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.