heaven's.<br />
"WHY am I so messed up?"<br />
<br />
During my "cancer year", I LONGED to be healed and made whole physically. It was some tough times for me, not just physically but emotionally as well. Anxiety was awful for me.<br />
<br />
Now, my body seems to have recovered somewhat, and it is almost easy for me to forget I even had cancer.<br />
I am now working on being made "WHOLE" by the Savior, mentally, emotionally , and spiritually.<br />
<br />
I have come to the conclusion that this is MORE than possible because of the Atonement. and that the better we understand it and appreciate it, the more likely it is that we will have multiple moments of being made whole.<br />
I don't think , however, that we will be perfectly whole in this life. Instead, I see myself having moments of glimpses into the future, of what Heaven will be like.<br />
As the days pass by ever so quickly, I am having experiences that are teaching me that I am already WHOLE many times each day. Even though they might not last, I believe they are coming more and more often than any time in my life.<br />
How do I know?<br />
I feel the "fruits" of being made whole by the Master Gardener and Master Physician.<br />
I feel Peace<br />
I feel Joy<br />
I feel Love for others<br />
I feel calmness<br />
I feel Faith<br />
I feel ambitious.<br />
<br />
All of these and more are telling me that I am TOUCHING the hem of Jesus' garment.<br />
I am "Close Enough to Touch".........figuratively speaking......... ( title of a song but I don't know who wrote it)<br />
<br />
Jeffrey Holland said once that if we feel broken, then we have a LOT OF COMPANY!<br />
We have scriptural accounts of Nephi, Moses, Joseph Smith and others who felt like they were less than they thought they OUGHT to be.<br />
That is some pretty good company!<br />
<br />
I would love some feedback on your ideas about being made WHOLE , by the Savior. I am giving a Relief Society lesson on Sept 3rd, so send me some ideas ASAP.<br />
Love you all,<br />
Love, KarenKaren Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-32420064808482138672012-02-24T19:42:00.004-08:002012-03-01T21:29:14.124-08:00"Find Your Way Home"It's <b>Yoga.</b><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">Nothing I would have ever given a second glance, in my younger days.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">It sounded crazy and weird to me.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">It appeared to have NO real "umph" to it.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">Post-Cancer, I think differently.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><span style="font-style: normal; ">I </span><i>feel</i> differently.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-style: normal; ">My body is different, not</span><i> just</i> from chemo, but from age.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">I have always enjoyed exercise, but only the vigorous kind.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">I still want to exercise as much as possible. </div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">There are a lot more reasons to do so now.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">When I was diagnosed 4 yrs ago, my chances for survival went up significantly because of exercise that I had done regularly for almost 30 years. Hurray for exercise!</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">Today marks the 4 yr mark for the day that I <i>found</i> a rather large lump that turned out 2 weeks later to be cancer.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">About 6 months ago, I was invited to try a yoga class. I had/have a lot of respect and admiration for the teacher. I wanted to try it.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">WOW, what I have learned is unbelievable to me.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">"Find your way home" is just one of the many things that the instructor says during our class.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">This exercise is so much more than just movement of the body.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">Someone LONG before me figured this out.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br />I have discovered strength in a way I have never seen in myself before.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">First off, the positions, though slow in movement, are sometimes quite difficult for my muscles to maintain. I, on occasion, break a sweat. Something I did NOT expect to ever happen.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">I feel my muscles trembling with effort. I KNOW they have to be getting stronger by doing this.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">Ironically though, that is not my favorite part of the class; just an extra benefit.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">What I love the most is what is going on in my head while we are working through the exercises.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">The terms and the words the instructor uses bring "MINDFULNESS" to me.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">Mindfulness is an ancient practice that I have discovered in my cancer support groups. History shows a lot of healing that can take place, both physically and mentally when we are mindful.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">In my past life, I was too busy to be mindful.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; ">But now, I am not too busy anymore.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-style: normal; ">I am listening more and I hear things like, </span><i><span >"Find your way home". </span></i></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">She is talking about our position of standing with our hands pressed together next to our "heart center". It is a passive stance, but our mind becomes aware of our<span ><i> "heart center", </i></span> something that we refer to often. All that is good radiates from this "center".</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">She reminds us to <span ><i>"anchor"</i></span> our feet deep into the earth to give us a strong foundation.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">One of the stances is <span ><i>"exalted warrior"</i></span>. We stand with our hands in a worshipful position toward heaven, with our legs in a position that is ready to fight.</div><div><span style="font-weight: normal; ">I felt tears welling up inside me one day while doing that. I truly felt that I DESIRE to "</span><b><i>be</i></b>" an exalted warrior for the Lord.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">Who knew I could feel spiritual during an exercise class? Who knew I could have positive uplifting thoughts about life and myself at 6:30 am?</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">At the end of class, we take about 10 minutes to have a rest time, a very welcomed one. We lay perfectly still. This is called Shavasana. (spelling unknown)</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">While I was laying there during my last class, I felt the instructor move around the room (she puts eye bags over our eyes to help relax us.) I thought we were on a concrete floor and was surprised that I could feel movement by her tiny body walking around. Then I realized that even though we were in the basement level of the building, and we were indeed on a concrete floor, there was one more level beneath us; the parking garage.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">Because of the "Mindfulness" that I was experiencing, my mind told me this:</div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">"We all need to have a STRONG foundation like this concrete floor we are on, we must be strong in all we do, and YET we must also have a little <i>give</i> in us, a little bit of FLEXIBILITY, just like this floor that I was laying on.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br />WOW</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">That was a profound moment for me because in my PRE -CANCER days, I was anything but flexible most of the time.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><i>I think that Heaven talks to me during yoga.</i></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">There are a lot more words that are spoken during the class that I love, but I never have a pen and paper next to me to write them down.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; ">If you participate in yoga and have noticed some, share them with me and tell me how they have affected your life for good.</div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size: 100%; ">I want to make sure to get the most I can out of this class, (it is a pretty price that I pay to attend)</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; "><br /></div><div>I want to spend the rest of my life <span ><i><b>"Finding my way home..........to heaven"</b></i></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; "><br /></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-63384970640911218042011-11-20T21:07:00.001-08:002011-11-22T22:26:27.873-08:00We all need Reminders!<div style="text-align: center;">How many of you feel something stir inside of you when you see something like this?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why do we oooh and aaaahhh?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is is because of the innocence of this little one?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Life hasn't turned her bitter yet? She is sweet and pure?</div><div><ul><li>I love babies , they are a beautiful <i><b>reminder</b></i> of all that is GOOD in the world</li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUOlARRcaqzjM-I0xP-K2puAIphYeeB871nmwgbvdYIi2ef3chr5PanHx7oSGM1Ri4QRRCNlC0IVMSSMatJtr5YbNrp1FhvdoGaHd9iiqKt853fQ10KI4MthzuzHlCLa4eAITmBoKLhM/s1600/tara+064.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUOlARRcaqzjM-I0xP-K2puAIphYeeB871nmwgbvdYIi2ef3chr5PanHx7oSGM1Ri4QRRCNlC0IVMSSMatJtr5YbNrp1FhvdoGaHd9iiqKt853fQ10KI4MthzuzHlCLa4eAITmBoKLhM/s400/tara+064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678065259802854882" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>When I look at these precious little ones, I see so much joy and peace in their eyes</li><li>and at the same time I am <b><i>reminded</i></b> of the years that have put permanent "smiling and laughter lines" in my face</li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPzamNk-yjunmFsHDlzrI1qADZm59dTc25yaYVQmRGAoZc6OH6EGpxim6de7O6SmmaFUQ8rN2YVrOlpY5H-xWEq3yUBthV7yO1pyMx2WHplTl-IhS4z8cNzykH1kBZQS4fH0jyWUIG0s/s1600/20460100.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPzamNk-yjunmFsHDlzrI1qADZm59dTc25yaYVQmRGAoZc6OH6EGpxim6de7O6SmmaFUQ8rN2YVrOlpY5H-xWEq3yUBthV7yO1pyMx2WHplTl-IhS4z8cNzykH1kBZQS4fH0jyWUIG0s/s400/20460100.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678064614749698610" /></a><br /><i><b>Cancer has taught me many things.</b></i><div> One is that I need to be reminded about how good life is, and how quickly it can slip away.</div><div><br /><div> I was noticing lately that I have a few PERMANENT reminders of two more important things.... love.... and sacrifice.<div><br /></div><div>All moms love what they do. We go crazy with guilt because we don't do it well enough, but when all is said and done, we wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world. I don't think anyone would disagree that mothers make a LOT of sacrifices. That is the very thing that causes us to feel SO MUCH LOVE for these children. It is a natural human emotion to have pure love for something or someone that we SACRIFICE for.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>When I <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >look at these children</span></i></b> of mine, mostly all grown now, I feel grateful and I feel in AWE! This is 5 of my 6 children.</li></ul></div><div> My 21 yr old is in Argentina teaching people about the gospel of Jesus Christ.</div><div><ul><li>The fact that Jonny is missing in this picture is a <i>REMINDER</i> to me of love and sacrifice.</li></ul>These kids are a <i>REMINDER</i> of what I have spent the majority of my life doing. Raising a family. That's really all I ever wanted to do. I wanted to get married and play house.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4debyBGzGAeyOCOF8oOfaARifgYxNWRn6PVcM2W799IIFeulmyBiMKGSUL8lkb8b_KbdB0yU2nx57INzKaBbK28xOB0r_66zzvlqyJOUXSapTF9RzvfkAs2P6JOnD4RhuhHy7p-p5hb8/s1600/20460172.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4debyBGzGAeyOCOF8oOfaARifgYxNWRn6PVcM2W799IIFeulmyBiMKGSUL8lkb8b_KbdB0yU2nx57INzKaBbK28xOB0r_66zzvlqyJOUXSapTF9RzvfkAs2P6JOnD4RhuhHy7p-p5hb8/s400/20460172.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678034727441265090" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When I was growing up, I wasn't aware of Jesus Christ, and HIS sacrifices, but by age 18 I was learning all about it. It has only been since I was diagnosed with cancer that I have taken the whole matter very seriously and studied the Life of Jesus and am starting to comprehend somewhat all that He means to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few weeks ago, I had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand. I had already had the left hand done in June and my hand felt so good, I figured I should do the other hand since it went numb on a daily basis too. After the surgery,</div><div><ul><li>I realized what an incredible <i>REMINDER</i> these scars are on my hands.</li></ul><div>There is a scripture in Isaiah that comes to mind when I look at my hands,<br />Isa. 49:16 "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands..."</div></div><div>It hurt to have my hands cut in to, but wow what a thought it was to think that Jesus had his hands cut ALL THE WAY through to the other side...</div><div><ul><li>I love my scars now, they are the best <b><i>reminder </i></b>ever that someone paid a great price so that I could have freedom....... freedom from permanent pain.</li></ul></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXGO4KbtjPu1IrbB5fWcbMW4aJXE055KthFB5i0bsC7SJo5EVad4RrrZRRdIx2M-YVnYt6yqDai_x4lRsGuXzpQ3xSxmVOfw8KV2fGyw0yg8eS62BAUb_Ru07bTEjVIVfiEzEWouIOoo/s1600/karen+esplin+2011+161.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXGO4KbtjPu1IrbB5fWcbMW4aJXE055KthFB5i0bsC7SJo5EVad4RrrZRRdIx2M-YVnYt6yqDai_x4lRsGuXzpQ3xSxmVOfw8KV2fGyw0yg8eS62BAUb_Ru07bTEjVIVfiEzEWouIOoo/s400/karen+esplin+2011+161.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678033805256141474" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One of the downfalls of being pregnant, is that the body takes on an extra load and sometimes it leaves behind permanent reminders of what it went through. I have 2 c section scars that I won't show you and I can't believe I am showing you the leg here, but my legs started suffering about my 3rd pregnancy. The veins broke and have never repaired themselves. I sometimes want to hate my legs, but as I am putting this all into perspective. I am seeing that these ugly veins are some battle wounds and</div><div><ul><li> a <i><b>reminder </b></i>to me that I was blessed to be able to CARRY 6 children. Not everyone gets that privilege.</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u1ILBqB-MwB4lO7A5rn_7N3uVXCeuVz83JwaQO0uEQ4YPn-Px6yE3PaJ35XS8SmFn-AFYHyDcZP0-TvhXdPZd0vEtaEcPsplIHezjRA3dg77H8DVzEbnX3t2-nSoaG-xoaCTU0LbTYk/s1600/june+ish+089.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u1ILBqB-MwB4lO7A5rn_7N3uVXCeuVz83JwaQO0uEQ4YPn-Px6yE3PaJ35XS8SmFn-AFYHyDcZP0-TvhXdPZd0vEtaEcPsplIHezjRA3dg77H8DVzEbnX3t2-nSoaG-xoaCTU0LbTYk/s400/june+ish+089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677313711521720418" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><u><br /></u></span></div>I have come to love Jesus so much more than I ever knew possible and this picture is not a really popular one, but to me it is special. While I was going through chemotherapy, I did a lot more praying than normal. One day when I was especially somber, I had the most incredible experience while looking at this picture, it is so sacred I can't share it here, but I </div><div><ul><li>LOVE this <b><i>reminder</i></b></li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNNEpRCOkHMbcjElXLe1nXXBK3c0Y2SZCRpjsBTIR-rqTowDMvnYidm-sq5yPVDe2Lup8ZRzkPdVjZ34s8GC6jO6TMq-uw59epYykxySvDKpIq5Cd1iB_OC8IhfLinav2Flt-tBN7dY4/s1600/june+ish+064.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNNEpRCOkHMbcjElXLe1nXXBK3c0Y2SZCRpjsBTIR-rqTowDMvnYidm-sq5yPVDe2Lup8ZRzkPdVjZ34s8GC6jO6TMq-uw59epYykxySvDKpIq5Cd1iB_OC8IhfLinav2Flt-tBN7dY4/s400/june+ish+064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677313212531058210" /></a><br />I feel like I could go on and on about the reminders we have around us of LOVE and SACRIFICE and so many other good things about life.</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>What do you see around YOU?</div><div><br />Please share with me your thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-15415233546675759842011-09-15T09:32:00.000-07:002011-09-18T22:25:26.241-07:00Water Washes Everything<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I heard another statement that made my ears perk up. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><b>"Water is so Cleansing"</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1k3oHhswVfRQlo4WDVzHMHGiiIXqKF4nqOpqDfpfKQjHCJbEeAnZ6FyFALVLl6uEHGSc0EF_UYGyHDpIV-rCV7-VdDFf_dCUYWYtxVU14LnvHcKT0eXmhVZFN-pQYNEJUGfzBImSXvk/s400/279.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653846900486205954" /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love to do housework, I know, not everyone does, but I do.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love to clean things, even and especially bathrooms.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>I feel great to see things fresh and clean and sparkly.</div></div><div style="text-align: center; ">I have always been this way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For a few years, I got paid to CLEAN other people's houses. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">Sometimes I like my house to get messy </div><div style="text-align: center; ">just so I can clean it.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">Opposition in all things comes in very handy in my life. :)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I have noticed how helpful WATER is.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sometimes I do crazy things as a GRANDMA.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This might have been one of them.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CGAY8CsKp8TLpLtnOHl68BSVSsYg8wBfM90bfQk1Ev9TXzCrWMO74l8AsTrUCVx2VzI8TSSKuKpNWRE80n5DQy7xQZHXDDm81qvbO-rCMwEhmJG-EryKCWZ4xydc0dYdFwei0_PrVQw/s1600/215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CGAY8CsKp8TLpLtnOHl68BSVSsYg8wBfM90bfQk1Ev9TXzCrWMO74l8AsTrUCVx2VzI8TSSKuKpNWRE80n5DQy7xQZHXDDm81qvbO-rCMwEhmJG-EryKCWZ4xydc0dYdFwei0_PrVQw/s400/215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653848544608831586" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CGAY8CsKp8TLpLtnOHl68BSVSsYg8wBfM90bfQk1Ev9TXzCrWMO74l8AsTrUCVx2VzI8TSSKuKpNWRE80n5DQy7xQZHXDDm81qvbO-rCMwEhmJG-EryKCWZ4xydc0dYdFwei0_PrVQw/s1600/215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CGAY8CsKp8TLpLtnOHl68BSVSsYg8wBfM90bfQk1Ev9TXzCrWMO74l8AsTrUCVx2VzI8TSSKuKpNWRE80n5DQy7xQZHXDDm81qvbO-rCMwEhmJG-EryKCWZ4xydc0dYdFwei0_PrVQw/s1600/215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1k3oHhswVfRQlo4WDVzHMHGiiIXqKF4nqOpqDfpfKQjHCJbEeAnZ6FyFALVLl6uEHGSc0EF_UYGyHDpIV-rCV7-VdDFf_dCUYWYtxVU14LnvHcKT0eXmhVZFN-pQYNEJUGfzBImSXvk/s1600/279.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrkYjIZjwvs5mopptNrJ5_uE5RWEEu5HLV7Yv_aBisgrZZQiPeAve4t1kJVDrhMTao-krU_anOVuctBsHEcWKa9Q1RoZuPgxcVp8HXjHzBxLDZi2dL8DLwNiMII4G4rXVIY0I-gozytc/s400/214.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653850131663149778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div></div></div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vfG0ANEAY7IpawonJKbgAsM8N2y3JXgUSUfu77vxyANZrPvUFz52BjFa5FOR9H21cE0S3suzk4wLOkWQ98oYWXvJAazUvK0uUL37eGQiJGXi5zo8fFtAr0-8PomQCeShhrNXTjh06a0/s400/220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653848548859606258" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div></div><div></div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div></div><div style="text-align: center; "></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CGAY8CsKp8TLpLtnOHl68BSVSsYg8wBfM90bfQk1Ev9TXzCrWMO74l8AsTrUCVx2VzI8TSSKuKpNWRE80n5DQy7xQZHXDDm81qvbO-rCMwEhmJG-EryKCWZ4xydc0dYdFwei0_PrVQw/s1600/215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CGAY8CsKp8TLpLtnOHl68BSVSsYg8wBfM90bfQk1Ev9TXzCrWMO74l8AsTrUCVx2VzI8TSSKuKpNWRE80n5DQy7xQZHXDDm81qvbO-rCMwEhmJG-EryKCWZ4xydc0dYdFwei0_PrVQw/s1600/215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center; ">I was babysitting, and they needed something to do.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">I needed a wall painted.</div><div style="text-align: center; ">BUT I KNEW IT WAS JUST PRIMER,</div><div style="text-align: center; ">and that kind of paint washes off easily with <span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >WATER</span></i> (grin)</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">If my water is turned off, I go a little crazy.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">I like to wash my hands A. LOT.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The other day I came across a light switch that was COVERED</div><div style="text-align: center;"> with spaghetti sauce.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness for water to wash it clean.</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AFy22spP0tv1MBysn0m2eBmUCGDz7X-vXFjiArNfwKHRGiCFYJ3xOrimREE-QBqy2vtWgu1HbBgphUxO4zR7BdCuU4ieGi0E6DwDjnN2E48nvPHA9n_LXHu6418RjwFbvLQaaifEfK8/s400/265.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653846894215090818" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am thankful for water to flush the toilet, I like a very clean toilet bowl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember a class once on cleaning and the presenter said that</div><div style="text-align: center;"> anything can be cleaned if you will drench it, and let it sit </div><div style="text-align: center;">and soak for a while. I think about that all the time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I might be wiping off the kitchen counter and food is stuck, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I remember, and just put a wet washcloth on it </div><div style="text-align: center;">and leave it and come back later, </div><div style="text-align: center;">only to find it wipes right off easily.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; ">True of stuff stuck to the floor, or ANYWHERE.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When the microwave gets really yucky, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I take a really wet washcloth and put it in there on high for about 2 minutes, </div><div style="text-align: center;">then let it sit. A few minutes later, I can take any rag </div><div style="text-align: center;">and EASILY wash out the whole microwave in a matter of seconds.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>I love water.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I haven't always loved the rain but as I get older, I have come to appreciate it.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It does wash a lot of things clean.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">It smells good too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After a busy day of exercise and cleaning and running around, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I like to get in the shower and get</div><div style="text-align: center;"> cleaned off and wash my hair. It is very renewing for my spirit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Brushing my teeth , WITH WATER is very helpful. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All these thoughts have led me to think about something more.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had an <i><b>awesome experience </b></i>one day when I was pondering about my heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It sometimes feels a little broken because of circumstances around me.</div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">This one day, I saw in my mind, like a dream, if you will, </div><div style="text-align: center;">a large heart drawn in the sand on a beach. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It appeared to be about 7 or 8 feet in diameter.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I realized that this heart was representative of <span class="Apple-style-span" >MY</span> HEART.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I noticed it had <i>rough</i> edges.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1k3oHhswVfRQlo4WDVzHMHGiiIXqKF4nqOpqDfpfKQjHCJbEeAnZ6FyFALVLl6uEHGSc0EF_UYGyHDpIV-rCV7-VdDFf_dCUYWYtxVU14LnvHcKT0eXmhVZFN-pQYNEJUGfzBImSXvk/s1600/279.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLtBUz47mjJESXHQFPrVVjgRL9W8LYnb7T92qVv6IgACojDiF73sLdamavvl-iCuT5zk9aGjBlCJSp3uDyvbuAxeRIbLFjkTwSOSSfG_cNJQW382QJKQ-nJfPn4n2Q96_qdaIP9vEg9aM/s400/283.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653848533858398946" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></a><div></div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">I watched the <span class="Apple-style-span">waves of WATER</span> gently wash over the sand, and the roughly drawn heart. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I suddenly realized the water was symbolic of GOD'S LOVE.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> It was VERY gently washing over my heart and healing it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">One little wave at a time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It smoothed it right out.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was stunned.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I knew God was telling me that no matter what the condition of my heart,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> He would send His love in constant waves </div><div style="text-align: center;">and that my heart BREAK, or roughness , as it was, </div><div style="text-align: center;">was built on a sandy foundation.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It wasn't going to last.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His love was going to cure it. Heal it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">WATER IS AWESOME!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">what hope this gave me in a<span class="Apple-style-span"> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" >powerful way.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center; ">My thoughts continue </div><div style="text-align: center; ">as I think about water </div><div style="text-align: center; ">and what it does for me personally.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The water of baptism.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It CLEANSED my soul.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I long to do it again.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Until I realize, I do that EVERY WEEK.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">with the <span class="Apple-style-span">water </span>at the Sacrament table.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What a blessing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I get to be WASHED clean every week.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(if I <i>choose</i> it)</div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">"I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am thankful for WATER.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know there is a Heavenly Father and I know there is a LIVING Christ.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Everything in this mortal life <i>POINTS</i> to them.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b>ESPECIALLY WATER</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>:)</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: center; "><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1k3oHhswVfRQlo4WDVzHMHGiiIXqKF4nqOpqDfpfKQjHCJbEeAnZ6FyFALVLl6uEHGSc0EF_UYGyHDpIV-rCV7-VdDFf_dCUYWYtxVU14LnvHcKT0eXmhVZFN-pQYNEJUGfzBImSXvk/s1600/279.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4e0pPs-pIE6cwDuFEZG2glVuqEzq6h2BV-xfzOVPhlFISajIJTOB_jUGfk4ndXsh-D9KI9RI7h10CB1fKlZDXvb1qNRQr-Ar1xhC8JqsDnvbtNKKsX9OtvjHnOVJLgSG5cydBix6330I/s400/284.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653847271615096754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><div></div><div></div><div></div></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-39839545625606326632011-08-04T21:54:00.000-07:002011-08-22T22:44:44.793-07:00At Our Fingertips!!<div>What kind of things can we do with this?</div><div>Cook on it, bake in it?</div><div>With the a few clicks of our fingers, we can tell this appliance what time and what temperature to cook our food at, and then tell it when to shut off. Amazing, we just push buttons. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vOr1PgjOcZnroYDoOp9EKi2kr-HAa5AQzEUORqdPICjTpNHYBS6SDSvyN7vlJszN_5D1APW3G8c-9IxK-n4QXkzZ1mb0bZlvbaaTv5ApXY0Yelu4UH9CZtu49i6aXW9UrI8C6B-ZH5U/s1600/karen+2011+092.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vOr1PgjOcZnroYDoOp9EKi2kr-HAa5AQzEUORqdPICjTpNHYBS6SDSvyN7vlJszN_5D1APW3G8c-9IxK-n4QXkzZ1mb0bZlvbaaTv5ApXY0Yelu4UH9CZtu49i6aXW9UrI8C6B-ZH5U/s400/karen+2011+092.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643919765728975634" /></a>
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<br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I am taking an Institute (religious) class on Wednesday nights.</div><div style="text-align: left; ">I think I mention it every now and again.</div><div style="text-align: left; ">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Every time the teacher ends the class, he bears his personal testimony of the things he has been teaching for the last hour and a half.</div><div style="text-align: left; ">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Last Wednesday, we had been talking about Abraham, the father of Isaac. </div><div style="text-align: left; ">That was a LONG time ago. </div><div style="text-align: left; ">He was saying in his closing remarks how different it is for us and how much ease we have in our lives. I heard the words "at our fingertips" as he was talking and for some reason my ears perked up, and I realized he was saying how lucky/blessed we are to have so much that comes so easy to us to help make our lives so comfortable. I couldn't get those words out of my mind. I came home and kept thinking of ALL the things that are so readily available to me and "at my fingertips"</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here are a few that I thought of:</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Electricity........literally ..........AT OUR FINGERTIPS............wow</div><div>
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<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlhsNd99oxSeFM24ds00ytB367YTPf91KgfK96zAgM96PXGHMpb-jpZt-_rPcmaGrrtaWjTeWfbgDJlgXPC07CpcuZHZ5rpjhLRKoCnuZjfuO8PcsnuMQP4B2T9Cq-SeZtYSxYMbbCcM/s1600/karen+2011+088.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlhsNd99oxSeFM24ds00ytB367YTPf91KgfK96zAgM96PXGHMpb-jpZt-_rPcmaGrrtaWjTeWfbgDJlgXPC07CpcuZHZ5rpjhLRKoCnuZjfuO8PcsnuMQP4B2T9Cq-SeZtYSxYMbbCcM/s400/karen+2011+088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643914079467128626" /></a>
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<br /></div><div>Right now during this hot summer, I am feeling appreciative of ice and ice cold water :)
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkKu29tc_84GnPbRs7_aV9hA5kUxBuTZ6P9HoK6aG9B8_IPvMH24KKh3Kw0zAAVNOzji6YJxSltoJkuHP59-dHCdM0MVbs_m13V3WYCb0iUbwDr4CW5YJTmfm2kYqZAHhgY9GmgG6_AQ/s1600/karen+2011+081.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkKu29tc_84GnPbRs7_aV9hA5kUxBuTZ6P9HoK6aG9B8_IPvMH24KKh3Kw0zAAVNOzji6YJxSltoJkuHP59-dHCdM0MVbs_m13V3WYCb0iUbwDr4CW5YJTmfm2kYqZAHhgY9GmgG6_AQ/s400/karen+2011+081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643914071842808658" /></a>
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<br /></div><div>Then there are lights, by which we can see by.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw8oZtocqIdJg5yQfYf3d2ep7BT0S8Wp71OC0hTNEdfpWQiDBLzb4vefCVPxBfykCY3zBS2GDBWtTWTNikQB1kSD2hUkkuIoEDY1WhRcGGf7jwAVoVj-LQkPPRG6sYbaUJIRNdKLUh-8/s1600/karen+2011+086.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJw8oZtocqIdJg5yQfYf3d2ep7BT0S8Wp71OC0hTNEdfpWQiDBLzb4vefCVPxBfykCY3zBS2GDBWtTWTNikQB1kSD2hUkkuIoEDY1WhRcGGf7jwAVoVj-LQkPPRG6sYbaUJIRNdKLUh-8/s400/karen+2011+086.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643914068995522962" /></a>
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<br /></div><div>Running water always comes in handy, I notice it especially when the water needs to be turned off for a repair or something, it is a must for me!!
