Old Friends

I received a Christmas newsletter today from a friend that I went to high school with! The news was wonderful and the included pictures were awesome! It was so wonderful to hear from her I just had to call! We talked and laughed and got all caught up until the battery on my cordless phone went dead! What a gift!

Trials of Faith

Within six months of Ashlei arriving at MD Anderson in Houston they had done Chemo, Radiation, and a bone marrow transplant (8/21). In October we were told the bone marrow transplant had been successful and Ashlei was in remission! Prayers were answered, tears were shed, we were so thankful and so blessed! Right after Thanksgiving, after a routine PET scan, we found out the tumor was back. It was blow to Ashlei especially because she was so sure all was well. She had another PET scan Friday, and today we heard the results: not only is the cancer back, it is no longer localized - the study says it is seen basically throughout her spine, and in other bones. Her Lymph system and other organs are clear - that's a blessing. Her doctor says this is typical of Lymphoma and we are still a long way from giving up.

She will most likely enter a trial study which will provide her with a new Chemo drug that has been very successful. Her doctor says if this doesn't work there are several other options out there.

I just want her to get well. I want her to live long and healthy. I want a miracle. If I could I would take it from her, but I know I cannot. This is not my trial to bear; it is hers. For myself I pray for added faith, comfort, and peace. I do know that Heavenly Father is there; He is aware, and all is well.

I love my daughter-in-law. I am thankful for her; for all that she is to my son and for the precious grandson she has given us. I am thankful that families are forever.

Winter In Texas

Jarom's snow angel

Jarom and his snowman!

The back yard

An Odomville view

Near Odomville

Cinnamon Candy

We had a fun night in Young Women a couple of weeks ago. We made this cinnamon candy - it was fast and easy which is right up my alley!

Here's the recipe:

Combine 1 cup water, 2 2/3 cups sugar, and 1 cup light Kayro Syrup

Boil to hard crack stage (300 degrees on the candy thermometer)

Remove from heat and add 1 tsp cinnamon oil and 1 tsp red food coloring

Pour onto cookie sheet that is generously covered in powdered sugar

When it cools - break it into pieces and enjoy!

Gammy Plays Nanny!

I went to Houston with Kevin and Sarah about a month ago to play nanny with Claire while they attended Kevin's little sister's wedding at the Houston Temple. Here are some pics:

Hiding behind the lamp
Getting ready to go to the temple

Claire at the temple doors. She cried - not just fussed - cuz she couldn't go inside the temple

My favorite pic

Houston Texas Temple

Minnie Fury (aka Princess Minn)

This is our new little princess! Heber and Ashlei bought her in Houston, but with Heber back out on deployments, and Ashlei not able to take her - we got her! I love her so much!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off To Work I Go...

Oh my goodness - I can't believe it has been a month since I've written on my blog. So many things have happened. One of the biggies is returning to work on November 17th. I thought I didn't want to go back to work; I even got a little depressed about it. However, it felt good to get back to it, and I'm blessed to work in a place where I love my job, the people I work for are the best, and the people I work with are even better!

I work for Texas Home Heath in the Jasper office. I actually work under a state contract which provides attendant services for those who need help with their activities of daily living. It's a great program that allows people to maintain their independence in their own homes, and it also allows families and caregivers some relief. I'm thankful to be a part of that!

I also see patients every week. That's great fun cuz...I love being a nurse, and in my main job I'm basically a glorified case worker.

Mosiah 2:17

We had combined activity for Young Men/Young Women this last Wednesday. The Relief Society had put together four boxes of Thanksgiving food - including turkies, and the youth were asked to deliver them. One of them was picked up by a member of the ward and delivered, and the family that was supposed to get another one of the boxes was at the church. We just sent the box home with her. The third box was delivered to someone right in town. We loaded all the kids up in my first councilor's Suburban and let the kids carry the food to her.

After that we came back to the church and just sat around talking and laughing, and eating taco soup and donuts. It was very informal and a lot of fun. Sometimes just being with the youth that way is better than the formal actvivities or lessons.

When it was over Megan and I followed my first councilor out to the last recipient's house. This person is not active, but she was really happy to see us and we had a wonderful visit! We left feeling like she was ready for visiting teachers, and maybe even invites to church activities!

