Incredibly Blessed!

Spending off track time at the doctor's!

2012-01-26T10:04:00.000-08:00

ACTUALLY... NOW IT'S FEBRUARY 3RD!

Wow, it's only been three weeks, but I have spent a lot of time with doctor appointments, in tests and procedures, and figuring how to solve some of my health problems! I'm so grateful for Tyler's good insurance that I've been able to switch to in January. Some prescriptions will be more expensive, but overall it will be significantly better!

A few weeks ago, the 6-month brain MRI showed not significant growth, and the doctors said no radiation is needed on my tumor! Yeah!!! Answer to prayers!

I was also able to get set up on a new Blood Glucose sensor that continually monitors by blood sugars! I'm also back on the insulin pump and it's proving to be a GREAT help and breakthrough for managing my up and down sugars! I also talked with diabetic doctors and my ob/gyn doctor about the possibility of having children, and there are great risks to becoming pregnant with diabetes. Tyler is so understanding and supportive of whatever we need to do, not wanting me to put my health at risk. My diabetes is difficult to control with many other health factors going on, so we will see what happens... But whether we adopt or I am able to bear my own, it will be a great miracle. And we know we have great miracles ahead!

I found out on the same day that the insurance finally approved my foot surgery/sclerotherapy procedure that was last Wednesday! My foot has been getting harder to walk & run on, and gets painful enough that we need to take care of it as soon as we can. Especially while I'm off track. Tyler has been so good to encourage me to put it up, put ice on it, and I wear the helpful compression sock half the time now. I'm so grateful to the office manager, Jill, at the doctor's office who has helped get insurance cleared. More later on how that surgery went...

I have had a lot of headaches and wake up many nights with numbness in my hands and up my arms. The numbness happens throughout the day as well. I called Dr. Maughan, my neurologist, to ask what he recommends, and he said there could be something in my neck causing the numbness as well as the terrible headaches I've continued to have. Well... after a difficult MRI (the loud noises were tough to handle with a bad headache), we got the results, and there doesn't appear to be anything causing the numbness. I think I better take time to relax and rest my shoulders and neck each day and hope this will help. I have a tendency to get tense!

I also was able to meet with my Gastro Enterologist, and he said that he needed to do an Endoscopy to make sure that I do have gastroparesis, rather than an ulcer or cancer. So... I went to the hospital Monday, was hooked up to an IV and other electrodes, and underwent anesthesia while they put a tube down to my stomach and intestines that could take pictures of me on the inside. Wow! Interesting to see what I look like on the inside! The pictures show that it IS gastroparesis and he did a biopsy of my stomach and intestines to see if I have Ciliac's (sp?) disease. I am on some medicine to help the gastroparesis situation, and have learned to eat no more than a cup and a half of food at a time. I'm so grateful my friend Lisa introduced us to the Green Smoothies! What an answer to both our health needs!

I was also able to go with Tyler to his doctor's appointment, and learned what I can do to better help him stay in the best of health. We both are in need of similar dietary needs! We're grateful to have each other to take better care of each other!

Well, Wednesday, I went in for sclerotherapy surgery to the University of Utah hospital, since that is where this special procedure is done. My foot appeared to this doctor to have a vascular malformation, so I had several labs done, spoke with the anesthesiologist, underwent general anesthesia, got in those wonderful hospital clothes for the 4th time this month, and said a "see you later" and lots of hugs and "I love you's" to Tyler and my parents. I walked with the doctors back to the operation room, laid down on the table, and was hooked up to many machines. I quickly fell asleep (thankfully!) and woke up hours later in a room with the shakes, and went back to sleep after another good dose of Demerol the nurse kindly put into my IV!! I woke up about 1:30, and was taken to a recovery room to rest in a recliner. I felt pretty good, just weak and light-headed. My foot didn't really hurt, and although I was wheeled out to the parking lot in a wheelchair, I was able to walk to the car. My parents and Tyler were able to talk to the doctor when I was in recovery, and found out that when the doctors got into my foot with the contrast and mapped out my vessels, they saw this was NOT a vascular malformation, but something they had never seen before or even recognized. I have an enlarged muscle in my foot, about 4 times larger than the muscle in front of it or behind it. They aren't sure why, and they took a biopsy while they were in my foot with a large needle. I'll know in a couple weeks what they were able to determine. Interesting!

I came home by around 4:00, and relaxed with Tyler, grateful he had the day off to be with me! Yesterday, my mom came over and spent the day with me, helping me around the house, preparing for our Women's Conference presentation, grading papers for school, and getting dinner started. I don't know what I'd do without her! I felt a little down yesterday, and discouraged that we can't find solutions to some of these problems. When Tyler came home, we had a good talk, and he was so encouraging! He also got a call to meet with the stake president, and I'm excited for him to possibly get a calling soon! As I pondered and got back to work for school, I realized I've missed being able to "forget myself and go to work." I'm grateful for good health, and despite the pains I feel, I don't want to let the adversary get me down, but tell him "go away!" when I'm feeling that discouragement. How blessed we are to have living prophets on the earth, to have the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and to have hope in the eternities. I love one thought I heard this morning as I listened to the last conference's session"
"Let us not hang down our heads; it is better to look up!" from Elder Carl B. Cook. How simple, but how true and important to do! "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not!" -Doctrine and Covenants 6:36

I had a GREAT doctor appointment this morning before going in to school to prepare for Monday. It was with Dr. Mehr, the retinologist who helped discover the problem with my eye to order the MRI that revealed brain tumor. He was the one that gave me that tough call to say I had a brain tumor. Well, it was great to see him today, and he was so excited to hear I got married and wanted to know all about Tyler! He also dilated my eyes, and said they look REALLY stable, which felt REALLLLLLY good to hear! He said I am only at the very earliest stages of diabetic retinopathy, which is great for having diabetes for 20 years! I was also excited to see that my right eye's pupil dilated very large, just like my left one! What a good sign! I didn't think that pupil could change size anymore. Wahoo!

I know that there are more trials ahead, but I also know I am so extremely blessed and have many miracles yet in store! I'm grateful I was reminded yesterday to BE GRATEFUL! I'm so grateful the Lord has led me to Tyler at this time, because my health just keeps changing all the time. I'm so glad we have each other-- to experience joy of service, life's ups and downs, and to help one another. I'm so thankful for the way Tyler follows the Savior with dedication and happiness! I'm so thankful for my supportive parents-- there with me at doctor's appointments, to help me run errands to the grocery story (like today when I couldn't drive), and who are in good health! God has been soooo good to us!

Making it out of the Garage

2012-01-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

Here's another video to record some of the crazy but fun moments we have...

We LOVE the temple!

2012-01-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

Tyler and I were asked to speak in church this past week on temples, and our testimony of the temple. This is something that is so dear to our hearts! I love the quotes Tyler found and shared, and I felt to share several special experiences I have had with the temple. The temple has blessed us to become who we need to be for each other, it has blessed our lives so much with the Spirit of the Lord. And having that Spirit has helped direct us to each other! It has also helped answer our prayers to find a worthy companion, AND to know that the other was the right person for us to spend eternity with! One of my favorite quotes Tyler shared in his talk says: "Temples stand as a constant reminder that families are eternal."

We enjoyed times walking around the Oquirrh Mountain Temple! How blessed we feel that we live only two miles from this beautiful house of God.

It was fun to enjoy the beautiful Manti Temple Pageant last summer with my family! It was fun to have Tyler get to know my cute nieces and nephews better too!

Our wedding day in the temple was so special. The temple matron, Sis. Layton, said this was my "queen moment" and the rest of the day would be my fun princess day. But this was the queen moment. President Alan Layton sealed us for eternity, such a sweet and memorable ceremony. The way the sky cleared and the clouds opened up to allow the sun to shine down right above the temple JUST as we walked out was miraculous!

It was special to attend the St. George temple on our honeymoon, and do sealings for the first time after being sealed ourselves! What diligent efforts those early saints put into building the temple! Their sacrifices were so great, and helps encourage me to sacrifice more of my time there. It's not really a sacrifice, but a blessing to be in the Lord's holy house. What a great time we live in, to have temples dot the earth!

And here are a few pictures of the beautiful Copenhagen, Denmark temple! What fun to visit the land of our ancestors last summer with my parents and incredible friend, Keri! Our ancestors worked hard to share the gospel in Denmark years ago--If they could only see the fruits of their labors... they are smiling down from heaven to see this temple here today! Many of the temples have been built closer to people in the past several years, so more people throughout the world can enjoy the great blessings found in the temple!

And last December, we enjoyed visiting some of Tyler's family up in Logan as his nephew blessed his baby boy. It was a pretty snowy day, and we enjoyed a stop at the Logan temple, which we hope to attend someday! We also saw the old favorite "Bluebird" restaurant. Tyler also showed me the home that he grew up til the age of 10, in the little nearby town of Providence!
And he told me a funny story as we passed by his elementary school. When he was a kid, he was throwing snowballs to knock down the large icicles hanging from the building! Well, the poor kid got detention! I was shocked! But when you think about it, he was probably looking out for others' safety, if you think about it! However, it was right by the doorway-- not the best spot. You can rest assured he never did that again!

The Kendrick home, from 1976-1986-ish!

One Month and Two Month Anniversaries!

2012-01-20T09:33:00.000-08:00

For our one month anniversary, we celebrated with a candlelight dinner and ate some of our YUMMY and BEAUTIFUL wedding cake that Patty worked so hard on! We loved it! And we love her. :) One month has flown by!
We were able to attend a concert with the Kendricks to see Daniel Beck, a wonderful LDS vocalist, who has such an incredible tone, and fun stage presence! We invited him to sing at our wedding lunch, but he couldn't make it. It was good to see him, and he congratulated us!

For our two month anniversary, a surprise box came to my school-- roses from Tyler! The picture below doesn't do these roses justice! They were gorgeous! What a sweetheart, and again I say-- this man loves to do surprises!

Then we had a fun date night celebrating! With all of the football "bowl" games being played, I thought it would be fun to plan a bowl-themed date! Here's our dinner with lots of foods in bowls, including taco soup! I tried to find foods that would be eaten at football games too.

Then off we went to go BOWLing! We each own a bowling ball, and have actually never been bowling together! Tyler was very impressive, and I took lots of fun video of him bowling under his legs and dancing when he made a spare or strike! But unfortunately, the videos aren't downloading from my phone. :( But I'll never erase them!

Tyler is such a spiritual giant, and such a fun, animated man! He makes me laugh often, and brings me to tears with how sweet and concerned and thoughtful he is. He's already been given me two beautiful priesthood blessings, and takes such good care of me and my little ailments. He is so easy to tickle, and I love his laugh! It makes ME laugh. Last night we laughed so hard, that he couldn't catch his breath and made funny noises. Then he said, "I felt like a squeaky toy!" Of course this made me laugh even harder!

He is always so ready to fix things, and I am amazed at his ability to install kitchen lights, ceiling fans, fix the bathroom sink, install shelves in the garage, download apps, install our wireless printer,... the list could seriously go on! What amazes me the most is his WILLINGness to help and do whatever he can! He is so generous and thoughtful and kind! I learn so much from his unselfish example.

He did have an accident one day, however. You would think he would know what was safe after having a dad in the electrical business for 40 years! I'm kidding! Actually, he was a VERY good sport and let me gel and make his hair all crazy one day! But he thought it looked like this had happened! Ha ha! I told you he was animated!

For one date, he even asked if we could take treats to neighbors-- what a dream come true to have someone to be with that wants to serve! His fun idea was to go "hamburglaring." See if you can figure out what these are made of from the picture!

Christmas!

2012-01-20T08:17:00.001-08:00

This Christmas was so special-- our first Christmas together! We enjoyed finding things for each other, attending family parties together, waking up Christmas morning, and feeling the Spirit at Church that day. We both have what we have always wanted-- each other! I'm falling more in love with Tyler each day, and he is so sweet to always tell me how happy he is and how lucky he is! So we didn't need anything this year since we have each other! Plus we had just opened many wedding shower gifts and presents from our reception! And to buy Christmas gifts for our family and each other-- we were blessed to have gift cards to use for a lot of that shopping!

We did fun things to celebrate the season-- we enjoyed the Festival of Trees with my mom, dad, Kylie (she danced there), and Christopher! By the way, HOW did my mom manage--once again-- to avoid being in these pictures? She was there! And she is so photogenic. I'll have to be more persistent. :)

We also enjoyed being downtown for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert with my parents! (Thanks to our friends Sara & J.P. for the tickets!)

It was fun to get a simple sewing machine from Target with the gift cards. And we found a great deal on suits at JCPenney, where I got a couple of gift cards, so I was able to get Tyler a suit and suitcoat for his gift! Tyler also surprised me with a fun Wii game, "ABBA dance mania" and we have had so much fun with that! A nice digital picture frame, a foot bath, and my favorite stocking stuffer treats were a few of his other surprises! This man is full of surprises, I tell you!

NO, the name on the stocking isn't announcing anything! But we wanted to write "Dad" and "Mom" on our stockings! :)

We really enjoyed spending time with our family for Christmas this year. We enjoyed a beautiful nativity with the nieces and nephews in my family, and even got to Skype with Laura! It was nice to open gifts, and have everyone say what they loved about each person as they opened a gift. Mom was so generous again, and it was awesome to see the quilt Julie had made for Janie! It was nice to feel the Spirit in singing the Christmas carols.

On Christmas Eve we enjoyed a big Thomas get together, where Tyler and I did a silly "Popcorn" musical number (lip sync) and threw popcorn balls out to everyone! Then Aunt Sara did a beautiful job on the Nativity program, singing songs, and reading narration of Christ's birth. She also gave us our BEAUTIFUL quilt she made for our wedding! Such time and detail, and we love it! She also did something extra special: she made a framed quilt piece and family quote for every household! We ended singing "Silent Night," the same song the grandkids all sang at Grandpa Thomas' funeral 16 years ago. Afterwards, Tyler said that he got such a special, wonderful feeling about our family as we sang this song. I'm so grateful he loves the family and enjoys being with them!!

Christmas Day, we enjoyed waking up together, our own little Kendrick family Christmas! We have been dreaming of this for years, and now we are living it! Tyler even videotaped our opening of the gifts! These pictures I have don't do that morning justice, but I'll do better next year! At church, we sang and I helped play the piano when the ward choir sang. We especially loved "Bell Carol of the Kings," "All for a Baby," and "The First Noel." We then headed to my parents' for a yummy Christmas breakfast! Tyler wrote a special card to my parents, thanking them, and we gave them a couple gifts. We exchanged gifts with Kelly's family, and I was amazed by the time and thought Kelly put into our gift, especially with how she hasn't felt well lately! We later went to Tyler's sister's for dinner with her family and Tyler's parents. They were overwhelmed by the gifts we gave them, and it was nice to be with them too! We are so blessed to have wonderful parents! And family!

Tyler and I also wrote letters to the Savior Christmas morning, telling him what gifts we want to give him this year. (This was a great idea from a mission companion-- thanks Katie!) I'm so grateful to be married to a man who loves the Lord so much and inspires me to strive to be more Christlike in all I do. I love him so much!!

A cute video :)

2012-01-18T00:18:00.000-08:00

I should have posted this way back, when we opened our wedding gifts, but we are playing catch up now that I'm off track! I plan to post a few more things the next few days too-- like Christmas, New Year's, and fun dates we've planned! Tyler took better pictures than I did of Christmas, so I may have to finagle them from him! But for now... to show a little of Tyler's darling personality! I love this man-- so sweet, animated, positive, and makes me laugh! I'm truly so blessed.

Exactly One Year Later...

2011-12-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

I have really had the events that happened a year ago on my mind a lot lately, and I have to say, WHAT A YEAR this has been! I have seen great miracles, been so blessed by the love and support of others, and I am grateful for what the Lord has taught me. Last year on December 10th, I vividly remember going to the IMC hospital with my mom and dad at 5:30 a.m. for brain surgery. I'll never forget the concerned look on their faces, nor the tender and long hugs they gave me before they wheeled me in on to the operating room. What great love, that I'll never forget!!

I will be ever so grateful for the surgeon, Dr. Maughan, for the hospital's endocrinologist Dr. Ehrenkrantz, for the other nurses and doctors who followed the Spirit in the way that they cared for me. I remember being so grateful to be able to go home and be taken care of my incredible parents. I also remember calling upon the Lord many nights when I was so sick I couldn't do anything else but cry in pain. My sweet, loving mother was there to hold me as I cried, and she would cry with me too. I will also never forget celebrating the holidays with my family, and how very concerned they were about me, how each sibling, in-law, niece, and nephew came downstairs to give me a big hug when they arrived at the family party. I'll never forget the many cards, flowers sent phone calls, visits, meals brought, comments on the internet, and sincere Christlike love of others who cared so much. What an abundant amount of love I felt.

I will always remember the night of February 10th, when I was out to dinner with my parent, Grandma, and uncle for his birthday when I looked in the mirror and could see my eyelid was opening up enough to see the pupil! I had prayed soooo man times that I might have my eye open again. My parents told me that it was even beginning to track with the other eye! Such a miracles! I was so joyous and grateful to my Heavenly Father that this wonderful miracle was taking place and our prayers were being answered in such a way. A month later, I was able to start teaching school again, and it was so sweet to come back to those children. Every day they would tell me if my eye was opening up a little more!

And then, just two months later, another wonderful miracle that I have been praying and fasting for for years came true-- I met the man of my dreams, Tyler Kendrick! He is everything I hoped for and more, and he loves me more than I could describe. I also love him more than I can put into words! He takes such good care of me. This morning he brought me breakfast in bed to tell me happy anniversary of my surgery! How very far I have come in a year, and what great blessings I have been given. It's amazing to me how gentle, sweet, and sensitive he is. He is truly the sweetest man, and so good-natured, willing to serve, and unselfish. I love you honey!!

There have been other things that have come up with my health in the last several months. One heartache that I discovered is that because my brain tumor (which is still 2/3 there) is progesterone receptive, I will not be able to have children. Both Tyler and I love children so much, and have dreamed of becoming parents. I'm grateful to sensitive doctors who have helped us and for a wonderful husband who sees adoption as a very beautiful and inspired process. We look forward to adopting a child (or several) someday!

Another discovery a doctor made is that I have a tumor on the top of my foot! No, it's not related to the brain tumor, and it's actually more of a vascular malformation rather than a tumor. It has gotten a little more painful, but there is a procedure that can be done to remedy the problem and reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in that area. It's much more minor that brain surgery too-- just an outpatient, back-to-work-the-next-day sort of surgery.