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmdjwQ927H2m4sxSybsqSVOM81OH54LgASBUb73voCd145wznIgLWF7zHwUBrk5E_Mja4eMGAv5fWakF-gwG3f6Az7KEDd2qibFDyIMcIUOZHwQfjhUCYLx9BWtLcK4_zyK8bjxP_7ic/s1600/karen+2011+080.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmdjwQ927H2m4sxSybsqSVOM81OH54LgASBUb73voCd145wznIgLWF7zHwUBrk5E_Mja4eMGAv5fWakF-gwG3f6Az7KEDd2qibFDyIMcIUOZHwQfjhUCYLx9BWtLcK4_zyK8bjxP_7ic/s400/karen+2011+080.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643914066301246242" /></a>
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<br /></div><div>Oh, where would I be without AIR CONDITIONING??............and there are the controls...............right at MY FINGERTIPS................it's almost too easy............
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gySrXikJpJFF0a-Hz0ExwlFdQt6DCqmzBdjDhHztAikbahCcZYjxsIVNZyegyBZ22ZXwD9z0vwSUChOcloqdMgqMmgYj5uA81Vqxsc17cFWjUneLmwnNVB9UcOhdR4IX5k7GvnCCgSo/s1600/karen+2011+076.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gySrXikJpJFF0a-Hz0ExwlFdQt6DCqmzBdjDhHztAikbahCcZYjxsIVNZyegyBZ22ZXwD9z0vwSUChOcloqdMgqMmgYj5uA81Vqxsc17cFWjUneLmwnNVB9UcOhdR4IX5k7GvnCCgSo/s400/karen+2011+076.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643914054739229298" /></a><div>
<br /></div><div>Here are a few more that I thought of:</div><div>
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<br /></div></div><div><div>Washing machine for our clothes</div><div>Dryer too!</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Microwave for instant cooking</div></div><div>
<br /></div><div>Toilets that flush completely clean with the flick of our fingers.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Cell phones that call people and find them wherever they are, no matter what state or city they are in.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Answering machines that record messages and play them back as many times as we want to hear them, all with the push of a button by our fingers.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>How about music, how hard is that to acquire? </div><div>
<br /></div><div>A car key...........a vehicle to carry us wherever we want to go.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Expanding my imagination, I see something I love very much.</div><div>
<br /></div><div> The Temple</div><div>Now that might not be something you think of because it is so large and really not at our fingertips at all, but when I see it in perspective, I realize WHAT A BLESSING!! </div><div>I can go to our LDS Temple and attend almost anytime I want to. </div><div>It takes me about 11 minutes to drive there. </div><div>I can be back home within 2 hrs easy.</div><div> There are many temples in the world, over 125 now, but there are a lot more cities than 125......and I am blessed/lucky to have one so close to me. It is one of my favorite things to do, to spend time in the very beautiful, and peaceful temple.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Grocery Stores, to get all the food we can eat.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Here's another one:</div><div>our sacrament cups..............how easy is that for us to have something remind us of THE GREAT ATONING SACRIFICE.............we have little to do to make this possible, just show up to church on Sunday, and there again, at our fingertips, is the ordinance that WASHES away our sins for the week, and we are clean again.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The computer and the Keyboard are right at our fingertips, and in reality, we pretty much have THE WORLD at our beck and call.</div><div>Almost ANYTHING we want.............is easily attainable with our fingers.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>WOW, I am feeling grateful for my life. </div><div>I am thankful for so many things that are within my reach,</div><div> and RIGHT at </div><div>"MY FINGERTIPS"</div><div>
<br /></div></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-46014724918521759412011-05-21T08:35:00.000-07:002011-05-21T08:38:24.290-07:00GOOD NEWS!Thanks everyone for your kindness towards me. I am so relieved and happy to tell you that the PET scan showed "no signs of metastatic disease", as the Dr put it, as soon as he opened the door to the exam room. He cautioned me to be on guard. This test looks for TUMORS and cancer cells are too small to be detected so he told me to get in to get checked anytime anything persists for more than 2 wks if it is UNUSUAL. I promise I will do that. Love you all, and thank you again.!Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-80124454164964567582011-05-17T17:33:00.000-07:002011-05-17T17:34:34.030-07:00PET/CT Scan Causes Reflection<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';" ><i>This is where I went today</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';" ><i>it was my 4th PET scan.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';" ><i>I am not afraid.</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5-7Kd8flz8r8ZqdS3bZTDxIlBwlA5c-Tm84iN0LFNvSwpZNM948FwW88sf-AkRHz9J_IZjsirMZv2v3qGAAliNMW1jh-Nip1o24bAdctIrIj-NWERFOLm5J-3oeMqWzi1qdpjCwka3Pa/s1600/PET+scan+day+001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl5-7Kd8flz8r8ZqdS3bZTDxIlBwlA5c-Tm84iN0LFNvSwpZNM948FwW88sf-AkRHz9J_IZjsirMZv2v3qGAAliNMW1jh-Nip1o24bAdctIrIj-NWERFOLm5J-3oeMqWzi1qdpjCwka3Pa/s400/PET+scan+day+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607813930390194066" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>I think it is miraculous that we have such fabulous health care. If you notice up at the top in the middle of the machine, there is an opening. It's new, so you don 't have to feel so claustrophobic. That is a tender mercy to me because today I decided NOT to take medication for the procedure. It isn't painful, just that you have to lay PERFECTLY still and calm inside the tube for almost an hour. I have never felt like I could do that, thus a little meds each time. Last year, I think I overdid it, I couldn't remember the scan AT ALL! Wasn't even sure if they really did it. :)</i></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>I feel more courage this year. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>My how things can change with TIME</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Today, I want to reflect on all that is good in my life. PET scans have a way of doing that to me.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Some things that I love:</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some of my heroes that are cancer survivors with me.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1t66vkX0UNb_IbDmd_A86qjXhyS__PQosxBfjgfba-yPYHM69ThCmBKiDwE_tSmfj-RjeztNkFBtJuRxmlFbhWjQf8fEhHw3N-iqMoJ0OUbjQ4RR4dtT_QVlQjANBD2fBrrEYp2OvQiJ/s1600/2011+karen+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1t66vkX0UNb_IbDmd_A86qjXhyS__PQosxBfjgfba-yPYHM69ThCmBKiDwE_tSmfj-RjeztNkFBtJuRxmlFbhWjQf8fEhHw3N-iqMoJ0OUbjQ4RR4dtT_QVlQjANBD2fBrrEYp2OvQiJ/s400/2011+karen+015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607813922259572482" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Even though these three all started out with breast cancer, two of them now have new cancers. </div><div style="text-align: center;">They continue to FIGHT, and it gives me courage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z3OHI9YgyxsUwfI3Ov1WQWbBZv9Cg_CtfEr4B5zwTpKo4cJdlfgjeboM8L6eVZ9IVFIQ_CTi4OmJh8qLF9zmtaoxrnRbl0dGNw-e2omaL3A3fZnJMopz8cwcmqJjfexS_SjKnQOwF23f/s1600/2011+karen+016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3z3OHI9YgyxsUwfI3Ov1WQWbBZv9Cg_CtfEr4B5zwTpKo4cJdlfgjeboM8L6eVZ9IVFIQ_CTi4OmJh8qLF9zmtaoxrnRbl0dGNw-e2omaL3A3fZnJMopz8cwcmqJjfexS_SjKnQOwF23f/s400/2011+karen+016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607813917892474210" border="0" /></a>I spend a considerable amount of time with these ladies. We meet every Monday to learn about coping skills and we have a<b><i> meditation session</i></b> that brings tons of <b><i>Peace to me!</i></b><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgv57ORXuWOlEO_xlP5UleHlZ5zmTAItrEBZa3iANl5iyhXoNMn5E2HQohikIHIRdR-hZ3BAUv1sR1FtctUJsA8yQFcnP8L5F9Ht4HHKYlE6fLumCYBiEObyGxAcYYqjBsDd1Z1tYglW5/s1600/2011+karen+017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgv57ORXuWOlEO_xlP5UleHlZ5zmTAItrEBZa3iANl5iyhXoNMn5E2HQohikIHIRdR-hZ3BAUv1sR1FtctUJsA8yQFcnP8L5F9Ht4HHKYlE6fLumCYBiEObyGxAcYYqjBsDd1Z1tYglW5/s400/2011+karen+017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607813909466153922" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The one here on my left is Elaine Alder, an icon in St. George. She has given me the most strength out of all of them. She is THE BEST!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5D3KijXexr5Ze719WyGV1XOaNQ9_8Yvj1M7cu1z5hSLxSO3rLhxzPJ2Wmfh7eGImJGzq232o8zDe1pC824bzIyqFoIpQKSArOPZxZEaDLNW_On-qJcy1CUAzxD8__k5WnElCO_nGxUo5/s1600/2011+karen+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5D3KijXexr5Ze719WyGV1XOaNQ9_8Yvj1M7cu1z5hSLxSO3rLhxzPJ2Wmfh7eGImJGzq232o8zDe1pC824bzIyqFoIpQKSArOPZxZEaDLNW_On-qJcy1CUAzxD8__k5WnElCO_nGxUo5/s400/2011+karen+018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607813905774688994" border="0" /></a>The one next to me here is Deb (previously Torres) Christensen. She is the cancer coordinator at DRMC. She is incredibly gifted and insightful to the subject of LIFE. She has been a huge help to me in my <i>"Life after a Cancer Diagnosis"</i> I love all these sweet women. They make a difference in my life.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>There is something special about this gal, her name is Gail. She does clinical trials with cancer research. She is overflowing with love, and I love it ..........and her.</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWcPPFrGjU06QHkK09nMmsxAcOvsjF-E-cxIJxR__7zpxEG_OhqfeyBJh4dhRCL1eD5-ZfUf92yHPm5zuHZQgpLe7Y2EI0uHVKc0-17ZUgdxx-K2wL1ceCjeET0W57hjd1BxuQe3Wlgvn/s1600/2011+karen+019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWcPPFrGjU06QHkK09nMmsxAcOvsjF-E-cxIJxR__7zpxEG_OhqfeyBJh4dhRCL1eD5-ZfUf92yHPm5zuHZQgpLe7Y2EI0uHVKc0-17ZUgdxx-K2wL1ceCjeET0W57hjd1BxuQe3Wlgvn/s400/2011+karen+019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811442394836706" border="0" /></a> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Just in the last 3 weeks, I have had a STARK reminder that this cancer fight is NEVER over. I have a dear friend, Cathy Lindell. Before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had already had it TWICE. The first time, it was estrogen negative, in 12 of her lymph nodes; she went ahead with a mastectomy and chemo and radiation. Rough go.....but she survived. About 3 yrs later, a new lump in the other side.........estrogen positive this time, no lymph node involvement. Another mastectomy and a pill to take every day for the next five years. Well, it's been almost 5 yrs, and even though blood tests, which we do every 6 months, showed NOTHING to be concerned about, dizziness did. Long story short, they have found the 2nd breast cancer has spread to the brain, the brain stem, the throat, the lungs and in her hip. She is FIGHTING for her very life, even now as we speak. Brain tumor came out w/ no problem, the throat, lungs and hip will respond to some hormone treatments in an injection. (another evidence of the miraculous health care we enjoy) The brain stem is the biggest challenge. She is doing radiation to her entire brain for 15 rounds. It is tough. Her own mom passed away due to breast cancer.</div><div> </div><div>My own mom passed away due to breast cancer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Am I scared? Nope.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do I want to stay on top of every TUMOR? Yep.</div><div><br /></div><div>Am I shaken to remember that LIFE IS FRAGILE...............you BET!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">There are many things I still want to enjoy. I don't want to take ANYTHING FOR GRANTED: Like the ones I have been blessed to still be here to see: EASTER for example:</span></i></b></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9maKD1aG824QVX-dcDooZhlRU1uOmX8PQLgALODB78ex1fdMwwUs1CttyyBuTyVMLQalOia3lIVmM9rz9TkOWCkUV2kVNzWGCVehWYkD2ii2QlAe4n3XUDtVBbq9Pl9r5uys8sLID9Y7B/s1600/2011+karen+009.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9maKD1aG824QVX-dcDooZhlRU1uOmX8PQLgALODB78ex1fdMwwUs1CttyyBuTyVMLQalOia3lIVmM9rz9TkOWCkUV2kVNzWGCVehWYkD2ii2QlAe4n3XUDtVBbq9Pl9r5uys8sLID9Y7B/s400/2011+karen+009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811435701443090" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>this is Kenya, 2 1/2 yrs old, with a FEW other kids looking for very few eggs at the city Easter Egg Hunt.</i></b></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kUHamicOk4_a0dPKMqROaqytIi61Hwdx_VhjxmmmQVRaXsHBgkgeaFkX5cxGVrq7hs_uBbAZB6OGlcahZjjSmCokEsrPn6uTMA5hEsEn6iA3X6W948ecGdUMECs0YMcOtNSXdwSZdOmW/s1600/2011+karen+014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kUHamicOk4_a0dPKMqROaqytIi61Hwdx_VhjxmmmQVRaXsHBgkgeaFkX5cxGVrq7hs_uBbAZB6OGlcahZjjSmCokEsrPn6uTMA5hEsEn6iA3X6W948ecGdUMECs0YMcOtNSXdwSZdOmW/s400/2011+karen+014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811431998329154" border="0" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>tell me she is not absolutely PRECIOUS...............as are ALL 12, yes I said 12, Grandkids :)</i></b></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3ukBXEOyiAYKT5PvQES0OmGGWm-LvpOH3p-h1SeIzUCNJTdQ3Mgo3qny3DJHvxFkE5T7_JGFIMVPjPE9VIGCazetVC_u9cUYvGkIjUV1mPjzY12Qs8pSAicTLSvzZWS68MFnX4ydrwE_/s1600/2011+karen+025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3ukBXEOyiAYKT5PvQES0OmGGWm-LvpOH3p-h1SeIzUCNJTdQ3Mgo3qny3DJHvxFkE5T7_JGFIMVPjPE9VIGCazetVC_u9cUYvGkIjUV1mPjzY12Qs8pSAicTLSvzZWS68MFnX4ydrwE_/s400/2011+karen+025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811424114539122" border="0" /></a>Dying Easter Eggs is always fun for me to watch...........4 of my grandkids, and 3 of my brothers kids..........they call me" GR-Aunt Karen", cuz they don't have any grandmas alive, so I am both grandma and aunt.............I love them so much. My mom never got to see them or their sweet mother, one of my favorite people of all time............Heather McKnight.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibtsyFlPjbUhd6LJDWGUxZt5bLX1KkFOrPlN20k_i4Hum2T3Tm1jtR2zNefB7WdMO89zYtQe-5s76Snv1P77SdGBqCcLeLX4HoybHylRWnOA6zSam5jjY3mO3HcoE-THSqa94AMa4tqOR/s1600/2011+karen+020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibtsyFlPjbUhd6LJDWGUxZt5bLX1KkFOrPlN20k_i4Hum2T3Tm1jtR2zNefB7WdMO89zYtQe-5s76Snv1P77SdGBqCcLeLX4HoybHylRWnOA6zSam5jjY3mO3HcoE-THSqa94AMa4tqOR/s400/2011+karen+020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607811419357518930" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Just in case you couldn't see how Beckett dyed his eggs, here is a close up view, you just use your WHOLE HAND to put in the egg, then leave it there for a few minutes, and voila', a colored egg!!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So, after the kids went to bed, my sis-in-law and I got a little giddy, and very tired, but we HAD to have a few more eggs colored OUR WAY! I love the glitter ones!! Sparkles delight me for sure!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZFtloxfjedI_b7YEVJA6I3Vj3ga9rOtRDAskGroJIzsSTVJw1gj2_Z4v7DjXefYNMvO90Lu0AYTNEQLcOTgEoIKbFS-vsRb_vYqh33Mwgtj8N2QH0ykTIE2swY_vfz3RFraiExkXUjV8/s1600/2011+karen+027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZFtloxfjedI_b7YEVJA6I3Vj3ga9rOtRDAskGroJIzsSTVJw1gj2_Z4v7DjXefYNMvO90Lu0AYTNEQLcOTgEoIKbFS-vsRb_vYqh33Mwgtj8N2QH0ykTIE2swY_vfz3RFraiExkXUjV8/s400/2011+karen+027.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607809053076256482" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then we played Easter Bunny, even though it was now 2 am, whew, fun.........even for my BIG kids.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHkkqbRAlnxst38GMaeDwTUMtSnO4sgp_fyx5MbcFGsqfiBqLpd-5tV5a75XhT_R0XLegmDFsqBoYG1if1EmF__8iWK9Gm82WN-FKXPPc33hpq7xL_S_cqm-VYmWO3eRBnG4e_ZkKT-Px/s1600/2011+karen+033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGHkkqbRAlnxst38GMaeDwTUMtSnO4sgp_fyx5MbcFGsqfiBqLpd-5tV5a75XhT_R0XLegmDFsqBoYG1if1EmF__8iWK9Gm82WN-FKXPPc33hpq7xL_S_cqm-VYmWO3eRBnG4e_ZkKT-Px/s400/2011+karen+033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607809051372322306" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Next day, on Saturday, we had all the eggs hidden at our CORRAL for the kids to find. Here, you see Caden is holding up his hand in VICTORY, he was SURE HE was going to find the golden egg, with $5.00 in it.............................sure enough, HE found it!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhN_z4lQ74filGJrR5Ea-izZl9smix3yeihJfDVKIpsn5kq-RTCew9XCvEj1yAih_grahQe5mQrfRxdk7Z6nZmatI_Mq19hehkoEc_37EMqCHjJkDgitQNXj0QcxyPZjCu1Ck3crOjOx_/s1600/2011+karen+036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhN_z4lQ74filGJrR5Ea-izZl9smix3yeihJfDVKIpsn5kq-RTCew9XCvEj1yAih_grahQe5mQrfRxdk7Z6nZmatI_Mq19hehkoEc_37EMqCHjJkDgitQNXj0QcxyPZjCu1Ck3crOjOx_/s400/2011+karen+036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607809042483015058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4X_FhuqXK4dHAETzkaLuEPlQ3xCbAQnyeHIRgTOpryPecQPf1hnjY-r7SpsDtBvy5FZcaUl5j38qZNUMIQN8moIRqFZUO0i07lWjeIpDL25OXnZVfWCJIbgnbPb_lx6QbojBTqM6qQHPn/s1600/2011+karen+043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4X_FhuqXK4dHAETzkaLuEPlQ3xCbAQnyeHIRgTOpryPecQPf1hnjY-r7SpsDtBvy5FZcaUl5j38qZNUMIQN8moIRqFZUO0i07lWjeIpDL25OXnZVfWCJIbgnbPb_lx6QbojBTqM6qQHPn/s400/2011+karen+043.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607809037377596834" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEyNcYR5X_Xai2Mji4NTOcpxC3hu4vI163ROUELfFSQdH4O7IbiYgu3ZMMXJxzSmpWYC5-aRhjUHEDOP5kDqLVGEBQQjxHzVpMuqAKyMLrV72AHWUhcfJ_FHV0ZdlV2qHyZIBCs3IKRjk/s1600/2011+karen+045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEyNcYR5X_Xai2Mji4NTOcpxC3hu4vI163ROUELfFSQdH4O7IbiYgu3ZMMXJxzSmpWYC5-aRhjUHEDOP5kDqLVGEBQQjxHzVpMuqAKyMLrV72AHWUhcfJ_FHV0ZdlV2qHyZIBCs3IKRjk/s400/2011+karen+045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607809034108999810" border="0" /></a>Of course, we HAD to have an Easter picnic out in our backyard, I just love the idea my sister Colleen , gave me to put easter grass down the table with colored eggs for decorations, these are even edible!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmZ6aJ_et-AitNCDFuDDVw7LV2T-59FOy5_q0VXJweZiKZdj7l7-DScq4-paejg37ro3ftYUcHaUvA5BvsfIX6OfRdpziad7NtZh7E2L3MgDO-lxN3YgVzhcvCpGcNFCGAMD0JF09uvyg/s1600/2011+karen+047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmZ6aJ_et-AitNCDFuDDVw7LV2T-59FOy5_q0VXJweZiKZdj7l7-DScq4-paejg37ro3ftYUcHaUvA5BvsfIX6OfRdpziad7NtZh7E2L3MgDO-lxN3YgVzhcvCpGcNFCGAMD0JF09uvyg/s400/2011+karen+047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607806686687032498" border="0" /></a><br />My granddaughter, Jayda, is 17 mos, and I thought it was hilarious that she loved the LAST of the potato salad. :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBfNjzNXvYZTklX-u0WMV6pYMII0pn6JMFb892O7L8CGqtwY8LOn755RejDfCGjSpDMmPtqvrOfm5lKxtHM4MVV6TV7pQ_RTcZsG2DlbVe1Uk0sjfuU0iTe_lQuygO1FN2qoF4ZGjAV2Y/s1600/2011+karen+053.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWBfNjzNXvYZTklX-u0WMV6pYMII0pn6JMFb892O7L8CGqtwY8LOn755RejDfCGjSpDMmPtqvrOfm5lKxtHM4MVV6TV7pQ_RTcZsG2DlbVe1Uk0sjfuU0iTe_lQuygO1FN2qoF4ZGjAV2Y/s400/2011+karen+053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607806679057464354" border="0" /></a>Next day, ready for church. Caden is 7 and Halle on the right, (nephew and niece), love to go to church with me whenever we are together. They are some SPECIAL KIDS!! that's for sure. The matching ones are l to r : Maddux, Malakai, Jayda, and Kenya..........Tara's Kids. The only ones that live here in SG.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAomqwDM4tl46VChYyCP1DronhGG4BfVUsTg5jT5IZjHGog552YZdWZG7QYdkq0YtRBpuGf79O_RdQIGhVKQw_1Iv3u8R0Xe62Tn_MM09Af6AjKn6FbIwNWVq9AzFYbEUCdUHqGRWqIQzy/s1600/2011+karen+055.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAomqwDM4tl46VChYyCP1DronhGG4BfVUsTg5jT5IZjHGog552YZdWZG7QYdkq0YtRBpuGf79O_RdQIGhVKQw_1Iv3u8R0Xe62Tn_MM09Af6AjKn6FbIwNWVq9AzFYbEUCdUHqGRWqIQzy/s400/2011+karen+055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607806673369141090" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Now, on this Easter Sunday, Dale called me in to the front room: the light coming through the front window..........hhhmmm...........</i></span></div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2owwp-3ioaTItWoj3wDYkPoGMXQPGqve0l7tnqs3VSTc9Zw1gVxjW9ada79Qj-K0weUZ_p_Y_RFGe-euFo8zKsWFvFOeiQiplQWNo5lmj871l39jxk0JIdD9mLtpOtznXDU3Z87D5k4K/s1600/2011+karen+063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2owwp-3ioaTItWoj3wDYkPoGMXQPGqve0l7tnqs3VSTc9Zw1gVxjW9ada79Qj-K0weUZ_p_Y_RFGe-euFo8zKsWFvFOeiQiplQWNo5lmj871l39jxk0JIdD9mLtpOtznXDU3Z87D5k4K/s400/2011+karen+063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607806669898876722" border="0" /> Do you think this was JUST A COINCIDENCE?? I don't think so. I feel loved by Heaven.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>then there came the BIG DAY...................MOTHER'S DAY!! I get to talk to my son , Jonathan, he is in Argentina. This is how we had to call him, very complicated if you ask me. Eric, my oldest son, is a WHIZ with the computer and figured out how to talk for 2 hours for $20. Way better than last year when the call cost us $275.00............OUCH!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2owwp-3ioaTItWoj3wDYkPoGMXQPGqve0l7tnqs3VSTc9Zw1gVxjW9ada79Qj-K0weUZ_p_Y_RFGe-euFo8zKsWFvFOeiQiplQWNo5lmj871l39jxk0JIdD9mLtpOtznXDU3Z87D5k4K/s1600/2011+karen+063.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNjI3XFT7P7zayidWit4yLTS-vcDAmbhXYLWra2f84SZ5lMimnbbCcoZ_sE4_PLW8kepSmiKCsxlj0C07llIVGlMNamimhfh_VYwReMiy47PcS_Dc8kHo93qQbF-WK99eF6OIFrgtuAFK/s1600/2011+karen+071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNjI3XFT7P7zayidWit4yLTS-vcDAmbhXYLWra2f84SZ5lMimnbbCcoZ_sE4_PLW8kepSmiKCsxlj0C07llIVGlMNamimhfh_VYwReMiy47PcS_Dc8kHo93qQbF-WK99eF6OIFrgtuAFK/s400/2011+karen+071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607806660482317410" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAeZPwsTAu2UV-KuJ4mXdU-f7JWCTCc8VxVDUCluSCWOcV6wpqkvCfiYlXz-cCsMsVzqYEFPZGhhQLe2ce_44tO9-0gOVmunw3aawqWXjDQlG-I2GmtyXqzFh5hPzDe7pOBoB9gniAG2-/s1600/2011+karen+089.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAeZPwsTAu2UV-KuJ4mXdU-f7JWCTCc8VxVDUCluSCWOcV6wpqkvCfiYlXz-cCsMsVzqYEFPZGhhQLe2ce_44tO9-0gOVmunw3aawqWXjDQlG-I2GmtyXqzFh5hPzDe7pOBoB9gniAG2-/s400/2011+karen+089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607804592165769810" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAeZPwsTAu2UV-KuJ4mXdU-f7JWCTCc8VxVDUCluSCWOcV6wpqkvCfiYlXz-cCsMsVzqYEFPZGhhQLe2ce_44tO9-0gOVmunw3aawqWXjDQlG-I2GmtyXqzFh5hPzDe7pOBoB9gniAG2-/s1600/2011+karen+089.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAeZPwsTAu2UV-KuJ4mXdU-f7JWCTCc8VxVDUCluSCWOcV6wpqkvCfiYlXz-cCsMsVzqYEFPZGhhQLe2ce_44tO9-0gOVmunw3aawqWXjDQlG-I2GmtyXqzFh5hPzDe7pOBoB9gniAG2-/s1600/2011+karen+089.JPG"> Happy Mother's Day to me, Happy Girls!!</a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqiNxSHqWwUeTdD0gU0cYDiHd4ARSaIjSHJK2L9dIRhZn16i3zzuaHdkM_Effq69YyCgbsa97YjDDCCAYM8etqaCrCqn-fAImLFgofKB4Bv4sJ1U0d_sJNXLfixzYvapctDzVjkvrPj6s/s1600/2011+karen+090.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrqiNxSHqWwUeTdD0gU0cYDiHd4ARSaIjSHJK2L9dIRhZn16i3zzuaHdkM_Effq69YyCgbsa97YjDDCCAYM8etqaCrCqn-fAImLFgofKB4Bv4sJ1U0d_sJNXLfixzYvapctDzVjkvrPj6s/s400/2011+karen+090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607804582200186962" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This will forever be a priceless picture to me</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes I am not sure if I am loved by this boy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He loved me on Mother's Day,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and here is proof. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyjtyNmlJ3Pp8Gy1mc0rp7ec3oFYfW57psG78D6L65cpFiGxDWdDazZ_hcN6gNDJg2jNfO910aunuWtUL7NK5BSae5McoGXJvrCI1kA2P_115Rfo82dE-Z8X9qhPzqJZ7GZ-ZrQB_FRXs/s1600/2011+karen+093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyjtyNmlJ3Pp8Gy1mc0rp7ec3oFYfW57psG78D6L65cpFiGxDWdDazZ_hcN6gNDJg2jNfO910aunuWtUL7NK5BSae5McoGXJvrCI1kA2P_115Rfo82dE-Z8X9qhPzqJZ7GZ-ZrQB_FRXs/s400/2011+karen+093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607804580365702418" border="0" /></a>three of the six children I have..................better than none.........I LOVE BEING A MOTHER!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5E_otIPiZFdTi5tH28POsd29wzrlD026ex5tsG8x917LpbzfMTeDUGhkE2o_bU8sAm3YSHEPNn2gZ5xsgxvrEZGuanTKJLwUf1RcByFnQLN-PZeAe8khg9NQNDa_njsRYpxf0AotLOK0/s1600/2011+karen+095.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5E_otIPiZFdTi5tH28POsd29wzrlD026ex5tsG8x917LpbzfMTeDUGhkE2o_bU8sAm3YSHEPNn2gZ5xsgxvrEZGuanTKJLwUf1RcByFnQLN-PZeAe8khg9NQNDa_njsRYpxf0AotLOK0/s400/2011+karen+095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607804573735890914" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">The more the merrier!~!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpJx95Toeeynhu_gQVZOtYTGR-4MdgmpxPq4cp035ZOlXnJTkGv9chVhsHKMHdGDwRR7rpIozjkzW9TdNd0WzDMbOS977sljhBcwynvq7bH02Dzg7wZa7a_jzAk4ckJA4Y5wNoOX0K7mf/s1600/2011+karen+115.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBpJx95Toeeynhu_gQVZOtYTGR-4MdgmpxPq4cp035ZOlXnJTkGv9chVhsHKMHdGDwRR7rpIozjkzW9TdNd0WzDMbOS977sljhBcwynvq7bH02Dzg7wZa7a_jzAk4ckJA4Y5wNoOX0K7mf/s400/2011+karen+115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607804570214146530" border="0" /></a>One of my gifts for Mother's Day is a new PATHWAY from the driveway to the front door, this is just the ROUGH DRAFT..............I love it...............Thanx Dale!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Another joy is something I have wanted to do for A LONG TIME......................take one of the empty bedrooms and put pictures up on EVERY wall of JUST the grandkids. I have worked on it and worked on it, torn it down, had grandchildren help me tear it down, and try again to put it in some sort of ORDER!! This is what I have been working with for the last 2 weeks, and I kind of like what I have come up with ...............so far..............I am sure I will change it around once every few months, but it is a good start I think......................<span class="Apple-style-span">THIS MAKES ME HAPPY :)</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o38y5DmHEd8PCiqIKhWc9DDdC9oc167ZBEuKs7v-xDJZOyvtY0AxaNCf4z92ZWsNmEABWeNDZJfRDqL4amL96KqVBX5lO1y2q_x60Fwg5x_BhreHNhXuJuWpP51BpqSq2tCxCdsd_-Eg/s1600/2011+karen+123.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-o38y5DmHEd8PCiqIKhWc9DDdC9oc167ZBEuKs7v-xDJZOyvtY0AxaNCf4z92ZWsNmEABWeNDZJfRDqL4amL96KqVBX5lO1y2q_x60Fwg5x_BhreHNhXuJuWpP51BpqSq2tCxCdsd_-Eg/s400/2011+karen+123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607802704217792498" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Krystal's family</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0yTtyejJL0JWKkKtW2PC_FZTG6uQyeRrcuCft98egW2NF2dO0Q_MlOukJaUGSzqRbzpWzC-ZhE8q4Lmg9E7zoG4v2E48NX9qbBwtpeaREKD-7tq-d7T6EqIBcGjyZiMqjMRNwNt3kD_q/s1600/2011+karen+127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0yTtyejJL0JWKkKtW2PC_FZTG6uQyeRrcuCft98egW2NF2dO0Q_MlOukJaUGSzqRbzpWzC-ZhE8q4Lmg9E7zoG4v2E48NX9qbBwtpeaREKD-7tq-d7T6EqIBcGjyZiMqjMRNwNt3kD_q/s400/2011+karen+127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607802702051915106" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Heather's family</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5YkkPGZq6Oc-uGWqy9cLKneukWrBkLwGWvLftyPE4N0qeZ5-1xnl314_rLwq0FKujSUWIE1ccOGWCv3h57U3fKT6sBDnoZZIxyFr4_WYp5BFiQY-OuFCqkIeQ3iyRhz2JJBLbzByajTZ/s1600/2011+karen+129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5YkkPGZq6Oc-uGWqy9cLKneukWrBkLwGWvLftyPE4N0qeZ5-1xnl314_rLwq0FKujSUWIE1ccOGWCv3h57U3fKT6sBDnoZZIxyFr4_WYp5BFiQY-OuFCqkIeQ3iyRhz2JJBLbzByajTZ/s400/2011+karen+129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607802692507060866" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Tara's family</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzE7t8O-OYY3jQOYhwEohF-LKw-5rHBKVLI5xE5Xd3JkaTzaFWs2AY-azTlnyofISH2ijNkwuJcV8DIUP4tS1WE9-6ikUHenrzX9BYC4aiHWWoWJy96TwArxHCT6lb7a6rpFOLK9M8T7i/s1600/2011+karen+131.