King Benjamin taught that when we are in the serbvice our fellowmen we are in the service of our God. When we lose ourselves in the service of others we truly find ourselves. What a great evening!

Wild and Crazy!

Jarom had a basketball game in Onalaska Tuesday night. It was wild and crazy! Our JV team lost by twenty points; Onalaska kept the twenty point lead throughout the game. Jarom couldn't seem to hit the basket, but otherwise played well - especially on defense. Our Varsity girls played really well - it was neck and neck until the fourth quarter. They lost by fifteen points. The real story is the boys Varsity game!

It was a tense game - neck and neck the whole time, the refs were HORRIBLE, we had five or six fans thrown out of the gym, and we lost by two points in the last minutes of the game! My nerves were shot, but it was exciting!!! What a rush!

After the game we stopped with the bus in Livingston and ate at Whataburger. I haven't eaten there in about three years - it was good!

We got home and in bed at about one in morning. It was exausting, but fun, fun, fun!!!

Unexpected Road Trip

I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting and for some reason had the feeling to check my cell phone (I had it on vibrate). Heber had sent me a text message asking me to meet him in Huntsville after church. Megan and I actually ended up meeting him in Humble. Anyways...he was down for the weekend visiting Ashlei and Jace because he's going to deploy some time soon - this week or next. This will be his first deployment in two years. We had a great visit with the three of them. Jace is getting so big - he kept looking up at the planes as they passed overhead, playing with his dog, Lexy, and just being silly. He looked so happy - his little face was literally lit up! Ashlei still has to go to the hospital twice a week, but she's doing really well. I'm glad she and Jace can be together, but it breaks my heart that Heber is by himself, and that they are all separated. We had a little bonus come home with us - their little Pomeranian puppy, Minnie Fury! She's adorable - a tiny little fur ball!!!

Hoop Time!

We drove up to Brookland Tuesday night for Jarom's first basketball game. It was actually scrimmages, but still - it's basketball! He's playing JV this year - because he wants to. The coach has asked him to play Varsity, and he may actually even play a little of both, but for now he wants the playing time. I forgot my camera the other night, so I missed some good shots - especially of the THREE three-pointers he made! In the end he had eighteen of the twenty-seven points in the game!!! There's another scrimmage Friday night, so I'll have my camera ready!

Random Trivia

I grew up in Broome County - just outside of Binghamton - New York. Our little community of Conklin Forks was located not twenty minutes north of the NY/PA border and nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. These are shots of the valley where I grew up - the place of my childhood. I used to run these hills and woods and creeks - the sky was the limit to the adventures I had. In the summer it was green and lush like these pictures show; in the fall brilliant colors of red, yellow, and orange painted the valley. I never took it for granted - the beauty. I used to climb up a hill near our house and just sit and soak it all in. I loved it, I miss it, I'm thankful for it.

Another Claire Weekend!

We had a wonderful weekend with Claire while her mommy and daddy went to the temple. As always, she was a joy! On Sunday our branch had its Primary presentation, and each time the kids stood up to sing Claire joined right in from her seat! She knows all the words to "I Am a Child of God"!!!

Not much happening these days. We have a new addition to the farm:

This is "Lammy Toes" - Megan's new pet! His breed is Suffolk, and this guy was a show lamb. Because he's neutered he's really only good to eat or to keep as a pet. Though he is probably worth at least several hundred dollars if not a couple of thousand - he was given to Megan. He's pretty cute - I can say we've never owned a sheep before!

Jarom has his first basketball game tonight - a scrimmage in Brookland. Here we go...! There's a new coach at the school this year, so he's pretty happy and having a good time. I'll have some pictures posted tonight or tomorrow I'm sure.

History in the Making

Wow!!! What a historic time we live in! Though I voted for John McCain, as an American I will support our president. I have to admit as I listened to part of his speech this morning I got choked up. My testimony is strengthened that we do live in the promised land - The United States of America - the land of the free!!! What a blessing; what a blessing to be free, to have the priviledge to vote, and for anything to be possible for any person who has a dream. My prayers are, as always, with our country and with our new president. GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.

Spring Fever in the Fall

I don't know what's wrong with me. It feels like Spring fever, but maybe I'm having a midlife crisis! All I know is that I feel restless and unsettled; I don't know what it is I'm looking for, or what it is I want - I just know I don't have it right now. Hhhmmm...