And lastly, the diabetes doctor discovered I have gastro paresis, which may be a result of 20 years with diabetes, or from surgery or being so sick in recovering from surgery. Not sure if this was there before, but it could be WHY I was so sick in recovery. It's characterized by a "weak stomach" and I will have to adjust my diet a little to help cope with stomach pains. Luckily, the doctor approved me for a continuous blood glucose monitor that I'll start in January, which should really help with my diabetes management! I'm SOOOO grateful to be moving to Tyler's wonderful insurance coverage! What a blessing for us!

I still have headaches, but I'm also thankful for the doctors who have prescribed and tried various medications to prevent them. They do a great job most of the time! I do still wish and pray for the miracle of having the vision in my right eye return, but with all I have to be thankful for, I know that I can wait for the Lord's timing in this blessing being fulfilled. I'm so thankful for all who have supported me, been there with me through the difficult and the happy times of this past year, and who have never faltered in their love. I am most thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that I have been able to pray to often, and who sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to bring hope, peace, and healing. I love my Savior and desire to serve Him and show my gratitude to Him for His many tender mercies. I know He lives and loves each of us, and that trials are for our growth and learning!

Thank you for reading!

One Month Anniversary!

2011-12-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

Tyler and I celebrated our one month anniversary on Monday! We had a candlelight dinner and ate our wedding cake after work, and Tyler gave me a darling musical card, and we had fun shopping with some of our gift cards for Christmas! What a blessing to have gift cards to use for our shopping this year! Not such a bad idea to have a wedding in November! :)

We feel so blessed for the way people have been so generous and excited for us! I am asked often how I like married life, and I'm truly sooo happy! Tyler and I are discovering more every day how alike we are. It's incredible to think we have made it to our mid 30's single and never knowing each other, and be so similar! We enjoy the same activities, sense of humor, foods, music, and more. I'm so grateful we were both led to each other. I'm so grateful he waited for me and that I waited for him. Such richness and joy comes from marriage, more than I imagined. I was happy in my single life, which I know was a great gift and blessing from Heavenly Father and my Savior. But I know that joy comes from sharing my life with someone else. I was wondering if I might miss my independence when I would be married, but I enjoy being with this wonderful, sweet, amazing man! He was worth the wait, the search, and all the praying and fasting!

In just a month, we have made great memories together:
-A fun trip to St. George, staying at the Inn at Entrada (Tyler planned it so well- a surprise, and such a nice place! I highly recommend it!)
-We got hit with some exciting towing, refrigerator repair, and new disposal repairs in 24 hours!
-Laughing, teasing, tickling!!! (He is soooo ticklish! I love it!)
-He has put up a new ceiling fan, a shower head, shelf in the laundry room, and hooked up all the electronics for the house!
-We had a great time shopping for a Christmas tree, going to the festival of trees, seeing "It's a Wonderful LIfe" at Desert Star, and wrapping presents!
-We have gone to fun concerts and movies together.
-We have enjoyed our weekly temple trips, and doing family names his mom has found!
-AND, he surprises me with flowers, chocolates, foot rubs (they are the best), and he helps with dishes and making meals!

The Perfect Day!

2011-11-29T16:55:00.000-08:00

Note: I'm having a hard time uploading all the wedding pictures to the blog, but here's the link to Mar Del's photos if you want to check them out! :) http://www.mardelphotography.net/WeddingProof/Janelle-and-Tyler/Wedding-Day/20018712_qMpDrK#1577741967_f5pBmjJ

It has been over 3 weeks since our incredible wedding day, and this month has flown by! Tyler and I are so happy together, and we wish to thank all those who helped make our wedding special, who came to wish us well, who have sent letters and words of love, and who have helped us get to this most wonderful and blessed point of our lives! We need to most of all thank our incredible parents. I get emotional thinking of how blessed we are! Tyler I and I are a perfect match, and each day we discover more and more how true that is!

The big day-- NOVEMBER 5TH--was incredible!! I was told not to set high expectations for the wedding and not to expect "perfect" or I would be disappointed when something went wrong. But you know what? It WAS perfect! I'm sure a couple of things could be better, but it really was such a great day! I felt the most blessed when Heavenly Father had the weather work out so perfectly! If you remember, we had our first HUGE snowstorm the night before, that began around 6 pm, and brought tons of snow! We watched the forecast the whole week, and could see the snowstorm was scheduled to be all day Saturday. But we decided it was going to be a great day, no matter what! Plus, I found a great clear umbrella in case it would be needed for pictures outside the temple that day! Luckily, the family all traveled safely, and all came too!!!! They are incredible!

After getting ready (thanks for doing my hair Bonnie!) and traveling carefully (thanks for your help carrying everything, Mom!), we arrived at the temple at 9, with still a little snow falling. It was so sweet to be there with my mom when we first arrived and look out the windows of the foyer. Arms around each other, heads on one another's shoulders, we breathed a big sigh-- probably speaking to not just all that details we had planned together to get to this moment, but also the great changes that were about to take place. My mom has been my best friend through so much, and now I was (finally) growing up to be with a new best friend, a wonderful man that we had both prayed for and dreamed of my finding. What a happy, contented, peaceful, and sweet moment. And after we entered the dressing room, to change, I had to laugh when my mom pulled out two pieces of chocolate from her pocket and said, "This is a chocolate moment!"

Tyler and I soon entered the sealing room, filled with lots of family who had traveled to attend. The sealing is simply indescribable. It was a beautiful, sweet, and very memorable sealing, and I'm so grateful President Layton of the Oquirrh Mountain temple was able to seal us. His words have left us with such overwhelming feelings these past several weeks! As we hugged each person, I felt such gratitude for all in the room who have prayed and wanted this so much for me and for Tyler. The wait was so worth it. And now we are husband and wife!

The moment we walked out of the temple, the clouds cleared right above the angel Moroni, and the sun shone on the gorgeous, newly-fallen snow! With the mix of clouds, sunshine, and rain, it made for such fun pictures! And Tyler even carried me across the snow to a special spot we had our pictures taken! I cherish each and every picture of the family. Thanks for all being there and making it such a special and memorable day! I love you all so much! Both my family and Tyler's!! (Which is now my family too!)

The luncheon at Magnolia Grove was beautiful, and my one regret is that we didn't videotape all that was said and shared. My siblings, Tyler's siblings, and then my parents and his parents stood and shared thoughts and memories about us. Their words made me laugh, brought me to tears, and reaffirmed even more how Tyler and I are made for each other! Afterwards, I played a piano medley I put together for Tyler, with thoughts about our praying for and finding one another and now starting our eternal family. He then played a song he composed for me! It was so touching-- the sweet melody, beautiful lyrics, and the way he looked up and smiled at me throughout the song. Wow. I am so blessed and so grateful for this man. Music has such a way of touching my heart, and his kindness, combined with his music, speak volumes to my heart!

I enjoyed seeing the family and friends who were all there and who traveled great distances to attend the wedding! I wish the day wouldn't have flown by quite so quickly so I could enjoy more time with them! I was overwhelmed by the support and love shown in all who were able to attend the wedding reception. It was a fun party, and everyone seemed to love the photo booth, the video Brandon put together of us, and the fun white chocolate fountain! (Which I hear was yummy!) I was blown away by the magnificent cake my Aunt Patty made, and I was so grateful my sisters helped with the wedding book, and nieces and nephews helping too! I enjoyed seeing the students, family, ward members, friends, and co-workers that came out. I'm grateful we got pictures of everyone, put in the wedding book, a priceless treasure we have enjoyed so much already!

We ran out of food and broke up the line to quickly serve cake, but it was very good timing, and I'm grateful my mom was inspired and payed for extra refreshments just the week before! And the flower/bouquet toss went pretty well too! One of the first things I decided when I got engaged was that all my single friends were going to get to catch a flower! I have been to so many receptions as a single, and it is sort of sad to me that only one girl walks away with flowers! I have so many AMAZING single friends & cousins who deserve this happiness, and I know their dreams will someday come true! So I decided that I would secretly throw a bouquet, in which the roses would come apart in the air, and each woman would catch a flower to keep! It worked out pretty well! :)

I LOVED that we ended our reception with dancing! I know I needed that "break out and celebrate" moment, even thought we had been standing for several hours. The dance with my dad was nice, and I am glad Tyler and I had a chance to pick some of our favorite songs to make a CD. After my dad and I danced to "Sunrise, Sunset," Tyler and I danced to "Nothing Like This" by Rascall Flatts, our song! Then "Tonight, Tonight," and a few other fun ones were played! After we changed and headed out to the very decorated car, I was so happy to have my family surround me and be excited to say goodbye! What a great day, and Tyler and I felt so very blessed to enjoy it with wonderful loved ones!

At the temple, the matron, Sister Layton told me, "This is your queen experience in the temple today. When you leave the temple, you will have a lot of fun and be a princess. But don't forget your queen moment." What sweet, powerful words those were for her to share! She knew that I was going to have a lot of fun with the rest of day, but that moment in the temple will always be remembered as my "queen moment."

I'm Gettin' Married in the Morning!

2011-11-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

It was fun to get a cute call from my long-time friend growing up today, saying she is so excited for me, and will be singing "I'm getting married in the morning!" I'm so grateful for family and friends who have supported me throughout my life, who have been there and mourned with me, and those who have been so excited with me through this engagement. I can hardly believe tomorrow I will become a wife, and I will have a husband! Of course, the HUGE snowstorm makes the excitement even more tangible! I pray all the family and friends traveling will be safe and free of harm!

As I sit here, on my "last night" at home, I think about Father of the Bride (a family favorite of ours for YEARS!), when she couldn't sleep and went out to play basketball... and she just couldn't sleep and had so many thoughts with it being her last night at home! Oh, and funny to remember, that it snowed on her wedding day too! I am so grateful for my dad. He said the other night that it's hard to marry off one of his daughters again-- even though he's already done it twice! I love my dad so much, and I'm grateful for the beautiful father's blessing he gave me last night to prepare for this time of my life. It is quite a turning point, and ready or not, this is it! I know Tyler is the right one, that this is the right time, and that our sealing in the temple will be the right place, and by the right authority. During my dad's blessing, I got emotional to realize how blessed I've been and where I am at this point! My dad has helped organize our address list and has been so supportive and in-tune with the Spirit in the advice he has given me!

My mom has been such an incredible support. I honestly don't think I could count the numberless things she has done for me in preparing for this day. And I don't think I could fully describe her complete joy at my finding the man of my dreams! She and my dad have prayed so much for this. Words can't describe my mother's incredible love and dedication to my happiness. She has been there with me through all of my decision making, to help me know WHAT I need to decide on and work on, and she has put up with my weird moods and my complaining about bad headaches through it all too! This day is happening because of her efforts! She's the best!!

Tyler and I have prayed for this great day to come as well, and here it is! I love you so much, Tyler, and I'm grateful you are the one I get to spend eternity with! Thank you for waiting for me! I'm so grateful for the many lessons I have been able to learn with being single until 33. I have been blessed to teach 10 years of school to great kids, to travel many places I might never have dreamed of, to work several years in two different temples, and to learn so much through physical challenges. I think of the Carrie Underwood song, "Lessons Learned" as I reflect on what has helped me to this point. I pray I will remember these lessons to better my marriage with Tyler, and that I will learn all I came from this sweet, Christlike man I feel so blessed to be sealed to! Just 11 hours away now!

Showers and MRIs!

2011-10-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

Wow, is it really only 11 days until I'm married? How exciting! It has been a whirlwind of an October here! I saw some carved pumpkins on a neighbor's porch today, and thought: "Is Halloween really that close?" So much is going on that time is flying by!

Each day I feel the blessings of Heavenly Father, and the more I try to count them, I get choked up with emotion at how much He has blessed me. I have been blessed with such kind family, friends, and ward members that have showered me with gifts at wedding showers, and I'm amazed at the generosity of these incredible women in my life! It has been so weird to go to a shower without a gift! For years I have gone to friends' wedding and baby showers, and to now be in the spotlight-- well, I just feel spoiled! No one is obligated to give any kind of gift, but so many are so generous and willing to do so. I have been touched by the outpouring of love and how excited these women in my life have been for me. I know that we should mourn with those that mourn, but I've also seen the blessing of friends that rejoice with you in your rejoicing! I know that's not easy sometimes, especially when the woman wants it for herself too.

I have loved the messages in cards too-- I love cards! Some of my favorites: "Who says fairy tales don't come true?" "Capture your life together in plenty of photos-- each photo will have it's own story to tell." "Love can make a dream come true... just as it has for both of you!" "Believe in your love. Believe in your dreams. Believe in each other." "Live happily, Laugh joyfully, Love completely." "Wishing you soul-mate magic, best-friend fun, and true-love joy today and happily ever after." And the reason I love these messages and many others, is because they are SOOOO TRUE for Tyler and me! We often say how this is like a fairy tale come true for us, and that we can't believe how blessed we are. We both say we feel like the luckiest guy/girl in the world! And we just have to pinch ourselves to realize it's really happening!
So here are a few of the pictures from the showers.. I'm sorry I didn't take more!

Tyler has been so sweet and after her found out he could make an appearance at every shower, he made sure to come to each and every one! He's helped pack up the gift and take them to our future Kendrick home, and he even brought a gift to the first shower! And to the last shower, he surprised me with 18 beautiful pink roses! Is this guy for real? I have actually asked him if he is one of the 3 Nephites, because he is so kind and so good to me, and it's like he was waiting until I was ready! He laughed at that and joked back, "Actually honey, my name is Ahkmed." I like that he has a great sense of humor to top it off!

The quilts that my aunts have made have truly blown me away, the gift cards have been generous, and the presents and excited friends have all just been more than I could ever thank! I can't believe all the time and effort that these amazing women have gone to in planning and putting on a shower.

On the day I went of track, the students TOTALLY surprised me with a wedding shower! The moms of my students and another teacher helped organize it all! What really impressed me, is the students all knew for THREE WEEKS, and I had NO idea!!! They never breathed a word of it to me! They made me a wedding dress, veil, and bouquet all out of toilet paper and paper towels! And they looked great, too bad I already bought one! :) Again, I loved the cards. (Anyone who knows me knows how very much I love cards! I love to write them, read them, keep them, and buy fun cards to give to others!) My favorite one I will share, not to build myself up, but to show what a very sweet group of kids I'm blessed to teach! This is from one of my boys: "Dear Miss T, Congratulations! You are getting married Nov. 5th! Do you know that you are the best teacher ever? You let us do fun activities, you are nice all the time, and the most of all you give everybody a good felling (he means feeling) inside...." Isn't that sweet? I'm glad that's how he feels at school, but can you believe an 8 year old wrote that? Great kids. They all left that day saying, "Goodbye Mrs. Kendrick!"

I have continued to enjoy good times with Tyler as we prepare, and I love that our weekly goal is to attend the temple! Tyler's mom has been working so hard finding names that need work done, and it's been fun to help with that! Thanks to Mom getting tickets, I enjoyed a beautiful classical concert with my parents and Tyler at the Tabernacle!

We also enjoyed a nice drive up the canyons on Sunday after church. It was still beautiful, but we missed the peak time for the orange and red leaves. That's what we get for planning a fall wedding! Next year we can celebrate a fall anniversary and see the leaves! :)

I'm so excited to be able to spend eternity with this amazing, incredibly loving and understanding man! I love him so much, and I know this is nothing short of a miracle. Heavenly Father has answered our prayers and led us to each other, and we feel so grateful!

In other news.... I have had my foot checked recently because the right foot is a lot larger on top than the left! One doctor told me to get it checked, and the foot doctor said it might be a ganglionic cyst-- but that it was the biggest one he has ever seen if that is what it was! He sent me to get an MRI, and the results showed it's a muscular or vascular tumor, causing the muscle to greatly enlarge! There is a very slim chance it is cancer, but isn't that strange? I guess I know how to grow tumors well! This one is labeled by the doc as a hemangioma, and the one in my brain is called a meningioma. BUT... through more research Mom and Dad did, it looks as if they could be related. More to come on that! Anyway, I will need surgery done on my foot, but they will wait to do that in January, which will be after the holidays and the next time I am off track! When I told me sister about this today, she said, "Well, now you have Tyler to help take care of you and wait on you hand and foot!" More like head and foot-- literally-- right? So I have had MRI's from head to toe this year, and we made it -barely- through 2011 without surgery! Just one right before, and one right after! :) I just hope friends and family I'm praying for can make it through their difficult trials! I am so blessed, I feel I have no room to complain! Life is good!

Pictures! 25 days to go!

2011-10-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Tyler did a wonderful job on the engagement pictures! Since we had a hard time finding a photographer, and we wanted to get a start on making announcements, AND since Tyler has a great camera (he is really gifted with photography!), we had family members use his camera to take our pictures! Tyler is so good at planning out the perfect spots and times of day, too. I loved how they turned out, even with added effects! It is great to have these for memories in the years to come.

There are only 25 days left! I feel so blessed to be with an amazing man for eternity, and I know Tyler is truly a man of God. He has a wonderful family, and it will be an honor to be a Kendrick-- as it has to be a Thomas! :) Until the day of our marriage, Tyler had a great idea to say what we are thankful for each day! Today he said: summer walks outside, and I said: dancing together in the outside summer air. We are so excited to be together!!

My Prince Has Come!

2011-08-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

Isn't he cute?!?!?

Well, it has been a very long time since I updated the blog, and the last time I did, I didn't mention the wonderful man I was dating. But much has happened over the last few months, and my mom challenged me today to update my blog!

I have felt so blessed with miracles this year, and I have learned so much through trials and experiences. I feel so indebted to my Savior. Back in March I had the nudge to try and meet guys to date-- even though I didn't feel ready to meet anyone with my eye still closed! But I tried meeting people online so I could get to know other men and see where that could lead. I started communicating with a great guy who had a very similar background and ideals. We met up for our first date, and I was so impressed! I felt very comfortable and happy with him, and he later told me that he felt so at peace about me when we met. We both served missions, love the gospel, have worked in the temple, play the piano, love kids, love the outdoors, and to top it off- he is even tall! His name is Tyler Kendrick, and I am excited for you all to meet him!

So to sum it up and get to the point-- we are engaged! We got engaged July 19th, on his birthday, in front of the Timpanogas temple, which is just a block from his home. We are getting married November 5th-- exactly a year after I discovered in 2010 that I had a brain tumor! It is incredible to feel such complete love from and for someone, and we are excited to start our eternal companionship together. With both of us being single until this age (me at 33, and he at 35), we must have had to accomplish a few things before this most important step of our lives! We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for leading us to one another. People ask, "How did you meet?" and I say "online," but what I should really be saying is: "By the grace of God!" When I have so much to feel thankful for this year, I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude to have Tyler come into my life. It has truly been a year of miracles!

I also just got back two weeks ago from an incredible trip- my first time to Europe, and with my parents and friend Keri to see the land of my ancestors! I loved it! But for now, I'm sorry I don't have oodles of time to share. With school and wedding plans, I will have to be more brief than I would like to! But thanks for reading!