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzE7t8O-OYY3jQOYhwEohF-LKw-5rHBKVLI5xE5Xd3JkaTzaFWs2AY-azTlnyofISH2ijNkwuJcV8DIUP4tS1WE9-6ikUHenrzX9BYC4aiHWWoWJy96TwArxHCT6lb7a6rpFOLK9M8T7i/s400/2011+karen+131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607802689811715106" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Dale's shelf</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnZWN7jWTJGyd1KqYIXyq7XHZvkqOr95e2Iu92oevuWXg8QzJhEjJSguP0WwjhmHGSlZqh7y7XvXoynBgDmf6JeSdsF92Ywa5pfEcEkO2ci2EcEMQ9yA76STHA1DZ3KwtS6Pd0Ip4_MvJ/s1600/2011+karen+134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnZWN7jWTJGyd1KqYIXyq7XHZvkqOr95e2Iu92oevuWXg8QzJhEjJSguP0WwjhmHGSlZqh7y7XvXoynBgDmf6JeSdsF92Ywa5pfEcEkO2ci2EcEMQ9yA76STHA1DZ3KwtS6Pd0Ip4_MvJ/s400/2011+karen+134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607802683550446386" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span">a pillow from Tara's baby crib (27 yrs ago), this says it all. :</span>)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Are you bored yet of all the things that make me happy? Good, cuz I have ONE more ;)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>HOW LUCKY AM I TO HAVE YET ANOTHER BIRTHDAY!!</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3mRRHMCgptFD_cy_srtT185ueBqiv4c8YKIU6veIJYLSRfKHwrGwXNV8KDfaDzZTkbZRdZbk_7L0jQR0FsmI7JZXTmlCIYQDPgdA1m47Omydx3I2vPfeTWnA1g-86Pj-D-q5FrV0O0Ki/s1600/2011+karen+144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3mRRHMCgptFD_cy_srtT185ueBqiv4c8YKIU6veIJYLSRfKHwrGwXNV8KDfaDzZTkbZRdZbk_7L0jQR0FsmI7JZXTmlCIYQDPgdA1m47Omydx3I2vPfeTWnA1g-86Pj-D-q5FrV0O0Ki/s400/2011+karen+144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607800788732278002" border="0" /><br /></a></div><div> I joke around that I am 73 so I look better for my age , but I am just 53 on the calendar! The Relief Society does a sweet thing and puts a sign in each woman's yard on her b day. I love it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3mRRHMCgptFD_cy_srtT185ueBqiv4c8YKIU6veIJYLSRfKHwrGwXNV8KDfaDzZTkbZRdZbk_7L0jQR0FsmI7JZXTmlCIYQDPgdA1m47Omydx3I2vPfeTWnA1g-86Pj-D-q5FrV0O0Ki/s1600/2011+karen+144.JPG"><br /></a></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gzZGtLTRLDr2Wf0aRzWlQW8bF03bxKGW3yFE81TxKZzEqtNlATNu54JFtQhYiHU-iJgMUO2b_EZrOtviINOg5wrIA6-wdjCiX9L48IKc4-S2wVVBoZGf1jzYnLHj-YYQDU6l3Oeffptn/s400/2011+karen+161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607800787015060386" border="0" /> This is the FEAST that Dale, Wayne and Tara grilled for me on the BBQ!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last of all today, I want to reflect just for one more minute on what happens when I have a PET scan. This is the very expensive test that looks for cancer in your body. The first 3 I had, in 2008, 2009, and 2010, were all of my torso. They looked everywhere from the shoulders down to the mid thigh area. I wanted more.</div><div>So today, I had one from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes. I will see the Dr. on Friday to get the results. My own mother got her results of the breast cancer spread to the liver over the phone. I happened to be with her when she got the news. I decided then that the phone is not the best way to get news about cancer spreading., or metastasis, as they call it. I will go to the Dr's office, although I will tell you the truth, I don't expect to find anything. As I left the Dr's office, it was dark and gloomy and cloudy, but the Spirit took my attention to this LIGHT on the mountain. I felt peace. I felt loved.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9c717hWEc4Xitd56T_9sgiVkUez4ZtfE_n0QltN2NiBAk637LHCvLRjmWHCMYAkzQKgv9Vjc1J9WMJRoja-t40CYOFqCykS1acfWd06AQccD4xLwB54TiTnGc0MAXKQEk2PuqTv5ZdHk/s1600/PET+scan+day+003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9c717hWEc4Xitd56T_9sgiVkUez4ZtfE_n0QltN2NiBAk637LHCvLRjmWHCMYAkzQKgv9Vjc1J9WMJRoja-t40CYOFqCykS1acfWd06AQccD4xLwB54TiTnGc0MAXKQEk2PuqTv5ZdHk/s400/PET+scan+day+003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607800779240044162" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I am grateful for Life, even with it's ups and downs, I am glad to be here!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-83093057630630480752011-03-08T18:35:00.000-08:002011-03-08T21:07:48.131-08:00My Bucket List<div style="text-align: center;">There are some things I wanna do before I KICK THE BUCKET.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I never used to think about things like this, but it's high time I do.</div><div style="text-align: center;">No, I don't have any reason to worry about me dying anytime soon. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It's just that you realize, once you have had cancer, that </div><div><div style="text-align: center;">LIFE DOESN'T COME WITH ANY GUARANTEES!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know I want to have a lot of laughs!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">this one is my sis and me and my daughter, Krystal</div><div style="text-align: center;">(I would love to get rid of the wrinkles, but that ain't happenin)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56_bsmVm52YOnNdmtC2-zeOvgbaUR6vwwIsDaUE1L9CslZB7B_Vz_v7j6fY4l_VZCO9IhQ_2aRTflOUhhk5iVXmAhmhXgTGmG0z7Ne3bN4dohcdDLdfaPpXq74kGOTOzHafE661-6aME/s1600/DSC01958.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56_bsmVm52YOnNdmtC2-zeOvgbaUR6vwwIsDaUE1L9CslZB7B_Vz_v7j6fY4l_VZCO9IhQ_2aRTflOUhhk5iVXmAhmhXgTGmG0z7Ne3bN4dohcdDLdfaPpXq74kGOTOzHafE661-6aME/s400/DSC01958.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581919637186591458" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I want to spend time with some of my favorite people</div><div style="text-align: center;">My CLUB friends,</div><div style="text-align: center;">two who now have cancer, but are fighting it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(and winning , I might add)</div><div style="text-align: center;">One BIGGY on my bucket list is to get my hair back to this style, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I know it's kind of old fashioned, but I LIKE IT!</div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH8HDmWxVfmE05B3F0eOdrHoEuu1xjfb0ZZf8YAZt-KQ600uKN3U0R2XiTNP7QERLXpK4b8afiO9g4uKvBmJJgYg-G9BXwSKgXgipmLs-8fVEoVyyHOa4XRPv6XtTswFxrYm5Fgz7CjE/s400/DSC02583.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581915295195675906" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to see my son look like this again.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy41mLEqRBx6kx8e1rgH2XEgWshtbfxmjLy25WCqLXWoS3n1q-Y7R237O0OaFjE7aDwd7kNpyfzFRjrADusj3QwekX7EnyjRtK9qaY4PLbofVSdE08UHGazbDakWzntkuNqRE1DiCPTfo/s1600/DSC01866.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy41mLEqRBx6kx8e1rgH2XEgWshtbfxmjLy25WCqLXWoS3n1q-Y7R237O0OaFjE7aDwd7kNpyfzFRjrADusj3QwekX7EnyjRtK9qaY4PLbofVSdE08UHGazbDakWzntkuNqRE1DiCPTfo/s400/DSC01866.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581916511450828898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I want to welcome him back into "the fold". </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The world is very appealing to him, and he has left the church.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I guess the people in the large and spacious building were laughing </div><div style="text-align: center;">and acting like they were having so much fun</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and he couldn't stand it, he had to join them.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26PdU-jg_7163sFQh2rBa1RAh7uXtUaT2MX5GYNVPJ6KjjQpMljSaUz8GYVoj2Xx19ozvINyMXhFTuMvE8vwLoDQFXooUmuSFPAZOzIL8bXJr1MNotMiZlcb87rH1smfLu6fqO4Xhsuc/s1600/DSC01819.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26PdU-jg_7163sFQh2rBa1RAh7uXtUaT2MX5GYNVPJ6KjjQpMljSaUz8GYVoj2Xx19ozvINyMXhFTuMvE8vwLoDQFXooUmuSFPAZOzIL8bXJr1MNotMiZlcb87rH1smfLu6fqO4Xhsuc/s400/DSC01819.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581913523339306082" /></a>The BIGGEST thing on my bucket list is to WELCOME him back when he comes, I know he will.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I want to be at every baby's birth possible. This is a nephew, who now walks and talks, but in the next 6 weeks, I should get to see 2 new grandbabies be born, and I want to hold them and love them, and SMELL them.........I love that smell.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAU_etkfPu4dlGckzp3J55qDk2MNJ63NsW7cOHcXPrE4R6PbFgTQvOaxTnj6pJOC4oQSW8RFh5X9GGVWWcMEby7KGxAVcnpG0xZAK3s8RYmU0oLWdFo0BwPgNno05iMlAh7BkHV20924/s1600/DSC01925.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAU_etkfPu4dlGckzp3J55qDk2MNJ63NsW7cOHcXPrE4R6PbFgTQvOaxTnj6pJOC4oQSW8RFh5X9GGVWWcMEby7KGxAVcnpG0xZAK3s8RYmU0oLWdFo0BwPgNno05iMlAh7BkHV20924/s400/DSC01925.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581910594550926930" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I want to spend time on our houseboat. There are some sweet memories on this boat, and I love being with my family on it during the summer, even though it is only for a few days.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoGpEQW4wyxGSOdcAi8B6H8lXNs49I5IwipbTPeiZVXz-cTmxSNzq-5xc3QsOKC27tCE1UAOapdEP47XNaS8cPP9R6qt0gTMJ6wwd6vlt5iAcfikgHwwkle4h1peKts36SeXlqaKJz04/s1600/DSC01749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoGpEQW4wyxGSOdcAi8B6H8lXNs49I5IwipbTPeiZVXz-cTmxSNzq-5xc3QsOKC27tCE1UAOapdEP47XNaS8cPP9R6qt0gTMJ6wwd6vlt5iAcfikgHwwkle4h1peKts36SeXlqaKJz04/s400/DSC01749.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581909935721281938" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I want to go to the beach and enjoy the water and the sun, and the kids, and the fresh salt air.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjb4tfx2qvjauDzMuoqbhHM9pnWDAb9cE9OWrft3jSLP4AWccKZNnaktU4uImENSDvtHVy8Swz-USQ1ZKls-qRVNQuV7vUhiqCs1NFZqEfukgDv3GPGuTCYaWjVTaA1Jo5SGb0tEBjDds/s1600/DSC02362.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjb4tfx2qvjauDzMuoqbhHM9pnWDAb9cE9OWrft3jSLP4AWccKZNnaktU4uImENSDvtHVy8Swz-USQ1ZKls-qRVNQuV7vUhiqCs1NFZqEfukgDv3GPGuTCYaWjVTaA1Jo5SGb0tEBjDds/s400/DSC02362.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581904787465235378" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I want to look at white beaches and blue water</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XivfUzmYwFG9PALwxMX_YrBhhOjt6FlsWHjqWq2jFwMmCMGkQ7FLakUoo-krCQQidchT_wuvIBjIFXSbeo1MtEGFvHt74_6mwtPwKiJQXv9yt5i1vknj6_TH-RF1wa_gWxzmTIVsU-E/s1600/DSC02351.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XivfUzmYwFG9PALwxMX_YrBhhOjt6FlsWHjqWq2jFwMmCMGkQ7FLakUoo-krCQQidchT_wuvIBjIFXSbeo1MtEGFvHt74_6mwtPwKiJQXv9yt5i1vknj6_TH-RF1wa_gWxzmTIVsU-E/s400/DSC02351.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581904782599283634" /></a>I want to let EVERYONE KNOW THAT I LOVE THEM, whatever it takes to do that, I want to do.</div><div>I want to cook, and bake and have people over to dinner,</div><div>Imma add more pictures as soon as my big kids come over to help me. I am kind of lost when it comes to getting this picture stuff onto my blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yep,</div><div>lots of stuff I want to do, even things that I don't think are really all that fun.</div><div>For instance, </div><div>1.I want to clean out my filing cabinet. I don't want to leave that the way it is. </div><div>It will take me a LOOOOONNNNGGG time to get it all straight, so I better get busy on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>2.I want to get ALL my photos from the last 52 yrs of my life ( the first 20 yrs there are probably less than 100) put together in such a way that you can actually LOOK at them and enjoy them. I want them for me I mean, I want to look at them here and NOW!</div><div><br /></div><div>3.get all my family and friends addresses updated and organized so I can find them. :)</div><div> </div><div>4. I would like to make sure my girls know how to sew, yep even my married girls.</div><div>I love to sew and I don't think I took enough time to teach them.</div><div><br /></div><div>5. I want to fix up my "grandma/grandkids" room. I want a wall for each of MY children and then have all of THEIR children's pictures ALL over that wall. I have started it several times and never gotten it how I like it, so I want to do that too.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see, I have a lot of stuff to do, so I need to live forever.</div><div>Yessirree..........</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>I intend to live forever,</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>so far, so good</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now, I gotta go, got LOTS to do :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you all and I will 4-ever,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love, Karen</div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-65367202493021068752011-02-13T06:54:00.000-08:002011-02-13T18:35:45.265-08:00"Fill Me With Hope"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkivHttM_nxq-GCIfW4vV8ymqV6exgq_tRYQZT8xFHKZmxgkMyQOSDxF3uwgmVNLB617rNT8s0dpyhxpforpOmrFEUzP9PTfqmmwN0n3BovlbpyocwoOKeLL2Bs2O_ugFM5kYHnwmP3f4/s1600/madre+023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkivHttM_nxq-GCIfW4vV8ymqV6exgq_tRYQZT8xFHKZmxgkMyQOSDxF3uwgmVNLB617rNT8s0dpyhxpforpOmrFEUzP9PTfqmmwN0n3BovlbpyocwoOKeLL2Bs2O_ugFM5kYHnwmP3f4/s400/madre+023.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573190521858913746" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span">Fill Me With Hope</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>it's early Sunday morning, and it was an unusual one in that I didn't need to wake up early.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>But I did anyway.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>This thought <span class="Apple-style-span">was </span>on my mind, and it wouldn't go away.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>"FILL ME WITH HOPE"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC39SIhanRy5ZfDcdsekfqd0_OAcVZG5TjQEseTsHwUA53W-AHhOcSibuJpOSeZFYWBVLen5HgFqiaaCDvHStX9_qbkzP-6QODVHV6iPzW3auPugoamPdNC7uPV2agftVb0Vu-C7C8Z84/s1600/madre+021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC39SIhanRy5ZfDcdsekfqd0_OAcVZG5TjQEseTsHwUA53W-AHhOcSibuJpOSeZFYWBVLen5HgFqiaaCDvHStX9_qbkzP-6QODVHV6iPzW3auPugoamPdNC7uPV2agftVb0Vu-C7C8Z84/s400/madre+021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573188467838639826" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span">this picture seemed to have that look on my face, "are we ever going to get a good family picture........aaaahhhhhhhh.." but as you can see, we did, not perfect (the little boys faces were less than perfect), but who wants a family picture that's not realistic?.....(ok, yes, we mothers do want a perfect family pic)</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">So, this thought of HOPE, where did that come from this morning? Believe it or not, I am <b>not</b> feeling hopeless today, but it is still heavy on my mind. </span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">There are things in my life (and yours, I would dare guess), that cause me to plead with the Lord for help. (I think He wants it that way BTW, it keeps us humble).</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">You may have heard the latest scary news in our family, about cancer once again. This time it is Wayne, Tara's husband.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>He was having pain in his abdomen last summer and wondered if it was an appendicitis or something like that. He had a CT scan and it showed that he had a double inguinal hernia.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>BUT , it also showed a spot on his kidney.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>The Dr told him to have that spot checked out later, but that he thought it was probably a cyst or maybe some scar tissue.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>He knew he needed surgery for the hernias but that was not an emergency, it was mostly for his comfort. He put that off until later. </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Well, later came after Christmas and he decided to have the surgery so that he could get healing because come Spring, he was planning on playing football for a semi-pro team called "Dixie Rebels". He had become very involved with this team, getting the name changed from "The Blitz", to the Rebels, and he was helping get all new uniforms, changing colors to Red and Gray, and out getting sponsors for the team. He LOVES football, almost as much as he loves his wife and kids. :)</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>He had the surgery 3 wks ago, and after 2 days, he felt really sick, and had a fever.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>He ended up in the ER and they took another CT scan to see if anything was wrong. They concluded that he had an infection and put him on an antibiotic. He felt better over the next 2 days. The INTERESTING thing was that the CT scan showed that darn spot on the kidney again. The Dr called him this week to tell him, that when he compares it with the spot 4-5 months ago, it has grown about 1 cm.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>The Dr had consulted with 2 other doctors and the 3 of them concluded that nothing grows in the kidney like that unless it is cancer.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>They set him up with some more doctors and plan to remove the kidney in the next 2 weeks.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Of course, everyone is in shock, Wayne is 28 yrs old.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>The good news is that IF the cancer has not spread, he can have the kidney removed and all is well. NO CHEMO, NO RADIATION!</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Wait a minute, is living with ONE kidney considered , "all is well"?</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>We know that many people give up their kidneys for others and we know that most people live just fine with one kidney. So, isn't this great news? I think it is.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>However, the Dr. told Wayne, he would never be able to play football again. </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>That is heartbreaking for him.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>If it saves his life, it's totally worth it, right?</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Right.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>He knows that, and when the emotional pain subsides, and his physical pain (from the surgery) is gone, then he will be thankful to only notice the loss of PLAYING football in his life.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>He can still coach, and be on the sidelines for LOTS of different reasons.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>He is sad, he is scared. What if it has spread? </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>That's another story.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></span><div>I am a mother, and I have had sadnesses with my children and their experiences. I recently have had another one, besides this health scare with Wayne.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Would I rather lose a child to physical death, or spiritual death?</div><div>Of course , neither.</div><div>Will one or both happen? </div><div>Maybe.</div><div>Did I know of these possibilities when I agreed to come to earth?</div><div>Most definitely.</div><div>Do I like it? </div><div>No.</div><div>Will it all be OK?</div><div>ABSOLUTELY.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>I have hope!! I am so blessed that it comes so easily for me. I realize that it doesn't come that easy to everyone. I KNOW I am given a gift of FAITH, and that leads to so much hope!!</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">I have many scriptures that encourage me. Maybe I did a little bit of helping myself along this road of Hope, because I spent months searching scriptures on the topic of "Hope". I FOUND MANY!!</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">There are 209 references to "Hope" in our scriptures.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Romans 15:4</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures <b>might have hope</b>." (is that cool , or what?)</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">(does patience have anything to do with this subject?)</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Here are a few of my favorites </span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Psalms 78:7</span></i></div><div>"...that they might set their <b>hope</b> in God, and <b>not forget</b> the works of God,but keep his commandments.</div><div>(if we keep remembering what God has done for us, we will strengthen our ability to HOPE!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Romans 8:24,25</div><div>"For we are saved by Hope, but Hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?</div><div>But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it" (I love this)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>One of my very favorites is this one:</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>Ether 12:4</i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>"<i>Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an ANCHOR TO THE SOULS OF MEN, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."</i></b></span></div><div><i>(an anchor is what we all need!!!)</i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">I love the scriptures!! They help me, they <span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">speak</span> </span>to me.</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">I hear these words in my heart, when I ask for things from Heavenly Father,...............</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">"I know thou wilt hear my prayer and give me the desires of my heart,.......</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span">BUT IF NOT........................., I know it will be for the best"</span></i></b></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">As I lay in bed, and after I have poured out my heart to the Lord, I know HE is in control, I KNOW HE will take care of everything, and I feel to ask Him ONE MORE THING...................</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b>"Father, FILL ME WITH HOPE"</b></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">I know there is so much more to every story than I can understand or comprehend, but I also know that I have to do my part and miracles will take place, and I will see them happen.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">In the Bible Dictionary under "Prayer", we find these words.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">"the object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made <b><span class="Apple-style-span">conditional</span></b> on our asking for them"</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>The Holy Ghost tells me this is true.</b></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>I have hope.</b></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Sometimes I need more, so I plead</b></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br /></b></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>"Fill me (just let it pour out all over me) with Hope"</b></span></i></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-66371240986807970222010-11-21T07:09:00.000-08:002010-11-21T08:41:41.189-08:00Everything That's Broken Gets Fixed :)I started this blog 2 1/2 yrs ago, with the help and encouragement of my daughters. It was intended to be a resource for loved ones to check in and see how I was doing with my cancer treatments without having to bother me in case I was feeling sick. I loved sharing my experiences and used it as an avenue to express gratitude for so many kindnesses shown to me. I got a lot of comments that were VERY uplifting and helpful to my situation.<div><br /></div><div>It's over 2 yrs later now, and I have had to ask myself,<br />"why do you still have a blog?"</div><div><br /></div><div>The young moms I notice have a fun place to post their family journal, and others that care can watch each other's families grow up. It is very enjoyable for me to peek in on some of your blogs. It is almost always about all the happy things going on in someones life. I think of it as your "Gratitude Journal", which I believe is a very good thing for all of us to have, public or not.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then I realized, this Karen the Kancer Killer is really my Gratitude Journal. I still am a cancer patient, just one in remission for now. I hope to never have active cancer again, but cancer has it's own agenda, and no one is guaranteed to be free of it forever. At least not in this life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since my health has returned to what some would call "normal", I notice my posts have been about lessons I have learned and continue to learn almost on a daily basis, even though I post once a month, or less.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you are reading this, I hope you will let me know if you get anything from my posts. I really am doing it for myself, but I also feel so worthwhile if others can benefit from something I say. I get so much, (everything really) from what others say, and I usually try to let them know because almost everyone I meet makes a difference in my life. I think it is human nature to want to feel involved, included and worthwhile to society and others around them.</div><div><br /></div><div>This lesson I want to share with you today is about a time when I felt like I was "broken". As a matter of fact, it isn't just ONE TIME I felt this. I feel it pretty much on a weekly basis at one time or another. For the last few months, feelings have been HAUNTING me about what a "Loser" I am. When I feel more positive, I think how silly it is that I could even accept such ridiculous thoughts. I am NOT A LOSER! 52 yrs of living has helped teach me the truth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yet, I get sucked in time after time. It seems like my own voice is the one that says these nasty things to me.</div><div>I looked for pictures in my file to post along with this blog. You might find them funny, it was HARD to find anything about feeling sad because we in this world of ours have learned to celebrate the FUN things in life with PICTURES. so yes, these pics are a little lame, but hear me out, I think I can make a point.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7MPtavHLdzSfPu5NE6MmOLPQNb0-xZEfGNFXzrOgpm_EeWDDKzHD9wxd2fU8Sx4qqmgCmC2dO7DEz5SVHt3P4L4wQASWArZE_laOGjTMnekFoa0DOPaFxJlROfkxRBTSEirNTvuud7A/s1600/074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7MPtavHLdzSfPu5NE6MmOLPQNb0-xZEfGNFXzrOgpm_EeWDDKzHD9wxd2fU8Sx4qqmgCmC2dO7DEz5SVHt3P4L4wQASWArZE_laOGjTMnekFoa0DOPaFxJlROfkxRBTSEirNTvuud7A/s400/074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542022496385376562" /></a>this is Kimmy's friend, Hannah Larsen, one of the most popular and beautiful girls at Desert Hills High School. This was a rare moment when Kimberlee caught her just thinking. The slight smile on her face says she is not really all that sad, but I am sure we all have our "thought provoking" moments.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYEgiGV9qj3GsxmgcyHRIoSQAker8_HRjnk2WwaNhtfWwx2nmY01hsR1c2OuS76y6GdC7GyKKMwjzDm935BZXlNT9iu-cebv_kdEEuNu5Yb3XGycHK72eHCRPlghh0f58pzjLJ_l7tTY/s1600/038+-+Copy+%25283%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYEgiGV9qj3GsxmgcyHRIoSQAker8_HRjnk2WwaNhtfWwx2nmY01hsR1c2OuS76y6GdC7GyKKMwjzDm935BZXlNT9iu-cebv_kdEEuNu5Yb3XGycHK72eHCRPlghh0f58pzjLJ_l7tTY/s400/038+-+Copy+%25283%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542022484150831026" /></a>This is our sweet MISSIONARY.............aaahhh...............it's a joke of course. This pic was taken last Thanksgiving when we celebrate with "bubbly grape juice"</div><div>It did make me think of some of us when we might feel like GIVING UP, I know many who drink their cares away, only to have them return the next morning.