These last two weeks have been plagued with migraine headaches and the stomach flu - yuk. I saw the doctor Friday; he did X-rays and all seems to be well. I can basically go back to work when I get ready...I'm not ready!

Anyways...

Weekend With Claire

I borrowed this picture from Sarah's blog - for those of you who may only see it here!

Sarah went to San Antonio Friday and Saturday to attend a women's conference with her Fruge family - very cool. We had the opportunity to keep Claire Bear - of course we had a fun time. It always amazes me how quickly she is growing up. She is so not a baby anymore - she has stong opinions, a vivid imagination, and a gift for anything musical: singing, dancing, etc.

Saturday evening her cousin, Taylor came by with her grandma (my sister-in-law). For those who don't know - Sarah's husband, and Sarah's first cousin's wife are brother and sister. (did ya get that?) So...Sarah's cousin, Justin is her cousin AND her brother-in-law! When Claire was first born Jarom asked Sarah if Claire was her daughter and her cousin!!!!! I know - our family tree is a wreath!

During sacrament meeting on Sunday Claire picked up the bulletin which had a big picture of the Savior on the front; she looked adoringly at it and said, "Jesus!" The look on her face was priceless.

Picture Tag

I saw this on Sarah's blog - I love these tags!!! So, here are the rules: open the sixth folder in your "My Pictures" and then upload the sixth picture.

This is a picture of the tape when Sarah was in labor with Claire! The feed on the left is the baby's variability - or how reactive she is. As you can see she's got a good line which means she is alert and reactive to what's going on around her. The feed on the right measures Sarah's contractions. It doens't look like things were too rough at this point. Just a little note - Sarah's labor was pretty okay until her water broke - it all hit the fan then, and Claire came just a couple of hours later! It was awesome!!!

I tag Ron, Sarah, April, Caryn, and Brianne

Weekend with Heber, Ashlei, and Jace

Sweet smile for Daddy
Got on his cool clothes, got his succor, and ready to go outside!
Jace loves it outside - he's such a boy!
Jace and Max
Heber, Ashlei, and Jace

Heber, Ashlei, and Jace spent the weekend with us last weekend. Heber was best man in his best friend's wedding, so they were pretty busy. We didn't get to visit a lot, but it was enough to see them and have them close for awhile. We're hoping Heber will be transferred down to Houston soon. I want him and Ashlei to be able to be together - they've been separated for about eight months while Ashlei has been at MD Anderson undergoing treatment, and then a bone marrow transplant in August. It's been pretty rough on Ashlei, but she has Jace with her now at least. It was a rough week waiting for test results, but as posted earlier - the bone marrow transplant was successful and she is in remission! Jace is precious - ALL BOY! He loves to go outside, watch Thomas the Train, and be with his mom and dad.

Remission!!!

Earlier in the week Heber had told me that Ashlei had one hundred percent grafting. That means her bone marrow and the donor marrow are working together as one. She had a PET scan on Monday and an MRI on Tuesday, and was to hear the results today. Heber called me this afternoon and told me Ashlei got her report from the doctor: REMISSION!!!

We are SO BLESSED! It has been heartbreaking to watch her go through all she has been through - both physically and emtionally. She's tough though - to go through most of this with Heber in Oklahoma. I'm proud of this young woman who is my daughter-in-law. She's a very special chick!

YAHOO!!!

Hammy's Gone

Our little squirrel, Hammy, was found dead in his cage yesterday. We had just had him outside the night before playing with him. I don't know what happened, but we'll sure miss him. It was neat to have him for the three weeks that we did; I'm thankful for the experience of raising a little wild animal - it was a lot of fun.

General Conference

General Conference was SO WONDERFUL! What a blessing to be able to sit in your own living room all snuggled under a quilt and listen to a prophet of the Lord and other church leaders guide and direct us - literally scripture for the next six months!

We have everything, don't we? We live in the final days of the earth - it's true - but...we have EVERTHING: The gospel of Jesus Christ is restored! The power of the Priesthood is on the earth! We have a living prophet - a living prophet - amazing!!!

I am so thankful for the life I lived before I came to this earth that allowed me to have the blessings that I have here, and I pray that one day when I am on the other side I will be able to say, "I am thankful for the life that I lived on earth that allowed me to have the blessings that I have here. "

Crazy Squirrel!