I will also give more updates and info about Tyler and I as we get closer, and eventually.... this blog will be the "Kendrick" blog! :)

O, Remember... 6 Months Ago

2011-06-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

Six months ago today, December 10, which ALSO happened to be a Friday, guess where I was? In brain surgery! It's incredible to look back and see how far things have progressed in six months. I testify that miracles happen today, and they have truly happened in my life. I'm so grateful for the Lord's many tender mercies. As I sat in the temple tonight, I felt so blessed to be there again, rather than in a hospital bed. I have energy. I can work full time again. I have retained my memory. I can still see out of one eye! My right eye has opened so much, and it's "tracking like crazy" as one fellow temple worker commented tonight. :)

I've thought more about the word "Remember" lately, and how very important it is. I need to be humble and grateful for all these miracles, and remember the many wonderful lessons I've learned in this journey. I'm still mindful of the many sweet people who have offered their love and support to me. And I still pray for the true Christlike charity that many others have shown me. I'm so grateful to be where I am now! Hooray!!

Good times, amazing people!

2011-05-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

Well the past several weeks have been awesome. I was able to travel to southern Cal with my bro's family to see a cousin's beautiful wedding and enjoy a little R&R! I enjoyed spending time with Janie, Sariah, Mark, Mom, Dad, and several relatives in the great sunny state! It even snowed a couple times in Salt Lake while we were gone, making our trip even more worth it!

Then we hurried home, and I flew out with my Mom and Dad two days after to see Laura's family in Indiana (love using those SkyMiles)! Mike got his JDMBA from IU, after lots of hard work, and I was impressed with his gratitude for all Laura has done to help him with this journey! The trooper-of-a-guy Mike even hobbled across the stage on crutches TWICE to receive his degrees because he has recently undergone ACL surgery. Laura has been so busy with a two-year-old, a 4-month-old, a crippled husband, and having a house clean and all ready to show (they're selling and moving soon), that she was so happy to see us and have our help. And it was great to be together again! Laura and I were a bit loopy one night at dinner, and she was good about teasing me with the chocolate I spilled on my shirt. Thanks! :) Ella is so much fun and I loved playing with her. Tyler is a way cute, friendly, hunk of a cute kid! Way to go Mike finishing! Oh, and thanks for celebrating my birthday with me, Carlston Clan!!

The past couple weeks of teaching and being back at the temple have been great. I feel so blessed to work with amazing teachers, students, their parents, and inspired temple workers! It's been a bit of a challenge to get back to doing so much again, and I've just wanted to jump in and take off again. But the headaches, depth perception, and lack of vision in the right eye-- along with concerned friends-- remind me to still allow myself to heal. The eye is opening up so much and tracking so well, though, and it still is a miracle to see how far we have come in only five months!

This past week was teacher appreciation week, and the class and room mother went WAY above and beyond what was necessary! I felt appreciated and loved! The flowers, classroom supplies, notes, and thoughtful gifts have been so sweet! My favorite was the book my students created, where they each wrote "What Miss Thomas would be if she wasn't a teacher..." I laughed and loved every page! Amazing what they perceive about me! I'll have to post a few pictures of what they came up with!

What inspired me to finally blog again tonight was the thoughts and feelings I have from working at the temple on Friday. Nothing especially unique happened, but I was again reminded of what dear, kind, sweet people I have the privilege of serving with there. I love the "zionlike" feeling that resides in the temple, and being with this temple family teaches me each week how I want to better treat those around me in my daily life. Never speaking an unkind word, showing concern, and so much more. I love how they help bring out the best in me. They share spiritual experiences with me that remind me of spiritual lessons I have been taught and need to cling to. I love the temple!

And I just HAVE to add as a final note, I LOVED THE SUNNY DAY YESTERDAY!!! What a literal bright ray of sunshine! I couldn't get enough of the outdoors- how cool that the sunny day fell on a Saturday so I could enjoy lots of it! My heart is full for the many blessings I enjoy, and I'm so thankful for the many prayers on my behalf. I have just discovered an aunt in California has brain cancer, and my heart goes out to her. Life is so short, so enjoy every day and the people we love so dear.

20th Anniversary! and Happy Easter!!

2011-04-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to me! I was diagnosed 20 years ago today with diabetes, and I have to say, I've come a long way, and I'm glad I have been able to do all I've done since being diagnosed. I remember the doctors saying, "Don't let diabetes stop you from doing the things you really want to do." I'm so grateful for that advice.

To celebrate today, I did lots of fun things! (Okay, I was just enjoying another off-track day that turned out to be a pretty awesome day-- so I'll say that I celebrated!) I ran outside in gorgeous weather, played with my nieces and nephews, went to the zoo with them and my bro and mom. Then I went for a pedicure with my mom-- my 2nd ever, and loved it! I also hung out with my great friend of 20+ years! And to end, I am now eating ice cream. Oh, sugar free, of course!

Looking back, I think that diabetes was a good thing for me to have to prepare for the brain tumor we discovered six months ago. I don't want things to stop me from living life to the fullest! I didn't know when I was diagnosed at 12 that I would be able to one day: go on a mission, travel, run 1/2 marathons, teach school, and be so grateful for my trials! They have taught me so much.

Yesterday my mom and dad joked that when I broke my leg at age six, they thought maybe I was one of those people getting my challenges over with early in life. What good sports they have been to help me through one unique challenge after another. But we have learned through them all!

Yesterday was a beautiful Easter, and being asked to speak in sacrament meeting, I did a lot of reading and studying during the week to be prepared. I'm so grateful for all that I learned. Wow, what beautiful truths in the scriptures, Talmage's Jesus the Christ, Callister's Infinite Atonement, and general conference talks. I know that I would have not been able to endure life's trials without the atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that He understands every pain and heartache, and that He is the master healer. I know that faith in His power brings patience. I know that diligent prayers of faith work miracles, and that we can come to know our Savior more fully through our trials. I am so grateful that Christ gained the victory over death, and to know that we are eternal beings. I look forward to enjoying the same sociality with awesome friends and family in the next life that I enjoy in this life-- but it will be even better! (see Doctrine and Covenants 130:2)

My vision isn't as great as it was before this brain tumor. But I feel I have a clearer vision and understanding of the Savior and His gospel and my mission and purpose on earth. The things we see with our hearts are more important than the things we see with our eyes!!

Enjoying "Music and the Spoken Word" with my mom and aunt downtown!

The Carl Bloch display at BYU is incredible! "Touch our eyes that we may see..."

I enjoyed the Carl Bloch display this time with my mom, sister, and niece!

I love these ladies! With student teacher Linzi and co-worker Staci! My students and all their parents are awesome too!

Video- update!

2011-03-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is for those of you who I don't see on a daily basis-- look at what miracles your prayers have brought! I'm so grateful. I wish I could personally hug you, thank you, and testify what great things the Lord has done. He has truly shown His goodness to me!

The Results Are In!

2011-03-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

Today I had another MRI taken, to show what my tumor has been doing for the past three months-- good news! It doesn't appear to have grown! Yay! The radiologist said we'll just keep checking on it, but we were all excited to see that it isn't growing! Radiation may be an option in the future if growth occurs, but it's likely years down the road! Wahoo!

So, my plan is to live it up, enjoy life, and be grateful! My right eye is opening so much more on its own, and for that I'm so grateful! It's tracking too! Although I can't see out of it and it looks like a "lazy" or a "crazy" eye, but oh so much better! You may catch me running into things on my right side, but no car accidents yet! :) I actually feel pretty safe on the roads, I'm just extra cautious when checking my right side blind spot, and have one of those attached mirrors to see what cars are on the right side.

I just wish I could have been at school teaching the past few months! I have such a great class, and there's so much I feel I've missed out on-- the school year is so close to over already! I wish I could have hit the "pause" button on that during surgery, but life goes on! The parents and the faculty have been so kind and more than understanding. And you can bet I'm going to give these kids my best for the rest of the year! I'm glad to be back in full swing, with no further tumor growth so that's possible! Now if I could just get these headaches to disappear.... I know, all in good time! Patience and faith are always something I can develop more of! :)

I still think back to the time I found out about the tumor and went through surgery, and the amazing outpouring of love and concern from everyone. I'm still brought to tears when I think of the immense compassion so many have shown. I love you all for your faith, prayers, kindness, and thoughts! My parents have been amazing supports, and keep teaching me with their unselfish ways! You are all my heroes, my friends, and I am so grateful to be so richly blessed. (D&C 130:2) May you feel blessed for reaching out to me so much!

I also need to testify that the Savior can heal all wounds. I know He lives and loves us! I have felt His peace and comfort by my side through this whole process, and it has strengthened my faith and testimony of Him. I know we are given challenges for a reason, from a loving Heavenly Father. I'm thankful for what I've learned and continue to learn. When I think of the Atonement, I get this familiar, "homelike" feeling, knowing that the Savior wants us to return "home." That brings me great joy, knowing that He has felt everything we have felt and knows how to help us. I pray that the poor people in Japan at this time can feel of that too! I don't comprehend how He can understand and help with everything we have gone through, but I know He can!

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY, LAURA!

2011-03-10T21:57:00.000-08:00

Dear Laura,

Thanks for keeping up my blog when I couldn’t, and for being a younger sister that has taught me so very much by example and love! I loved being your roommate at BYU and consider you one of my greatest blessings! Happy Birthday! Here's just 30 of the many amazing things about you! I love you!

1. You rock as a sister!!!!
2. You cook the best chocolate chip cookies
3. You have incredible organizing skills
4. You are good at making decisions
5. You know how to manage her money well
6. You give the best hugs!
7. You play the piano well
8. You are SOOO intelligent
9. You are a great listener
10. You feel and care deeply about people
11. You speaks Spanish well!
12. You have a strong, burning testimony
13. You share your testimony often (by email too)
14. You write awesome blog posts!
15. You put family first
16. You are willing to sacrifice for others, but don't see it as sacrifice
17. You are good at expressing how you feel, helping others laugh at life
18. You are easy to talk to
19. You have written blog posts for your sister while in surgery!
20. You pray and read scriptures with Ella daily!
21. You accomplish anything you set her mind to (and doing great with two kids!)
22. You care more about what God thinks, and not man.
23. You love to attend the temple as much as you can.
24. You involve the Lord in making your decisions
25. You cherish and nurture your marriage
26. You are an incredible mother- consistent and reliable!
27. You love to read and learn
28. You seek to share what you learns with others
29. You are good at taking pictures and journaling
30. You make me smile with your great, entertaining stories!

SOOO Grateful

2011-03-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

Wow, I just had a wonderful Sunday, having a chance to fast and attend church and to be reminded how blessed I am to be alive and well. I was looking at some of my blog posts back from when I first had surgery and I have to admit: I have come a long way! Today I got pretty emotional and down, missing many things about the life I had before surgery. But realizing the great blessing it is to be doing as well as I am is something I shouldn't take for granted. I think I have been "quick to forget" and slow to be grateful the past few days! I am so grateful for the many people who have reached out to me during my diagnosis, hospitalization, and recovery. Many I see now still tell me they pray for me all the time, and I just can't believe the incredible faith of these people. I fasted today out of gratitude to Father in Heaven and for Him to bless all those who have prayed and fasted for me to be where I am today. Thank you. All of you. Each one of you!

It's still incredible to think that there was a long incision made from the top of my head down to my ear, a bone the size of my ear was cut from my skull, and my brain lifted during a surgery to remove much of the tumor. Looking at me today, all you can see is my eye ONLY halfway closed! No bruising or swelling is apparent, and I'm even able to be active and work again. I still experience headaches, and this weekend I had some pretty big ones, but I can do so much more than I used to. If I have come this far in just under three months, I know that more healing and small miracles will happen in the months to come!

In feeling down today, I was able to cry and let out my emotions to my incredible mother. She is a good listener- so important to being a good mom! My sister later said something to me that I really needed to hear tonight. How am I so blessed with people who love me through all of this? I have been feeling the need to give and to serve more, and I miss the many opportunities to serve that I had in my previous ward. But when I returned home tonight, I got a call to be a visiting teacher in this ward now, truly an answer to my need to serve! I am grateful for the Holy Ghost and its influence today.

I was grateful to work at the temple again on Friday, and hope I can keep up the energy to make it through busy days at work and then enjoy the temple after each week. I know the Lord will bless me with added energy to serve. I will be going from half days to full days at work this week, and I continue to enjoy time with my family. I am SOOO grateful to have good enough vision to read good and inspiring books, to see and visit with dear friends, and to be able to still do so much. I am so grateful for the gift of life. I am grateful for the many tender mercies the Lord has shown me. I do feel of His love!

I was once again led to a favorite scripture that was what I needed: Doctrine and Covenants 78:17-19
"I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hat in his own hands and prepared for you;
And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along, The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours and the riches of eternity are yours.
And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."

Be of GOOD CHEER and receive all things with THANKFULNESS! :)

Work, Miracles, and Moving!!

2011-02-13T20:32:00.001-08:00

This blog post is brought to you with much gratitude and joy! I am living proof that the priesthood power is the power of God on earth. I know that miracles happen today!

I have gone back to work this week- to teach just the mornings to my 3rd graders- and I have LOVED it! It's been tough to get up in time and some days my headaches were worse than others, but each day I have loved being with my students and teaching again. My mom has been so helpful and supportive to come with me in the morning too! Three eyes are better than one, right?

They are a darling class and I just love my job. Kids are the best. The kids have been so ready to help and have seemed to adjust to my "one eye open" situation! I have loved being with the awesome faculty again too. They remind me of Pres. Hinckley's quote: "It's not enough to be good, we need to be good for something." That daily purpose has lifted me and brought me joy each day! I enjoyed seeing many students' parents on Friday, some telling me their kids pray for me every night! Wow. Does it get any more precious and sweet than that?

Thursday (exactly two months after the surgery) I was enjoying dinner at Olive Garden with my parents, grandma, and my uncle, when we discovered a healing miracle! My right eye is actually opening up enough where you can see the black pupil! I was so excited, but said, "It's just too bad that when it does open up, it will look weird because the pupil won't track (move) with the other eye."

My parents said, "Well, let's see!" And would you believe it, I lifted my eye lid, looked all around, and they said, "IT'S MOVING!" We were so happy and excited! I'm sure you've never seen such excited people in Olive Garden. :) We flew up to cloud nine that night, and have pretty much stayed there ever since! Thank you for all of your faith, love, prayers, and hope for me! They are WORKING!! And so much sooner than I expected!

I have also had a tough decision to make the last couple of weeks: MOVING. I love my ward, my neighborhood, and the wonderful friends I associate with where I live. But I have felt the need to continue to live at my parents. I feel the need to simplify life and do less than I used to, as hard as that is! I have also realized how VERY MUCH I love being with my family more, enjoying time with my mom and dad, and I'm glad I have people there as I'm still healing and managing my health. I want to find joy in every possible moment of life by being with people, spending time doing more for others, and traveling! My plan is to rent out my place and make these things possible! My dad and brother spent time helping me move many things yesterday, and it's feeling right. I was officially released from my calling today, and I said many "see you laters." Goodbyes are just way to hard for me.

Thinking of amazing people I'm blessed to call friends, I think of the hymn "Each Life That Touches Ours for Good"

"What greater gift dost Thou bestow
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends whose gentle ways,
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days."

That says so much of what I feel! I am so blessed!

What's Important

2011-02-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

My parents and I had an awesome evening at the Hope Gallery, looking at Carl Bloch's work, and eating at The Roof! Yummy, and what a view!!!

My mom and I took my nieces one day down to the Church History Museum. They had a great time at the new children's Book of Mormon area! Here's the garden they enjoyed playing in.

Brother Mark as he's picking up his cute daughter Janie! So happy together!

Kylie and I ate with the missionaries at the museum! This picture is fun to remember- I completely forgot about my eye being closed when I asked a lady to take it and when I smiled- I only remembered when I looked at the picture on my camera!

I think I really got on Janie's good list the day I took her out to play in the snow! It's been so much fun watching her.

This is my awesome family, right after the temple session we did before I went in for surgery. Thanks for taking the picture Dave! Sorry we couldn't get that timer to work out!

And this is a great memory- traveling with awesome friends Kami and Alli on our cruise where we met great people from Indonesia! Kami and Alli and other friends & family have done so much to help me during surgery and recovery! Love you!

Time with family is so important. Those relationships matter most, and I'm glad I've been able to feel a special closeness with them these past couple of months! It's been awesome to help watch my nieces during the days, to talk more with my parents, and to hear how my siblings are all doing. I need and want to take more time for that!

Time traveling to learn and getting to know people in all areas of the world brings perspective and fulfillment. I've loved writing the missionaries I know who are sharing the gospel in all parts of the world. They are doing the greatest work on the earth!

I'm also realizing the great UNimportance of material and worldly things. Some things are just not worthwhile to spend time, but time with family, with learning, and serving those in need ARE worthwhile!

Faith in Christ can help us through anything. The scriptures have been my guidebook when I've had questions, concerns, and needed comfort. Amazing how we gain more insight as we go through life because our circumstances and needs change!

I've enjoyed time to learn, be with good people, and try to regain strength so I can head back to "normal life!"
I told some friends who visited me last week that I would list the "WORTHWHILE" books I've been able to read during this recovery. So here they are!
-The SCRIPTURES!, esp. The Book ofMormon and New Testament (starting each day with this has made all the difference!)
-Undaunted, by Gerald Lund (about the settling of southern Utah)
-Paul Cardall's "Before My Heart Stops" (amazing miraculous heart surgery & testimony)
-The Temple, by Truman Madsen
-Pres. Monson's biography- still working on this one; what an incredible man, called to be the prophet of our day!
-The Fourth Gift (sweet Nativity-setting shorter novel)
-The Apology (another short Christmas novel)
-The Christmas Stone, by Liz Carlston- who is my brother-in-law's sister and traveled with me to Israel. She's great!
-Master, by Toni Sorenson- awesome novel portraying what it would have been like to be around Christ as he grew up
-The Seventeen Second Miracle, by James Wright- this was a great way of looking at miracles!
-Midway to Heaven, by Dean Hughes- he's written a series that I love
-Santa Maybe- cute Christmas love story (pretty out there, but cute!)

Other Greats that are high on my list:
-A Single Voice, by Kristen Oaks- the BEST book for single adults I've seen! She says it so well!
-Fishers of Men, by Gerald Lund- a trilogy novel series of the Savior's ministry
-Mary and Joseph- awesome novel, helping me appreciate the parents Christ was chosen to come to
-The Bronze Bow- a great children's novel, not LDS and depicted in New Testament times
-The Sunflower (novel about humanitarian work in Africa)
-CD's of "Stand for Something" by Pres. Hinckley; "No Doubt About it" by Sheri Dew; and "Pillar of Light" by Matthew Brown

A Wink and A Smile

2011-01-21T22:30:00.000-08:00

Here I am winking with my niece Kylie at the bowling alley!

