Summer's End

I felt so strong the day this picture was taken...We took a hike up to Fern Falls, and although the trail was not very steep. I did make it, and it was not all that hard. Since then, I started Chemo again, and some kind of bone therapy to strengthen them...and it has wiped me out again. But I have my rest week this week, after having the last round of the three rounds I need to go though, so I am running wild with ideas and things I would love to accomplish if I feel good this week.

My tumor markers are down from 600 and something to 34. That was a cheery slice of news!!! I feel good since chemo yesterday...but much of it is due to the steroids they pump into you just before getting the navolbean. (Chemo)....It is only 5:00AM and I am wide awake planning 6 million things to do today and tomorrow...before the good stuff wears off!!

We were going to drive down to see April, she is really struggling with Julia and colic. I feel so bad for her, but there is so much to do here, and I would like to get something done before the weather turns nasty. It is already freezing at night. We picked grapes yesterday, and apples a week or so ago. I swear, the applesauce is the best I have ever made, and we don't even know what kind of apples we have. How big do crab apples get? These are small and sort of tart, yet sweet at the same time. We will go down to April's around the 18th of October...during my next break. Then, April, Chay and the kids they are coming here for Christmas. Lorena comes home next week, I think. It will be so nice to see her and AJ. I have really missed them. I guess AJ is walking, and Bryon is so excited to see her. I think next week we will sneak off to Radium before the weather turns to winter.

It has been a good week. I did baptisms and sealings in the temple, but I messed up. I was with a veteran group, all in their 80's or so, and I had some names that I had not cleared properly for sealing. I realized this after one couple were sealed that did not have the rest of their work done. The sealer, without me saying a word, recognized that I was troubled and he fixed the mistake for me. It was such a sweet, spiritual moment for me, as Gary was not there, and it was a very important sealing in his family that he needed to be in the temple to witness and participate in. The Lord knew this and stepped in with His spirit and inspired the temple sealer to fix the mistake, and give us time to be together as a family for this sealing. Words do not do this justice, I know, but it truly was one of the sweetest moments I have ever had in the temple, one I will never forget.

Well, I think I had better try to get a little sleep Thanks again for your continued prayers. I had a blessing about a week ago that was so sweet and dear to my heart. So many of my fears were calmed and I felt like Heavenly Father was talking directly to me, as He, through the priesthood, addressed so many of my concerns. I am trying to turn my life over to Him each and every day so as not to waste a moment of time. I have felt your prayers of encouragement, and love so much. Thank you