It's a New Year

I've had a couple of people tell me this week that they wanted me to update the blog more regularly. My answer to them was that I wasn't sure what to write about--the only news was that I'm feeling pretty good and I'm happy! The side effects from the last chemo treatment weren't too awful. By Christmas Day, I was over the worst stuff and was able to really enjoy the day with my family. We spent a wonderful Christmas Eve with the Hansen's, and then spent the next day at home with just our family. Nana, Grandpa, and Uncle Matt and his friend, Stacie, visited for a little bit, but we all stayed in our jammies and just enjoyed our time with each other. I was just so happy to still be here this Christmas, and to feel well enough to enjoy it. I've started taking all the decorations down earlier than I normally do, but I've needed the help of the kids before they start back to school this Monday.

Waking up on the morning of this new year, the sun is shining and this valley is beautiful!! I've been reflecting on how much I love living here--it's not just about the beauties of nature that we enjoy so much. I really think the reason why I love it so much here is because of the beauty in the hearts of the people surrounding me. Twenty-three years ago, Vern was finishing up dental school and we were trying to figure out where we wanted to practice and live for the rest of our lives. Vern was kind of thinking somewhere in southern California or Nevada, where there was more of an opportunity to make a better living--Utah was (and still is!) full of dentists--there were better opportunities elsewhere. Having grown up being close to all four of my grandparents, and four of my great-grandparents, I was pretty adamant about trying to be as close to our families as possible. When the opportunity arose to purchase a practice in Huntsville, halfway between both of our families in S.L. and Brigham City, we jumped at it. I think this has been one of the very best decisions we've made in our married life! It was quite a struggle financially for about the first 7 years, but as I think especially about the last 3 1/2 months, I realize what a "tender mercy" it has been to live here. We are blessed to have close relationships with our parents and siblings, and the relationships we've developed with our friends and neighbors in this valley are a treasure. A friend remarked to me the other day how blessed I've been, because not many people in this life get to know and feel how very loved they are--too often these feelings and sentiments aren't expressed until an individual is gone. I have felt that love in abundance and do feel so blessed!

My next chemo treatment is scheduled for January 10th--this will be my fifth treatment. My body has been responding so well, and hopefully I will only have to have the six treatments originally planned. After that, they will have to do some imaging to determine how much the tumor in my breast has shrunk and if they can then do surgery to remove it. I think I am one of the few women who is hoping for, and looking forward to, a mastectomy. I'm not sure what this new year has in store for me and my family, but I do know that our Heavenly Father and the Savior continue to love us and are very aware of our needs--They constantly inspire the wonderful acts of love and service which we daily receive. Happy New Year to all!
Love always, Kim