You know the song "We go together...like a wink and a smile"? (Heather will remember this!) I was thinking about that tonight- and in my case, they need to go together in order for me to keep going! It looks like I'm winking a really long time with my right eye closed, but I try to smile through it. I loved how one lady commented in a store the other day, "You just smile and still look happy-- you own it!" That has become our new favorite phrase- I OWN IT!

Well, today was not such a great and smiley day, but I tried! I really miss running. Whenever I have been stressed, I let it out by going running, but I haven't been able to do that for the past six weeks. Also, I went to my school today to check in and pick up some things before the kids go off track. It was fun seeing everyone, but something happened on the way to the car: in the 10 seconds I crossed the playground, a basketball came flying at me from the right (which I didn't see because that eye is closed) and hit me HARD right in the back of my head! I bee-lined it to the car before any of the students saw me crying and let the tears flow once I got in the van with my mom. Needless to say, I've had a pretty rough headache all day!

My mom and I were on our way to a Neuro Ophthamologist up at the John Moran Eye Center at the U of U. Four hours and many eye tests later, this is what we found out.

BAD NEWS:
-It's not likely I will regain much vision in my right eye, because the optic nerve is part of the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) which does not regenerate.
-She thinks I probably had a stroke in my right eye causing the complete vision loss (perhaps during surgery or soon after).
-What little healing may be done on my optic nerve will probably not allow me to "track" (match movement) with my left eye. It's strange for me to see how my eyes don't match when I try to look up, down, left, and right. (I had my mom take pictures of this when I lifted my eyelid.)
-I see 2-dimensional! I'd be wasting my money if I paid to see a movie in 3-D. :) Maybe that's good news!

GOOD NEWS:
-The 3rd nerve that controls my eyelid opening and the support of my eye is part of the Perepheral Nervous System, that has a better chance of healing!
-I probably don't have to take a driving test after all (that was $175) because it's legal to drive with one eye in Utah, and that eye has great peripheral vision.
-All my left eye tests were good- only the beginning of cataracts are forming.
-The pressure is normal in BOTH eyes!
-I also got good news from the district: I can go back to working half days in February- I know it will be too much to handle full days at the kind of job I have! Gratefully, my current sub will do the other half- yeah!

NOW:
-It was highly recommended to get shatter-proof glasses, since any damage to my one good eye would be detrimental to my vision.
-We'll wait six months to see what kind of healing takes place with the 3rd nerve and optic nerve. No therapy or exercises can be done to speed the process. :(
-The doctor ordered a Brain and Orbits MRI for next week.
-I will follow up with her in 3 months.

Even amidst a tough day, I can still say there's so much I'm GRATEFUL for!
-I'm grateful to read the scriptures and pray with my parents every night. We LOVED Helaman chapter 5 tonight!
-I'm grateful my mom is driving me around, and was there to take notes at the doctor. She put up with my bummed attitude too! She and my dad make me laugh and smile every day!
-I'm so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ! It was wonderful being in the temple tonight and feeling the love of the Lord for me. I know the Savior lives and loves each of us. His sacrifice means more to me each day.
-I'm glad I was able to read "Undaunted"- an awesome book about the sacrifice early Utah settlers made. Wow, they could teach me about being undaunted through trials!
-For wonderful friends who have visited me, taken me to lunch or dinner, who have called to listen and encourage me, and that tell me I'm beautiful, even with one eye closed!
-For a fabulous substitute and student teacher and school faculty that have taught my class well and made do with everything at work!
-Oh... and I can't forget! Thanks to my stake president, who answered the phone tonight when I forgot my temple recommend! :) I had a lot on my mind!

Faithful Thoughts-- hope they make sense!

2011-01-17T16:52:00.000-08:00

"...as the Lord liveth he will remember the covenant he hath made, and he knoweth their prayers, that they were in behalf of their brethren. And he knoweth their faith, for in his name could they remove mountains; and in his name could they cause the earth to shake;... God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing... But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles,... Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth.. ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own trembling before him... Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness, ask with a firmness unshaken that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God." (Mormon 8 and 9)

I am so grateful for the miracles that have already happened. I'm so grateful to be able to see with at least one eye, to think, feel, love, remember, and understand. I pray that it may be the will of God that more miracles may be granted, not that I can have more of myself, but hopefully with a 'firmness unshaken.' I want to seek for that pure heart and contrite spirit, that the Lord will know I want these miracles so I can serve Him.

I found out from the surgeon, Dr. Maughan, when we met last week that my eye may not actually open for quite a while. He said it's possible it could be a year, longer, and possibly even for life. But I know what was said in the blessing: that I will be "healed completely." And I know that there are things for me to learn in the mean time.

I'm realizing for one that certain things don't matter (possessions, looks, praise of men) and certain things do (family, faith, charity, knowledge, service). When we talked about sacrifice in relief society yesterday, I realized that the Savior wants us to focus on what does matter. I want to learn well what I need to learn and not forget it when I am healed and back to 2-eye vision. I don't want to forget the little things I should be grateful for!

I've also been reflecting on the sacrifice of the Savior a lot the past while. He suffered so much and truly gave a voluntary sacrifice, because He could have stopped His suffering at any time. I pictured Him praying in the Garden of Gethsemane many times when I was going through those moments of excruciating pain. My pain could never compare to His, nor to many others who go through much more difficult things that this.

I also heard in the awesome sunday school class, that no matter the lesson, talk, or activity we have in church, ALL should help point us to the Savior, Jesus Christ. I think the same should be with trials and with sacrificing. Are they pointing me more to the Savior so that I not just know ABOUT Him, but that I KNOW Him? If not, then I need to re-evaluate things. Let me just say this: I would not be where I am without the mercy, hope, peace, love, forgiveness, compassion, example, and incredible healing power of the Jesus Christ. He is the light of the world. Interesting that my vision can be darker, but I still can feel His light and joy in my life! I love Him more deeply than I can express in words, but the words of the Book of Mormon can help put my feelings to words: "And what is it that ye shall hope for? ...ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise." and "I would commend you to seek this Jesus whom the prophets and apostles have testified shall come into the world... that the grace of God the Father shall be upon you and abide in you forever..."

I'm so thankful for the blessing of being able to still read, type, attend church, and think to put these things down! I meet with a Neuro Opthamologist (sp?) this Friday who will help me with occupational therapy, getting ready to drive, depth perception, and hopefully help my right eye learn to function! It's a three hour appointment, so I'm sure I'll have much to report. :)

Count Your Many Blessings...Every Doubt Will Fly!

2011-01-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

Hello! This is actually Janelle- can you believe it! :) Really, I am doing well, and I had better get on here and tell you so! I admit I have been hesitant to share much because really, do you want all these details? I'm sure you have better things to do! But during this recovery, I have been reading Paul Cardall's book and I've been inspired with how he shared his thoughts through his blog during his heart transplant, and decided I should share more of how I have felt and what's been happening!

I apologize if this is a repeat for some of you that have followed so closely!
(There are pictures below if you would like to see!)

PHYSICALLY:

I was blessed to have an amazing brain surgeon, Dr. Peter Maughan, perform surgery on December 10th. He was able to remove a third of the tumor that has been wrapping around my optic nerve, carotid artery, and lots of other places! He said he was more worried after surgery than before, to realize how complex the tumor was, almost fused with the 3rd nerve, which controls the movement of the eyelid. As a result, my eye cannot open right now. The tumor was pretty hard, but he did an excellent job removing what he was able to. The diagnosis was great- a benign meningioma, grade 1. He said it was the best kind of tumor, but growing in the worst place. Dr. Maughan was incredible to visit me each day- even on Saturday and Sunday with his cute daughters in tow, and one morning called us back at 3:00 a.m. when we needed his expert advice! How blessed we are to have him.

If you saw pictures of me the first day I was in ICU, I was a swollen, purple-eyed, iodine-soaked mess! (Thanks for those troopers who tried to come in and visit-- I know I wasn't an appealing site or really conscious to acknowledge you!) I was moved to the regular floor for supervision, where I had many bouts with nausea and vomiting. During this time, I was approached by a nurse about my diabetes not being as tightly controlled as it should be. If you know me well, you know I check my blood often, run a lot to control my sugars, and have had a difficult time keeping it where it should be. This upset my mom and I, and pretty soon, we had a visit from my favorite diabetic RN growing up! She was there when I was diagnosed 20 years ago, and she was so helpful. She brought in an endocrinologist, Dr. Ehrenkranz, who has come to be one of our favorite people! He gave us insight into the fact that this meningioma (the tumor) would cause great problems in keeping my blood sugar under control, and commended me for doing as well as I have done. What a relief and lightbulb! I also appreciated Dr. E's sympathy. "The fact that you have diabetes stinks, but to have this meningioma on top of it all-- that REALLY stinks!" We appreciated his attention and optimism through the stay in the hospital!

I had many wonderful nurses that I can't forget either! It's amazing what a difference an attentive and sympathetic nurse can make when you are trying to get better! I was finally able to come home a week after surgery, but after a few days I had to return because the vomiting at home got even worse. In the ER, they discovered from a blood test that my sodium and potassium levels were dangerously low. They got me on some great IV fluids that helped get me back to normal, and Dr. E prescribed "potato chips, chicken broth, and pizza." I guess I needed more salt with all the water I was drinking for my pills! Who knew!? I was able to go home the next day, feeling more myself than ever since the surgery!

When we saw the radiologist, he did NOT recommend doing radiation because of the many terrible side effects, one being that I could develop cancer. He said I am so young, that they would rather take MRIs every 3 months and watch it closely to see how it is growing. They may need to do radiation or surgery again down the road. So... I will not be losing my hair in the near future, and my eye will have a better opportunity to heal in the mean time. It may take months to years for my eye to work again, and even then I know it will be a miracle! But I believe in miracles!

Currently (almost a month later), I am moving around, walking or sitting up most the day, and able to use my one good eye for reading, writing, movies, etc.! If you see me, I look like I am winking really long at you!! ;) I do get tired easily, especially after climbing the stairs, and it's frustrating to me that I can't yet go running, but I'll get there again! I just wish I had less of an appetite if I can't yet go running! Walking is becoming a favorite past time!

EMOTIONALLY (the physical effects this)

People have asked me how I'm feeling about all of this, and I have been so at peace. My amazing family and supportive friends have been so encouraging, telling me lies like "You look good!" Okay, okay, they mean "for someone who has just had brain surgery." But after looking through some of my mom's pictures of me, I do look better now than the day after surgery! (I would hope so!) But truly, I am doing well. I did have a few tough days there for awhile where I was just DONE having my eye closed and trying to recover from the pain. One night when I was in terrible pain, just a week after surgery, I said, "Mom, this is NOT my favorite trial!" The pain has really lessened, and I'm so glad!!! But one day when I was really down, I prayed for guidance and help. The next day I listened to a talk by an amazing lady, Merilee Boyack, who shared how she worked to stay positive while she dealt with breast cancer. It reminded me of thoughts like, "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." (Albert Einstein) I wanted to keep striving for hope, and live positively, knowing that the negative attitude will not help me get better. Pres. Uchtdorf said, "Hope is like a beam of sunlight, rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn."

I'm so grateful that I was able to recognize where the negativity and despair was coming from and return to optimism, and HOPE in our Savior and in the future! That evening I had one of the best nights at my aunt's house for New Year's Eve, enjoying the chance to see my awesome relatives. My cousin even told me he had a dream that my eye opened! (I've had the same dream-- so it HAS to come about!) And the best of all-- I danced with my aunts, sister, and niece to some great tunes!! Oh, how dancing lifts my spirits!

I'm now still trying to overcome the struggle to go in public, especially with lots of people where I worry I'll bump into them, or find lots of them staring at me and wondering why my eye is closed. I tell myself, "forget about yourself, and just smile, and all will be well!" I believe people can sense when you are genuinely interested and sincere in your concern, and I don't want this challenge to hold me back from that! Although there are still anxieties in waiting when my sight will return, I am truly blessed and grateful for the gift of life, and I love life!!

SOCIALLY (helps the emotional state)

I do NOT know how to express the gratitude I owe to my parents through all of this. I know I chose who my parents were going to be in this life, and I wonder if it's after I discovered the trials I would go through. They have stood by me through so much, endured my every struggle with me. And here I am at age 32, and they are willing to go every step of the way- filling prescriptions, running errands, staying with me in the hospital, missing days at work, losing sleep, holding my throw-up bucket, stroking my hand, calling doctors countless times, updating my blog, and reading to me others' comments when I could barely sit up or look at anything. The list could go on even longer, I'm sure! Paul Cardall explained in his book that we feel the Lord's love and strength through the service of others. I couldn't agree more! My family has been what's got me through. All of my challenges have brought me closer to my family and to God, and I would not trade them for all the money in the world! In fact, two days before surgery, my parents and all my siblings who could come to the temple and lived in Utah, did a special session with me at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. I wanted to visit one last time with my family before heading in to surgery. We had so much fun together after as we went to dinner. Thanks you guys!

Friends are amazing, and I'm so thankful for the happy memories and time with friends (and family who I consider my friends!) that have helped carry me through. I am so thankful God blessed me to be well for the special "Bethlehem dinner" with my family the Sunday before Christmas before having to back to the hospital. That night each person in the family- including nieces and nephews- shared their feelings about the Savior. I couldn't have asked for a better gift than to be so spiritually uplifted, and the chance to see each of them that night was what I needed. Thanks to all of you for coming and being so concerned about me- the best family.

Many of your visits, gifts, comments on my blog, cards, and flowers sent have touched me deeply. As my mom read many of these notes in the hospital it overcame me with such emotion and love that I couldn't find the words. God has been extremely kind, generous, and loving to me. Doctors have the skills to heal the body-- and Friends heal the mind! You have shown me what kind of friend you are as Elder Maxwell describes: "Of a truth, those who can easily bend their knees in prayer do not feel they are stooping when they bend to help a neighbor in need."

INTELLECTUALLY (helps keep me going)

Over the past few weeks, I have paid close attention to the things that help-- good books, like reading the Bible, Book of Mormon, and other inspiring books, and seeking after the "good things" keep my spirits up. There are so many worthwhile ways to spend our time. My list of books to read is piling up, the more that I read, and I love how life can be so fulfilling and enjoyable as we seek for the good! I look forward to each working day-- now, and in the future when I will be in full, good health!

SPIRITUALLY (best for last-- this has helped me most of all!)

I am so thankful for the way I've been able to see the Lord's hand through this challenge. I know that expressing gratitude and thanks for all the things in our lives brings His love in our hearts. I know that through all the of the suffering and struggle, that God is our friend. I know that I can call upon the Savior's Atonement in my most painful and dark hours and find comfort in knowing He has suffered all things. He has brought me strength. It was a great blessing to travel to Israel for 12 days, and head to surgery two days after returning, with thoughts of the Atonement and the glorious resurrection in my mind. I know He will come again to rule and reign, and I want to be faithful to Him, no matter the price.

I know that the Lord will set before us what we need, but not always what we like. This will require us to accept with all our hearts that there is a divine design. I know that when the vision comes back, it will be according to the will of the Lord. I know it's in the Lord's hands.

I quoted words from a song "I Will Not Be Still" at my mission farewell, and they seem very appropriate again at this point in my life:
"I put my future in his hands, knowing he's made me all I am.
I put my faith in Him, and truth begins to speak."

I am so grateful for my testimony of prayer, and for parents who pray with me every night. I pray for all of you who have been praying for me so diligently, asking the Lord to bless you for your love and faith.

I wish everyone had the support that I have felt from my family and friends. It makes me sad to think that many don't. We need to reach out to others! Which is what I want to be doing more of through this recovery. Let me know if you need me!

The "Before" Picture, 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 10th

A couple days after surgery-- the pictures we got right after are way to gruesome to show! :)

Here's one that doesn't show too much gross stuff but gives you a little bit of an idea!

The great Dr. Maughan- my surgeon!

The amazing Dr. Ehrenkranz, the endocrinologist (diabetes doctor) who helped me at the hospital!

Mom happily doing her duty of throwing away my throw up! Notice the rubber gloves!

The bruising started turning more yellow after several days.

This is when I am finally feeling so much better after the 2nd trip to the hospital!

Yeah! I am finally feeling good enough to be OUTTA HERE!

Enjoying Christmas Eve with my family!

Opening a gift from Grandma!

Enjoying Christmas vacation in the PJs from my students and a good book!

Reasons for Miracles

2011-01-06T12:27:00.001-08:00

This morning as I was reading in the book of Mark, I noticed what I had written in the margins earlier. Christ performed many miracles, and the purposes of those miracles was to: 1- Show Compassion, 2- Build and Confirm Faith, and 3- Show His Divinity and Power. There is a purpose to the trial and miracles we have seen through things the last while. (Pardon me for indulging in some thoughts, but I've been thinking I should write a few more of the things here that I write in my journal, and this is it for today!) The Lord may have had a purpose for me to see these miracles come about. I have definitely felt more of the Lord's love and compassion for me, my faith has been strengthened, and I have seen and felt of His power! I have also had people tell me they have been inspired and strengthened, and it's awesome to think how the Lord works to build all of us.

I still have headaches, a little bruising, and an eye that can't see or open, but I have felt so very blessed and seen God's hand. I have felt a closeness to the Savior that is hard to describe-- before and after surgery-- of the arms of the Savior around me. I am also learning a lot about patience, faith, and being positive and grateful.

My parents are the best! And that's not to mention the siblings, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors!

It's ME, and I'm home for Christmas!

2010-12-23T21:10:00.001-08:00

Miracles. Yes, that would be the theme of this month! And I would just first like to thank my amazing sister Laura and my incredible mom Cheryl for keeping my blog up while I've been going through surgery and recovery the last couple weeks! Crazy as it sounds, I just got home yesterday from the hospital, and my sister Laura had to go in to the hospital today to have her baby boy! Congrats Laura! He came earlier than he thought, and I'm sorry she'll have to miss the Christmas parties and be there instead for the holiday. Hopefully she can do lots of partying when they get home with the new bundle of joy!

Well, I have lots of updating to do about Israel below, but I first want to say-- THANK YOU for all your many prayers, notes of concern, love, just really CARING! And I must say, some of said I have helped strengthen your faith, but in reality, I feel that my faith is strong because so many of you have helped build it through your examples of the years. I know I couldn't get through this without your support and love. Nor could I get through this without the incredible family I have. My parents are truly the best, and my siblings have all been awesome too!
Here's some of the miracles you have helped bring:
-I have survived major surgery!
-I have retained all memory and knowledge (that I know of)- which really is incredible to think about, realizing they opened my skill and operated under and right next to my brain!
-My family has been comforted and in good spirits.
-I have survived excruciating headaches, and been led to good doctors and medicines that work!
-I have retained vision in one eye allowing me to function in so many ways, and still have hope to regain vision in the right eye.
-My trip to Israel was awesome, uplifting, healthy, and safe.
-I developed no sicknesses prior to or during surgery.