Life's rough, huh?!
Milton feeding him his "bottle"
Full tummy and all stretched out!

His eyes are open now!

This little guy has been such a blessing and such a joy! He is adorable and so sweet! We were feeding him with a syringe at first, but now he has an actual pet bottle; he loves it! He's a smacker too! He's such a little fatty! His unofficial name is Hammy from "Over The Hedge", but the kids say it doesn't fit him. If anyone has any name ideas - leave me a comment and let me know!

Our Week With Claire!

Riding Fancy with Aunt Megan
"Don't drop me Uncle Jay!"
Playing with Grandpa Kenneth's dog, Ruby
Feeding the baby squirrel his bottle
Driving the golf cart

I don't know if I can even express what a wonderful week we had while Claire was staying with us. I know she's our precious grandbaby, but honestly - we're not predjudiced! She was SO SWEEEEET, and so good. One day when her mommy called she asked me if I had to put her in time out...uh...NO! I told Sarah that I had actually not even thought about it! She played and sang, and charmed us from sun-up to sun-down. Thank you so much to her mommy and daddy for letting her stay with us! Claire, we love you SO MUCH! What does Gammy say? That's right, "Love you Punkin!!!"

I've Been Tagged!

Okay, I've been tagged by my daughter, Sarah. I hope I'm not so un-cool that I do this wrong!

Here are the rules:

1) Link the person who tagged you

2) Mention the rules on your blog

3) Tell six of your quirks

4) Tag six fellow bloggers

5) Leave a comment to let them know

Here is the link to Sarah's blog:

http://sarahfruge.blogspot.com/

My Quirks:

1) It drives me crazy if a cabinet door, or a drawer is left open

2) Being late (even though I'm always late) I hate it!

3) At work, my cubicle is probably the most organized at the office - I'm really OCD about that. When I worked at the hospital my med cart had to be organized just so too! Funny, cuz my house is NEVER organized!

4) When I take a shower I have to go in a certain order: wash hair, put in conditioner, wash up, then rinse everything - ha ha!

5) When I pump gas it has to end on a whole number so if it goes to $30.02 I have to keep going up to $33.00 - even if I'm bumping the car to fit it in!

6) When I go up or down stairs I have a compulsion to count them. I have to purposefully lose count - crazy, huh?

Hey, this stuff won't be held against us, will it?!

I tag Ron, April, Caryn, Brianne& Janelle (I only have five)

Workin' Hard

Physical Therapy has been very beneficial; I think I've come a long way though I still have a long way to go. One of the exercises I do is to just step up on a four inch box - that's all - no weight bearing - just step up and then back down. The other day I asked the girl if I could have the six inch box now cuz I felt like I could do it. I had actually started out with that one, but could not do it at first. (I know - I'm a wimp!) She gave me the bigger box and then went to let the PT know. Remember the old saying: "be careful what you wish for (or ask for); you may get it"? The therapist decided I would now do that exercise with a NINE inch box, and I used the four inch box to step up - full weight bearing. (Today he had me do the full weight bearing with a SIX inch box)! He also added side stepping with a thera-band around my ankles ( that's like a big rubberband), a three pound ankle weight when I do one of the leg lifts, and walking without the cane. I can actually do that, but I use it cuz it helps with the "gimpyness" that I still have. That's been disappointing, but the other day he also did a test that showed I still have almost no strength in those hip muscles. Of course that's the result of about four years with a hip that was so bad there was almost no function in it. Those poor muscles have really weakened - hence - the gimp! For awhile I didn't need a pain pill before therapy, and I didn't sweat. Not anymore!!! I'm sweatin' now! I do exercises and walking in the therapy pool too - that's fun! I really feel that walking in my back which is a good thing. My low back has gotten really weak and now maybe it'll get stronger. My goal is to get back to normal, and I want to walk (if they have a walk - I know they have a run) at Dogwood time this Spring, and also ride in the trail ride! Yee-haw!

And Then There Was Light

Our lights came back on September 21st at 7:57pm! It was funny though cuz we would forget to turn lights on, and I'd find myself getting the flashlight at night! Seminary and school started back up on Thursday, so Jarom is back in the swing. He's running with the Cross Country team and getting ready for basketball season.

