Thankful for the USA

We spent the week of Thanksgiving in San Diego with my parents, my brother Dave & his wife Christy, and my Uncle Jack. Each day of the week started with us crossing the border into Tijuana, where my dad has been receiving treatments for lung cancer. Crossing into Mexico each day made me recognize things that I am thankful for that I generally take for granted. Here are a few of them:

-traffic laws & people who follow them (for the most part)

-working city sewage systems that don't drain along sidewalks and city streets

-friendly officers of the law who don't wear face masks and carry assault rifles

-using the dollar without having to figure out its relationship to the peso

-

Lump Girl

Many of you are aware that Addy was recently diagnosed with something called neoplastic lymphoma. Many of you are also aware that when we took Addy to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City to have these two "lumps" in her neck removed, they were less than half of the original size, and the pediatric surgeon decided not to remove them. She couldn't explain why the lumps were decreasing in size instead of growing. We will meet with our pediatrician this week to determine what course of action, if any, to take now.

We believe that our Heavenly Father played a huge role in what we are calling our "miracle". We believe that through a priesthood blessing & through prayer & fasting among many family & friends, our "Lump Girl" is going to be okay.

Going to Mexico

We will be traveling to Mexico over Thanksgiving to see my parents. My dad will be at a clinic in Tijuana for about a month, where he is opting to do some alternative treatments (instead of chemo) for his lung cancer. I will keep you updated as to how things are going.

Happy Halloween!

We recently celebrated Halloween with our 6th Annual Pre-Trick-or-Treating Bash. We served hot dogs & chili to over 140 people.

The girls then had plans of their own. Delaney went to a Halloween party with some of her friends from school. She dressed as a "fancy lady". I am not sure what that is, seeing as how I am pretty much a jeans and t-shirt kind of gal.

Addy was a princess. She designed her own dress, which a lady from Darren's school was kind enough to sew for her. Darren applied her "eyelashes" and she was off to trick-or-treat the neighborhood with friends. They went out on their own until it got dark and started to rain. We then hauled them up the hill where the houses are bigger and apparently the candy is better (I don't see the connection, but to Addy there is one).

My Dad

I love my dad! During the past few weeks my love for him has grown deeper and has reached new meaning after unfortunate circumstances found us spending 2 weeks together in Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer at the end of September. He had his entire left lung removed on October 1st. He is now home recuperating. Doctors are recommending that he start chemo in about a month (after his body heals from surgery).

Although the time we spent together was spent under duress, there were also some very tender & spiritual moments that we shared. I won't go into these on this blog, as they are private & very special to me. However, I do want to share with you this message-do not let a day go by without telling (and showing) the people you love that YOU DO LOVE THEM. Life is short, and can change very quickly!

My message to my dad---I love you and am proud of you for the way in which you handled yourself during the past few weeks. You are a strong, patient, kind, loving man. God loves you and is proud of you. He knows of your struggles and is helping you get through this time. Keep praying and know that he is listening. I LOVE YOU! My dad and I in Soldotna, Alaska probably in 1970! Notice the red hair (actually a little orange).

My dad and I in Anchorage, Alaska on October 9th, 2008, one week after having his left lung removed.

18 Years & Still Looking the Same (Yeah, Right!)

Today is our 18th wedding anniversary. Man, are we getting old! I don't feel like I have been married for 18 years, and in my mind I don't think that I look like I have been married for 18 years, but the pictures don't lie!

We are off to a really exciting celebration! Darren is looking through the Happenings Book as I type, searching for the perfect 2 for 1 coupon to celebrate our 18 years together. Will we ever get to the point where we aren't basing our dinners out on whether or not we have a coupon!

Darren-I love you and am always grateful to spend time with you (and spending time with you at a bargain price is even better). Happy Anniversary, Buddy!

The Fire Pit

I have been pestering Darren for the past couple of summers to make me a fire pit. My dad has a fire pit that he made out of an old washing machine tub, and I have always loved "hanging out" around it. With the help of our friend Terry (who donated an old 50 gallon barrel) and the expertise of Roy (our peach friend), Darren and the girls made a great fire pit. We christened it last week with smores, good friends, and family.

The pit cracked a little with the first fire. Darren thinks this happened because I didn't let him "cure" the cement long enough, as I was anxious to get a fire going!

Addy can't eat smores without getting something on her face!

Delaney and her friends, Kai & Shelby, had a great time roasting marshmallows.

Darren and his "masterpiece"!