Christmas Tidings

     Once again, I am behind the ball in keeping this updated!  I imagine that everyone is so busy at this time of year, that my writing probably has not been missed.  I have had 4 treatments now with the Topotecan & am doing okay with it.  The schedule so far is to have it 2 weeks in a row, & then take a week off.  I've had a treatment that past two Mondays, so I get to have the week of Christmas off--yea!  They all said I would most likely lose my hair, but it's still hanging in there so far. After the first two treatments, they checked my CA-125 levels & they had only dropped from 226 to 214--not a big difference considering how much sicker this one made me feel.  It was a bit disappointing, as each time I've tried a new drug it seems to have dropped fairly significantly after the first few treatments.  Hopefully, this was just a fluke--but at least it DID drop--that was good news!
     Jarett is doing well in the MTC--in fact, he has been thriving there.  His Spanish is coming well, & his letters have been so positive & full of the spirit of the gospel.  It has been exciting to sense the change that has already occurred with him.  Of course, he hasn't lost his fun sense of humor.  In a letter to Hunter, he wrote about how good he's eating, & the workouts he'd been doing to try & stay healthy.  He said, "When I get off my mission, I'm gonna make a video called Elder Iverson's 9-week Guide to Getting Abs in the MTC".  Oooh--I can hardly wait!
     This Christmas season has been full of wonderful activities--our Dental Staff, Ward & Neighborhood parties, caroling with the family to our Home & Visiting Teaching families, going to see "Savior of the World" & the lights on Temple Square, watching Braedon sing with his Valley Choir, seeing my nieces dance in the "Nutcracker" ballet, reading inspirational Christmas stories each night before bed, seeing a special screening of "Les Mis", shopping & lunch with Sue...so many wonderful things that I am thankful to be here for, & feel well enough to participate in.  As I was re-reading this last paragraph, I was struck by the fact that every one of these activities were done with so many of the people I love.  I am continuing to be served by my family, friends & Relief Society sisters--life is soooo good.
     Today, Elder Marlin Jensen gave a special lesson in church that just went straight to my heart--I know it was meant specifically for me.  He taught of charity--the pure love of Christ--& as a class we read through 1 Corinthians 13 & discussed each & every attribute of charity as given by the Apostle Paul.  It was a beautiful discussion, & the Spirit was strongly felt.  I realized that I still have so much work to do--especially with my family--to become a truly Christlike person.  As I thought through some of my dealings with others these past few days, I felt ashamed at my lack of charity.  But, then my heart was just filled with gratitude for the opportunity my Heavenly Father & Savior have given me to continue to be here on this earth & continue to learn to be charitable.  My shame turned to hope as I realized, once again, what a blessing the Atonement of the Savior is for me.  How thankful I am that I can repent, that my heart can be changed, that I can be forgiven for my selfishness & come unto Him & be healed of ALL my weaknesses--not just cancer.  This is a beautiful time of year, & I hope that I can be worthy to receive the gift of charity in my heart each day, & carry the Spirit of "Christ"mas through the year.  My love to you all!--Kim