Physical Therapy is going well. Now I get in the therapy pool - that's fun! I can pretty much walk without the cane, but I'm still pretty gimpy and using it helps with that. I've come to the conclusion that my low back and hip muscles are still pretty weak and tha'ts why I'm so gimpy. I'm going to talk to my PT Monday about starting some exercises to strenghthen my back.

Our little Ike refugee (the squirrel) is doing very well. His eyes are not open yet, but he's getting bigger and stronger. He's a cutie!

Our thoughts and prayers are still with all those in Galveston and Houston, and in Cuba and the islands who were hit so much harder than we were.

Trials and Blessings

We're told in the Doctrine and Covenants: "...after the trials come the blessings..." I think sometimes it's reversed and after the blessings come the trials. During and after Ike we were so blessed: the storm was tempered (I believe), there was no major damage where we live, we have our generator that has made our lives so much easier, no harm or injury, a cool front right after the storm blew through, etc, etc, etc.

Now, eight days post Ike we still don't have lights while those all around us do. Even harder hit areas have their lights back on. Also, the cool front has left us and the weather is a little bit harder to handle. We long for the regular routine of our lives - though I think Jarom is enjoying being out of school - and sometimes there's an emotional toll after the fact.

I've been thinking the last couple of days how easy it is to be thankful and cheerful when all is going well, and how easy it is to see the blessings of the Lord when they are right in front of us. What will my attitude be now? Will I complain about the humidity or the fact that we still don't have electricity? Will I stress and worry and cry over things that I have no control over? Now comes the test of my faith and trust in the Lord. Now I will see and He will see what I am really made of.

I pray that I can still see clearly all the blessing that are still right in front of me though maybe now a bit clouded. I pray for faith and trust in the Lord that He takes care of me every moment anyway so why not now? I have never been more sure that every breath, every heart beat, every moment of time is a gift from Heavenly Father, and I can do nothing without Him, and without the atoning sacrifice of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Today we went to church and just had the sacrament. Nothing else - an opening prayer, the sacrament, a closing prayer. It was probably the most spiritual meeting I've been to in a while. What a blessing to have the gospel of Jesus Christ! We are blessed and all is well!

So...

So...we're still "roughing it" - I say that in quotations cuz though we still do not have electricity here at one week post Ike - we do have the generator! Everyday we watch TV, do laundry, run the fans, get on the internet, etc. Our generator was the best investment I think we've ever made. We didn't use it for three years, but now when we need it, it has made our lives so much easier.

Our little squirrel is doing very well! As a matter of fact the little guy is thriving! He squeals - very loudly - when he's hungry, he crawls all over the place, and we've had to move him into a bigger box cuz he's so active! It may seem like a little thing, but we prayed the little guy would make it. We're thankful to Heavenly Father for blessing us with this little joy!

I started back to Therapy yesterday. I missed a couple of visits last week cuz my leg and foot swelled up quite a bit. I got worried about clots, but I went to the doctor and it was just normal post-op stuff. Then this week I missed cuz of the hurricane. The first thing I told the therapist yesterday was that I didn't want to use the walker anymore. I'm ready for the cane! He had me walk with the cane a little bit yesterday and then when I got home I borrowed one from my dad-in-law and that's what I'm using! I still use the walker at night and if I go to Wal-Mart or something - mostly for safety. My goal is to get back out on the road walking like I used to.

Let's Talk Turkey!

Jarom and his turkeys! The tom, Penn is on the left and the hen, April is on the right.
Jarom loves Penn! We've had him since he was a little "turkling"!
I don't think that tastes like puppy chow!
Playing with Penn!

"There Ain't No Bugs On Me"

The Saturday before Hurricane Gustav Milton went to the sale as he does most every Saturday, and brought home this adorable little guy! After a lot of debate we named him Gustav after the hurricane, but we call him Gus! He's a cutie!

Misc Pics Related To Ike

One of our neighbors have a Crepe Myrtle bush that managed to bloom even through the hurricane!
Our generator - a must have in this neck of the woods!
Our little refugee: a baby squirrel named "Hammy". He's actually doing quite well; we're praying he makes it.

The horses seem to have survived the storm with no ill effects.

Ike's Mischief

As you'll see below, we were spared any significant damage: A few leave and branches in the yard
A limb down by the turkey pen
A pine limb in the pasture
This tree was across the road on the other side of the bridge
A light pole down - about a quarter of a mile from the house