</div><div>Ever felt like taking a drink, a strong drink?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbGOe0N0xJ9_F_oGKNxuy56cvI873wAcfNV7xfBVWhY4ztNUv-hqabr1hgzHFThmi2twF9kRnho4YnqErk_dw_S7gwox1Pe0Bv_D__pn3hM6-21ig6lUJbuR-m72MdMyLtKavPMQsVk4/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbGOe0N0xJ9_F_oGKNxuy56cvI873wAcfNV7xfBVWhY4ztNUv-hqabr1hgzHFThmi2twF9kRnho4YnqErk_dw_S7gwox1Pe0Bv_D__pn3hM6-21ig6lUJbuR-m72MdMyLtKavPMQsVk4/s400/013.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542022478518714914" /></a>Sometimes do we feel like nothing ever goes right? These 5 siblings were devastated to lose their mother AND father, yes it is very depressing. Most of them don't like to visit their graves, but I insisted. The fact that no one is looking is another reminder that sometimes we try our hardest to get the picture right, or the meal just right , or the kids dressed up and clean and neat, and IT JUST DOESN"T WORK, nothing seems to go right!!!!!!!!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OJCcQUIrQ-B9nM0KgzWPL3AHEVISDbBKyeRIk1KpxoAPCo1zvA1AOPdiTrGNy0hPiztfs34b__N1ZLDQQHz14WCnM04gWOMrf-PHZHnAdvjEm-lvSipseYcHOl_YU6zwg1Gl9azDQ3k/s1600/050+-+Copy+%25283%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OJCcQUIrQ-B9nM0KgzWPL3AHEVISDbBKyeRIk1KpxoAPCo1zvA1AOPdiTrGNy0hPiztfs34b__N1ZLDQQHz14WCnM04gWOMrf-PHZHnAdvjEm-lvSipseYcHOl_YU6zwg1Gl9azDQ3k/s400/050+-+Copy+%25283%2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542022473694913762" /></a>This is Kimmy, it looks like she is on her phone, the closest thing I could find with Kimberlee not LAUGHING and smiling in a picture. From her file, you would think her life is NOTHING BUT FUN, and full of everything right.</div><div><br /></div><div>What we don't document are the moments that we feel rotten. We don't take pictures of that usually.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it is probably for the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes it feels that whatever I do, I can't "get it together". Then I think, well , I have a whole life time to "Learn to Get it Together"</div><div>This is the lesson I have learned. Once you have had cancer, and you know it could return at any time,...............................</div><div>I MAY NOT HAVE A WHOLE LIFE TIME TO GET IT TOGETHER............</div><div><br /></div><div>Neither do you,............. we never know.................we know that.</div><div>So, I decide to do the best I can. </div><div>Cancer has taught me to ACCEPT the things I cannot change, </div><div>To change the things I can,</div><div>And Pray for the Wisdom to know the difference.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have learned for myself, <span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>THE ONE THING I CAN CHANGE IS MY THOUGHTS</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That's why it is so helpful to listen to things that others say. It goes into my mind and I think it over, and when I change my thoughts, I change how I feel. </div><div>Yep, me, all by myself.............................I CHANGE THE WAY I FEEL.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before I give you my most recent words from other people that help, let me say,</div><div>THIS IS NOT A DESTINATION. Changing the way you feel is a CONSTANT in our life.</div><div>I am sure you have heard the only thing constant in our life is CHANGE. (It's almost perfectly true. There are other constants such as GOD'S LOVE, something I am about to address)</div><div><br /></div><div>I heard a wonderful thought (from someone else)</div><div>It says:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><b>"Happiness is a City, in the State of Mind"</b></i></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One day when I was feeling like a loser, I came across some notes I had taken in a meeting several years ago, pre-cancer as a matter of fact.</div><div><br /></div><div>These words are from Jeffrey R. Holland, an apostle of the Lord, Jesus Christ.</div><div>He has had bad days................he's human.............. he understands.....................</div><div> and so does Jesus Christ...............................he had more than a few bad days, and a horrific ending to his earthly life where He experienced ALL of our "BAD" days.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got the title of this post from one of his comments. </div><div>He said,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >"THE MESSAGE OF CHRISTIANITY IS RESURRECTION....................</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" >EVERYTHING THAT GETS BROKEN GETS FIXED."</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>He started off his message with a verse from a hymn, 4th verse to How Firm a Foundation.</div><div><br /></div><div>"When through the deep waters I call thee to go,</div><div>The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'erflow</div><div>For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless</div><div>And sanctify to thee, thy deepest distress."</div><div><br /></div><div>Some days we will feel like it's never the dawn of a new day. But when it does,..........................</div><div><br /></div><div> think of it this way, it's the "Break of Day" that brings new light. (note the word break)</div><div><br /></div><div>He went on to say, "God loves broken things............He made alot of them. If you feel broken, you've got a lot of company" ( I loved that............I like crowds)</div><div>God is with you and is aware of what's broken and He is capable to heal it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's remember how good it is to be "Broken"</div><div><br /></div><div>he quotes a song written by Kenneth Cope:</div><div><br /></div><div>"Broken clouds.........give rain.........</div><div>Broken soil.............................grows grain..............</div><div>Broken storms..........yield light...............</div><div>The break of day heals night .........(I LOVE this one) Many nights have been dark to me.</div><div>Broken bread feeds man.........................</div><div>Broken walls make friends...................................</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last of all..................................Broken is a good thing...................</div><div>when we experience a "Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit"</div><div> I could never understand this phrase when I was younger.</div><div><br /></div><div>One day I got it, someone (notice others taught me) was teaching about a</div><div>Horse being "Broken", it meant to break their rebellious attitude into a </div><div>submissive and cooperative spirit. These horses were transportation</div><div>for many that came before us, they are meant to be tame, but we </div><div>have to "break" them.</div><div>Our hearts are the same.................when it's TOUGH AND HARD and REBELLIOUS,</div><div>it's not doing what it is MEANT to do.</div><div>A broken heart is easy to mold, and work with.<br />I made 2 hearts out of fabric to illustrate this in a lesson once.</div><div>The one heart was CLEAR FULL of hard dirt. It was hard as a rock</div><div>You couldn't move it in any way.</div><div>The other heart was soft and pliable.</div><div><br /></div><div>I understood... The pride is what is "Broken"................</div><div>Then, and only then........................are we<br />TEACHABLE.....................</div><div><br /></div><div>I love being taught by others, I want to be teachable</div><div>Cancer has helped me be much more teachable................</div><div><br />So on days, (or moments as I like to refer to them.........that way it doesn't ruin a WHOLE DAY)</div><div>when you or I feel like we are BROKEN,.....................</div><div>remember................GOD LOVES BROKEN THINGS</div><div><br /></div><div>He made a lot of them. We are in good company.</div><div>Let's see if we can take our "Brokenness" and turn it into GOOD.</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe we can.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even though I don't know who is reading this right now, I feel LOVE</div><div>for you, isn't that strange?</div><div>I feel so grateful for all of you that have taught me so many lessons.</div><div>I don't come up with all these ideas by myself.</div><div>We are a team................we help each other........... I love that.</div><div><br /></div><div>It reminds me of a verse of scripture</div><div>"Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not."</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to get some feedback, not because I need to be validated, but </div><div>because your words feed my soul, and teach me.</div><div><br /></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-37393222829196278472010-09-02T20:00:00.001-07:002010-09-02T20:55:37.972-07:00Why am I so lucky?<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Why am I so lucky?</span> Have you ever asked yourself that question? Why was I born in the United States of America? Why do I have a roof over my head and a soft comfy bed and air conditioning?</div><div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;">Why am I a cancer survivor?</span> Some don't survive as long as I have.</div><div>There is something called SURVIVORS' GUILT, do I have it?? .......................Sometimes.</div><div> </div><div>So many others don't have the same things I do.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know there are others with much more than me, but for some reason I don't feel jealous or deprived anymore like I used to when I was young...... I feel lucky...........and blessed.</div><div><br /></div><div>But how does this all work? How is it that I have many blessings that I do not deserve?</div><div><br /></div><div>I go to cancer support groups weekly. I realize that I am different than anyone else there. Everyone there is different from everyone else. How does it fit together that we all have different blessings, and a multitude of different challenges?</div><div><br /></div><div>I have thought about this before, and believe it or not, I haven't ever traveled outside the United States (with the exception of Tijuana when I was in 8th grade with my Spanish class.) I hear other people say how blessed we are to live here.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"> Before cancer I never appreciated it.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I was listening to a song, (I know that surprises you, ;) but I love music)</div><div><br /></div><div>Michael McLean wrote it and it is called <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993300;">"One of the Lucky Ones"</span></div><div>As I listened,............... a flood of thoughts came to my mind. </div><div>I agreed....................................... "YES, WHY AM I ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES?</div><div><br /></div><div>He tries to answer that question, and it is an intriguing answer to me. One I am still figuring out.</div><div> Help me if you will.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a map of Argentina, in the blue area is Mendoza. My son, Jonny is living there right now. It's a little less luxurious than our lovely city of St George, and state of Utah.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xKE3BB5zLevhIenLf97RQikACCAqRQ8Oy27z-OpuofkkYa-KrqZl1FHnAZGmYC09-v7IkZ-75rL3CZWJE9d5WHODP4IXlX468cS2JTr5kdpM9vPwP_3SkLf2j1W7Z3zU2RlEYlAUVSw/s1600/mendoza.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xKE3BB5zLevhIenLf97RQikACCAqRQ8Oy27z-OpuofkkYa-KrqZl1FHnAZGmYC09-v7IkZ-75rL3CZWJE9d5WHODP4IXlX468cS2JTr5kdpM9vPwP_3SkLf2j1W7Z3zU2RlEYlAUVSw/s400/mendoza.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512520887665980770" /></a>He saved up about $7000 before he left for this 2 yr mission, to help pay for his expenses since he won't have any income while he is there. He doesn't look too deprived, he actually looks happy, doesn't he?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-vEIEJsMGU6knRiRqCFvFpOyk4nwn7ymvecSwmbbTGUEDsBvNlqS7j9qS3rNVFuda6JeOzJ8ZxfIaZrbC68QhmaCS_2DLLp3E9FBPR0Xnh2bFyLnIGpj-lSI5Xh3WVzfPKX5e1g2svg/s1600/trio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-vEIEJsMGU6knRiRqCFvFpOyk4nwn7ymvecSwmbbTGUEDsBvNlqS7j9qS3rNVFuda6JeOzJ8ZxfIaZrbC68QhmaCS_2DLLp3E9FBPR0Xnh2bFyLnIGpj-lSI5Xh3WVzfPKX5e1g2svg/s400/trio.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512520684148036818" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjswmIpJ0c3LKPFLXEDvVpAHvYFRjZG0EYPz5FpsE4fj2_3eJzVwct6O6SCS3Ayp6dH55ab_qvjrx5d16p7o3G76k0m-E_8loesQ3rQhRi76nJU2a5xYQFGIeYKdyTwjK95_GOIl3WbWg/s1600/jon+bar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjswmIpJ0c3LKPFLXEDvVpAHvYFRjZG0EYPz5FpsE4fj2_3eJzVwct6O6SCS3Ayp6dH55ab_qvjrx5d16p7o3G76k0m-E_8loesQ3rQhRi76nJU2a5xYQFGIeYKdyTwjK95_GOIl3WbWg/s400/jon+bar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512520281215491666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismKif2ZO3yKQMBpCF9rE0zZga4yV8VX2j9lgR3uvytvwFgtcx5dl1X7HBqUAJHxOb93uhajbA0pQDo1yD1YZfOxQgLSsfLGitGNkzbvA5pPrdmu4MnMuAElATA1BL55V_5a5pDaP5Qpw/s1600/first+baptisim.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEismKif2ZO3yKQMBpCF9rE0zZga4yV8VX2j9lgR3uvytvwFgtcx5dl1X7HBqUAJHxOb93uhajbA0pQDo1yD1YZfOxQgLSsfLGitGNkzbvA5pPrdmu4MnMuAElATA1BL55V_5a5pDaP5Qpw/s400/first+baptisim.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512519517486788306" /></a>It doesn't appear that "things" are making him happy. I know his food budget is about $25 a week, and he probably would love to have more food to eat, but he doesn't seem to notice that.<div><br /></div><div>I actually think he is enjoying sharing his message of Eternal Families, and teaching the people there how to accomplish that. He is teaching them about Jesus Christ, and giving them hope. </div><div>Not comfy beds, or air conditioning, but HOPE!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These sweet little precious kids are 4 of my grandkids. They have no idea how lucky they are. I think I heard my parents, mostly my mom, say that to me a few times. She was right. I had no idea how lucky I was.</div><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTndTxBgZ1y-RUNRjRdZGt0gjhXCn_x4-HQ2prEhVuuW48NtJbRMOQXT7PzlML_uVyVd6UIz1VFE-EI3yns1CCOvHWL51puqw1YxbxTH3iKIGdhSZGLYSGkqEKzImDMdtn8nan9HZvp5s/s1600/temple.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTndTxBgZ1y-RUNRjRdZGt0gjhXCn_x4-HQ2prEhVuuW48NtJbRMOQXT7PzlML_uVyVd6UIz1VFE-EI3yns1CCOvHWL51puqw1YxbxTH3iKIGdhSZGLYSGkqEKzImDMdtn8nan9HZvp5s/s400/temple.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512519510637651746" /></a>They have a terrific mother and father, they have all the food and clothes they need, and lots of good lovin', and then they get to live 10 minutes from this beautiful temple. They sing a sweet song, "I love to see the temple , I am going there someday".</div><div> Childhood is precious. They are lucky!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>when I see the face of this sweet thing, I am reminded of priceless relationships. She reminds me of all that is good. So pure and sweet. She represents all 10 of my grandchildren, that I am privileged to have and to get to be around several times a year, sometimes more. I have a car and money for gas to go see them, and them..........me.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqE5a99zKE1mkRRlD9DUdfLu6NZa4WLjJs9nHcOqcLeVN42PYxveLUH6yJIl2wRT9w96jYuDQ1RPM38i-vz8NlmK_7yh_9ZQSPdpUXGis2Hlw0UDHbvmYcw2_2H5KhX23PGjxRZO90wx0/s1600/jayda.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqE5a99zKE1mkRRlD9DUdfLu6NZa4WLjJs9nHcOqcLeVN42PYxveLUH6yJIl2wRT9w96jYuDQ1RPM38i-vz8NlmK_7yh_9ZQSPdpUXGis2Hlw0UDHbvmYcw2_2H5KhX23PGjxRZO90wx0/s400/jayda.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512519503653563858" /></a> WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THESE THINGS?</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are the words to the song that really got me thinking,</div><div><br /></div><div> TELL ME WHAT YOU HEAR THIS SONG SAY TO YOU?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, sans-serif; font-size: -webkit-xxx-large; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lucky one</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">,............</span></strong></em><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">one</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lucky on</span></span></strong></em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, sans-serif; font-size: -webkit-xxx-large; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">es.</span></span></strong></em></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 24px; font-family:Georgia, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Watching a photograph of a terrible loss</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></strong></em><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">nobody seems to be sure how much damage was done</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">or how much it will cost</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh why am I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">one</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> of the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lucky</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ones</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">?</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why can I fly when so many cannot run?</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why does a stranger who’s dreams were denied </span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">have me wondering why </span></strong></em><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I’m one of the </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lucky ones</span></span></span></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lucky one</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, don’t know how this could be fair</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> to be </span></strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">one of the lucky ones</span></span></span></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Could have been me who could have been there</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I can hear voices unspoken, they’re calling my name</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and the eyes of those who’ve been broken</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> keep on staring at me begging me to explain</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why am I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">one of the lucky ones</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">? </span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why can I fly when so many cannot run?</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And why does a stranger who’s dreams were denied </span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">have me wondering why I’m </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">one of the lucky ones</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">?<br /></span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This yearning I feel..... it won’t go quietly<br /></span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The answer I seek is somewhere inside of me</span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh why am I one of the lucky ones?...................................<br /></span></strong></em></p><p color="initial" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline- "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now I know why ...................................</span></strong></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><strong style="font-weight: bold; "></strong></span></em><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">... I know why I can fly when so many cannot run!</span></strong></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">..........A stranger’s misfortune brings a promise tonight</span></strong></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> that I’ll do what’s right,</span></strong></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and feel someone’s plight</span></strong></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and help them take flight</span></strong></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> like one of the lucky ones.…<br /></span></strong></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (could I help to...........) Bless the unlucky ones? </span></strong></em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Maybe like Jonny is?? </span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Could we do more to help others? Could it be possible that all of our blessings are in reality a RESPONSIBILITY to help. What do we learn from all of us being "Different"?</span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Does everyone play a different part?</span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Is there any good in the world that I could do today?</span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Cancer has really changed the things I think about, and I am </span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">SO LUCKY to be one of the lucky ones.</span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">I think I will go find some good to do today!! </span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">All my love to you, .............Karen</span></span></span></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; "><em style="font-style: italic; "><strong style="font-weight: bold; "><br /></strong></em></p></span></div></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-34625405734849292422010-07-12T19:19:00.000-07:002010-07-13T09:10:32.071-07:00Fixing My Heart Condition<div>Before I talk about my heart condition, I would like to clarify something about my last post.</div><div> I had a few people mention that it was hard to figure out, and understand it.</div><div> I was trying to be discreet, but my point was,</div><div> that<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> I have tried so hard to let cancer make me a better person</span></i></b>.</div><div> </div><div>I thought there for a while that I was going to be better. Well, ok, I will be totally honest, it has made me a better person. I just wanted it so badly to be permanent, and MAJOR, so that I would be able to put my "out of control" self behind me forever!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I have had moments of being "out of control" since I was about 2 yrs old. </div><div>I have enough energy to REALLY get in a rage if I let myself. It is a challenge to keep it in check, but I had been steadily, since becoming an adult, getting better. Since cancer and all that went with it, I have not had a meltdown with anger at all. I wanted it to stay that way, thus after my episode, I felt horrible.</div><div>I was very disappointed in myself that I got upset and lost control of my emotions.</div><div> My point?<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> if I will just "REMEMBER" all of my blessings, especially my Savior </span></i></b>that already took my "outbursts" upon him, then I can stay more calm, and let more things roll off my back.</div><div>I was telling myself, as well as all of you, that REMEMBERING is hard to do, but crucial to our emotional , well my emotional, well-being!</div><div><br /></div><div>BTW, the person I had the falling out with was a family member, and the person that I felt like "threw me under the bus" was also a family member, just in case your mind was imagining otherwise. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">NOW,</span></i></b></div>I thought I would have a "little" heart procedure to help my heart stop racing (at 200 beats a minute) but it ended up to be slightly more than a "little".<div><br /></div><div>25 years ago, I had my first episode of <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">tachycardia</span></i></b>. The Dr. assured me that it was not serious, and all I needed to do was tighten up and do some vaso-constriction, like coughing or sneezing, or grunting, and it would stop. </div><div>Well, it worked. It stopped. Then it happened again, about 6 mos. later. For the next few years, it only happened a few times. It was no big deal, maybe 3 or 4 times a year, and each time I could get it stopped after only a minute or two of racing.</div><div>I figured it was my "racing" personality.</div><div> (The doctors say that has nothing to do with it, but do you buy that?)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOLXcew5ydMD3n0JcuxsutUpaJSG2RkMB6X8ka2gvLSP8uIFj8R0tIntnot312O7vjD-bDb3mw7pHb9luOL_Tqpm3w3ql-A5CXAXuHQHbBTZsetEXMIaWO9MiQA8x5Q3_tRxkA2wCeVU/s1600/karen+sur.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOLXcew5ydMD3n0JcuxsutUpaJSG2RkMB6X8ka2gvLSP8uIFj8R0tIntnot312O7vjD-bDb3mw7pHb9luOL_Tqpm3w3ql-A5CXAXuHQHbBTZsetEXMIaWO9MiQA8x5Q3_tRxkA2wCeVU/s400/karen+sur.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493212797416859730" border="0" /></a>After many years, it happened a little bit more often, maybe 4 or 5 times a year. A couple of times, it wouldn't stop with the vaso-constriction and I had to lie flat on the floor, and that seemed to work after about 3 or 4 minutes.</div><div>There was no rhyme or reason to WHAT would make it start. Sitting still sometimes would trigger it, Eating a LOT of food sometimes triggered it. Bending over often triggered it.</div><div><br /></div><div>After chemotherapy, it was much different. Now it was happening several times A WEEK! I couldn't get it stopped when it did happen. One day it happened 7 times!! One time it happened at a lecture I was listening to and I had to go out in the lobby and lay on the floor.</div><div>The amount of time was increasing to 10 -15 minutes each time, aaaaaahhhhhhh.</div><div><br /></div><div>More recently, I was sitting in the temple and after 15-20 minutes of it happening, I was starting to get a head ache, and feeling nauseous. I had to leave the temple session and lay on the floor out in the hall, while everyone in the room waited for me. Embarrassing.!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMzhG9lqbe8EWnrhrLq0dMNUmFD_qe2ECi3Z923eqvksIBjXSOK0803oH-iXbFLp0xF-QQ0EBpLTLOKNK5Np5UI-qAJqU1mMLfd5U7hwM8aNQamEE1S_EgBqRtiJMlnC1-o2BbHfqpac/s1600/karen+su.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMzhG9lqbe8EWnrhrLq0dMNUmFD_qe2ECi3Z923eqvksIBjXSOK0803oH-iXbFLp0xF-QQ0EBpLTLOKNK5Np5UI-qAJqU1mMLfd5U7hwM8aNQamEE1S_EgBqRtiJMlnC1-o2BbHfqpac/s400/karen+su.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493212788039643634" border="0" /></a>I knew it was time to do something. I LOVE to get anesthesia anyway, cuz I come out feeling SOO SOO GOOD!! Eric caught these pictures on his phone after surgery, and I was being quite silly, he said. I know I do feel good, and relaxed, and I love everybody, and that includes all the employees at the hospital!! I said lots of funny stuff. ( they tell me)</div><div><br /></div><div>The Heart Doctor told me that he could do a procedure called "Ablation", where they could go in to my heart with instruments, going through the femoral veins, and find the electrical "short", and just fix it with radio-frequency waves, or something like that.</div><div> He made it sound like no big deal. Going into my heart sounded like a big deal, but I was SICK AND TIRED of laying on the floor everywhere I went. Laying on a public bathroom floor next to cockroaches really set me off, and made me decide to have the surgery, this was ridiculous.</div><div><br /></div><div> After wearing a monitor for 2 weeks, they discovered the exact problem, and said I could take medication, or have the surgery. Since I have no patience, and love anesthesia, I said, "LET"S FIX IT NOW"<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJidv-hOfR6SRbu9yqKKl8YlGODk0_vaRRZjgtilPkKU3WkMQPCKZ10aKx3t8Ae7rRAis7z1saOIkX8vfqwFfbx63X9NTl5WT6HEozXl4u58C-QPsVZnd46IRv4ZAWROs0y9VY5DmBqU0/s1600/karen+s.