As a quick update: I met with the radiologist today, and he plans to take MRIs of my brain every 3 months over the next two years and every 6 months after that if things stay as they are RATHER than do radiology because there are so many risks, especially with me being so young. One risk: developing cancer, and many others could slow down the healing of my eye to regain my vision. The next big goal is to work on helping my eye heal and be able to open again on it's own. The 3rd nerve is the one that controls the movement of the eyelid, and the surgeon found that it was so damaged by the tumor that it may be quite some time. I know I was blessed that it will be healed completely- it's just a matter of time now!

There are a lot of things I have learned to be thankful for. I am realizing now how I always should have been more thankful for two working eyes that can open on their own and see well! All in good time it will come back. That, I know, will be another miracle! I have also learned how to be a better friend and how to better show someone I care. Friends and family, especially my mom, have really taught me during this time. I have learned more what really matters- people, spending time with them, and really showing true concern. I have learned that little things- notes, flowers, comments, prayers, visits, phone calls- really do make a difference. I have missed running outside (I had a ball doing that in Israel with another young gal on the trip), I miss being with my cute students (love you guys!!), and being with awesome ward members and temple workers (love you all too)!

I have enjoyed the great words of the Book of Mormon during recovery. They have brought me strength and a greater spiritual focus. The Savior has taught me more about His healing power and I have learned more patience in suffering, appreciating more the suffering He had to SOOO patiently endure for all of us. I have felt the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost and the need to slow down, listen, and pay attention to things that matter most. There is more that could be said... but as I have been so touched by the scripture about Mary-- I have lots of things to "keep and ponder in my heart."

I learned so much in Israel as well, and since I only got home 3 days before surgery, I didn't get time to blog much about it! But I thought I could share some pictures! There are more I will post in soon days, but my computer is apparently having a hard time with more than this many for now-- so I'll add a few at a time. :)

She's Home Again!

2010-12-22T22:10:00.000-08:00

Mom called and said they were going to be checking Janelle out of the hospital today. YAY! She said Janelle was doing MUCH better and could hardly believe it was the same person as yesterday. She was dehydrated, among other things, and they simply put an IV in her and pumped her full of fluids and salt. Mom picked up a bunch of gatorade to keep her hydrated in case she gets sick again. She hasn't eaten real food yet, but they hope now that she's feeling better, she'll be able to slowly eat again and hold it down. Then hopefully it's back on the road to recovery!

Mom said this tonight on her CarePages:
Home again, home again, jiggety jig! I have my daughter back! What a dramatic change....it's almost too unbelievable! I think we've turned the corner and jumped the fence on the road to recovery. She's taken two giant steps forward (thanks Mark!)
She is alert, happy, sitting up, smiling, talking, EATING, just so much better! Apparently she was dehydrated and her sodium count was very low. After having IV's for 24 hours giving her doses of sodium, and drugs for her symptoms, she has energy, enthusiasm, controlled head pain and nausea. She's become my Janelley again.
I cried on the way home when I heard the words coming from a CD playing: "In the midst of affliction, my table is spread, with blessings unmeasured, my cup runneth over..." We have truly been blessed. She is so much better, it seems like a miracle. I'm pretty sure that as long as she stays this way, she can have visitors, phone calls, and enjoy the holidays.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Mine came today!

From the IMC

2010-12-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

Well, Janelle has been checked into the hospital again. She's had many nurses and doctors asking a gillion questions, run a bunch of tests, and trying to find out why she is still so sick after 11 days. Nausea is normal after brain surgery, but not this long afterwards and not so sick! She's had at least 7 doctors today asking her tons of questions, interrogating her about this and that, and checking her right eye, talking and consulting with each other here in her room. At this point, they think she needs fluids, anti-nausea medicine and salt! They are trying to supplement her with minerals in case her electrolytes are out of balance causing this intense sickness.
Her nausea has been with her all day, but she hasn't been as sick here as she was all night long at home. We'll see if that helps her.
The endocrinologist doctor here at IMC, smiled when he saw Janelle again. After talking, taking her vitals, and discussing things he said to her which made her smile, "If I have to hire a herd a reindeer, we'll have you out of here by Christmas." Nice! She'd been pretty emotional earlier when the doctors in ER told her they would be admitting her. She doesn't want to be here for Christmas!
When he was talking with the neurosurgeons, they checked her right eye. The doctors seemed discouraged and disappointed, as Jon & I were, to find that she couldn't see out of it. She hadn't noticed before on her own since the eyelid has been shut because of the affect on the third nerve. She came back with a comment later to me, that it's going to be quite the miracle when that heals. Sweet faithful Janelle.

Back in the Hospital

2010-12-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

This is Laura here again. I was able to see Janelle via Skype on Sunday night. Her eye still looked swollen and was shut, but she looked much better than in the pictures my mom had sent the day after surgery. My mom had done her hair in some cute braids and she looked comfy in her sweats. She didn't smile much (hurts her torn muscles in her face) but you could tell she was her positive self. I talked to her on Monday morning and she seemed lively and full of the spirit. She said she had been trying hard not to laugh the night before at things my brothers, sisters, and neices/nephews were doing, but simply enjoyed being around her family too much to care. They had a "Bethlehem Dinner" on Sunday night and were able to have a cool Family Home Evening centered around the Savior. (It's at times like these that I hate living so far away! But I'm glad they had fun.) Janelle seemed buoyed up from that and was animated while telling me all about it.

But alas, she's back in the hospital today. Here's what my mom updated today on her CarePages:

Unfortunately I'm updating this in the ER today. After another rough night of a very sick Janelle, we decided to trapse through the newfallen snow and find out if there is something else wrong.... her stomach won't let her keep anything down. We called her doctor at 3:30 in the morning, and he was kind enough to call us back and spoke with us for over a half hour. She still was so sick this morning, so Janelle was ready to go back to the hospital to find out what is wrong. The thought kept coming to me through the night....two steps forward, one step back. Hopefully this is a small minor setback and they can give her fluids, maybe equalize her electrolytes and we'll be on our way home. We'll keep you posted.

I just talked to my mom on the phone and they are going to admit her - most likely for at least overnight. We continue to pray that things will work out over time and that Janelle will have the strength to bear it. Like my mom said, two steps forward, one step back. But as long as we're moving forward, that's what really matters. Please keep the texts, e-mails, and messages of encouragement coming. They certainly encourage Janelle a lot!

Little by Little

2010-12-20T09:06:00.001-08:00

Each day we see little improvements. Yesterday afternoon Janelle was able to stand to take a shower! She loved being able to really enjoy the warm water and feel squeaky clean. We had our family over last night for our Bethlehem dinner where our grandchildren act out the Nativity. She felt well enough to sit in a recliner and watch and be with us (although I noticed she plugged her ears when it got a bit noisy later during our Christmas songs). We were so happy she felt she could join us and she was so glad she felt well enough to be there. The nights are getting better too... not up nearly as much last night. Each simple little improvement feels so good!

Grateful

2010-12-19T12:15:00.000-08:00

We are so GRATEFUL today for many things....
For soothing medicine to relieve sick stomachs
For a good night's SLEEP!
For ice to put on painful heads
For family you can lean on to help support each other
For comfortable beds, pillows, and warm pajamas
For friend's messages, phone calls and caring
For beautiful music (Tab. Choir's program today was inspiring & touching)
For uplifting scriptures that strengthen us...
For all the tender mercies of the Lord Alma 34:38
For learning patience through affliction. Alma 34:41

It was a much better night, even though we still get up every couple hours to help her with pain medication. Janelle's right eye and cheek are still swollen. It also hurts to talk or smile much, making it hard to talk much on the phone or have visitors for more than a few minutes, but she loves seeing emails or messages here. She has other issues, but she's got a great attitude and doing the best she can. She's such a patient patient. I think we've finally turned the corner on the stomach issues. Thanks again Jeff! What a blessing to have a pharmacist in the family!

Rough Night

2010-12-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

Last night tested all of us.... poor Janelle was so sick all night that we almost went into the ER this morning. Luckily we have a great brother-in-law, Jeff, who is a pharmacist. After talking with Jeff with ideas of how to deal with it, we attempted to call our doctor on a Saturday, who eventually returned our in the early afternoon. He called in the prescriptions Jeff recommended and Jon made another dash to the pharmacy. Hopefully these new meds will help with her intense sickness.
Man, nurses really earn their money! It was a very long night helping her through these horrible bouts, wondering how to best help her as well as try to sleep a little here and there. If we can help her overcome the gastrointestinal reflux, chest pains, & vomiting, then maybe the head pains won't be so bad, and her diabetes numbers won't be so high, and we can get a handle on all of this.
Thanks Jeff for your help! We feel it's helping already.

Home Sweet HOME!

2010-12-17T17:33:00.000-08:00

Yup, she's home! After a 8 a.m. consultation with the hospital endocrinologist about her liver this morning, and finding out that although it's enlarged and apparently stressed by the medications, the pain should gradually go away, and hopefully the nausea will too. The doctors talked and decided to just have her take over the counter meds to help that. After waiting for nurses to get the discharge papers, prescriptions and directions all squared away, we packed up all her gear, cards, flowers, and love tokens and were on our way home!!!

She has had a good day.... felt her appetite come back with foods she loves at home, enjoyed looking at her emails, had a warm shower and washed her hair, and now enjoying a "long winter's nap" on a soft comfortable bed. Ahhh... there's no place like home!

Her right eye is looking a little better... the bruising is turning yellow instead of purple, and even the staples from her head were removed this morning. So now we can enjoy thinking about and getting ready for Christmas during the moments when she feels strong.

We are so grateful we have passed this first hard hurdle. Christmas will have a deeper, more powerful feeling for our family this year. We acknowledge whose hand has been with us through this whole ordeal and know He has strengthened us and lifted us to help us carry this heavy load. Thank you to all whose faith and love and prayers have reassured us and given us the power to go on.

One More Night ... Hopefully

2010-12-17T05:23:00.001-08:00

Here's the latest from Mom and Janelle on her CarePages:

Janelle spent another day at IMC. We were concerned about the pain she felt in her chest and her lower right side under her ribs. The doctor ordered an ultrasound and apparently all was okay there. The hospital's endocrinologist checked her and ordered blood work. It looks like the meds have bothered her liver. We have a consult with him in the morning and THEN she should be able to leave the hospital. She had a pretty good day with several small naps, just a little nausea, but still the major headaches.
Janelle's attitude is positive and optimistic! I'll share a few words she emailed to a distant friend: "I have some big pounding headaches, and I can't open up my right eye because it's swollen and not quite ready to work yet, but things will get better! I feel much better today than yesterday. I made it through surgery, and I've had a lot of people praying for me!
I know that each of us on the earth are important in God's plan. It was great to see the people in Israel again and to be reminded of how precious and important each soul is to God. I'm so grateful for the Atonement. I had a great experience in the Garden Tomb to testify of the Savior's resurrection, and I loved feeling of the Savior's love for us in the Garden of Gethsemane. I know the Atonement is real and that it works. I know His healing power is real- both physically and spiritually! I don't know HOW it works, but I know that it DOES work. I'm so grateful for the plan where our Father provided a Savior for us!
I've been amazed at the outpouring of love so many have shown when they hear what I'm having to do with surgery. The many prayers and words of support help teach me how I want to be when others need my help!"

CarePages

2010-12-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

My mom has set up a website that she is updating about Janelle. If you sign up with them (it's free), you can receive e-mails when updates are posted. Here are the instructions and website to do so:

We're starting a special website for Janelle's process of healing & recovery. Please join if you can.
You've been invited to visit a CarePages website
Check in on a friend or loved one who needs your support now
You've been invited to visit Janelle Thomas's CarePages website.
CarePages websites are free patient blogs that connect family and friends during a health challenge. Janelle Thomas has created a website and needs your support now more than ever.

To visit Janelle Thomas's CarePages website, follow these steps:
1. Click on the link below
2. Become a CarePages member (it's free) or sign in
3. Visit Janelle Thomas's CarePages website to read the blog, view photos and share messages of support

Visit this CarePages website now
Having trouble with the link above? Copy and paste the following link in your web browser:
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/225124/invitations/1269818/21e62d401841fdb185f02a71a47ff08a880a626b?client_code=default&ipc=miv

Thanks for supporting CarePages. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our Customer Support Team at help@carepages.com.
Sincerely,
The CarePages Team
CarePages.com

And in case you decide not to sign up, here's the latest update from my mom:

Still at the hospital helping Janelle through her recovery process.... helping her through the roller coaster ride of good and bad, mostly nausea times & bad head pain. Twenty-four hours sure can feel double that when in pain. Janelle asked at 5 this morning for another blessing for added strength. She received one when her dad arrived (with the help of a male nurse on this floor).
So after another very rough sick night for Janelle, we stayed here at IMC again today. Her blood sugar numbers have been pretty good all day, but they are trying to get all her pain and nausea meds regulated. We think we have found the medication that will work for her to go home. So one more night and hopefully we should head home tomorrow. She ate a little better tonight. We are hoping for a restful night free of pain and sickness so she'll feel like going home. She still has a long road of recovery ahead. Next week she'll have a radiation consult and have the 26 staples removed. We also need to make appointments with rehab at Tosch to work on her balance. We're hoping her right eye's third nerve will eventually decide to work, but it could take up to a year...that controls the eye movement and lid opening and closing.
The pathology report shows that its a grade 1 tumor --which is the best kind to have but it's in the worst possible place. We were told by our neurosurgeon tonight that this meningoioma tumor will not ever be cured. That was hard to hear, but we must have lots of people's prayers carrying us because so far we're dealing well with this news. We so appreciate your love and prayers! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Latest Update

2010-12-14T20:18:00.000-08:00

After doing the post below, my mom sent me another update. She's doing MUCH better! Here's what my mom had to say:

Janelle is doing so much better tonight! Her pain is finally down to a 1 out of 10. She's ready to go to sleep for the night. The nausea has subdued so she has felt like eating this afternoon. We had a rough couple days with some intense pain and overwhelming sickness which could have been from the pain in her head. We had a comforting and reassuring visit from the IMC endocrinologist this afternoon. Her diabetes has been an issue in this whole recovery process. His comments, input and understanding gave us so much hope and reassurance. She is still receiving IV fluids, but we hope to say good-bye to those tomorrow and head for home. Hopefully everything will be lined up for that so the doctor can give us the go ahead to go home. We so appreciate all your faith and prayers, thoughts and concerns in her behalf. We have felt loved. Thank you so much. I'll let you know tomorrow night if we make it home.

Still in the hospital

2010-12-14T16:29:00.001-08:00

Janelle is still working hard on getting better. She's been pretty sick to her stomach the last few days and doesn't want to eat much, if anything. She's also still in a lot of pain. The nurses and doctors think she's having a reaction to the narcotics so they are trying to figure things out on that front. They've started to switch up her meds and that has already helped a lot with her desire to eat, which is positive. It's also hard for her to smile much because the muscles in her face are still pretty sore from the surgery. But you know Janelle - you can't keep a smile off of her face for too long!

But again, for her sake, we ask that visitors be kept to a minimum, especially while she's in the hospital. If you do visit, please keep it to five minutes or less. Janelle would love to chat longer, but she's physically exhausted right now and five minutes is about all she can handle. She loves you - she truly does! - but right now she needs to focus on sleeping and getting better as quickly as possible. Your e-mails, cards, text messages, etc., are all welcome and appreciated!

We hope she gets to go home in the next few days, but until she's feeling better and can eat on a more regular basis, they'll probably keep her in the hospital. Please continue to keep her in your prayers!

Up and Moving

2010-12-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

I just got off the phone with my mom and she said Janelle is doing well. She's been up and walking a few times today and is coherent. She still has major headaches and is sleeping a lot, which is the best thing she can do for herself at this point. She had another MRI this morning to check on the tumor and they were able to remove about a third of it. The rest is in places too difficult to get out, so they are hoping radiation will take care of the rest. Her right eye (the eye she started having troubles with) is still pretty swollen and purple and time will tell how it will heal. She's still in ICU for tonight but they plan on moving her out tomorrow to a regular room.

We realize there are LOTS of you that want to come and visit and see how she's doing, but for her own sake, we ask that you keep visits to a minimum. If you decide to come, please keep them short so she can get all the rest she needs. Once she's out of the hospital, we would love to have you come by! Thank you again for all the prayers on her behalf. She seems to be recovering well and we have high hopes that things will turn out for the best.

Here's a note my Dad has also written about how she's been doing today:

Janelle is much more alert today & talking more & sleeping less -- she's now sitting up in a chair! She is still having some headaches, and quite the black eye (like overdone purple eye shadow!?). She can't open that eyelid yet on her own. She is eating a bit more, but not much.

Dr. Maughan came & showed us the MRI results from this morning. It indicates he only removed about a 3rd of the tumor -- the part that needed to be removed that was impacting the optic nerve. He feels that the remaining two thirds that is in the nearly-impossible or very risky area to get at (the cavernous sinus below the skull bone shelf) can't do any damage other than restrict one of the 4 main branches of the carotid artery. He explained that the head is designed with many resilient paths of blood supplies to the brain that have circular-flow connectivity to each other. Almost all the time, when a gradual restriction of blood blocks one of the 4 main paths, the brain adapts to pick up the other 3 paths to take up the slack (some automatic re-routing), so no problems result. Amazing inventor, God is.

Also, he feels the radiation treatments can reduce or eventually possibly eliminate the remaining 2/3 of the tumor. She will stay in ICU today, and will probably move to a regular room tomorrow afternoon. We will keep you posted when & where.

Thanks for all your prayers & temple prayer-rolls. She is on the at least the following temple prayer rolls: Columbia River WA, Laei Hawaii, Oklahoma City, Oquirrh Mtn, Salt Lake, Chicago, Draper, Manti, Jordan River (which is closed). The more, the better.

Out of Surgery!

2010-12-10T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hey all, this is Laura, Janelle's sister. I'll be giving updates here and there, along with my mom, as Janelle goes through the recovery process.

As an update, I heard from my dad today after Janelle got out of surgery. The doctor said the surgery was a sucess! He was able to remove the tumor from the optic nerve and the caratid artery (sp?) but had to leave a little bit on a third nerve that controls the eyelids and eye movement. We won't know the effect of that for a few days, once the swelling comes down. The doc said it was a pretty hard tumor (almost cement-like) and that besides the third nerve, the surgery went as well as he had hoped.

