Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving.  

We had a nice day and nice weekend with our family here in Cedar.  We truly are blessed.  I heard something the other day that was just awesome. 

   Some things to be thankful about:

I am thankful for huge piles of undone laundry, because it means we have clothes to wear.

I am thankful for property taxes, because it means we own a home.

I am thankful for our heating bill, because it means we have a warm home.

I am thankful for the teenager complaining about doing the dishes, because I know that he/she is home and not out on the streets.

I am thankful for the playdough stuck in the carpet.  The kids enjoyed being creative.

I am thankful that my husband got home late from work, because he has a job and is needed.

I am thankful for a lawn full of leaves that needs raking, because it means we have big beautiful trees to enjoy in the summer.

I am thankful to shovel snow, because the farmers will have enough water next summer.

I am thankful for the barking dog, he is just trying to protect us.

I am thankful for loud music.  I have ears to hear it.

After a long day, I am thankful for the soreness in my body.  I can walk.

I am thankful for deductibles, it means we have insurance.

I am thankful for the 45 minute drive to the temple.  I have somewhere to feel peace and serenity away from the world.

I am thankful for 3 hour church, it means I have a testimony.

We are blessed with lots of work and Dennis and the guys are doing great. There are many prayers on Erik's and our entire family's behalf.

We feel them.

Erik is half way done with Chemo and Radiation treatments!  Yay!  He has good days and yucky days.  He's able to control the nausea with meds and rest.  On his good days he still gets out and goes to Church activities, like his ward's FHE and ward prayer on Sunday nights, to his friends' missionary welcome homes.  They are all coming home now!  And a few trips to St. George to the Temple.  He is able to still do a few things.  His radiation treatments aren't affecting his eating too much as far as soreness and taste.  The doctor is pleased with that.  They are being really cautious of how much area and how intense.  Because of previous radiation.... his skin and tissues can only handle so much without damaging his quality of life.  Mondays are long.  We spend most of the day at the cancer center.... doing labs, radiation treatments and then 4 hours of chemo/potassium/steroids/nausea meds.  Every other week he meets with the doctor.  Mondays are wearing on the body and soul.  But it's all for good!  We're going to whoop this thing!  He is strong and stalwart and continues to be an inspiration to everyone he is around.  He always has some quick witty thing coming out, too.  For instance, on the form to fill out before seeing the doctor each time.... a question at the bottom asks "Are there any concerns or questions for the doctor today?"  And Erik writes.... "What does the fox say?"  Dr. Haslem had a good chuckle on that one!  The other 4 days of the week is radiation, same time, same place.... different puzzle pieces for me while I wait.  It's only for 15 minutes or so.  And we meet with Dr. Donaldson on Tuesdays for a bit.  He's great with Erik and like I said earlier... just being very cautious.  The other techs are great.  It's always fun to see Mat Cole.... who was once in our ward until they moved into town.  Such great people who care and want what we all want... to whoop this thing!