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJidv-hOfR6SRbu9yqKKl8YlGODk0_vaRRZjgtilPkKU3WkMQPCKZ10aKx3t8Ae7rRAis7z1saOIkX8vfqwFfbx63X9NTl5WT6HEozXl4u58C-QPsVZnd46IRv4ZAWROs0y9VY5DmBqU0/s400/karen+s.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493212776374660834" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">So we did.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>When I woke up 4 hours later, I kinda freaked out when I felt this big bandaid on my neck and found out they also went through my "JUGULAR" vein to make a "triangle" in my heart to fix it. I guess they gave me meds to make my heart "race" while I was on the table, then he zapped some places that were misbehaving, and then gave the meds again, and my heart didn't race,</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">"voila"</span></i></b>, I was fixed!!!</div><div> I think I was in surgery about 2 hours and in recovery about an hour. The tough part was that they made me keep "still" for 7 more hours.</div><div>I guess the jugular vein needs to start to heal before you get up and run around, which you all know I would do!! :)</div><div>The only after effect I had was a headache if I bent over for the next 3 days, so I didn't bend over, and then there was a LARGE bruise on my neck that I had to explain to everyone. </div><div><br /></div><div>I thought it was funny if I said, "well, I just talk too much, and Dale had finally had it", but pretty much everyone thought that wasn't funny. Too much abuse now days to be kidding around about it. I thought a "hicky" was a good excuse, although that story made me look like I had been.............you know................a little ...................promiscuous, and I didn't like that.</div><div>Most everyone thought I had been in a car accident and the seat belt was across my neck. That was the most believable story.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am happy to say that I am "FIXED" now. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Wouldn't it be wonderful if Everything was that easy??</div><div><br /></div><div>Actually, isn't is AMAZING what they can do now days to fix people up. I think we have wonderful health care, and I am a little afraid of what the medical world will be like 10 yrs from now, but for today, I am grateful................ so very grateful.................. for smart doctors and health insurance!! They have literally saved my life, more than once.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh BTW, since having my heart fixed, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I think I am getting more blood flow to my brain, and I am smarter..............</div><div style="text-align: center;">.tee hee...........................I haven't had any more meltdowns,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> or outbursts of anger.............................</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">so see, I really am FIXED!!!!!</span></i></b></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-18478128182213352022010-06-13T19:30:00.000-07:002010-06-13T20:52:55.354-07:00The Natural Man is back: REMEMBERING is the Antidote<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Well, it was an interesting week last week. This week is better.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">I want to stay "Afloat", like I talked about 2 posts ago. But alas, that is not possible to ALWAYS stay in that mode.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">A profound thought came to me on Memorial Day when a Christian group was fighting us for our reserved spot at the park. Some of them were acting very UNKIND.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">When I found out that they were a Christian group, I laughed, but these words came out of my mouth without any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pre</span> thought.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">"Well, it's hard to be HUMAN and a CHRISTIAN at the same time.......................<br />I KNOW, I have tried it!!"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6666;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">I surprised myself. That was such a true statement, but honestly, I had NEVER had that thought before. Yes, I thought, that is why I have trouble sometimes, because I am human.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Of course, the scripture came to mind, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mosiah</span> 3:19</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">"For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">putteth</span> off the natural man and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">becometh</span> a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">becometh</span> as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">seeth</span> fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Well, the next week, I was having some hurt feelings from someone that I care about and respect. I thought I would take my feelings to them in private and work it out in kindness and love. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">My plan was foiled.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">I was unexpectedly put into a situation where this person wanted to hear what my issues were and we were in the presence of others. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">I did my best to stay calm and express my concerns.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">I didn't get the response I had hoped for.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">I wanted something like this, "Oh, Karen, no, honey, I didn't mean any of that to hurt you, I AM SO SORRY! , I will explain how all this happened and you will see how much I love you and how all those things that hurt you were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">MIS</span> understood!, Oh please forgive me, I really am sorry, I will fix everything and make it all better and you will feel better"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">That is not what happened.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">This someone thought I was nuts to create such crazy things in my mind. I was </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); ">"analyzing" too much. (I knew that was true to some extent)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">There was no apology, because I was the one wrong, not them.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">I tried my hardest to help this person understand why I could have gotten mixed</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">messages.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Then, much to my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">chagrin</span>, the people that were listening in, who were others I loved,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">started agreeing,(one of them did anyway), and that is when I started to feel :</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">DEFEATED</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">STUPID</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">DUMB</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">FOOLISH<br />OVER REACTIVE</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">LIKE I WANTED TO CRAWL IN A HOLE AND DIE</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">RUN OVER BY A BUS AFTER I HAD BEEN THROWN UNDER IT!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">Then I started to feel ANGRY, kinda like a natural man would.! :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">DID I MENTION I WAS REALLY ANGRY???????</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;">After two people left, I LOST IT with the one who had thrown me under the bus.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#006600;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">I MEAN REALLY LOST IT!! TIMES 10!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">All of my previous negative behaviors came out. I can't believe I am telling my blog about this.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">There is a method to my madness however.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Once upon a time, I saw someone in Relief Society take a paper lunch sack, and blow into it, and then punch it, and pop it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">She related it to we as women who "BLOW UP".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">She then said, " Now what do you have?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">We looked at the bag, all torn up and no longer usable.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">I got the picture!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">I saw myself looking just like that bag about an hour after my anger gave way to depression.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">I was very disappointed in myself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">I haven't done that in a LONG LONG time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">How could this be? I was feeling so tolerant, and compassionate, and not easily offended.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">I thought I was understanding of others now days. I knew that when someone was unkind , it was just because THEY were hurting somewhere in a hidden place.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">I felt sorry and said the words more than once, " I am so sorry", (to my bus thrower)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">That wasn't enough for me, I knew that. I have made too much progress to just let this go with a simple I am sorry.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">I did an evaluation ( well that's what I do )</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">I will call it ANALYZING..............:)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">THE ANTIDOTE</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">AHA, there was an antidote to my "natural man"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">I knew it then, and I have known it all along, for A LONG time.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">It is a simple thing to say but not TO DO:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"> REMEMBER !!!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Remember what ? you might ask.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">There are so many things to remember, which one is it now?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">YOU ARE RIGHT, there is SO MUCH to remember, and I can't do it without a notepad and paper for sure.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">THIS one does need physical reminders for me.<br />I have them everywhere, but I still forget.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Let me start with D and C 20: 77</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">.............that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee,................and always remember him..................... ALWAYS????</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">next verse 79</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">................in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them;.............that they do always remember him..................... ALWAYS??</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">President Kimball said the most important word in the English language is "REMEMBER"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Remember Jesus, I have been taught, and remember the commandments, and remember the GOOD that the Lord has done for me.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">At this stage, I have MUCH to remember................</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">MY CANCER YEAR FOR ONE THING....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">Karen, how can you forget all the blessings you have been given, and continue to be given on a daily basis?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">How can you forget all those sweet feelings you had about LOVE for others, kindness, and peaceful calmness that you felt ALL through your chemo days.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">I was SO humble during chemo. Do I want to go through that again just so I can learn how to be calm and kind, and keep my temper under control. Actually I thought my temper was gone, but it wasn't. I am sad about that.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Let me tell you some things that I have done to help me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">REMEMBER</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"> lately. Even though I lost it, Dale reminded me about relapses..........</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">That's what I had.................a relapse................anyone ever had one?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Dale said it's like a flat tire.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">We prepare for flat tires by always carrying a spare. We don't necessarily EXPECT to have a flat tire, but sometimes it happens. We can do our best to make sure our tires are in good shape and take care of them, but sometimes things happen.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">When they do, we don't give up on the journey, wherever it was that we were going., Do we? We might feel a little frustrated, but getting mad at the tire is not going to fix it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">WE are going to fix it, by using our spare.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">We will continue on our journey, even if we had a bit of a problem getting there.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">We will then get another spare to make sure we are always prepared, and we will do our best to avoid another one, but sometimes we CAN'T!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">It just happens.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I will try again.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I have a picture of Jesus coming out of the tomb as He was resurrected on my dashboard of my car, I think of Him often and REMEMBER HIM. He offers His help, and His understanding.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Most recently, about six weeks ago, I set out to do the impossible for me: memorize a declaration called , "The Living Christ".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I am not good at memorizing. (especially when I tell myself that I can't ..............hhhmmmmm)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I have repeated over and over words and thoughts about the SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, things about His life and His goodness.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I love that. It helps me to "REMEMBER".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">In a book I was reading last night, I read a line that hit me. It was talking about Mary and Martha in the New Testament and how Jesus told them that Mary had chosen "one needful thing". The author went on to talk about what that needful thing is;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">She said it's the Savior and His gospel, she said................</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">.............."We need HIM"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I know that.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">I believe that.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br />Imagine what would have happened if I hadn't had these REMINDERS in my life.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">What would my "Natural Man" outburst have been like, I shudder at the thought.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">I want you all to know that I am far from perfect. But then again, perfect people don't need a SAVIOR, do they?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">I need him.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">I want to encourage myself, by writing this, to KEEP REMEMBERING!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">It is worth it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">I want to remind myself to keep picking myself up, and keep on my journey.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">Relapses happen. I will do my best to say I AM SORRY, and try again.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">After all, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">IT IS HARD TO BE HUMAN AND A CHRISTIAN, I KNOW I HAVE TRIED IT !!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">ALL MY LOVE, KAREN</span></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-34145331649775827132010-05-10T00:25:00.000-07:002010-05-10T00:44:59.057-07:00To Know Her is to Love Her<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>This is not Karen- it's Heather, daughter #2. I didn't get the chance to REALLY tell my mother how much I love her, how much I admire her, and how much I hope to be like her. And I don't want Mother's Day to come and go without her knowing. So, surprise mom. Happy Mothers Day.<br /><br />I'm writing tonight to tell you about one of the greatest mothers on the planet. Yes, that would be my mother. I know, I know, you also have an amazing mother too. But I have to brag about my wonderful mom. She is incredible. She is worth emulating. I am going to post this on both my blog and here, so that LOTS AND LOTS OF PEOPLE CAN READ IT! Because all the world should know that Karen Esplin is LOVED and CHERISHED. Well, the world probably already knows it, because to know her is to love her, but I want to make sure SHE KNOWS IT!!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yi-UHCXuomsB_WxZ1CLewr5dCz-5sY5qNbjcx-9T6p76AIgD4TcP64-lkxc9RaN17D9Xp5v_Y8PTqmPGJhKn_y0lu4zZqRbx-937vEqnHMDQJEjBFSqYU5l6jQ7Ra2-GtlI9bpXemEk/s1600/Karen&Loy.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yi-UHCXuomsB_WxZ1CLewr5dCz-5sY5qNbjcx-9T6p76AIgD4TcP64-lkxc9RaN17D9Xp5v_Y8PTqmPGJhKn_y0lu4zZqRbx-937vEqnHMDQJEjBFSqYU5l6jQ7Ra2-GtlI9bpXemEk/s320/Karen&Loy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469528599176491298" border="0" /></a>Here's my beautiful mother, and her beautiful mother. I know she is missing her today too. So this is partly for her as well, since that beautiful mother raised MY beautiful mother! Have I confused you yet? Let's get started.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">20 reasons why my mom is the most amazing mom in the world:</span><br />1. She is full of charity. I have grown up watching her give service for my entire life. She cared for my great-grandma, fully stricken with Alzheimers, in our home, for <span style="font-style: italic;">years.</span> Here's the best part. Sometimes my great-grandma would stay with other members of the family, but when she stayed with my mom, she thrived. My mom would not only feed her, change her diapers, bathe her, and wipe her bottom, but she would paint her nails, dress her up nice, and put her hair in rollers, like they do at the salon. She made her beautiful. She would sing hymns with her late at night. My grandma couldn't even remember our names anymore, but she remembered her hymns, and my mom would sing them with her. We were very impatient with Grandma Great sometimes (us kids)-- she would ask us 852 times per day, "What's your name? What am I supposed to be doing today." (It breaks my hurt just to remember it, and how many times I would just simply ignore her, because I was tired of answering.) But my mom, she loved that lady so much, and showed us, by her example, the way we should treat others, especially the elderly. It wasn't even her blood relative, yet she loved her and served her with a pure, Christlike love That's just the kind of person my mom is.<br /><br />You know what else is a good example of her charity? When all 6 of us were <span style="font-style: italic;">finally </span>in school, and she finally had time to relax at home alone, she started seeking out young mothers with lots of small children, and then she would tell these mothers that she was going to take all of their kids, for several hours, every single week, just so they could have time to themselves. I admired it then, but now, being one of those young mothers (who would kill for a few hours a week all to myself) I just love her so much more, for being that kind of example to me- of how to serve others.<br /><br />2. She is diligent. She is so dedicated to what she knows is right. For as long as I can remember, she would get up at 5:30 a.m. EVERY WEDNESDAY so that she could go to an early morning session at the temple. Dad helped do our hair on those mornings, and got us off to school. My mom still goes to the temple more than anyone I know besides the 12 Apostles (who also go weekly). In fact, a few years ago, she started doing "back to back" endowment sessions-- one session to clear her mind, and then a second session to really focus and learn. Come on! How amazing is that!!<br />3. She is a convert- she got baptized at age 14 (before her parents even) and after an awesome BYU experience, she became one of the most faithful Latter Day Saint women I have ever seen.<br />4. She is a super-cleaner! She is happiest when her house is clean, and she knows all kinds of tricks to make things spic and span. She cleaned other people's vacation rentals and condos for a few years, and the word-of-mouth business got her so busy that she eventually quit it all- she didn't want to sacrifice her time with her family (and she didn't want to have to pay self-employed taxes for heavens sake!)<br />5. She is supportive of me and what I go through- I am a lot like her. Probably the most like her of any of her children. And it sure is nice to be able to call her up and get her perspective on things. She was once right in my shoes- young and married, with two little girls 14 months apart. Struggling to make it work, to accept that perfection wasn't possible, and trying to be a good mother. She has kept such detailed accounts of her life (through her 18 (? exact amount, not sure) journals, and I have learned so many great things by reading some of the things she's shared with me.<br />6. She has always chosen to be a stay at home mom. Our family never had money for fancy cars or big vacations. But I had a mom who was always home, and it has meant the world to me. I will never forget one day as a freshman that I was surprised with a visit from my Aunt Flow. I called my mom and she rushed to the high school and brought me a change of clothes in a brown paper bag. My baby sis, Kimmy, asked what they were taking me, and my mom just said, "Her lunch!" I'm sure there were many times I forgot my lunch, or my homework, and she'd bring me those too. Having a mom at home has blessed my life in ways I can't even put words into. Thank you mom, for staying home.<br />7. She has more faith than anyone I know. When Kalia's nerve was severed, and I called my mom, bawling, to tell her the horrible news, there was a 2 second pause, and then my mom said, "The Savior can heal that." She continued for the next few days to pour out her testimony and faith to us- and it helped us have the faith we need to have. And as you know, that is exactly what happened. Kalia has never suffered the tiniest side effect of a severed nerve. There's no medical explanation how that could be- but my mom's faith during all of that was unmoving, like a rock, and it has blessed my life countless times. And now it has blessed my daughter's life too.<br />8. As most of you know, she is a breast-cancer survivor. You may know not how awesome that is unless you've watched someone go through it. It's sort of like going through hell and back. But not only did she go through it, she went through it with the attitude of, "What am I supposed to learn from this, and what can I do to be closer to the Savior and my Heavenly Father?" Here she is during one of her chemo treatments.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2mMn9Oawph4oGWx6UQIJvR1sF2SJIU3lv_4uyO3nmwNvaN2ygA_rW1FfSIsqIBgKZLRMc-6ry2sKYOIqX2zhE7k2l7FPfa0ZSWUIRwJg8B8xmmpjaXLdr6Eg0lNoqEqMpOpbqaQFk2k/s1600/momchemo.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2mMn9Oawph4oGWx6UQIJvR1sF2SJIU3lv_4uyO3nmwNvaN2ygA_rW1FfSIsqIBgKZLRMc-6ry2sKYOIqX2zhE7k2l7FPfa0ZSWUIRwJg8B8xmmpjaXLdr6Eg0lNoqEqMpOpbqaQFk2k/s320/momchemo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469535121620771762" border="0" /></a><br />9. She came out of that better and stronger than ever. My goodness, I'm worried that lady is going to be translated any day now!! Just go read her blog (or maybe you're reading this now on her blog, look at her last post, and YOU'LL SEE EXACTLY WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! She's amazing!)<br />10. She doesn't watch Rated R movies. Or PG-13 movies. Or PG movies. Maybe...if it's a Disney movie. (She did see the Hannah Montana movie, and she <span style="font-style: italic;">loved it!</span>).<br />11. She is the best grandma. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gJUps3C6WTe44vTnT5k_Y5g1MggUzrZg8krJ5NQnEjFERIR_NZeCSJqk8YKo7R4jl2Px_azP_mHNCnnumm0btZUC2XQr89p9ApIVH0PFpXmubaGBMtMVat9mGqxOLj-lkDYUeBxPHIE/s1600/grandkids.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gJUps3C6WTe44vTnT5k_Y5g1MggUzrZg8krJ5NQnEjFERIR_NZeCSJqk8YKo7R4jl2Px_azP_mHNCnnumm0btZUC2XQr89p9ApIVH0PFpXmubaGBMtMVat9mGqxOLj-lkDYUeBxPHIE/s320/grandkids.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469536366649554850" border="0" /></a>She will even take her grandkids on rides on the "Wiggle Cars" around the island in her kitchen. She will let them stay up as late as they want, and let them eat as much candy as they want. They adore her.<br />12. She is the best question-asker of all time. She can get anything out of anybody. You can't keep it from her! She thinks of questions no one else can even think of. (This was especially handy when I would talk to the doctors each day, in the hospital with Kalia. They would always ask, "Do you have any questions for me?" And I'd say, "No, but here's a list from my mom." :)<br />13. She talks fast and I LOVE IT! I'm never bored when I talk to her, and I don't have to prod her along.<br />14. She was our #1 fan in all my extracurricular activities. She came to all my choir concerts, track meets, volleyball and basketball games. And one season, she made special Pink Frosted sugar cookies for the whole basketball team. She had to do it for every single game, because we went on a winning streak after that; we were convinced it was our good luck charm, so she wasn't allowed to jinx us by not making them. (That's a lot of sugar cookies to roll out and frost every week!!)<br />15. All of our friends love her. I can name at least a dozen who still go by the house now to see her, even though we don't live there anymore. (Most of these friends are guys, now that I think about it.)<br />16. She is a champion baker, and has famous cinnamon rolls and dinner rolls. Consider yourself LUCKY if you've ever tasted them!<br />17. She decorates the house for every holiday, and I mean, she really makes the house come alive with the holiday spirit (even the 4th of July, Halloween, Father's Day, etc). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pdj6m6CgVMw5lctZGR-Wd3Tkls_XxUp9pmbdduUELY-EVJVhsiz0xL9zM0dBC4cd55ycZyv9wEp_Yt91Uu_T6lYJc3yTKKzjW-xCR-QXszpfMnqmRT5kQEPLxXIo-Y3gCcn49ZEajvM/s1600/decorations.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pdj6m6CgVMw5lctZGR-Wd3Tkls_XxUp9pmbdduUELY-EVJVhsiz0xL9zM0dBC4cd55ycZyv9wEp_Yt91Uu_T6lYJc3yTKKzjW-xCR-QXszpfMnqmRT5kQEPLxXIo-Y3gCcn49ZEajvM/s320/decorations.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469528608984321058" border="0" /></a>Even more importantly, she has decorated every room and hallway with pictures of the Savior, temples, the First Vision, etc. Everyone who enters our house knows where our family stands when it comes to the Gospel.