There is still some tumor down by a web of nerves, but the doc already knew he wouldn't be going into that area -- too dangerous. So they'll probably start radiation in January, just after the new year. They put five plates in to secure her skull and finished it off with staples. Quite the surgery! She's in ICU for the next 24 hours, since that is the most critical part after surgery.

My aunt Sara was able to go and visit and she said Janelle was in and out of it but could see out of both eyes. She recognizes people but is pretty out of it with the pain medication she is on. I'm sure the next few days will be more telling as she comes more and more out of it. But that's the update for now.

I imagine Janelle is in good spirits - can you imagine anything else? She feels the love from everyone and ALL your prayers and fasting have already helped our family tremendously! She feels your love and concern and appreciates all you have done for her, whether she knows about it or not. Continue to pray for her as she heads through the recovery process!

Here we go, surgery!

2010-12-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I made it back from Israel, and the last day there was so packed full of the Spirit! We saw the Garden Tomb, Orson Hyde Park, and the Garden of Gethsemane all in one day. I loved hearing and sharing my testimony of the Savior at the Garden Tomb. What an incredible group of people we were able to travel with. I learned so much from each person on our tour. At the end of the day I helped conduct the program at Gethsemane and had the chance to share my testimony of The Living Christ as I recited the last two paragraphs: "We testify that He will someday return to the earth... He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords..." I am so grateful for the opportunity to have my testimony strengthened, especially just before going into surgery! And as you can tell from pictures, I loved being with my aunt Patty and sister-in-law Liz as well as many other fun people!!

The plane landed at 12:30 pm in Salt Lake, and then I was off with my mom to run errands for surgery prep, etc. I went back and taught school Wednesday and today, where I was showered with sweet gifts from students, parents, and co-workers! Everyone has been so sweet!!! Thanks for teaching me what it means to really care about and help someone!

Wednesday night I had an incredible evening at the temple with my family. All who could be there, were there! I felt so supported to have my brothers and sisters and parents with me, and to join together in prayer at the temple buoyed all of us up for the days that may be ahead. They are just the people I need in life that know how to comfort, encourage, and listen to me. Thanks for going to great lengths you guys, in getting off work and making arrangements so you could come! We decided to make this a yearly tradition-- with or without brain tumors! (Hopefully without from now on!)

Well, I must end now and get to bed. Surgery is scheduled for 5:30 am, and my sister and mom will be managing this for awhile until I'm on the mend. I know the Lord will be with me in this challenge. He's made that so apparent already. I know the prayers and fasting of friends and family kept me going and healthy as I was in Israel, and the headaches have subsided so much that I don't know what else to attribute that to! I know that the power of the priesthood and it's blessings are real, and what I am to pass through will be for my learning and growth. I continue to pray that I will learn what I need to learn, but most of what I'm learning so far is through all of YOU, and your amazing examples of charity! I'm seriously overwhelmed by the people saying they are praying for, thinking of, or generously give so that I will be comfortable and well. This Christmas season I'm learning so much more what it means to be a true friend. My mom has been such a faithful person at my side. Thanks for your prayers in her and my family's behalf too. How blessed I am to have friends who stand by me and love me so much. I wish I could take time to talk with each of you and express my love for you. Your phone calls, emails, and notes have meant so much. If I'm not up for visits in the hospital or have difficulty visiting with you, please know how much I love and appreciate your concern! I'm constantly praying with gratitude for you and that Heavenly Father will shower blessings upon you too! I know my Savior lives. He is my Savior and your Savior. He has power to heal, to forgive, to bless, and to comfort. I love Him and feel of His love for me.

Only one day left in Israel!

2010-12-05T10:40:00.001-08:00

This has been an incredible trip! I have so much to be thankful for in being safe, healthy, and well. The blessing of forgetting about this problem for awhile and to see the Holy Land is something I am SOOOO grateful for! The people have been so fun, and I have made incredible friends. I am grateful for the chance to play the flute here, teach at different sites and from the scriptures, and to lead our group in singing in the gorgeous acoustics of St. Anne's Cathedral. I love the stories connected with all the sites, and can't wait for the best day of all tomorrow when we will see the Garden of Gethsemane, the Orson Hyde Memorial, and my favorite- The Garden Tomb.

Church at BYU Jerusalem yesterday was so sweet. The students are about to head home for the end of the semester, and their sincere testimonies of the Savior were so full of the Spirit. I felt the great power of the Atonement through their heartfelt words. With all they have seen and learned here, I love that their testimonies were all focused on Jesus Christ. I had an incredible experience partaking of the sacrament and thinking about Jesus' suffering and sacrifice for me. He truly is a worker of miracles, able to forgive me for my many mistakes. I loved the hymn that says "I have loved thee as thy friend, with a love that cannot end." I love knowing and feeling He truly is my friend.

Our tour guide, Bassam (Sam) has taught me more than ever. I've taken a lot of notes again, and know I have much more to still learn! Everything has been so fascinating, even though it's the third time I've seen many of these places!

We also had an incredible experience when a few of us were able to eat dinner with an Armenian family that live right in the Old City in Jerusalem! The father was our bus driver last year. I loved seeing what their home looked like, especially living inside the old city. The family speaks Armenian, and they also learn English, Arabic, and Hebrew! I loved seeing the cute kids, talking to the mom about their lifestyle, and eating an AMAZING home cooked meal! What a neat experience to learn more about the culture from the people here.

We went to the Western Wall and the Temple Mount as well as seeing the South Temple steps today. The sincerity of the people in their faith is pretty amazing. And I love seeing how many honor and respect the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It was fun learning about the temple from our non-LDS tourist guide from Israel too. :) The Old City was so fun to go jogging in this morning and walking through as we were shopping today!

I think things will probably be a whirlwind when I get home. My mom mentioned a lot of paperwork to fill out, and I'm sure I'll need to take care of regular-life things like crazy for a couple days before I go in for surgery on Friday! But what a true blessing to be here, and I'm so thankfor for everyone allowing it to be possible for me to be here! I'm so thankful for the beautiful weather, wonderful people, and good health I've enjoyed. Oh, and I haven't gone broke on shopping either! Glad I rationed out my money day-by-day. That helped!

Love to all the family, sweet friends, and students at home! I'm still thinking about and praying for you!

Bokertoff!

2010-11-30T08:27:00.000-08:00

Bokertoff! (Good morning) These have been beautiful mornings in Israel!!!

So I've been so blessed to have a few more fabulous days here in Israel! Monday was full of amazing events as we visited Nazareth. I loved thinking about Mary and Joseph and the wonderful individuals they were. Such a humbling experience for Mary to discover she would give birth to the Son of God. Joseph was likewise so willing to do the will of the Lord although it went against the Jewish custom and culture. I especially was touched by the stories and scriptures that were shared in Capernaum. Before flying out here, I went to the Carl Bloch display at BYU with my parents and saw a beautiful painting of Jairus' daughter being raised. The painting touched us so much, especially as Carl Bloch focused on the way the mother intently waited by her daughter's side when the father was out in the night, seeking Jesus to come and heal her. My parents have similar dedication, faith, and love. (Especially to let me come out here right before surgery!) Well, Capernaum is where this miracle was performed, along with many other miracles. I was thinking about the incredible healing power of the Savior as we were reading the scriptures, and my Aunt Patty made a comment so beautifully, that the Savior heals us- whether to forgive, heal us physically-- whatever we need. I know He is the healer and performer of miracles. He can and will heal me-- another miracle! And it won't be without great faith from my parents and others.

I was in charge of the Sermon on the Mount and Beatitudes program, and even played my flute there to accompany a group singing "The Lord's Prayer" at this same site. The Spirit testified that we can be the "light of the world" as we follow the teachings of the Savior and seek the light of Christ. We later visited a favorite site of mine, "Peter's Primacy" where Jesus may have taught his disciples after He was resurrected. I shared John chapter 21 with the group, where He tells Peter to "Feed My Sheep." I love this lesson, always reminding me what being a true disciple of Christ means. I was esepcially touched by the words to the hymn "More Holiness Give Me" that we sang as we drove back to the hotel (especially verse 1). There was a sweet, full-gratitude-prayer given by a sister out our bus that made the end of the day all the sweeter!

I have so many things to be grateful for on this trip! A wonderful group, great tour guides, GORGEOUS weather, non-existent headaches, kind people to get to know and learn from, my Aunt Patty, helpful and fun Liz, friends to run in the morning with, and many, many more things!

Glad I have so many memories to enjoy!

Love you all at home, and I hope all is well with you. That goes for you too, 3rd graders! :)

Janelle

SHALOME FROM ISRAEL!

2010-11-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Things are going well so far here in Israel! The plane travels went safe and I felt no headaches or problems from the tumor! The medicines seem to be working well. Things are pretty blurry in the right eye, but I'm still able to read, see people, etc. Saturday flew by-- literally! We were on a plane sleeping the day away (if we were lucky)-- until about 2:30 p.m. Israel time when we landed! I have enjoyed the group of people we are with so much already.

I had fun preparing for and giving a presentation on the gathering of Israel after we toured the city of Joppa and talked about Jonah in the whale. It's exciting to think all that's happening with the gathering before the 2nd Coming will happen!

Today, Sunday, it is like a Monday here. They observe the Sabbath on Saturday in Israel, so we won't attend church until this coming Saturday. I enjoyed a beautiful morning jog with another great gal in our group next to the Mediterranean Sea to start the day. We all then headed to see the amazing Netanya college, Caesarea, and beautiful Haifa! The sobering and spiritual experience we had in Haifa was visiting the graves of two LDS missionaries who served many years ago in this land. We sang "Called to Serve" and I had difficulty choking back tears. Such a sweet spirit there, and I know they would appreciate our paying tribute and taking a little time to remember them. It also reminded me of the great blessing of being a part of the greatest work on the earth- missionary work.

I've had several other enlightening thoughts today as we have visited the traditional site on the south hills of Carmel where Elijah called on God to consume with fire the sacrifice. The power of God shown in his duel with the prophets was one of the many miracles shown to thwart worldly or man's power. I also was touched as we read the story of Mary, as she had an angel appear to her in Nazareth, telling her of the child she would soon bear. I love how this sweet scripture testifies of Christ's lineage. We also discussed the first recorded miracle Christ performed, as he was in Cana, and turned the water to wine for all the guests. My own mother has entertained many guests before, and what a good example the Savior set by doing anything he could to act in her behalf. He also is the giver of miracles. Something I am coming to love and appreciate more and more about Him.

I love my Savior so much, and as we drove tonight near the Sea of Galilee, I got even more excited, realizing I am here to feel of His love and learn more of Him.

I will try to update more soon! Thanks to my mom and Laura for their help in this! :) And thank you for all your prayers that I might be well and whole during this trip. I truly feel your prayers and strength, and I am grateful, because I know the spiritual high I am gaining from this trip will help carry me through more ahead!

This Curve Ball is Bigger Than I Thought!

2010-11-19T22:35:00.000-08:00

Well, here's a picture of me you never thought you would see! I hope you can stomach these MRI pictures I was able to see at Wednesday's appointment with my surgeon, but I found it very interesting! The optic nerves look pretty cool from the bottom, don't they? (the right optic nerve is on the left)

The big white mass forming in the middle under my brain is the tumor. The doctor said it's acting like glue and wrapping around whatever it can get to, most critically my optic nerve, which is what has been causing the vision loss, and my carotid artery. (By the way, pardon the large nose in the 2nd picture, it's not my best side I suppose!) The carotid artery you may see is the dark line running down the middle.

Can you believe that? I thought, "Yes, it will be a miracle to watch how this all will work out!" My blessing said that I will heal completely. How incredible and comforting! That in itself has been a miracle to me over the past two weeks.

I was so grateful to meet the surgeon, Dr. Maughan, and he was so good at answering our questions, pacing things, using good bedside manner, and taking all the time we needed to see pictures and have our concerns addressed. He spent 2 1/2 hours with us, but it flew by. He looks very young, and I thought it was pretty funny how when my mom kept asking him questions about past surgeries he has performed, he said, "Wait you haven't even asked how old I am yet!" I guess he gets that a lot! He said he is 37, and has performed many of these type of surgeries-- over 70 last year! I felt so blessed to be getting him as our surgeon. He will be great to work with. He even told me to smile during the appointment! I guess I looked nervous. :)

I was a little blown away Wednesday afternoon, and along with a terrible headache that hadn't gone away all day, I got emotional, but I'm so grateful for my parents both being there with me. They have always been the best supports a girl could ask for! I have really been hoping to still go to Israel, and Dr. Maughan said that if my vision gets worse, he would like me to stay home and get into surgery early. But he said I could still go if I felt I would be okay. So I stick with my decision for Dec. 10th, 3 days after I return from Israel. He gave me a steroid prescription Rx that will help the inflammation and swelling of the tumor. So far it hasn't made me sick, but it has been raising my blood sugars quite a bit. I'm checking my blood more often to control that, but I can deal with high blood sugars if it means the tumor doesn't get too large. One good piece of news: I can still go running, and that won't effect the tumor! Extra running will be good to make up for the blood sugars.

Wednesday night I finished making comments for my students' report cards and then headed home to wake up early for the big day of teaching and parent teacher conferences until 8 pm. I'm so thankful I didn't have headaches the two days of conferences! They went really well, and I felt so blessed to have finished report cards when I was off track! I have a great class, and I'm especially grateful that I will have an incredible long-term sub teaching my class during my Israel trip and during the surgery recovery. She's been a teacher, and knows half of the students in my class already! That really puts me at ease, because I hate missing so much of the school year. They are SUCH a cute class!

Meanwhile, I have had wonderful phone calls, emails, and visits from friends. I can't thank you enough for all your words of concern and wanting to be there and help me. I know your prayers have helped carry me and strengthen me!!!

In fact, as I went to bed last night (Thursday) after a big day, I couldn't help but feel such love and comfort and a presence of the Savior with me. I knew this was because of the prayers of such faithful friends and loved ones. I have literally felt bathed in help. I have felt comfort from the Holy Ghost, even at times when I have least expected it! I hope my sharing how much your prayers have helped me builds your testimony of the true power of prayer. I want you to know I pray for all who are praying for me too, that your strength and faith will be built because of your goodness. I'm so blessed with you as my friends! It has been humbling to hear people say they are praying and fasting for me--making me feel so special and loved. It makes me think I want to be that kind of person more for others when they are going through hard times too! I've realized how much that really means!

On Wednesday, as we walked out of the doctors, hearing how involved the surgery is going to be, I just turned to my mom as she had her arm around me and said, "I don't want to do this!" She replied, "I wish I could do this for you, Janelle!" I couldn't help but think how hard it was for our Father in Heaven to watch ALL the pain of ALL the world taken upon His Son, Jesus Christ. A mother's love, especially my mother, helps me understand much more the love of God.

I know the Savior is with me, loves me, I love Him with all my heart. I'm glad I know He will be with me in this, because I know His power is real. I think of the beautiful words Nephi wrote in his psalm in chapter 4-- "My God hath been my support, he hath led me...He hath filled me with his love...he hath heard my cry by day and given me knowledge in the night... the Lord hath visited men in so much mercy. O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever." Go Nephi, you said it well!

I know it sounds crazy, but I feel very strongly I still need to go to Israel next week. A week from today I will be there, walking the places He performed His miracles and taught eternal truths. I am so excited to spend the 12 days before my surgery in this Holy Land, pondering on the wonder of the Atonement. In the temple tonight, I had a great talk with my supervisor Sis. Lignell, the brothers' supervisor, Bro. Pinney, and Pres. Christensen in the presidency. They were so excited for me to be there as well. They are going to mention to the temple workers my situation, and if I know those temple workers, they'll be praying as well. They said they are excited for me to hurry back to the temple, and I am too! Pres. Christensen even promised me a tall, dark, and handsome man he would have ready for me the first day I got back and he'll go ahead and seal us right then and there. Ha ha, I love that man's humor! Sis. Lignell went to extra work for me to have a beautiful experience in the temple tonight, and I'm so grateful! I will truly miss being there with the inspiring temple workers and their many smiles and words of love. Likewise with my ward and the incredible people there, and at my job with all the other great teachers and staff. After the session finished, I was able to spend a few minutes in the Celestial room, pondering and praying and feeling so at peace.

I am so thankful this Thanksgiving for family, love, friends, the faith of children, good doctors and recent medical discoveries, my testimony that Christ lives, and continues to heal today, for all the many blessings of the restored gospel on Earth-- knowledge, priesthood blessings, families, temples, scriptures, living prophets, the Holy Ghost, good leaders, and righteous examples! I truly am blessed with so many of the things that truly matter.

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I know I sure will!

So Much to Be Thankful For!

2010-11-14T21:47:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have been so overwhelmed with love and kind words and thoughts from everyone this past week. If ever a girl felt loved, I sure do. I have already learned so much from everyone's true Christlike kindness, willingness to help, and genuine concern as I'm heading into this new challenge! I am afraid I haven't been able to be as diligent at returning phone calls or emails or comments on the blog with it being my week back on track. But I want you to know it has touched my heart so much. Even to hear of the sweet people who always check in with my mom to see how she is doing warms my heart!

Many have been asking me, "How are you feeling?" So I figured I better give a quick update tonight, and then I can give more details after my doctor appointment Wednesday.

-I've had frequent headaches, but nothing I can't work through. They are mostly centered around my right eye. Advil has been helping a lot with this.

-My vision loss/cloudy vision is increasing, but I'm not sure at what rate (I'll ask the doctor if the tumor is growing).

-I am feeling fine! In fact, I am in great spirits, and I know it is due to the wonderful blessing and all of your fasting and prayers. I still feel happy, able to do my job, and even feeling prepared for PT conferences this week.

-I am even planning to still go to Israel in less than two weeks! When I told this to the temple matron yesterday, she laughed and said, "That's the spirit!" That is, if the doctor still believes it's wise. For some reason, I need to be there again. I'm excited to find out why. I will likely head into surgery right when I get back, but we shall see what the doctor says! (Do you notice a theme to this decision?)

I get teary as I hear about sweet children who pray for me. Thanks to all those wonderful parents who teach their children to have faith and trust in the Lord. I hope they know and feel that He IS answering their prayers, because I know their sincere prayers are truly heard and answered!

Some of what I've learned from this experience already:

I have learned from so many of you what it means to really care about people.

I have learned how much a phone call, note, or simple "I'm thinking about you" means.

I have learned that people have the capacity to care so deeply.

I'm realizing more what I want to spend my time and energies on.

I feel all the more grateful to know of your love and faith in the power of prayer.

I will keep praying to learn what it is I am to learn!

I KNOW the Lord is with me, and I'm so thankful for the comfort and security of the gospel and the power of the priesthood on Earth!

I will give more updates soon, especially after I meet with the doctor on Wednesday. :)

Weird and Wild Things Are Happening!