<br />18. She taught us responsibility from early on- she taught us to do our own laundry, starting around age 10. She taught us to work hard, and we had to earn our own money for most everything we wanted or needed (besides socks, underwear, toothpaste, you know, stuff like that.) And we had chores to do every day, especially on Saturdays, before we could play; she would make us fun little charts to help Saturday cleaning be more fun. I still remember the laminated clown poster. He was holding a bunch of strings (to balloons) but the balloons had different chores on them- we'd draw them out of a hat, and when they were done, we got to tape them up on the strings. I think I'll make one of those for my kids someday.<br />19. She was voted Most Friendly when she went to Dixie College, because she was so nice to everyone, including the people that were considered "slow" or "handicapped." Many of those people are still in St. George and still love her and remember her today. That influenced me all throughout high school, as I realized that everyone needs a friend. Everyone deserves kindness. I tried to say hi or smile at every single person I saw in the hall in between classes. That was her influence bringing that out of me.<br />20. She laminates thoughts and scriptures and has them up on the walls of her shower, where she can see them every day. It's such a great idea. Whenever I am home visiting, I love to shower in her bathroom, so I can have a daily mini-devotional.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNczTnBVd82ktx6mTVOCZLHm9RE71fYOYI0QRhyphenhyphenpnqLdDdsu1pz5TjmrhFi9MJf1k-a-TDiZUs9UbzZxLfXIwacrW_gnCF5LI_8VNs_KlodOpcoT4_CVCIHHh0HZ_ADZmzLlyFh-lUwg/s1600/scriptures.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNczTnBVd82ktx6mTVOCZLHm9RE71fYOYI0QRhyphenhyphenpnqLdDdsu1pz5TjmrhFi9MJf1k-a-TDiZUs9UbzZxLfXIwacrW_gnCF5LI_8VNs_KlodOpcoT4_CVCIHHh0HZ_ADZmzLlyFh-lUwg/s320/scriptures.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469528592579069346" border="0" /></a>Lately she has been taking an institute class on the Old Testament. I LOVE talking to her on the phone about all the amazing things she is learning in that class. We could talk for hours about the neat things we are learning in the Gospel. And she applies it to life so well. Just tonight we talked for almost two hours, about how returning to THE BASICS in the Gospel can help pull us through any trial. I think it was just what I need to hear. I love how she shares her testimony without even trying.<br /><br />I'd also like to wish a Happy Mothers Day to my two wonderful grandmas- one still living (Grandma Ruth Esplin in St. George)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgGKMGnwsG422ZHONB0AAfQOpSJM6D-NkMt8qX_mAYKl3_T5XezDfjAv3yc_aZrMcAmudKhRRBw-PVDvtPedMyl-ivAGHVY1cHwaADsBd6ShOBi2ALCNAEVCP23q7Avxye4ZQD_vIOMk/s1600/ruthie.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgGKMGnwsG422ZHONB0AAfQOpSJM6D-NkMt8qX_mAYKl3_T5XezDfjAv3yc_aZrMcAmudKhRRBw-PVDvtPedMyl-ivAGHVY1cHwaADsBd6ShOBi2ALCNAEVCP23q7Avxye4ZQD_vIOMk/s320/ruthie.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469528617764884130" border="0" /></a><br />and one busy working in the Spirit World, Grandma Loy, (who I think might just be making little visits to my daughters, but more on that another time.) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHoxCCjVqgokgQRffjwswa3iSMYjlARzJic5s5e2NNBDPueDUY1QcKIp6kR4t46kTkP-CmsWJqs_5LkXFFGbfZ39ufXMqSahSvM4qS5hVnmwmE9o7_Hz6JcbW_NVjZNQ3ItRzhJ-LVLE/s1600/gmaloy.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHoxCCjVqgokgQRffjwswa3iSMYjlARzJic5s5e2NNBDPueDUY1QcKIp6kR4t46kTkP-CmsWJqs_5LkXFFGbfZ39ufXMqSahSvM4qS5hVnmwmE9o7_Hz6JcbW_NVjZNQ3ItRzhJ-LVLE/s320/gmaloy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469528630133962066" border="0" /></a>I miss you and hope you get to read blogs from the Spirit World.<br /><br />Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful women who have influenced me and my family, especially to my own mother who has spent her entire life in self-sacrifice for me and my siblings. I hope I can become a woman like you someday. I will forever be grateful to have been sent to our family, to be your daughter. See, here we are, your 4 daughters, and you, jumping for joy that we are together forever, with all the posterity to come. You have taught us well, mom. Thank you.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSiQ_XR1Q4DasyPFmbWCYuevWKGPhwEewklK0FTADBRh6OAi-WaIRxBvVfgYGAfWQHbx2gAXilBmkL92-xth2FU-GAk-cwuM-xKXRPW9Dx7FljW6vkvhBJUpOQ9QnbjYoQKeR3eCD46g/s1600/Jump!!.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSiQ_XR1Q4DasyPFmbWCYuevWKGPhwEewklK0FTADBRh6OAi-WaIRxBvVfgYGAfWQHbx2gAXilBmkL92-xth2FU-GAk-cwuM-xKXRPW9Dx7FljW6vkvhBJUpOQ9QnbjYoQKeR3eCD46g/s320/Jump!!.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469535110702362050" border="0" /></a>I love you!Heather Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10268990596908272532noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-50214173704321283922010-05-03T21:04:00.000-07:002010-05-03T22:14:20.779-07:00I am IMMERSING myself in order to stay AFLOAT<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#663366;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Immersing To Stay Afloat</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-family:georgia;font-size:medium;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> Does that sound like an oxymoron? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I think it does</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">but it is helping me to visualize it</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">The world around me sometimes scares me</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">I see unhappiness</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">I see struggles and wonder </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">could they have been avoided?</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">I know myself</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">I have a desire to control</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">everyTHING around me</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">and everyONE around me</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have a temper</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have determination</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have energy that can be used</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">for good or for bad</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Lately I have seen others</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">sinking in despair</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sometimes I feel like I am "sinking"</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I want to use my energy to </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">KEEP ME FROM SINKING</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I was in the audience once when I heard Jeffrey Holland say,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> "When you are in a storm, DON'T BAIL OUT, <i>STAY IN THE BOAT, </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>it will get calm"</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have thought a lot about this</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It has been a<i> constant</i> concern of mine, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ever since my CANCER diagnosis</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What does that mean, "Don't bail out, stay in the boat" ?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What do you think it means?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I think I am going to stay with </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The SAVIOR during my storms</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I've thought about what I've</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">been doing with my life</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">since my "recovery" process</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:verdana;font-size:medium;">has begun (about 18 mos ago)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:verdana;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:verdana;font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">First I listed my priorities.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Second, I asked how much time I was spending on these "priorities".</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Third, I made a specific plan to "immerse" myself.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fourth, I kept (and keep) working on it.</span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Fifth, I envision myself "immersing, then STAYING AFLOAT"</span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>My priorities: I listed what was most important to my well being. I figured I needed </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:verdana;font-size:medium;"><i>To take care of myself Spiritually</i></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:verdana;font-size:medium;"><i>To take care of myself Physically</i></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>To take care of myself Emotionallly</i></span></span></li><li style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>To take care of my family and home, Dale first, kids 2nd, house last.</i></span></span></li></ol><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>If I take care of my spiritual life first, I will feel better and other things will fall into place. This comes from such a strong belief in God the Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ. THEY will take care of me, if I take care of myself <b>Spiritually,</b> I feel confident of this.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>This would include the following:</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Scriptures</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Prayer</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Temple worship</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Family Home Evening</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Institute class</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Church meetings</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Fasting</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Uplifting Music</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><b>Physical</b> Care would have:</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Sleep</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Proper food</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Exercise</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Dr s visits</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Massages</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><br /></span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><b>Emotional</b> Care would need:</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Meditation</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';">Reading/Pondering</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Walks outside in good weather</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Social Outlets</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I knew that if I could take care of myself, I would feel good. </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">When I feel good, I treat others better around me.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I feel the Spirit, which allows me innumerable choices.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I can make whatever time I have left worthwhile to myself and those around me.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';color:#CC0000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I wrote up a literal schedule of daily hours in a week and filled in the blanks of WHAT I was</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">going to do each hour that was congruent with my PRIORITIES.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Spiritually, if I IMMERSE myself, I am seeing more assurances. I feel like I can stay AFLOAT of so much DESPAIR that surrounds us.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I feel the temptations weakening and lessening as I STRENGTHEN myself.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I am no longer doing a lot of things that I DON"T WANT TO DO,</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I WANT to do the things that build my STRENGTH, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;">Spiritually</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;">Physically</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;">Emotionally</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;">with my Eternal Family</span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;">I am far from perfect, but I keep reminding myself how far this cancer journey has brought me. I acknowledge to myself that OVERALL, I am doing better than I have in the past.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;">I keep picking myself up, at least once a week, and then I try again the next day.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;">I see myself in a LARGE, WARM tub of water. I immerse myself up to my face. I want to surround myself with good uplifting things as much as I can. I try to let the upsetting things around me GO.....if at all possible. If it is NOT happening directly to me, I let compassion replace judgement, but I remind myself that it is not happening to me, and feel GRATITUDE.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;">Gratitude helps keep me AFLOAT.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><i>Immersing myself in What I NEED is keeping me Afloat from the "sinking" despair of the World</i></span></span></div> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;color:#CC0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-16092085075851784742010-04-11T21:03:00.000-07:002010-04-11T21:39:41.659-07:00Heavenly News!!I am so Thankful for the GREAT NEWS I got from the Dr on Friday. He told me I was "Mary Poppins". He had said that to me one time before at a previous visit and I said, "Why,...... do you think I am phony?" ..................................aaarrggghh......Karen, you are too quick to put yourself down,.................... besides that..................Mary Poppins was not a phony, ........not really anyway.<div><br /></div><div>His reason for saying that was that he was talking about my test results. He said I was <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">"Practically Perfect in every way</span></i></b>".........AAwwww....................</div><div><br />No honestly, he knows how to make a cancer patient feel good. That is probably the MAIN thing he learned in 17 yrs of schooling,</div><div> (yes, that is how long his wife told me he had to go to college)</div><div>I feel so blessed to know I have another bit of time to enjoy life. I am thinking at least another year, but who knows, maybe <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;">49</span> more years. </div><div><br /></div><div>Actually, I don't ever want to die. Dale brought me home a magnet when I first got diagnosed and it is still on my fridge today. It says <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">"I intend to live Forever.......... so far.... so good"</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><br /></span></b></div><div>I have heard about being <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC33CC;"><i>"twinkled</i>"</span> and I think that has a nice ring to it, so that is my goal!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The next bit of HEAVENLY NEWS was a message written in crayon . It was on the kitchen counter nest to a vase with two little roses in it.</div><div>2 years ago when I first was diagnosed, Dale started his therapy by planting flowers. He loves roses and now has over a dozen rose bushes. For the last 3 seasons, he has brought me the first rose of the season, and the last one of the year, and put them in a small vase in the kitchen. </div><div><br />You have to realize that Dale is not very romantic. He is practical. He is kind. He is NOT affectionate, especially in public.</div><div>You also have to know that on our first date, I gave Dale a box of crayons, (story for another day) and he used them to write me a letter later that week that came in the mail to me. (OK, he's not romantic, but he was much younger, and was willing to do things that he thought <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">"I"</span> would like), so the crayon message Saturday had extra special meaning to me.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Lately, I have felt a little bit like maybe I am not very pretty anymore, at least on the OUTSIDE, </div><div>I know I have become beautiful on the inside, :) thanks to my "cancer year",</div><div> but I was feeling a little sad that I am not what I used to be for Dale. I told him how I was feeling, but he didn't seem to pay much attention, I kinda felt like he thought that I was just being a little too dramatic. (and that would be unusual for me to be dramatic.... lol)</div><div><br /></div><div>But when I got up Saturday morning and found this, it MADE MY DAY, no............It Made my WEEK...........................</div><div> probably my YEAR!! </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I LOVED IT!!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsIptBLrN7-G8zqhxFdtCIYmVKVQGqFnr1s5fTyrCtE85PDrI9t5XOWC4-T438PFe1EasluyqCO9Fn1c9EQC9cL4ny8sRIG1ii6pBl25kxzgpo_3iKdkbqc6YWK9hGUbzlE3yZoFDMOE/s1600/253.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsIptBLrN7-G8zqhxFdtCIYmVKVQGqFnr1s5fTyrCtE85PDrI9t5XOWC4-T438PFe1EasluyqCO9Fn1c9EQC9cL4ny8sRIG1ii6pBl25kxzgpo_3iKdkbqc6YWK9hGUbzlE3yZoFDMOE/s400/253.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459097171168987154" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I am a lucky girl, I know that.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The last few days for sure brought me Heavenly News!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for such blessings!</div></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-81354302163817419852010-04-04T22:44:00.000-07:002010-04-04T22:58:41.348-07:00Time to check for cancer againYes, it is that time of year. Since I started chemo in April of 2008, I will have a PET scan every April for 5 years, ( I think). <div>I have blood tests every few months, and Dr's visits every 3 months to check on everything.</div><div>A PET scan looks for cancerous tumors. If there are cancerous CELLS, they cannot detect those. There is NO test for that.</div><div>If there were to be a tumor anywhere in my body that is cancerous, it should show up.</div><div>I do this tomorrow morning, (Monday April 5th). </div><div>I have to eat low carbs, low sugar, and low dairy today. Lots of protein today.</div><div>Tomorrow I will go to the test fasting. They will give me a sweet drink that has some kind of chemicals in it, and after one hour of sitting in a recliner with NO stimulation ( a dark room that is perfectly silent), they will put me in a tube for about 30 minutes and ask me to stay PERFECTLY STILL for the whole time.</div><div>These things are all difficult for me to do. Luckily, I have some medication that will help me be still. Seriously, they tell you not to even <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">THINK</span></i></b> in your "relaxing" hour. Yeah, right.</div><div><br />I am VERY thankful that our healthcare is so wonderful!! and I mean that. I am grateful that they even HAVE a test to look for tumors, and I am lucky to have insurance to pay for it, about 3 thousand dollars.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will find out the results on Friday when I see my regular oncologist, Dr. Lemon.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am not worried. I know that I am not going to have any cancer anywhere. But then again, I know I am going to get up in the morning, and go to bed tomorrow night. In reality, ANYTHING is possible. Life holds NO guarantees.</div><div><br /></div><div>This I do know, whatever happens, it will be OK. I have Heavenly Father and Jesus on my side.</div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-74034420270937949622010-03-19T12:41:00.001-07:002010-03-22T15:05:06.858-07:00Turning to the Lord<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">These people have taught me alot over the last few years. These girls are my heroes.</span></b></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">These women "Turn to the Lord" when there is a trial.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">First on the left is Hilary Weeks, she is an LDS songwriter and singer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of her songs teach us all about "Turning To The Lord" </div><div style="text-align: center;">Her music has taught ME more than I could tell you in words.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Next is Krystal, she has had a most recent hardship with a new baby.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After me, is Heather, she had a trauma with her 2 yr old at the same time that Krystal was having her trial .</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tara, the youngest of the three here, hoped that she was not next. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately, her family's Spiritual safety was threatened.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbEm8x_XxYmi-6H5V5Q46YSjrhLEm1t6yJkKd5mONNeAE_Jslg6ufdaAtAUCF-7orbiInL5bEY14RSZxEimy5O1b1m3d8XBnfvRv-UMM1gE8aYmfbESWFRIpmq-92tVNWC1gZaQp69jE/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbEm8x_XxYmi-6H5V5Q46YSjrhLEm1t6yJkKd5mONNeAE_Jslg6ufdaAtAUCF-7orbiInL5bEY14RSZxEimy5O1b1m3d8XBnfvRv-UMM1gE8aYmfbESWFRIpmq-92tVNWC1gZaQp69jE/s400/003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451283570895464210" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">ALL these women know how to Turn To The Lord and I will tell you how they did it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXGC3FZjFNE1FjXy8idycLgkWdJjKAf5TXzeY10r4032IzrzYa9ZGTimqkBAEzntWzO0mc5C3xaF6erxyRDCwBer-2P_mI7aM3sIrt30a-hF_L8UuwbPPQQ68yUEAzs9pXX3mGAkn2jI/s1600-h/cpap.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXGC3FZjFNE1FjXy8idycLgkWdJjKAf5TXzeY10r4032IzrzYa9ZGTimqkBAEzntWzO0mc5C3xaF6erxyRDCwBer-2P_mI7aM3sIrt30a-hF_L8UuwbPPQQ68yUEAzs9pXX3mGAkn2jI/s400/cpap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451283006481806402" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is Carter Edward Trapnell. He was born Jan. 29, and is 3 wks old here in this picture. RSV season was here and he could not avoid catching it, no matter how hard his mother tried. He had to be admitted to Utah Valley Hospital, and at first was put on a CPAP to help him breathe. After 2 days, his condition worsened and he was intubated, meaning he was put on a ventilator to help him breathe. That is a much more serious condition. We later learned that one lobe of his lung had collapsed and between that and the mucus that was being produced, he could barely get enough oxygen, one time showing in the 40% range on the oximeter. VERY scary. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> His mother prayed,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> she had him get a priesthood blessing, she endured 12 days in the hospital with almost NO complaint. She wanted to know what the Lord had in mind for little Carter. She couldn't nurse him about half of those days and had to pump. Not to mention, she still had 3 children at home that needed their mommy. She went back and forth from the hospital to home, trying to keep everyone at peace with what was happening. She got almost no sleep whether she was at home or the hospital. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">She continued to pray, and pray. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She had faith.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> She never got angry at Heavenly Father. She never asked "WHY ME, WHY CARTER?" She clung to her faith, knowing that all things shall work together for their good. She held on. She held up. She continued to pray.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXEfVdEUzaMyTECSfyBFj_iguvGBi0Cbh6DPdo8dkaeH80Pz_D5I38JaB1Obf0NEhyphenhyphenVZ3BVPqGFuAmBbMjHF8Gy9RI7Q7jWs_SXBRpDbhmuih8xeGjLBcoCiNBiAwaAgyZwTSP4kJktg/s1600-h/carter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXEfVdEUzaMyTECSfyBFj_iguvGBi0Cbh6DPdo8dkaeH80Pz_D5I38JaB1Obf0NEhyphenhyphenVZ3BVPqGFuAmBbMjHF8Gy9RI7Q7jWs_SXBRpDbhmuih8xeGjLBcoCiNBiAwaAgyZwTSP4kJktg/s400/carter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451268453282166994" border="0" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Carter eventually was reduced down to just oxygen before he finally was released to go home.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tara's family:</div><div style="text-align: center;">This little family was spiritually attacked by Satan. He knows what a strong and beautiful family this is. He knows of their future potential. He worked on dad, and found some weaknesses in Daddy's ability to "Do It All", who was trying to go to college full time, and was working at an afternoon job part time. He was being daddy and husband part time, trying to make it full time if possible. Many things did not get done , some that needed serious attention and some that did not. He didn't get much sleep. Scriptures and prayer started to become a thing of the past that he hoped he would soon get around to. Discouragement set in. Negative thoughts filled his mind. Four children under 3 yrs old leaves very little time for the marriage relationship and for personal pondering and prayer. He started to question many things, especially his worth to others. Failures in school and other areas began to plague him with guilt. Temptations started to look enticing. Revenge looked somewhat inviting. He couldn't understand all that he was feeling , so he became numb to any feelings at all. He made a phone call to a "number" on a screen that looked like it might be someone to "just talk to". He never wanted to jeopardize his marriage or family, but it was starting to sound so innocent just to talk to someone. He rejected all the text messages that were inviting him to "talk" in private. He kept erasing all the messages. Soon, he was too weak to resist the temptations. He succumbed, and felt as if "someone else" was in control and went to "meet" someone at a hotel. It never was anyone other than the police all along. Thank the Heavens for DIVINE INTERVENTION.! It has been humiliating and painful for all this to become public knowledge, as it was in full color on the front page of the local newspaper just 3 days later. (the only reason I am sharing this with you now).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As devastating as it was, Tara NEVER wavered, she never cried.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> She was completely held up by the Holy Ghost.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> She has turned to the Lord at every moment of this experience. She has asked him "Heavenly Father, what do you want me to do next?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">She and her husband both received priesthood blessings.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Spirit told her to love unconditionally, to be understanding,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> to see what she can do to lift her husband and help him back to his feet, </div><div style="text-align: center;">where he belongs. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She has felt the love of the Savior more than once in her life. She is now learning once again how the Atonement can change her life forever.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> She has turned to her scriptures. She has found much peace. Her husband also has turned to the Lord. He is well on his way to full repentance and forgiveness. They both see it as a severe wake up call.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"> NO ONE is tough enough to tangle with Satan. No one can let discouragement stay. It comes, yes, but it cannot stay. The adversary is watching constantly for an open window, or a crack in the door. We must have our "ARMOR" on. We must keep it on. They are both very open about what they are experiencing, and WANT to share it if it can help others to avoid such heartache. They will survive.................................. because they "Turned to The Lord".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7OYXoIu4wt0jR5xdv0ppDPl95e-w0oMwPc8HgVgL9lEcNGbLQdX6nZWvTDepUZ_Dvi8NQZz1b__tWRMWiGwAVtvcm_AsvFhkWOFv_F9JBnLpVJTOvKW3JHI4-Sv_Vc1q-ybdbvLY7eA/s1600-h/Alofipo+family+of+6.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7OYXoIu4wt0jR5xdv0ppDPl95e-w0oMwPc8HgVgL9lEcNGbLQdX6nZWvTDepUZ_Dvi8NQZz1b__tWRMWiGwAVtvcm_AsvFhkWOFv_F9JBnLpVJTOvKW3JHI4-Sv_Vc1q-ybdbvLY7eA/s1600-h/Alofipo+family+of+6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7OYXoIu4wt0jR5xdv0ppDPl95e-w0oMwPc8HgVgL9lEcNGbLQdX6nZWvTDepUZ_Dvi8NQZz1b__tWRMWiGwAVtvcm_AsvFhkWOFv_F9JBnLpVJTOvKW3JHI4-Sv_Vc1q-ybdbvLY7eA/s400/Alofipo+family+of+6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451282760815757458" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heather had a frightening experience right before Krystal and Tara had theirs. Heather's however, lasted all through both of her sisters: almost 3 weeks, was Heather's nightmare. Kalia, their 2 yr old had discovered a thick and heavy drinking glass in the bathroom. While she was in the bathtub one night, she accidentally fell on it as it broke to pieces. It cut her bottom so deep that it was clear to the bone, and even partially severed her sciatic nerve. This little girl went in and out of surgery 3 times to fix all that was wrong.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> She spent over 15 days laying in a hospital bed, being allowed to go home for a day or two, only to learn that a serious infection required her to be hospitalized once again to have IV antibiotics. There were over 60 stitches trying to put her skin back together. A plastic surgeon was called. A neurosurgeon was called about the sciatic nerve. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heather never wavered.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> She prayed. She had Kalia get a priesthood blessing. She prayed some more. </div><div style="text-align: center;">She cried with her little one. She sat in awe of this little girl "jumping" a few days after surgery, after Doctors said she may never be able to walk normal with out pain. Heather trusted in her Heavenly Father. She knew He could make her whole. She knew He would do whatever was best for their family. She slept at the hospital most nights. She studied everything about the medical care that she could. She knew almost as much as the Doctors did when they would arrive to orient the parents. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> She continued to pray. She has witnessed a miracle. She "Turned to The Lord".<br />(Kalia is able to walk, run, and jump normally, and has no side effects of any kind, besides a lovely scar.)<br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tX67fAoDbuLnTh7Q40qxzpSt3iYhe4S5gbKQ2BM9Kc_5P5DMEoZiub2s4y9KCw3keJTzGGfV7_CiEK84UxZzyU-9yyP0TrZDbm2Ml7YQO-OuGGsmM9_XVED2oiDZj4Ob4labNxVf31w/s1600-h/Stitchesmarch8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tX67fAoDbuLnTh7Q40qxzpSt3iYhe4S5gbKQ2BM9Kc_5P5DMEoZiub2s4y9KCw3keJTzGGfV7_CiEK84UxZzyU-9yyP0TrZDbm2Ml7YQO-OuGGsmM9_XVED2oiDZj4Ob4labNxVf31w/s400/Stitchesmarch8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451281602176897058" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Kalia learned from her mommy and daddy to TRUST in Priesthood Power, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and wanted all the blessings this OIL would give her<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmN6QuBJ_v8Yj4VcGMxPvbYftbZVIr_9xWPF3y6DDNF8KK__Occ-2IU1vuk4IEomWyJe3-wnmH-jMUcZfEYe1X2H8YfkE6jvLcMEO-r78RZV6FGJlvp88mK4OkbmjzY9xHoLRBRmpUdo/s1600-h/Kalia's+Trust+in+the+Lord.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmN6QuBJ_v8Yj4VcGMxPvbYftbZVIr_9xWPF3y6DDNF8KK__Occ-2IU1vuk4IEomWyJe3-wnmH-jMUcZfEYe1X2H8YfkE6jvLcMEO-r78RZV6FGJlvp88mK4OkbmjzY9xHoLRBRmpUdo/s400/Kalia's+Trust+in+the+Lord.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451307644968905970" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">All 3 of my married daughters have experienced trials in the last month and a half. All 3 have shown me, their mother, that they have heard the lessons I tried to teach them. I thought they weren't listening. But they were. When people have asked me how I am doing through all of this craziness, I have felt my heart burst with JOY.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I am not happy that these things have happened to any of them. I am old enough now to see that trials are part of our lives. BUT............................</div><div style="text-align: center;"> The gospel and our testimonies are GOING TO GET US THROUGH.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> When we "TURN TO THE LORD", all things will work out for our best good. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We will get through tough times. HE WILL help us. HE WANTS to help us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> It's hard for HIM to see us stumble, but HE KNOWS the outcome. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He just wants our hearts........</div><div style="text-align: center;">.........He has everything else He could ever want.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">WHAT A BLESSING TO KAREN, the Kancer Killer, (as Krystal named me 2 yrs ago this month.) I am so thankful that I am alive to witness my daughters. "Turning to The Lord".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">After all the trials were almost over, I got to spend some "JOYFUL" time with 3 of my granddaughters. I tended one night so moms could have an hour or two or reprieve. I wish Heather's girls could have been here too. That would have made for a perfect evening with the girls.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We painted toenails all different colors to cheer ourselves up. We painted fingernails too. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Then we got them all shined up and I curled their hair , just like I did to their mothers. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, how I love my girls.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Oh, how I love to see them "Turn to the Lord",</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Now it's time to teach the next generation!!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxpN22yK4kYv2RoguHz3ew5Xax5RA6-jTwOnckJF1YE6IuKGHUcz0Jkq2U6Of1rUBMWaF15E9G7bV9jcnZepqOwiv1kaExdMc4huL4C2zcgMDkAFZjFLtEPgtCj8T62VUasrG-9HHr8c/s1600-h/394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxpN22yK4kYv2RoguHz3ew5Xax5RA6-jTwOnckJF1YE6IuKGHUcz0Jkq2U6Of1rUBMWaF15E9G7bV9jcnZepqOwiv1kaExdMc4huL4C2zcgMDkAFZjFLtEPgtCj8T62VUasrG-9HHr8c/s400/394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450433683983285426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtntf9ELpu93dLhxcaq9a_coHbYKk-RLT7Z0p6OjQBjT5s3h28zI-amSHIbffzB3zYwbq54L0vjhQWzlAV2bBqBPeUIg94Umsp2gOiScXXsvNwZVzF7pBfHVZA6mWRJLjmeeVR4augcjk/s1600-h/399.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtntf9ELpu93dLhxcaq9a_coHbYKk-RLT7Z0p6OjQBjT5s3h28zI-amSHIbffzB3zYwbq54L0vjhQWzlAV2bBqBPeUIg94Umsp2gOiScXXsvNwZVzF7pBfHVZA6mWRJLjmeeVR4augcjk/s400/399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450433667621011218" border="0" /></a> I see the "LIGHT" of the Savior in their eyes, do you?</div></div></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-72829520144258476802010-02-12T14:48:00.000-08:002010-02-15T22:22:06.502-08:00Extremely Grateful..................for my strength...On January 27th, we are at Krystal's house in Orem Utah just minutes away from driving to the Missionary Training Center in Provo about 5 miles away,where Jonathan will spend 2 months learning Spanish before he takes off to Mendoza Argentina. Here we see Jeff, Krystal, Addison ( a favorite cousin that also lives in Orem (ditching school to say goodbye to Jonny), Kimberlee, who, needed to get her braces tightened by the new orthodontist in the family, Krystal's husband Jeff. Then there is Kevin and Heidi, 2 more cousins that love Jonny (also ditching school) and you can see me holding Kyla on my lap and Allie next to me, and I hope it is obvious to you, that Jonny is the one with the suit on. Then Dale is next to him.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYwCOj7kG_xkoSzMp-OlVmyXEhZCU83nfwW69QC4TD3dZixE0AwtwlZub3ErY1EfZjrhJpAhp2tFaNoh0ijaEddF29cja0HqSIMfp0rHHh_geYM7f3E5VH7N1-5GyY7wGOH0ZrJddElw/s1600-h/015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYwCOj7kG_xkoSzMp-OlVmyXEhZCU83nfwW69QC4TD3dZixE0AwtwlZub3ErY1EfZjrhJpAhp2tFaNoh0ijaEddF29cja0HqSIMfp0rHHh_geYM7f3E5VH7N1-5GyY7wGOH0ZrJddElw/s400/015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437500005970401890" border="0" /></a>Boy, am I HAPPY to get him on a mission! I have looked forward to this for 19 years, and the last 10 months have been anxious ones for me. I have to admit, he sure is good looking in this picture , isn't he?<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Notice here, that Krystal is 8 1/2 months pregnant, and they said their goodbyes outside the parking lot because now-a-days, you LITERALLY DROP off your missionary at the curb!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHKL3eMH0FpMNntw_zU_S2ktFAW4nmT6fuwGQ14BcEQqByQFwadLNW7d7AA5cyKjRuOl0dRetl8RY_W7tp1QlTDp4Z0Z8Ws6DgTJk3I2_mmToYHaVecfQmXd90rZKfsH8F9byy1Xey6Q/s1600-h/021.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHKL3eMH0FpMNntw_zU_S2ktFAW4nmT6fuwGQ14BcEQqByQFwadLNW7d7AA5cyKjRuOl0dRetl8RY_W7tp1QlTDp4Z0Z8Ws6DgTJk3I2_mmToYHaVecfQmXd90rZKfsH8F9byy1Xey6Q/s400/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437500401046983010" border="0" /></a>Notice Damon is missing because his parents wouldn't let HIM ditch school. :) He was sad :(</div><div>Well, after we dropped Jonny off, there was only ONE person crying!! It wasn't me, it was KIMBERLEE. I know why she was crying though, not so much that she was going to miss Jonny, (she gets his room, his car and everything else she wants), but she DOES NOT want to be alone WITH DALE AND I!!!! This means that she is our ONLY child left at home. (Another thing I have waited many years for :D )</div><div>Well, since the Dr told Krystal that she was only dilated to a 1, or 1 1/2, I decided to drive home to St George and go back when she had the baby, maybe in a week or two. Her due date was February 14th, and that was 18 days away.</div><div>I was home for about 30 hours when I got a phone call that baby boy was in a little distress. His heart rate was having de-celerations when Krystal was submitted to a stress or non-stress test. The Dr was inducing labor right then. I jumped up, showered, quickly packed and took care of any details that I thought were necessary, like pick up Rx's that I would need, etc. I got on the road about 2-3 hrs later, took about 4 more hours to drive to Provo and when I was 22 miles away, Jeff called me to tell me that she was "pushing" AAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I started to cry, how could I miss it when I was so close? I shouldn't have taken time to shower or pick up that Rx. Well, I still hurried along the best I could and when I arrived on University Avenue, I called to see if he was here, and Jeff said that they were at a standstill because he was face up, and they were going to have to use a vaccuum. "YES", I shouted. I had a baby face up, so it's only fair that this one is so I can make it in time. (My mom wasn't allowed in the delivery room for my face up baby)</div><div>I walked in the delivery room, and the nurse questioned, "Grandma?" , when I said yes, the Dr who was at Krystal's feet, said "OK, here we go ", and he put a suction cup on the baby's head and pulled him out: Can you see the suctioned circle on his head?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIIDxMWpskiekdgSAp97dTNtR983hiTkaH7ax_otWfTjvkgUf0O54gJXLO44U5ZcexG0Ijp9tNF1a3V2vueNZtSVgKgwYWDg11nWOa2m1z5goR0MXuab-8oQfeiRCpg5SGrZqLB4KGzQ/s1600-h/DSC03338.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIIDxMWpskiekdgSAp97dTNtR983hiTkaH7ax_otWfTjvkgUf0O54gJXLO44U5ZcexG0Ijp9tNF1a3V2vueNZtSVgKgwYWDg11nWOa2m1z5goR0MXuab-8oQfeiRCpg5SGrZqLB4KGzQ/s400/DSC03338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437499436005005474" border="0" /></a>For 16 days early, he was a good sized baby, 7 lb. 1 oz. 19 1/2 inches long. Good thing she didn't go until her due date. The only thing unusual about him was his umbilical cord. It had 2 vessels in it instead of 3. The Dr showed it to Jeff and I and it looked like a wet noodle, very flimsy in a couple sections. They say 80% of babies with 2 vessels are completely normal, but some of them have kidney problems later in life. About 5 years ago, Krystal delivered a stillborn baby boy that had, interestingly enough, a 2 vessel cord. The Dr's back then said that the cord had nothing to do with him not making it. Her water broke at 20 weeks, and for 5 days, that little boy fought for his life inside with no fluid, until her body went into labor and delivered him, at 12 oz, and 10 inches long. She went on to have 2 more children, both girls, and now this baby boy was very much wanted in this family. Nerves were only a little on edge during this pregnancy, but to see him come out healthy and whole was a big relief. If he has kidney problems, Krystal and Jeff feel like they will just deal with it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo6AW4xOdDSoybvLH_Jy9inmOG0RmFGmlFU5V0n3unfEslGvVEp_CoP_k2Acq6eRI9SNKxq-b3GRrEGvheadn5yKvGOdGWWyE7FymJH9x8v17uOy1Q21n_x1_hQ_DRMvU9L-YH44ijd8/s1600-h/IMG_1512.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo6AW4xOdDSoybvLH_Jy9inmOG0RmFGmlFU5V0n3unfEslGvVEp_CoP_k2Acq6eRI9SNKxq-b3GRrEGvheadn5yKvGOdGWWyE7FymJH9x8v17uOy1Q21n_x1_hQ_DRMvU9L-YH44ijd8/s400/IMG_1512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437499060444704402" border="0" /></a>I decided I wanted to stay for a while (I mean after all I had my Rx's that I needed for 2 wks) and help out, even though she had an easy labor, I knew that there would be 3 other kids needing attention and I wanted a chance to spend some time with them, I don't get near enough of these little darlings.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jb83xM-Hd9lGCn-0sIflJRNZa6VXmrabbLnwFIQ7nmDJ1HWz6TOJPETHVmerZJr2qklAIhDB8n2tlKSxAkbzybnm2f2WQffRXioI_kRqxGqZF9VDmytSO9O7bshhvdCMXWZ0gZ6nd6c/s1600-h/DSC03353.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Jb83xM-Hd9lGCn-0sIflJRNZa6VXmrabbLnwFIQ7nmDJ1HWz6TOJPETHVmerZJr2qklAIhDB8n2tlKSxAkbzybnm2f2WQffRXioI_kRqxGqZF9VDmytSO9O7bshhvdCMXWZ0gZ6nd6c/s400/DSC03353.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437498075166309586" border="0" /></a>Damon is 7, and I ran him back and forth to school, Allie is 4 and has either pre-school or a computer class 4 days a week that she needed a taxi for, and Kyla is 2 and really needed someone to play with to prevent her from mauling the baby. Of course, I REALLY wanted to sit and hold a new born, and hope I could get to look into his eyes if they were ever open. That is one of my favorite things to do, hold, smell, and look at a newborn!! I love it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxGxxeNtCdpRXLLYOx71OvxWa0KBZKURGrtgflHQ7nRRxK9J3HREev0QWfr4Zz-u4wxfy7yLOhDZL30h1LkxysJkU4WSuFtnrbfXo49S-k8WXHgfOExqSro1JU2o1MuedKfnIUWW2oIQ/s1600-h/IMG_1554.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxGxxeNtCdpRXLLYOx71OvxWa0KBZKURGrtgflHQ7nRRxK9J3HREev0QWfr4Zz-u4wxfy7yLOhDZL30h1LkxysJkU4WSuFtnrbfXo49S-k8WXHgfOExqSro1JU2o1MuedKfnIUWW2oIQ/s400/IMG_1554.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437498619661779762" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While I was there, I took advantage of spending some time with my sister since we don't do that enough, and we went to Michael's to learn more about decorating Valentine cookies. I wanted all the kids to come with me, (I tried to let Krystal have quiet time with the baby as often as I could) 2 of them played at a cousins house, while Kyla came with me. We were surprised to see how color-coordinated we all 3 were :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0nDLOJFI9p7MHXgg-yUiIW5t1IYJ4Bku2Q1kAI6nWXJMiLHvodFf1h8eHQHj3IbY_WkCu-HloGbJ89-I1msPbOoJBBREKX5KMxMAEz10m9sQ-U6-pxd9sqIoSTabemogvkUiZBhBQLI/s1600-h/DSC03480.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0nDLOJFI9p7MHXgg-yUiIW5t1IYJ4Bku2Q1kAI6nWXJMiLHvodFf1h8eHQHj3IbY_WkCu-HloGbJ89-I1msPbOoJBBREKX5KMxMAEz10m9sQ-U6-pxd9sqIoSTabemogvkUiZBhBQLI/s400/DSC03480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437497549350825010" border="0" /></a>When we got home, I just HAD to have some cookies, so I made some dough, and the next day, all 3 kids helped me cut them out and they (only they, not me), decorated these lovely cookies. They were pretty proud, and really enjoyed eating them.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GvNDobmHXqlsj6RqKRD2Kdzrga-U5UZIVnF9leopKhsb6ycq2ErqlZP6qVeHvu7YgeQ2QjLG5DKvtEslcOtbVbEwzEEDYpj3pPYbeqQaU1n9POLhUKblg62RRVmQgrUFTZwQPom74Gc/s1600-h/002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GvNDobmHXqlsj6RqKRD2Kdzrga-U5UZIVnF9leopKhsb6ycq2ErqlZP6qVeHvu7YgeQ2QjLG5DKvtEslcOtbVbEwzEEDYpj3pPYbeqQaU1n9POLhUKblg62RRVmQgrUFTZwQPom74Gc/s400/002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437498887407925042" border="0" /></a>Damon is really a craft lover, and wanted to make his own Valentines. I helped him for 4 days. He had 24 kids is his class and each valentine had 3 different colored hearts cut out, and some of them had a pop up message inside. He is just starting here by using a cookie cutter to trace around.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZb6XeIJQdbXyJRgRMZqEsw9tIWHL1abWNbx0EjGHMBFRW6bqKPmRJh5Htb4z4tWYz2QGj6L6mEngeS32r-n_EqndRMunZFuM4llZi-cyyVum77uvcUBc05LMP0qJ2tp5gqLcGFf5Id4/s1600-h/IMG_1586.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheZb6XeIJQdbXyJRgRMZqEsw9tIWHL1abWNbx0EjGHMBFRW6bqKPmRJh5Htb4z4tWYz2QGj6L6mEngeS32r-n_EqndRMunZFuM4llZi-cyyVum77uvcUBc05LMP0qJ2tp5gqLcGFf5Id4/s400/IMG_1586.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437497279236127986" border="0" /></a>Krystal had been trying to get a black and white picture of Carter, oh BTW, that's what they named him. The first set of pictures, the baby had been awake and didn't cooperate well, so one night , I was holding him and as he fell asleep and curled up his little legs, I grabbed a white blanket, laid him next to a white wall, and asked Krystal to get her camera. She caught this sweet one. If you look closely, you can see he was having a sweet dream about how wonderful heaven was. :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP2ErPA1iNkpv4EAyzimDQfYnPzvtpWLLVzYrbxDOkOR4FZygJ1ueYqcLVpULamBUAhha9TWJYjEnQDO48MCnYr2srweWmrHPAfCq3CQxtZaXCkPLVgb35NJubW9T-99VTZGu9sRQoe0/s1600-h/CarterBW2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsP2ErPA1iNkpv4EAyzimDQfYnPzvtpWLLVzYrbxDOkOR4FZygJ1ueYqcLVpULamBUAhha9TWJYjEnQDO48MCnYr2srweWmrHPAfCq3CQxtZaXCkPLVgb35NJubW9T-99VTZGu9sRQoe0/s400/CarterBW2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437496989453674018" border="0" /></a>He is a beautiful child. I got pretty attached and didn't want to leave him<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8BIeNVPZYLWGwmQOtn1geh9QE3sJZI3WZV6CKe7513CbhYuRrHTZ-9kzvFnTQlwNP6z-_TREmpoKtW3E5idd_b0dF1uTulVEMBeHfKbQ-6ZIkcvnRxoaIpEmVt2LYcUdaHZxNoebz4k/s1600-h/IMG_1613.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8BIeNVPZYLWGwmQOtn1geh9QE3sJZI3WZV6CKe7513CbhYuRrHTZ-9kzvFnTQlwNP6z-_TREmpoKtW3E5idd_b0dF1uTulVEMBeHfKbQ-6ZIkcvnRxoaIpEmVt2LYcUdaHZxNoebz4k/s400/IMG_1613.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437496711179690258" border="0" /></a>His mom was pretty crazy about him too. Yes, she is tired, OF COURSE, I told her women would hate her if she didn't have the normal routine of trials after a new baby.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX8m7nXmUk8ba0Oh_Ha8jX9KQTZFM-arYVZXwo53h4bLzWhRODwLElkW5953p4bU2xezI7ThMlPR24Eu3_LvsCCUUsGLATISg3Q8RBMVWZkYYbvCMRxmK515IsLMYKx9u2K8sS_67qFM/s1600-h/IMG_1609.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX8m7nXmUk8ba0Oh_Ha8jX9KQTZFM-arYVZXwo53h4bLzWhRODwLElkW5953p4bU2xezI7ThMlPR24Eu3_LvsCCUUsGLATISg3Q8RBMVWZkYYbvCMRxmK515IsLMYKx9u2K8sS_67qFM/s400/IMG_1609.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437496366007077506" border="0" /></a>I took this picture, cuz I think he is so dang cute.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Pyn4XbhcrRUTRVnPlPvxL87OceaT_psrJ-_HEyweGdcUc7IyXy3MFzoRUrYuvDJuZzY6tW5tdI-4GvawJD0BlaK7pb37XIXpHApx9krVmo1rWpYDuijZVZK5ImrBgEnL4eMKWthxzfM/s1600-h/DSC03539.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Pyn4XbhcrRUTRVnPlPvxL87OceaT_psrJ-_HEyweGdcUc7IyXy3MFzoRUrYuvDJuZzY6tW5tdI-4GvawJD0BlaK7pb37XIXpHApx9krVmo1rWpYDuijZVZK5ImrBgEnL4eMKWthxzfM/s400/DSC03539.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437493274996446818" border="0" /></a>Oops, this is out of order, Damon and Carter at the hospital<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ1cMDKFVkowohS_G22Ks5D4t7qGq7_Li2tA19UNjAj1qyRbLp-T7iKUkSns9ViefB1Cnc3bhHQyM9-XglXFtgGTgCvl8B5DQtT-tj_zZk0Mx0C-rfNICvFCf_mlZKXSlgudNxYmZOVg/s1600-h/DSC03360.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ1cMDKFVkowohS_G22Ks5D4t7qGq7_Li2tA19UNjAj1qyRbLp-T7iKUkSns9ViefB1Cnc3bhHQyM9-XglXFtgGTgCvl8B5DQtT-tj_zZk0Mx0C-rfNICvFCf_mlZKXSlgudNxYmZOVg/s400/DSC03360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437504095872218994" border="0" /></a>Allie climbing up on Krystal thinking she is going to stay the night next to her mom :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEWpV1rySLDFTCsXbrTqD0iwQ_VM6hyHKbgzcB4J_MHpCY_rhwmKn2AYKqow5-nA9G7uO0xWqw2ZctMm9hUpO2Zpfo9wgwTTUkiOn0o9pVpaooPOHkeFi42FjPzL6p__8rs70DvsZr6g/s1600-h/DSC03387.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEWpV1rySLDFTCsXbrTqD0iwQ_VM6hyHKbgzcB4J_MHpCY_rhwmKn2AYKqow5-nA9G7uO0xWqw2ZctMm9hUpO2Zpfo9wgwTTUkiOn0o9pVpaooPOHkeFi42FjPzL6p__8rs70DvsZr6g/s400/DSC03387.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437503800767155970" border="0" /></a>Kyla trying on grandma's glasses. (She wouldn't give them back either, even though I gave her a sucker)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwr_xPXIrprL3RoJ9T-065miU_cSTVy3qmXbuyfJ8gTg82C_7ytbiKgZwuNG0vt7I-nhSS77tWU4A7bV-PnYdILJrMQFOlthZpcWEwfWKDUmKMaY8ufL2jDP2KxIgbVfeQGE8EakZ7YXI/s1600-h/DSC03362.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwr_xPXIrprL3RoJ9T-065miU_cSTVy3qmXbuyfJ8gTg82C_7ytbiKgZwuNG0vt7I-nhSS77tWU4A7bV-PnYdILJrMQFOlthZpcWEwfWKDUmKMaY8ufL2jDP2KxIgbVfeQGE8EakZ7YXI/s400/DSC03362.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437503399797770066" border="0" /></a>Yes, I had a LOT of fun with my grandkids. I helped Krystal with Carter during the night. After she fed him I would try to keep his binky in and rock him if necessary. I loved every minute of it. I felt like I was on vacation at times. (My roommate from college took me to 2 Jazz games while I was there) I even found a night to attend the Mt Timpanogas temple.</div><div>I did a lot of laundry and a lot of cooking, and baking. Jeff said I really came through when I made him a lemon meringue pie. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But the day before I left, I was trying to straighten out my hair because chemo made it SO curly.Krystal and I had to take a picture and have a good laugh; THIS is what 2 WEEKS with 4 kids did to me:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSfyR-rRkUUzL48NOrby3ourfzk6o2B9zKwwrbwR0zJRgOyyw-u6vm8bANo79xttFnusGi-zrKGpXBSuhdRDISug_Y9E4nZq_-b_tE7dGd_krhx81oiN0ZLNHzzLdJrWrt1Qzj1UmWBk/s1600-h/DSC03545.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSfyR-rRkUUzL48NOrby3ourfzk6o2B9zKwwrbwR0zJRgOyyw-u6vm8bANo79xttFnusGi-zrKGpXBSuhdRDISug_Y9E4nZq_-b_tE7dGd_krhx81oiN0ZLNHzzLdJrWrt1Qzj1UmWBk/s400/DSC03545.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437497789486621042" border="0" /></a><br />BUT : I am VERY grateful to have strength again. It is amazing to me that 2 yrs ago, I found a lump, then had 2 surgeries, 8 doses of chemotherapy, 6 wks or radiation, then another surgery, and that was followed by a year of fatigue. </div><div>I have my energy back, and I am so blessed. The cancer, however, is not back. What more could I ask for?</div><div>I am a lucky girl. I know that.</div><div>I want to be a good girl. HE knows that.</div><div><br /></div><div>I still love you all, </div><div>Love, Karen (the Kancer Killer :)</div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-13058616710570186202010-01-01T00:38:00.000-08:002010-01-01T01:56:54.860-08:00"Sleep in Heavenly Peace..............."This is one of the sweetest pictures ever............ This is Jayda Karen Alofipo, born Nov. 29, 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ry9MA15wNCIrYrur80sJ7OT8aHFaRsqddh6jnv5Y38KZmM_I4CrazHKCjHJDLHZWiQk86k0rh23xjjIu9qlTWBQn3KVnk7hw9BdFk3-vjdkjyRRtIf_dW-sf0uX-fXzKE0x4lR0Nits/s1600-h/14028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ry9MA15wNCIrYrur80sJ7OT8aHFaRsqddh6jnv5Y38KZmM_I4CrazHKCjHJDLHZWiQk86k0rh23xjjIu9qlTWBQn3KVnk7hw9BdFk3-vjdkjyRRtIf_dW-sf0uX-fXzKE0x4lR0Nits/s400/14028.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421694534468605554" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is what I call "Sleep in Heavenly Peace"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Throughout the entire month of December, I kept thinking about this thought; "Sleep in Heavenly Peace". I wanted more sleep. I wanted more peace.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why does December have everything in it; the best of times, the worst of times; the most memorable family moments, and the most stressful and hair-pulling moments?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had planned on being a little bit more calm this year. That was my goal.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I thought I had it all figured out.<br />Shop early. Chill out.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Plan. Plan. Plan. Write out my plan. Put my plan in a notebook.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chill out.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy Every Day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Carry out my PLAN.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cherish EVERY moment.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Chill out. Rest a little every day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Meditate and plan some more EVERY day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">BUT.........</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is how I felt.......in spite of all my planning</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDzq4DMvkn2IEXBjfUzZSxW1xf3ej7wKGvcbwY3SJyKv9Hq3sPhks1-mE1YJOc_D1bLbQjqvvmvWgweDc4ArJt5b3InZC5tpVKtQl8M1upydVO6cfalo1lKlzvWH9kEWAwWpbbvm36CM/s1600-h/377.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDzq4DMvkn2IEXBjfUzZSxW1xf3ej7wKGvcbwY3SJyKv9Hq3sPhks1-mE1YJOc_D1bLbQjqvvmvWgweDc4ArJt5b3InZC5tpVKtQl8M1upydVO6cfalo1lKlzvWH9kEWAwWpbbvm36CM/s400/377.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421689984422911090" /></a>Even though it's Dale in the picture, I felt like I was the one being "chewed up" by the bear. The bear of 'stress and anxiety'.<div>( Just looking at that bear makes me feel anxious. :) Long story for another day.)<div> I spent the last 20 months of my life learning to "CHILL OUT". "It's all good", as some of you would say. I kept telling myself that whatever happened was going to be just that, "all good". December is a month of special feelings and I WAS NOT going to get stressed out and be a screaming idiot that no one wants to be around. That was the "old Karen", and I have changed ;)<div>I did learn a hard lesson this last month: "Old habits don't die easy"</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Now it's over. It's January 1st, 2010. (btw, Are we going to call it twenty-ten?)