2010-11-08T17:35:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! I am sorry to worry you with the news, but I have had friends wanting to hear updates since they heard my recent news, and I figured this was the best place to give updates. I don't know if you'll be able to reach me by phone or visit, so at least you can hear the latest!

So anyway, life has been good- it was a busy and fun October, including a family trip to Moab and a fun, relaxing cruise with friends Alli and Kami to the Bahamas, along with a day in Epcot, which I love! I posted a bunch of pictures of all this on facebook if you want to see.

But as for the crazy news... Last week after getting back from the Bahamas I had an eye appointment with my eye doctor. I have lost a lot of vision in my right eye recently and wondered if my prescription needed to be changed or if my diabetes was causing blindness. Well, Monday he couldn't find anything, so he sent me to a retina specialist to have a further look. On Tuesday they took a picture of my retinas, which looked normal. I requested to get an angiogram to look for anything else. After the 2nd dilation for the week and the angiogram, they showed me what kind of retinopathy is forming and some cataracts in my left eye, but he couldn't detect problems. I am so grateful for this thorough doctor, though, because he finally did a quick reading test where I covered each eye. From this test he could see that I wasn't reacting to light or colors in my right eye, so he asked me to return Thursday to do a final test. On Thursday (without my eyes dilated) he saw how my pupils were reacting and saw there was a problem with my optic nerve. After consulting with the eye doctor, he ordered an MRI. Thank goodness I was off track, because it took all week to get to this point! And thank heaven for an amazing mom who was with me, because he said it MS was a possibility! :)

Okay, so Friday morning, I'm getting up to go to school for my track on day, and I get a phone call from my doctor saying I have a tumor growing and wrapping around my optic nerve. He sent the MRI results to a great neurosurgeon, recommended by my boss who had a brain tumor a few years ago as well. I anxiously awaited all day, impatiently called several times to get through, and never heard from them. I was okay, but still anxious. I went to work at the temple that night, and gratefully my mom said to ask for a blessing from the men working there. Pres. Layton (Oquirrh Mtn. temple president) and Bro. Pinney (my sunshine-friend and amazing temple worker) gave me a beautiful blessing. I honestly don't know how I would have stayed sane all weekend without such a comforting blessing. It was one of the most amazing blessings. And to be there in the temple, a place I love so much, while receiving it made it feel all the more celestial! I felt the words were truly straight from Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for the power of the priesthood in worthy, faithful men (Alma 13) and the way that power is manifest. Several comforting words were given:

-Bless you to heal completely to carry on with your life's work

-Your work here on the earth is not done, and this is not the end of your mortal experience

-You have a special mission and purpose on the earth and in the eternities

-You can be an example of faith and strength to others

Wow, could I have asked for anything more? I left feeling so lifted from a heavy burden, and ready to reach out and serve others rather than look inward to my own problems. Saturday, Sunday, and today I have been on the phone and email with several friends and family members, and I have already been overwhelmed to hear of those fasting and praying so earnestly for me. Thank you to my family for standing by and loving and strengthening me so much already... and now through this! All the fasting from you and great friends have pretty much overwhelmed me! Hard as a trial like this may be, how nice to be reminded that people love you! I sure love you too!

So, today-- let's get to the news and details:

the Neurologist will see me in a week to go over details, but he was so kind to answer questions I had! He said that the tumor is in a dangerous and sensitive area-- where my carotid splits and the tumor is pushing on nerves, which is why it is pushing on my optic nerve and causing the vision loss. They will need to do surgery for two reason: 1- Determine what kind of tumor it is, and 2- To get it away from the nerve and carotid artery and prevent further vision loss, etc. But because the tumor is near such sensitive areas, and in places that are so delicate, they will have to take most of the tumor out and then leave certain parts of the tumor in and take care of those later with radiation (when I have recovered enough from surgery). The hospital stay will be about 3-4 days, and it will take about 6 weeks to feel back to myself. They will cut behind my hairline from the middle of my forehead to behind my right ear, then remove a bone about the size of my ear to get to the matter they need to perform surgery on. I'm hoping that means no shaving,... but hey, they will do what they gotta do! (Maybe I can request a facelift while I'm at it!)

I will give more updates as I learn more. I just want to testify that I know of the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know this power is real, and I believe in the reality of the priesthood as God's power on Earth. As I have been preparing to go to Israel again, I have thought upon the amazing miracles Jesus performed in His life, of healing the sick, raising Lazarus from the dead, causing the BLIND to see, and healing our souls. I know He can still perform miracles today. I love Him with all my heart, and find hope in the scripture: "all things work together for good to them that love God." I hope and pray I will learn what it is the Lord wants me to learn through this time! More to come. :)

2010-08-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

"Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God." --Joseph Smith

I believe this to be true, more than ever! I'm so grateful for Joseph Smith's teachings. Can you believe all he taught, revealed, accomplished, and endured in his short life? Wow.

I enjoyed sharing the Israel fireside again with a group in Payson last week. I am so grateful for the teachings of Jesus Christ! My goal is to teach the principles more than make it a travel log when I share the slide show. Hopefully with more time and thought...

So, speaking of happiness, I had my first day of the next school year with my students today! HAPPINESS! :) They are a pretty cute bunch, and I can't believe how fast the day flew by! My favorite thing was how several boys at the end of the day looked at me and said, "It's time to go? I don't want to go!" Wow! Kind of shows how cute and sweet they are. We'll hope for the best on day two as well. ;) The funny story was how I woke up, thinking it was 7:20 this morning, going, "Oh no! I have to leave in 20 minutes!" I scrambled to shower, get ready, etc. and when I left in my car I looked at my car's clock, and would you believe it wasn't 8:00, it was only 7:00! LOL! What a great first day to the school year, huh? At least I gave myself a good laugh. The students enjoyed that funny story too. I thought it was awfully dark outside for 7 am! All in all, I have confidence it will be a great school year, as busy as it will be, thanks to a wonderful father's blessing last night and peace and comfort in knowing I'm not alone!

It was a good summer, busy, and full of family time and working at school! I enjoyed reading, the parade of homes, a mini trip to Las Vegas with my aunt Patty, days swimming with the nieces and nephews, a trip to Bingham Copper Mine, hiking in the mountains with friends and family, attending plays & musicals, and lots of running outside!

I hope to find time to still get lots of running in while I teach. I did the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay- an awesome experience-- and will be doing the Red Rock Relay (also a 12-member 188-mile race) in 3 weeks! Don't call me crazy, but I sure enjoy running!

Catch Up Time!

2010-05-14T23:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a whirlwind couple of months-- eventful and productive! I would be more diligent about updating my blog, but I'm afraid there are only a few who actually read it. Nevertheless, I will attempt to "journal" in this online way, if only for my benefit! :)

March- Off track, finished my master's portfolio-- 80+ pages!, and enjoyed time with family!

April- Enjoyed General Conference and endured a snowy April in Utah! I had a blast with my sisters and mom at Women's Conference as well!

May- Lots has happened so far!! On the 1st, I graduated with my Master's Degree at SUU, and enjoyed doing the official "walk" on their campus in Cedar City! Karolee and I got a hotel for one night, and my parents and sister Laura all drove down with me and stayed in the hotel room next door! It was a gorgeous day, and I felt a happy sense of accomplishment. On the 5th (Cinco de Mayo), I had a celebration for finishing my master's at the clubhouse near my home. It also happens to be my birthday, so it was fun to be with friends and family to celebrate it all! It was also teacher appreciation week, and my room mom really spoiled me this year! Lots of flowers, cards, gift cards, treats (sugar-free!), the kids all wore my favorite color turquoise, and school supplies for my classroom! Mother's Day was wonderful, my mom called it a "perfect day." I've been busy reviewing testing all week with my students, and it feels like they have made some great progress this year-- I just fear it may not be enough! But all I can do, is all I can do, right?

I am feeling the pressures and stress of next year coming on quickly, but still making it through with great support from those around me, the blessing of working at the temple, and lots of prayer and help from the scriptures! I know that Heavenly Father hears my daily prayers in behalf of teaching my students well and thinking what will help them improve.

Not too many pictures, but here are a few!

Fun with my fab fam!!

2010-03-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

Right now I am actually watching this cute little Janie, and you should hear her laughter to see her looking at her own picture! She is hilarious, especially the way she says, "BALL!" "CAR!" and loves to make people laugh. What the entertainer! I love how she signs "please" for everything by rubbing her tummy. Today she has been saying "mama" and "dada" a lot, and when I ask, "You want mom and dad?" she replies by rubbing her tummy! Hope she makes it through the week while they are on their cruise! We are having a blast together.

What an awesome day for Savannah! She was baptized on Saturday, and looked beautiful in her while dress, complete with white monkey from her Primary teacher!

Three of the four nieces... what dolls, huh?

What a happy, special girl!
I made her pose with all her cool presents after she opened them at her house that day. Truly a princess!

This handsome little BJ didn't want to change out of his suit! What a hunk!!

Mom, Dad, Kylie, Janie, and I went for a drive up to Midway after to see the awesome ice sculptures they made-- unbelievable!

And, of course, you wouldn't see Kylie without one of her many monkeys! This love of monkeys has caught on with all the other nieces!

Jerusalem, Jerusalem!!

2010-01-31T21:14:00.000-08:00

Last night I had a great time reminiscing with friends (thanks Patty and Nani!). What a wonderful time I had in Israel in December! I was excited to download a few of the pictures that my dad saved from the trip. I'm so grateful he had them since my hard drive crashed. Oh, and thanks for all the sympathy about my hard drive. :) Enjoy!

What an incredible sunset, huh? Looks like a painting of Jerusalem, but just taken with my simple camera!
The gorgeous sunrise at the Dead Sea as I went running along the trail that morning. That was worth waking up for!!

When I jogged down to the Sea of Galilee one morning, here's what we found! This is the shape of the sea, and I think that number is the elevation!

We had a blast with the cute Jewish family of entertainers. They gave us these glasses after their concert. We saw "Star of Davids" around each light we looked at. The roar of laughter was hilarious when the camera flashed its "Star of David" upon us!

Sad But True

2010-01-26T07:56:00.000-08:00

Well, it's officially gone. The computer specialists at the school district tried to recover my hard drive when it crashed, but to no avail. The hardest pill for me to swallow is re-writing the 20-page paper for my masters portfolio. It contained lesson plans, strategies, all written in third person, which took much time and effort to produce! For the portfolio I am supposed to use those lessons, videotape myself teaching them, analyze the students' results, and add several more pages to the portfolio in doing so. Now I need to start from ground zero and have it finished in March. OUCH!!! I ALMOST printed it and was thinking about saving it to my thumb drive. Procrastination gets me again! Let this be a lesson to anyone with a computer. The sad thing is my co-workers shared this lesson they had just learned as well. My professor didn't hang on to my paper, and it's not in any of my emails anywhere. Sad!!! It also makes me sick all the itunes, iphotos, and documents I created for school that were on it. Luckily over Christmas, I was able to load many pictures from my iphoto onto DVDs so I can keep my memories of all the trips I've taken. PHEW! Thanks Dad and Mom for your help with that! Okay, I think that's enough of a pity party. It's off to work I go! Time to get writin'!

P.S. There will be NO pictures posted with this!

2009-12-31T16:50:00.000-08:00

The group gathering at the Orson Hyde Memorial to hear about the dedication and returning of the Jews, on the Mount of Olives, with a great view of the city!
Here are the East Gates-- now sealed up, someday Christ will return!
I loved traveling with Aunt Patty! She was a great roommate, and an amazing tour guide!!
Fun with the Facers, a couple I met on the trip. We are inside Lazarus' tomb.
Thank you, Sam (guide) and Levon (bus driver) for showing us around Israel and making a great experience for us!
Steps that date 100 B.C. to about 100 A.D. Awesome to walk on them and think who may have walked on them in history!
The Allred ladies were fun to travel with! This is at the Garden of Gethsemane.
I learned a lot more about the temple mount this year, helping me develop a great love and understanding of the temple.
A group outside the Garden Tomb. What a lovely place and a powerful spiritual feeling.

We're Back, and it was GREAT!!

2009-12-19T05:59:00.003-08:00

Before leaving for Israel, I was able to sing with Aunt Sara and Aunt Patty in the Tabernacle with a choir "We Also Sing" led by Merrilee Webb. It was an awesome experience, and we all wore leis that we learned how to make!
Now in front of the organ at BYU Jerusalem with wonderful friends Nani, Patty, Bri, and Vickie.

There's so much to say, but here are a few pictures to start us off. My computer is having problems, so I have only a few for now. More details to come!

LOVING it!
These kids were so cute! I had fun with them, and they kept following us until we left, waving goodbye and coming up to me to give me a high 5.

This is inside the traditional Lazarus tomb site.

There's so much to be THANKFUL for!

2009-11-22T21:41:00.001-08:00

I still need to post pictures... time to do something instead of the crazy Halloween picture! Sorry for any folks that check my blog and keep seeing that (probably only Laura, Sariah, and Mom!). I love how Laura has been blogging about things she is grateful for this month. It's the little things that often go unnoticed and unappreciated! In Sunday School they showed a clip from Mormon Messages to talk about Thanksgiving, and I loved it. I especially appreciated one man that said, "I'm grateful for what is ahead!" At first, that may sound funny if we don't know what is ahead, but I loved that optimistic outlook. With the gospel of Jesus Christ, we always have hope in a new day and in the future. We know opportunities are ahead, and even if they are challenges, they are really opportunities to learn and grow. I look back and realize I couldn't have planned my life to go as it's gone, but it's been full of just the learning experiences I have needed! It fills me with joy to know more joy, experiences, and learning are yet ahead! With the Savior, I know I can rise to what may come. (Philippians 4:13)

I am eternally thankful for the Savior... my friend, light, strength, my song, the perfect example and loving elder brother.

I am so grateful for the scriptures. I enjoy a spiritual feast at my fingertips each day to guide me. The more I read and try to understand them, the more I see I have to still learn!

I will always be grateful for living prophets and their revelation and direction for us. When I really listen to them, I feel so guided and gain just the perspective and balance I need. I love sweet President Monson!

I am SOOO grateful for an amazing family!!!!!! I can't say this enough. Honestly, each member is so important. Each brother and sister (that includes in-laws), niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, cousin, brother, grandparent, and my parents have played such an important role in my life. Their SINCERE and DEDICATED love for me always astounds and humbles me. I love being their sister, aunt, daughter, niece, cousin, and granddaughter.

I am so grateful for the people in this world. I love serving in the temple, with others in my ward and in my job. I love learning from others' unselfish examples and find such joy in each unique personality. I love good friends. I love making new friends all the time, seeing how the more people you meet, the more great people we realize are out there!

I am grateful for a good-working car and a warm and functioning home, and for the ability to pay for these things!

I am grateful for a great job and good students who teach me each year! Their notes, smiles, and desire to do what is right makes my day, each day!

I am thankful for technology, and the chance to call anyone wherever I am. For this laptop I am able to type on right now, for the ability to heat hot chocolate in a microwave and turn on a light at any moment.

I am thankful for good health and for modern medicine so I can still be alive.

Odd as this may sound, I am thankful for my trials. If life wasn't hard, it would be boring, I wouldn't progress, and I wouldn't have the chance to become who I need to be. I am grateful for lessons learned in trials by turning to the Savior, prayer, the scriptures, and good people who can share their insight and love with me.

I am grateful for my talents, and how the Lord is giving me a chance to discover more.

I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to travel and finish a master's degree before marrying.

I am grateful to know who I am, to be happy with life, to be content and also to not give up hope in my deep desires.

Well, if you made it this far, way to go! I am grateful for you too!

The Eight-Cow Woman is Alive!

2009-11-01T21:32:00.000-08:00

For those of you fond of Johnny Lingo, here's what I was for Halloween. For those of you who don't know Johnny Lingo, I am some sort of Polynesian. The lava lava skirt came from Tonga and was my Grandma's for years. Complete with leis, a long black wig (the students actually asked if it was my real hair!!!), and black on my eyebrows to match. :)

As you may also see a little, my room mom went ALL OUT this year decorating my classroom! What a woman! Thanks, Emily! The Halloween chandeliers, cobwebs, and 8 different activities with cupcakes, orange punch, and treat bags... did she miss anything? I don't think so!!! The kids had a blast wrapping themselves as mummies, digging through brains and guts, playing hangman, and "Don't Eat Pete." It was a fun evening as well on Friday with the family get-together and out to see a GREAT play "Forever Dead" (a spoof on Forever Plaid) at the Off Broadway Theater downtown. Saturday was fun too, helping mom and Janie pass out treats to the trick-or-treaters!

Today was an awesome Sunday too, with a great ward choir practice, feeling love from many good ward members, and talking with good friends. God's hand is in our lives every day. Thanks for the sweet testimonies I heard today at church. I also heard from Elder Uchtdorf in an amazing CES fireside he gave tonight. Then I headed off to the 400-woman choir practice led by the talented, hilarious, and inspired Merrilee Webb. I'm loving it. Our concert is in the Tabernacle on Temple Square the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I'm glad I had a good weekend for the crazy week that is ahead! PT conferences and report cards. Wish me luck!!!

2009-10-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is already October 11th! Almost another month has flown by! Life is bringing so many great blessings. Wasn't General Conference incredible? Pres. Monson- service, Elder Holland- Book of Mormon, Pres. Uchtdorf- God's Love, Elder Bednar- The Family, Elder Scott- Listening to the Holy Ghost... those were a few of my favorites. Oh, and ANOTHER temple in Utah- Brigham City, my Grandpa's home town!!

What was amazing was the great unity I felt with my family this general conference as we were emailing, texting, gathering, and holding an FHE about the conference. What a time we live in, with the evil forces growing stronger and God's kingdom spreading throughout the world! I'm so grateful we were able to talk and share our testimonies and love for one another this conference. Thanks, Laura, for getting it off to a great start with your testimony by email. Wish you could have joined us that evening!

Friday night I enjoyed attending a missionary reunion, and after visiting my mission recently, I definitely have had my mission on my mind! (Oh, and being set up with the older brother of an elder in my mission....!) It was great to see a lot of the sisters from my mission and catch up with them. I loved talking with my mission president and his wife as well. Apparently, he developed diabetes in the last year, and is lucky to be alive after some pretty major and scary surgeries. We had fun talking insulin, carb counting, and lifestyle changes together. He is doing very well at taking care of it, which was inspirational to me!

I have been blown away by the creativeness of others' blogs of late. People are so crafty, clever in their writing, artistic, and classy! Thanks for inspiring me to improve! I'm actually taking a Creativity in Education class right now to work on my masters degree, so it's been great to see what you all come up with!