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am going over everything that happened.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did I accomplish what I wanted to?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did I enjoy my family?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did my family enjoy ME?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What did I LOVE about the holidays? </div><div style="text-align: center;">(<i>lovingly </i>known by me in the past, as the "HOLI-DAZE")</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am going to list a few "LOVES"...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved thinking about others while I was shopping.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved listening to my children and their spouses laugh together at 2 am.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved watching my grandchildren perform the Nativity.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved eating Prime Rib. (rare is the best)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved hearing that others loved the gift I gave them.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved looking at my Christmas tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved soft white lights around the house.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved seeing "babies" all over representing baby Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved hearing my grandbabies say "thesus"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved the space I had in my new kitchen.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved being alive.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved having energy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved feeling a lot like my old self.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I loved that I finally got my "sleep in heavenly peace";</div><div style="text-align: center;"> today from 1-5 pm</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">what did you LOVE about December??</div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to hear ALL about the good things that you saw and </div><div style="text-align: center;">experienced that made December special to you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe I can try some of them next year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope you had a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#33CC00;">MERRY CHRISTMAS</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">AND I am wishing all of you a</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFCC00;"><i>HAPPY NEW YEAR</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-84110994983562693502009-11-18T14:57:00.000-08:002009-11-24T22:34:46.684-08:00New Perspective on Christmas and Thanksgiving<div style="text-align: center;">You might think that is an odd way to talk about Christmas and Thanksgiving, putting Christmas first.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I used to have a pet peeve about people putting up their Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving. I have always felt that we should do ONE holiday at a time.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And why did the stores have to put out Christmas items as soon as Halloween was over??? I thought, "For goodness sake, let's not forget about Thanksgiving, with all of the warm colors, beautiful leaves and decor, and gratitude, and family surrounding us, and everything else that we are grateful for. I felt like people just wanted to RUSH into Christmas, WHY couldn't they just WAIT until December??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In my opinion, there should be ONE holiday per month, and that's all.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This year, for the first time in all of my adult life, I see it differently.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I will tell you why.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This little package is sitting on my shelf as we speak (well, kind of speak)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DFjTA341SoDdH8OXji9Jkk8c-MW8IVm1DwH5KwDnH-xiJv6rUbnx4e_2DSBwjTBtVMvgRwutm2DI8E4RxOAZoYIoPhgY_VqbcSdQ_ussrfcNI7odVmiCtsXiIytbydQtLQaHGF3QABM/s1600/DSC02659.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DFjTA341SoDdH8OXji9Jkk8c-MW8IVm1DwH5KwDnH-xiJv6rUbnx4e_2DSBwjTBtVMvgRwutm2DI8E4RxOAZoYIoPhgY_VqbcSdQ_ussrfcNI7odVmiCtsXiIytbydQtLQaHGF3QABM/s400/DSC02659.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405582452856808770" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I fell in love with this saying about "Presence"/"Presents" at Deseret Book this year. It was all over different gift items, and it was one I hadn't heard............it's a great thought.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I found myself starting to pick up little things around town, everytime I would go shopping for something else, I would find things for Christmas. I thought how good it would be to have a head start; something I don't remember ever having before.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeDg-_pNUSa-u2y1PUW87vbPfOJ5_I4FqjX5OlhoRmEDx2OqTDDzdVAWq7oHH1RCSfZl1kCK6B8WOI8T-I1snMHr1KW3fUDEmKo_zIoVdnFRKH3J3aq5a1gZAOsJouxuihyphenhyphen3hIGORQJo/s1600/DSC02658.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeDg-_pNUSa-u2y1PUW87vbPfOJ5_I4FqjX5OlhoRmEDx2OqTDDzdVAWq7oHH1RCSfZl1kCK6B8WOI8T-I1snMHr1KW3fUDEmKo_zIoVdnFRKH3J3aq5a1gZAOsJouxuihyphenhyphen3hIGORQJo/s400/DSC02658.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405582447882585938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">This is unusual to have anything out that's red and green in November. I loved this sign when I saw it because the family I grew up in always has to "EXPLAIN" everything. It wasn't intended that way when this tradition got started, but nonetheless it happens EVERY Christmas, not to mention, I laughed out loud while I was shopping just thinking about the little kids who try so hard to be "nice" instead of naughty, but sometimes circumstances lead us to be "naughty", and if only Santa will listen to our side of the story.....so here's to Santa giving us a "second chance".</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Back to my previous thoughts about November: </div><div style="text-align: center;">"I only want to think about <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;"><b><i>one</i></b></span> holiday at a time"</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I made some placecards for the 30-40 people that will be eating at our table, so I created these little gems with foiled confetti; Thanksgiving confetti ; something I had not seen before. I really enjoyed doing this little craft. :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL2xSpCiiQrZwm1YrI09zCUlZ2BS6ZdoBdq12bJ0_QLc_TIOiMkU41fODRAdAr9deYaGZ5wPxPJrncuCnbS400-8vYcslPRfwJUNDJy8wz3I9q74SM-hshQnS2fZm84NaIk3mqtLzLvQ/s1600/DSC02656.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrL2xSpCiiQrZwm1YrI09zCUlZ2BS6ZdoBdq12bJ0_QLc_TIOiMkU41fODRAdAr9deYaGZ5wPxPJrncuCnbS400-8vYcslPRfwJUNDJy8wz3I9q74SM-hshQnS2fZm84NaIk3mqtLzLvQ/s400/DSC02656.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405582441292038690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I love making a centerpiece for my kitchen table. It was a necessity about 10 years ago when I accidentally broke my flower arrangement that sat in the middle, and I have decorated the center with the "holiday of the month" theme ever since. </div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB7oUxYXvpVeTSdqaiBKQmmhz6ieDsaZVadVlTgVJB8PBvOz6k93FXnfvv_vbzp9Xfeqkl4m600X5AFFiM0mUD-DSnALLer5omKbXg1JQqp4YAhPFrYsSExrMY8tQHG_dFP7NPFFrk0w/s1600/DSC02649.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuB7oUxYXvpVeTSdqaiBKQmmhz6ieDsaZVadVlTgVJB8PBvOz6k93FXnfvv_vbzp9Xfeqkl4m600X5AFFiM0mUD-DSnALLer5omKbXg1JQqp4YAhPFrYsSExrMY8tQHG_dFP7NPFFrk0w/s400/DSC02649.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405582438811896530" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">It was actually on a day last week when it hit me</div><div style="text-align: center;">I drove by this part of my neighborhood, and I saw these trees.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We don't see a lot of color change here is Southern Utah.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The beautiful colors don't last long either.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfeNAqHltNKqvDAMlreCuXaraFEeSy_Xfsm5it9mXIZr0VXjLRusY9ZaIkiNTI55-mBJfcy8MnQiOB9zQlXT613MGo1jLiD20oHtn1wPIYsX2gmGAZKzR28k7SihQkyakn99WbxLd4N0/s1600/DSC02646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjfeNAqHltNKqvDAMlreCuXaraFEeSy_Xfsm5it9mXIZr0VXjLRusY9ZaIkiNTI55-mBJfcy8MnQiOB9zQlXT613MGo1jLiD20oHtn1wPIYsX2gmGAZKzR28k7SihQkyakn99WbxLd4N0/s400/DSC02646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405582428656722370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">For some reason, this took my breath away..........</div><div style="text-align: center;">and I realized HOW GRATEFUL I WAS,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and it ALL came together,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Christmas</span> AND <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;">Thanksgiving!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF6600;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">This beautiful world, the family, and the luxuries that we enjoy,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> are ALL from</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Our Creator, and His Son!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What is Christmas all about??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Celebrating the birth of our Savior!</div><div style="text-align: center;">and we feel Gratitude for Heavenly Father, God of us all,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who sent His Son to change our lives forever.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I have everything to be grateful for, especially good, I mean GREAT health</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on all of it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christmas and Thanksgiving go together so much better now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I am learning SO MUCH as I grow up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I love growing up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I am so thankful to have TWO holidays</div><div style="text-align: center;">right together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />I love Christmas shopping in November.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love red and green decorations put up early.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love being GRATEFUL for Christmas!!</div></div></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-22977804805130205572009-10-27T07:43:00.000-07:002009-10-29T11:47:55.807-07:00"And I will make weak things become strong unto them"I don't care for weaknesses much, especially not my own. <div><br /><div>After my "cancer year", I am finally letting other people have a weakness here and there, and I am cutting them some slack. What about Karen, do you cut her any slack? hhhmmmm..........(this is just me thinking out loud, I am not asking YOU this question) :)</div><div><br /></div><div>The Lord said that he gave us "Weakness" for a reason, didn't he? Let me remind you about the scripture that I am referring to:</div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#009900;"><b><i>Ether 12:27</i></b></span></div><div>And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. (Dale had to point out that it does NOT say weakness-es, ) I give unto men "weakness" (so it must mean that we are not perfect in EVERYTHING like we wish we were) that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I see one strong person in this picture: SUPERMAN, aka Maddux, and he does not know that he has ANY weakness at all!! lol</div><div> Grandpa is watching a video of "Monster Mash" where Tara put her family's faces in place of Frankenstein and the other characters, and they are dancing around to music, it was hilarious, and "picture-worthy" to see this cute little family of mine enjoying it together ( this picture really had nothing to do with my post, but I knew you would love it.....tee hee.........)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVIxmJjJSX4pLgKC0y0wtopg5XWeRKx9ZMW94XvDTXC6m1D9hCbTwrLPL5eyo9w2r-7eLrpaq1hyWQQbALTX847OG1ctle3AlZhU3-upGbTnsvix2MAE5dBXZiFQuMp3H8LLjHITDKRo/s1600-h/022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVIxmJjJSX4pLgKC0y0wtopg5XWeRKx9ZMW94XvDTXC6m1D9hCbTwrLPL5eyo9w2r-7eLrpaq1hyWQQbALTX847OG1ctle3AlZhU3-upGbTnsvix2MAE5dBXZiFQuMp3H8LLjHITDKRo/s400/022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397292527310232594" /></a>OK, since you were wanting to see some more of my grandkids, here's one more superhero, "Supergirl Kenya". She REALLY wanted to try the costume on, she has to do everything the boys do!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnaBPw2ioCDubuICkiQqeR-OzGC1DLZBFeVuBnBYPOocwAL5d6pBSULNBRtdG01CTt14lKoBj_AX9PvwdmLAjuecF9hgo8jqJNlVp_j2MgwX9_dRQOs4MyETwxwERKGvJfkZLPuTqBT4/s1600-h/030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnaBPw2ioCDubuICkiQqeR-OzGC1DLZBFeVuBnBYPOocwAL5d6pBSULNBRtdG01CTt14lKoBj_AX9PvwdmLAjuecF9hgo8jqJNlVp_j2MgwX9_dRQOs4MyETwxwERKGvJfkZLPuTqBT4/s400/030.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397292526699601250" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to what I was saying:</div><div>(this just made me realize that I jump around a lot with my thoughts, have you ever noticed that?, Dale is NOT a fan of it)</div><div>Anyway, Lately I have been thinking about my weakness, well one in particular..........</div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">Self- Dicipline</span></i></b>..... I know .........that's not a common one, but it's mine :)</div><div>at least this week.............</div><div>Now, forgive me if you think this is really weird, (I could swear the I comes before E except after C, but spell check said to spell weird this way, no thought jumping here, is there?)</div><div><br /></div><div>A few years ago, one of my daughters told me she was memorizing scriptures while she was in the shower. I was intrigued to say the least. After thinking about it for a month or more I decided I would try it. My first scripture was Ether 12:27, and as you will see here in a minute, it still is in my shower today.<br /><br />Well, during my "Cancer Year", tons of thoughts became special to me, and I was so full of anxiety that I read MANY MANY to help calm myself down. My shower became a place of refuge...........I read and memorized many thoughts in there. I plastered the shower walls with thoughts and even a picture of a bronze statue of the Savior with a caption that said "The Healings of Jesus Christ" You have to remember I had extra time on my hands while in the shower, I had NO hair to wash or rinse, so a shower could take all of 60 seconds unless I did something else. I had all kinds of thoughts like, "Karen, there's just one thing you have to do, and that is to take good care of you", and "Take it easy, take it slow, put your feet up, let it go" (I didn't put my feet up in the shower :)) Those two thoughts were cards some of you sent me and I cut them apart and put plastic clear tape on them so they would stick to the wall. </div><div>Others like this one, I wrote myself. It's a quote from the book, "Believing Christ", and I believed it enough to memorize it. It didn't take long to memorize.........:)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVLijV31pgCAY3yrTm3ray58LyQaVGDTgjfc-LR-Rq-xMO7NvNd7t07lS6QJKeo3Aa98Q4qiWZj3jDpcuOb5_ManXuOcFBhLB5xVZ_9bZ0_wTUJs8d3TGsSu94Uc0_6vk-FzaK4Jhxn0/s1600-h/048.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVLijV31pgCAY3yrTm3ray58LyQaVGDTgjfc-LR-Rq-xMO7NvNd7t07lS6QJKeo3Aa98Q4qiWZj3jDpcuOb5_ManXuOcFBhLB5xVZ_9bZ0_wTUJs8d3TGsSu94Uc0_6vk-FzaK4Jhxn0/s1600-h/048.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKVLijV31pgCAY3yrTm3ray58LyQaVGDTgjfc-LR-Rq-xMO7NvNd7t07lS6QJKeo3Aa98Q4qiWZj3jDpcuOb5_ManXuOcFBhLB5xVZ_9bZ0_wTUJs8d3TGsSu94Uc0_6vk-FzaK4Jhxn0/s400/048.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397292518513170194" /></a><br />This was a comfort to me, and it still is, as a matter of fact, this morning in the shower, I felt a big relief as I once again read it. I am trying to re-"Self-Dicipline" myself according to what I have learned over the last year and what the Doctors have insisted I need to do if I want my health.............a thought to jump to..............."HEALTH IS WEALTH", boy do I believe that!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm_P8i7f_i9aJE-jlhNjvIHFMWtu1crqM1iy-nlIGZSOs0DwNvLBSf2rRv7qe6XljJCrV358jSV61Vk113oikllQ8h4PLcceg4xddVuU7FDxVhJpvz8R4mCKsqNZPaFoEzOBmxfq8_hw/s1600-h/047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm_P8i7f_i9aJE-jlhNjvIHFMWtu1crqM1iy-nlIGZSOs0DwNvLBSf2rRv7qe6XljJCrV358jSV61Vk113oikllQ8h4PLcceg4xddVuU7FDxVhJpvz8R4mCKsqNZPaFoEzOBmxfq8_hw/s400/047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397292511819198818" /></a>So, here I turn to the other shower wall this morning and remind myself that I am not made to be SUPERWOMAN like I have imagined so many times over the last 50 years (my mom instilled a lot of confidence in me). I am full of strength and talent, etc., but ONLY when I take the hand of the Lord, and my creator who made me and knows me best.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am determined to be humble, and productive, and lovable, and easy to be around. Please be patient with me while I keep trying.</div><div><br /></div><div>One last thought for the morning before I get out of the shower.</div><div>This one is from a talk in General Conference in April 09, by Kevin Pearson.</div><div>It hit me like a ton of bricks, when I think about it, it is SO true about EVERYTHING!!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCBdyZ8IKiqNyUKYykFFCSmH_91dpeqVVfq7lTL6hKCjCXllWEC127boNxe5pM4IdSQMEz5c8Bvw9cT-j8sBZ3Xt1DouCchsQ03pD4nZZQrg7ijJUxkr2DMRRAWZ4YYFnTFl1nVeB7sE/s1600-h/043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCBdyZ8IKiqNyUKYykFFCSmH_91dpeqVVfq7lTL6hKCjCXllWEC127boNxe5pM4IdSQMEz5c8Bvw9cT-j8sBZ3Xt1DouCchsQ03pD4nZZQrg7ijJUxkr2DMRRAWZ4YYFnTFl1nVeB7sE/s400/043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397292505549687922" /></a>I will continue to "Focus" on my goals</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I love you all , especially those who take the time to read what I have written, and then comment. I LOVE to read your comments, they give me so much strength to go on, you will never know!!! LOVE TO ALL OF YOU, Love 4-ever, Karen</div><div><br /></div><div>PS I see the Dr on Nov. 6th to have more tests, wish me luck!! </div></div></div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4003318596481066215.post-91055574482682982372009-10-13T21:48:00.000-07:002009-10-14T21:14:47.036-07:00"Opposition in All Things", especially CANCERWe know that life is full of opposition, and it is supposed to be that way. Sometimes we wonder why, but after some serious thought, we know that all the negatives in our lives make our good times SO much better. Well, cancer is no exception. I expected to be sick 24/7 because I saw the hell my mother went through. I was overwhelmed with gratitude when it wasn't that way for me. Knowing the opposite was possible made my experience all the sweeter. (Oh how time sweetens my memory)<div><br /></div><div>I want to tell you a story about a dear friend. This picture was taken about 7 or 8 years ago. We call this group "Club". It started out to be a group of young moms needing to get out once a month and eat and visit and we were going to play "ROOK" originally. It is now 25 years later, and we have played Rook twice. What we have done is for another post.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYv2s_I4rJ0RowCyER3QyWzolwSRxTENmp7bv8yHc-hUDD7vDnRIlsKa9px7LFEZ58iol9osC_A_oiaAkETykoKHEX5F_hzTKew_QCj5_ahaWpUJjp2ddl20eq_wRXZBA40vDGq9l7Hg/s1600-h/k+093.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMYv2s_I4rJ0RowCyER3QyWzolwSRxTENmp7bv8yHc-hUDD7vDnRIlsKa9px7LFEZ58iol9osC_A_oiaAkETykoKHEX5F_hzTKew_QCj5_ahaWpUJjp2ddl20eq_wRXZBA40vDGq9l7Hg/s400/k+093.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392615731659141298" /></a>From left to right starting at the back is Kristine Gardner, Darla Lyman, Shauna Stout (now Oliver), Elizabeth Adams, Iona <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Syphus</span>, and Lori <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hafen</span>. </div><div>Front row is Kim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Esplin</span>, Karen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Esplin</span>, Sheri Feller, and Brenda <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Graff</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>This story is about Kristine.</div><div>About 7 years ago, she was diagnosed with Leukemia. We were all frightened. She was put on a drug that miraculously sent her into remission. She still takes that pill everyday. Well, last December, right about the time I was ending my treatments, she found a lump in her neck. It turned out to be cancer in the lymph nodes, which was actually a symptom of lung cancer. She was given 4 months to live if she did not do any treatments. She has 2 sons still at home, a 12 yr old, and a 16 yr old, and one son on a mission. Then she has four married kids. She wasn't ready to check out of this life, so of course she chose to fight. This picture is all of us again on December 12, 2008. She had received the diagnosis the day before and we called an "emergency" meeting of club to give support. I am the one on the front row, very different looking from the last picture. I was COMPLETELY different on the inside than I was before too. We all got there before Kristine did, and I broke down and bawled. I didn't think I was going to pull it together, but miraculously I did. Kristine is the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">nd</span> one from the left on the back row. It's hard to tell here, but there were a lot of red noses from all of our sniffling. No major bawling like before she got there.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47bgNluKyEASZ91qjdjQsZuQgbI_Bg6LWLfEIhkQZ5b24Cl1r47uo2HGqyr-RBcqw7R6vF-HC35FPH4xRe-i2yae2RYv-Hjqz5Z2UAaW0CpvJXVcUkRBgyp6q9VmvdBYz0Lsi-g5EWnc/s1600-h/k+096.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47bgNluKyEASZ91qjdjQsZuQgbI_Bg6LWLfEIhkQZ5b24Cl1r47uo2HGqyr-RBcqw7R6vF-HC35FPH4xRe-i2yae2RYv-Hjqz5Z2UAaW0CpvJXVcUkRBgyp6q9VmvdBYz0Lsi-g5EWnc/s400/k+096.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392615717187470866" /></a>She started chemo right before Christmas and had it as often as they could give it to her, generally every 3 weeks, but she got so deathly sick, and was hospitalized almost more than she was at home. At one point she was in intensive care barely hanging on to life. Her husband heard her talking to a deceased Aunt. She only remembers telling Heavenly Father that she felt she was going to die, and for him to go ahead and take her. Well, He didn't and she returned to somewhat better health some time later. She had to be fed through a tube due to so many complications.</div><div>When she went for her PET scan in the summer, I was POSITIVE she would have a partial remission if not a full one.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was wrong, The cancer had spread to both lungs now, and had spread to the bones in the spinal cord, and to her adrenal gland. Not good news. I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">devastated</span>. I really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">thought the chemo mixed with the leukemia drug was going to be a miraculous cure for lung cancer. The Dr. was not very encouraging as to what to do next. She insisted on trying something else. </span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhSjV2l1P5sgRkC7MOzn4v4YjroijSvtADzHw2mN1vlgwXmG-6TJoxB3RhOmfmHKt2itmSO2UwH2BQqfkSikGBHBiEK_P-JyNNZmbavvMpw-fkmsSn8G1ZFit5bkhhjBJ7B3eW0ZeOsc/s1600-h/k+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhSjV2l1P5sgRkC7MOzn4v4YjroijSvtADzHw2mN1vlgwXmG-6TJoxB3RhOmfmHKt2itmSO2UwH2BQqfkSikGBHBiEK_P-JyNNZmbavvMpw-fkmsSn8G1ZFit5bkhhjBJ7B3eW0ZeOsc/s400/k+018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392615706392811506" /></a>Here we are in August 2 months ago, only 7 of us could make it that day, but Kristine is the 3rd one from the left. She was trying the new chemo that the Dr. somewhat reluctantly was trying. She was feeling more energy than ever, less sickness than ever, and doc told her that her hair would start to grow back (wig in this pic), I was suspicious that he was giving her a placebo or something. Back to the title of my post, "Opposition in All Things, ...............WHAT Do you think happened?</div><div>Doctor decided to do only 3 treatments and then a PET scan to see if it was doing any good.</div><div>The news was good. The cancer in the spinal cord and the adrenal gland had come to a screeching halt.!! hurray, but the best part of all is that they could no longer find any cancer in the lungs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was screaming on the phone, jumping up and down,,,,,,,,,yelling "IT"S A MIRACLE", It really is. She started more of the same chemo the very next day, and I will keep you updated, but this could be the magical medicine. He said it is a drug they give to patients with asbestos, but sometimes lung cancer patients respond to it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of opposition, I will leave you with a little Halloween photo from Halloween last year 2008, I actually wanted to delete this sick photo of me trying to be a pumpkin with my fuzz starting to grow back, but then decided it would actually make me look better this year</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9mDobX873x6u6K-SAu1cAuzXozIGw7yrY-EKDwP6tdOfdN9_OlWjkOUzFhcHi5YzG-Q7VVOwRNLagYmGxK-IVg5wyTLsGlrprXX6MkEqlRnFbmSFKJbMIclOtgIYPAfOYQNikkvz_Uo/s1600-h/tara+329.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO9mDobX873x6u6K-SAu1cAuzXozIGw7yrY-EKDwP6tdOfdN9_OlWjkOUzFhcHi5YzG-Q7VVOwRNLagYmGxK-IVg5wyTLsGlrprXX6MkEqlRnFbmSFKJbMIclOtgIYPAfOYQNikkvz_Uo/s400/tara+329.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392614476861969522" /></a>Hey, I actually LIKE this opposition thing sometimes!! It certainly has helped me to appreciate anything positive that is happening to me this year. ESPECIALLY my hair, even though it is practically a "FRO", I am HAPPY to have it. </div><div>The curl is not a perm, but I think they put something special in my chemo to make it come back this way<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQUqVGqm7DKAXke711q0zj9KCW2NLTnHdniPNsRPGXR8xRAPT8q3GZO63a2fOSjQ47t5Fqqe6OCRSrvZ3LW0pOX83VGChrEIsp7XSGH8kzYfgdDWhIARKxRaLoCqRzvW_ky6R-TYSw7c/s1600-h/k+034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQUqVGqm7DKAXke711q0zj9KCW2NLTnHdniPNsRPGXR8xRAPT8q3GZO63a2fOSjQ47t5Fqqe6OCRSrvZ3LW0pOX83VGChrEIsp7XSGH8kzYfgdDWhIARKxRaLoCqRzvW_ky6R-TYSw7c/s400/k+034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392614466717525730" /></a>This is September 17th, the night of the rodeo, hence the bandana, but woo hoo for the hair, and Yahoo for "Opposition in All Things"</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYuQHKNFmg4f0VbXSpC2YIxzOb1khW6Jgn6-mFn2JCPKctEwcbBWgcKTIy1Avh2m5gd-HQ7NWbasXQQFYuHhT_9q6k_Yhblup2QDM1wmYVvPUQwckB0Grc5FBmq8F6aTbomRT2JGErOY/s1600-h/k+035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYuQHKNFmg4f0VbXSpC2YIxzOb1khW6Jgn6-mFn2JCPKctEwcbBWgcKTIy1Avh2m5gd-HQ7NWbasXQQFYuHhT_9q6k_Yhblup2QDM1wmYVvPUQwckB0Grc5FBmq8F6aTbomRT2JGErOY/s400/k+035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392614452759525810" /></a><br />Love to you all,</div><div>Remember, "Someone somewhere has survived every cancer there is" There is always HOPE!</div><div>Love, Karen the Kancer Killer</div>Karen Ehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800664501241515720noreply@blogger.com7