I just want to make one funny comment on how life seems to come around and make circles sometimes. Like this mission reunion, running into people and renewing friendships. Yesterday I sat down with a friend at church, and who was in front of me, but a friend I had in one of my BYU wards several years ago! He and his wife just bought a home in my neighborhood! You never know who you're going to meet again in life. And while I'm being reflective about that... isn't it amazing how the more people that you DO meet, the more amazing people you see that are out there?

I belong to an awesome ward, and the RS sisters were kind to make comments and say they enjoyed the lesson I taught yesterday from the Joseph Smith manual. I love teaching, and wish I had more opportunities to practice. But I would hate to take the calling away from the others who do such an INCREDIBLE job in our ward. I was filling in for another mom who is sick. Lesson #42 is a goodie!

The first annual DAY-THOMAS Reunion at Mt. Air!

2009-09-23T00:48:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, ELLA!

2009-09-23T00:22:00.000-07:00

Well, this probably isn't necessary because her mother is so very good at blogging, putting us all to shame, but Ella turned a WHOLE year old while I was on the trip back east! Laura wanted to come and meet us, but with Ella's big birthday on the same day we were in Kirtland, it didn't quite work out. We sure thought about little Ella and the events that took place during the labor and delivery... doctors, long hours for poor Laura, the threatening tornadoes.... we are glad she made it! She is such a joy to the family, and thanks to Laura's posts and videos, we can keep up to date and still hear her joyous laugh! Isn't she a doll? She went on her first cruise just two months after I went on my first cruise, and in this picture she is flashing that winning smile that won the hearts of many on their cruise. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELLA! I'm so grateful to be your aunt!

Some highlights from the Church History Tour!

2009-09-22T22:20:00.000-07:00

The Kirtland temple was beautiful, especially as we learned, discussed, and pondered the significance of what took place here, in the unfolding of the restoration of the gospel!
I love hard-working Joseph! This statue is on Josiah Stowell's property, the man he worked for when he came to Harmony and met Emma.
I loved being with my aunts Sara and Patty on the tour! It felt like I was traveling with my sisters! (They liked it when I said that too. :)
In the very gorgeous Sacred Grove, on a beautiful morning!
My home away from home-- the Joseph Smith Memorial in Sharon, Vermont! We had an amazing sacrament meeting there, where we took turns sharing our testimonies. Oh how the memories flooded back that day. It was great sharing it with these two lovely ladies!

It's Dedicated!

2009-08-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

Sunday was an awesome day when the Oquirrh Mountain Temple was dedicated! Pres. Monson, Pres. Uchtdorf, Elder Bednar, and other speakers did all a wonderful job. The temple is five minutes from my house, and only a minute or two away from the elementary I teach at every day. It's been an exciting thought this week to realize it is open and there is work being done inside! I look forward to going through for a session the first time on Thursday. There were powerful lessons in the dedication about all of us being equal when we all dress in white in the temple, how important it is for the children and youth to prepare for the temple, and how important of a work we are part of as we work in the temple. How blessed to see 3 temples so easily each time I head up to the temple! Last night it seemed to be glowing even brighter as I went jogging by it. What a blessing to live in this valley at this time, in the latter days!

A Blessing: Blessings!

2009-08-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

For many reasons, I was quite emotional and vulnerable all day on Sunday. I had to accompany a musical number, conduct Relief Society (and felt out of sorts as I did), and visited an old boyfriend to drop off and pick up some things that belonged to each other. I hesitate to say I have had diabetes, financial, health, and life plan dilemmas and challenges on my mind a lot. I am so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful people, ready to help. I am so grateful for insights from God through the scriptures and the temple. And a few days ago, I was again grateful for such wonderful parents who listen to me, over and over again. I realized that after having already taught school for two weeks, I haven't yet received a father's blessing for the school year. My dad is great to listen and understand what I'm feeling and going through before giving me a blessing. That was great to share what has been weighing me down. I hate to burden others, but they want to know it all, and seem to help in just the way I need. Is that great or what!?! The father's blessing my dad gave me was so comforting and encouraging, and this week I have gained peace, confidence, and greater insight and direction for the future. A little more "umph" to endure to the end! Ironically, I have been studying 2 Nephi 31 this week too! There are many great footnotes and cross-references to verse 20.

Life is wonderful, and although challenging, can be enjoyed when we realize how much we are given with this amazing restored church, the power of the Priesthood being one of those great things.

Kylie and Savanna at the Oquirrh Mtn. Temple

2009-08-10T16:16:00.001-07:00

2009-08-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

I had a blast with these two darling nieces a few weekends ago, and we tried to pack as much fun in as we could! We discovered a fun beach area at the Daybreak Lake, went swimming in the pool at my clubhouse, and showered to get dressed up and go to the temple, only 5 minutes from where I live. They were so quiet, sweet, and excited about seeing the temple... but the smile in this picture is a little forced. It was a HOTTTTT day! We couldn't crank that AC fast enough in the car. But it was all worth it, and I'm proud of them for still smiling! The temple was gorgeous, and I loved sharing it with these two special gals. Savannah has since been in a scary bike accident, poor thing! She is recovering, but it gave us all quite a scare!

TIME TO CATCH UP!

2009-07-11T23:41:00.000-07:00

Can you say, way overdue, or what? I have to admit, I struggle with blog thing, but reading my friends' and family's blogs inspires me! A quick re-cap since my last blog:

1. Finished another school year with another awesome class, that I will miss dearly!

2. Enjoyed the Temple Celebration with the Youth, plus the open house for the beautiful and very close Oquirrh Mtn. Temple!

3. Had a BLAST on the Alaska cruise with my friend Keri, my parents, and her family!!!!

4. Forging with my Master's classes- 2 online this summer, and just finished one full week of a marathon school law class!

5. Family weddings, showers, missionaries coming home, missionaries leaving!

6. Getting ready for the next school year, starting July 27th!

7. Piano lessons, running, shopping, hiking, reading, cleaning, and temple work this summer--- for what "spare time" I get!

8. And to all you friends and family-- YES, I want to get together! Don't give up on me! :)

School Choir Spring Concert 2009- Karolee and I posing after it's all over. She's is amazing to work with. The kids sang their hearts out!

2009-05-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

B.J. was so cute to pose for a picture with me! He is such a fun, happy, energetic little toddler! Very similar to his older brothers!

2009-05-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Birthday Fun with some of my favorite people!

2009-05-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

MAY DAYS! MAY DAYS!

2009-05-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

Holy cow, could this month get any crazier?!? I'll take a minute to post a bit here... I don't know how I get into these things, but my life is busier lately than I thought I would ever let it get. I'm enjoying the things I do, just need to take time to do the basic important things too, and trying to remember everything! Luckily, I'm surrounded by good people who help keep me afloat, happy, and remembering WHY I am doing all I am doing! When this month is over, I may just be able to breath a sigh of relief!

I had a GREAT teacher appreciation week last week, with my birthday in the middle of it! I love how my birthday falls on teacher appreciation, because it feels like I celebrate my birthday all week! It was nice getting messages, phone calls, and invites for get-togethers, realizing that people do care and remember me! The students at school brought cute cards, flowers, "treats" (my version-- apples, oranges, bananas, nuts), and class school supplies! I got a few fun gifts too.

Well, I best be off. Here's a few of the things on the big list lately, (if no one reads or cares, for my own journal-keeping, right?)

-School Choir Concert next week

-Several practices and a big performance for the Youth Temple Celebration at the Conference Center downtown. I love working with those youth!

-Two new teachers to meet with for Relief Society

-A wedding and a baby shower to plan/help with

-Speaking at the VT Conference in a couple Sundays

-Classroom Talent Show for their parents

-Get my new Driver's License (oops, it expired on my birthday!)

-Pay for Summer semester of master's classes

-Accompany a young woman in our ward for a musical number, & play for the ward choir

-And don't forget... do my visiting teaching!

Women's Conference

2009-05-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

What an amazing couple of days it has been on BYU campus with my sisters and thousands of other women, gathered together to become stronger spiritually for the times we are in! The Spirit was so strong, right from the first session. I love being gathered with so many great women and learning from the great things others have prepared to share. I was so thankful my sister Laura flew in from Indiana and that Julie and my mom and I were able to get the time off from work to be there.

Thursday morning we had a powerful experience when Merilee Webb talked to us and led us in rising up together to sing, "Now Let Us Rejoice" with great feeling! Tears were streaming down my face to think of the great work we are a part of and how thankful I am for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Sandra Rogers told us this hymn was written during a time of great difficulty and persecution in the Church. They still had reason to rejoice, and so do we! One thing Merilee told use that has stayed with me is: "When you walk into a room, you either add to it, or take away from it." So true! By being gathered with so many faithful women, there was MUCH added to the spirit of the conference!

Many speakers, thoughts, and feelings of the Spirit touched me. I learned more about purposes for trials, making weak things strong, how to help the youth, scripture stories that can be applied to my life, and our duty and responsibility as women. Sister Julie Beck, the general Relief Society President, is such an inspired woman! Ironically, I learned so much from the sisters who I have never heard of, but humbly shared things they learned from their lives. WE EACH ARE A POWERFUL INFLUENCE FOR GOOD AS WE LIVE THE GOSPEL!

The conference closed yesterday with Elder Perry coming to speak to us. His wife was there and spoke for a few minutes, and Elder Nelson came as well. The day before I got to meet Elder Anderson... 3 apostles in 2 days has got to be a record! He spoke to us about sharing the gospel with the world, helping dispel misconceptions and opening our mouths. I highly recommend reading these talks to anyone who didn't get to attend!

I think my favorite thing about the conference was discussing with my sisters and mom what we learned. To feel the fire of our testimonies ignited and to talk openly about our feelings did much to speak to my soul. These are the things that bring the most joy!

I will be referring to my notes and trying to live what I learned for several years ahead! I was grateful I already had an opportunity to come home last night and visit with a sister in my ward who is struggling. I met her on the street and we had a good, uplifting discussion about the gospel. I wondered, "Were these opportunities presenting themselves to me before?" Being more in tune and ready to act on the Spirit help me recognize these chances to help. After this conference, I am more committed to work to build the Lord's kingdom and work hard to fight the adversary!

Lessons Learned From My Niece Janie

2009-04-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

Watching Janie the last couple of days has reminded me, "Become as a little child." She is such a sweet, pure spirit, and like all children, can teach me a lot if I will look with spiritual eyes! Here are some lessons she has taught me! I think these are some things that would make us all feel a little better!
1. A nap in the middle of the day should be taken.
2. Listen to and enjoy the music!
3. Stick to vegetables.
4. Kick and smile when you are excited!
5. Always wake up with a good stretch and a smile on your face.
6. Smile and laugh at people who try to cheer you up!
7. Spend time looking into faces of people and at things with light.
8. It's okay to cry if you feel the need.
9. Enjoy the outdoores and take tine to look around.
10. Read a good book. (okay, it looked like she was reading; she loves playing with paper!

Life is a Balancing Act!

2009-04-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

Things here have been pretty exciting, as I've been preparing seminary lessons for the 9th grade class I'm starting to teach. I enjoy the youth- their energy, desire to learn, to be happy, to say it like it is... I have learned so much in just the two days I've been able to teach them. I'm grateful for Bro. Davis's insights into how I can improve. He said teaching the scriptures can be a balancing act; between spending time in the scriptures, and helping the youth be drawn into them, to see how they apply in their lives. After my first lesson yesterday, I decided I better share a little more about me! So after showing the "spotlight poster" that I show my 3rd graders at the beginning of the year, they found they had a few things that relate to me. I had their attention then, and I wish I had the practice of keeping that "involvement" throughout the lesson. I did find some things that worked well, like using the Bible Dictionary to understand the Pauline Epistles, using the footnotes, and discussing the background so the youth can better understand the scriptures. It was also awesome to see how willing they were to share times when they have seen people who have been comforted through trials by turning to the Savior. They are wonderful youth, and it's exciting to see their love for good things. I also talked with them about General Conference coming up this weekend, and how to react to the protests that can go on downtown at this time. (See Elder Hales' talk, Oct. 2008 conference) Forgiveness and not quarreling we only touched, on because the time FLEW by! It's a 45-min. class, and by the time the devotional is done, we have lost much of the time!

I was so grateful I got to watch a wonderful teacher teach after I finished teaching. He was so natural and open with the youth, he drew out of them things to help them read the scriptures, and he really listened well, enjoyed them, and loved them. He was actually subbing, and is an assistant to the area authority over seminaries and institutes in the area. He helped me see that relying on the Spirit for what to teach is more important... I need to keep that a balance too: being prepared as much as I can, and relying on the Spirit too!

Meanwhile, I'm realizing my own life is getting a little out of balance while I'm spending so much time preparing for these lessons! I need to take care of my health with sleep, eating right, watching my blood sugars better, and having fun and relaxing with friends too! I look forward to General Conference, time with the family, and to get my house in order! :)

Confessions of An Aging Body

2009-03-23T22:30:00.000-07:00

Well, if you are up for a funny story- an embarrassing one, of course (this is ME we are talking about)- then sit back and enjoy! Last Wednesday morning, I was feeling great that I got up by 6:00 am to go outside for a morning run. I've been wanting to shed some pounds and feel better about how I look! This 30-year-old body is hard to keep fit! Well, the weather was nice, but unfortunately, the sun wasn't up quite yet! There were several street lamps on, though, so I found my way. After about 40 minutes, while I was on a sidewalk, I looked down at my phone to check the time, and what do you know.... WHAM! A tree branch hit me head on-- scraped deep across my nose, and all along my cheek under my left eye! (Yes, I should count my blessings my eyes are okay!) All I could think was, "Oh, man, that's going to leave a big mark!" It wasn't painful actually, but very disheartening! Just when I'm trying to look better about how I look... ironic, huh? In fact, the moments up to this incident I was thinking, "I need to find a better moisturizer for my face; the one I have doesn't seem to work so well." Well, after this, dry skin soon became the least of my problems! The students all day at school had to look at the bright red marks across my face, but you gotta love kids, because they said something once, and that's all I heard the rest of the day! I appreciated the sympathy from the co-workers, and we are working on getting the healing process to move as quickly as possible! I think vanity is something I'm shown I shouldn't have much of... look where it leads me! Another funny side note... my friend Kami decided to go running with me every morning,.. did she know what danger she was getting herself into?

Draper Temple Open House

2009-01-20T07:44:00.000-08:00

Wow, what an incredible experience our family had at the Draper Temple Open House yesterday. The Spirit was so strong as we entered and walked through each room. It was awesome to watch my nieces and nephews experience seeing a temple for the first time. They were in awe, especially in the Celestial room. Cute little B.J. even said, "Wow!" upon entering, which was what was going through our minds! It was gorgeous. After we left the Celestial room, my niece Savannah said, "I want to live here!" Christopher lost a tooth while he was in the Celestial room-- a memorable experience! In discussing the temple with the kids as we were driving somewhere later in the day, Kyle said, "I felt so different there, different than any other place. It felt like the day of my baptism." Another said, "It felt like I was in heaven with Jesus Christ." I asked them if they knew what those feelings were, and discussed with them how the Spirit is that peaceful, heavenly, loving feeling. I told them it was good for them to recognize and know what that feeling is like, because they would need it for the future in all the decisions they have to make with college, missions, and who to marry. They are so impressionable. I was disappointed in myself for taking them to a movie later where the Spirit left... I hope they'll keep the great feelings of the temple with them! What really matters are those things that bring us closer to God and to each other. I felt comfort with the words in Philippians 3 this morning, "Brethren, be followers together of me... For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." The scriptures speak many words of peace to my heart, and I'm grateful for the chance to have such spiritual moments with my family. The temples are the house of God, and as Savannah said, "I want to live here!" I thought, "That's because we feel the Spirit here, and wouldn't it be great if we could always feel that?!"

January 5th!

2009-01-05T22:59:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 2009!

Wow, that month of December flew by, didn't it! I have had a wonderful break with my family, especially getting more acquainted with my darling nieces! (See Laura's or Sariah's posts) I'm excited for a new year ahead, with plans made, goals set, and hopes for things I want to do! I am off track for a while, enabling me to work more on the mile-long list of things I'd love to do! Gospel study, organizing, school prep, guitar practice, niece-tending, running, keeping in touch with friends... fun stuff, right?

I've been staying at my parents' quite a bit, since that is where Mike, Laura, and Ella have been camping out! I love waking up to Ella's cute smiles every day. She is quite the charmer. I'll have to get my pictures and videos on here pronto!

2008-12-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

By the way, I never got to post about Halloween! I have really slacked on the blog. I was a cross between Safari Girl and Indiana Jane. When I saw the zebra-striped dress at Ross, I couldn't pass it up for my costume. :) Complete with hat, boots, stuffed alligator, and rubber snakes, this is what I came up with!

2008-12-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

Sheesh! What a month, already, and it's only the 3rd of December! I contemplated going to Israel again with my Aunt Patty. Doesn't it sound nice to calmly enjoy the sunny weather near the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Galilee, and to learn about the places the Savior lived and taught? Instead, I'm spending every minute practicing for musical numbers, rehearsing with the school choir, teaching 3rd graders who are excited for Santa to come, shopping, and getting all those Christmas cards sent! I must admit though, the feelings and thoughts from my trip to Israel are still so fresh on my mind that I can picture each place vividly and take myself there as I spend a little time each day in the scriptures. I can make each musical number more meaningful, love each child I teach more as the Savior did, and remember the significance and sacredness of this season when I remember what I learned there last year. I will definitely go back someday, but right now, I have lots to do and give while I am here!

I am enjoying my students this year, who work so hard. My trooper 3rd grade girls (all 7 of them) do great amidst a class of 18 boys, and the boys do pretty well themselves! They worked hard on the play we performed with the rest of the school tonight, and the song "Recycle the Fruitcake" has been in my mind so much the past 2 months, I wouldn't care to hear it again for quite a while! :)

I am really enjoying the holidays here in Utah, and glad I've already been able to see the lights downtown with my sister's family and my parents. Monday night I stayed up late putting up my Christmas tree, and last night I went to the Festival of Trees! I look forward to time spent with my family, especially since they'll all be together with Laura, Mike, and little Ella, and I'll even get a couple days to watch my niece Janie! Their blogs have been so fun to follow. I look forward to time off to read, spend time with nieces and nephews, and organize! Can you believe how fast 2008 flew by?

Trial Post

2008-10-17T08:32:00.001-07:00

I'm having so much fun in Indiana with Ella!

Janelle's Blessings...

2008-09-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Isn't life incredible?

One moment you are watching your siblings get married, and before you know it they are becoming parents! To think these little spirits were in heaven, just waiting to come to earth! All of us went through this process, and hard to believe we all grow to be so different... yet the same. :) I love teaching children too, and learning more about our purpose and personal missions here on this earth. Life is incredible, and once I start counting the blessings, infinity is before me!