Thanksgiving Fabulous Friday

1.  NYC...need I say more.  It was truly fabulous.  I'm working on the post, so be patient.  I loved every part of being in NYC except of course the wind and cold which we only had the last 2 days we were there.
2.  I accomplished my goal of doing a 5K 1 month after Chemo, which we did yesterday.  It was great fun!  It was cold when we started out, but warmed up when we got going.  We finished a lot slower than normal, which is fine because we weren't racing for a prize, just for fun.  We did stop a few times for pictures though.

3.  I had my pre-op with Dr. Cooper Tuesday when I got back into town for my reversal!  I so can't wait.  2 weeks from today I will be Hank free (aka the bag).  She is the most awesome Dr.  She told me that my case was so rare that only 1% of the population of ovarian cancer patients are my age.  She also said that she think mine is caused by endometriosis too, which we have felt all along.
4.  Our entire family is home for the holiday.  This is the first time that we have all been together since probably New Years.  It is so cozy here with mom's cooking and a fire!

5.  Wednesday was a fun day being in the kitchen with mom and Tristen.  I love the cooking day before Thanksgiving.

Grandpa Swensen needed a break from his house.

6.  I'm going to Charlotte on Tuesday.  I can hardly wait to see my friends that have given me so much support and love through this journey.
7.  Being that it is the day after Thanksgiving, we decided it was okay to have cherry pie for breakfast!

Tanner brought his friend Kayla home, she joined us for pie.

Happy Thanksgiving

All day I've been thinking of how grateful I am for the events that this year has presented me with.  A new job, a cancer diagnosis, a trip to Disney World and Charlotte, visits from wonderful friends and family.
I'm thankful for:
-modern medicine and doctors who went out of their way to give me the best medical care.
-the hundreds of cards, packages, visits, phone calls and well wishes sent by so many friends and family.
-the many prayer's in my behalf by friends, family members and strangers from many different denominations.  Last night Aidree said the family prayer.  In it she said, "Please bless Aunt Terah that her hair and eyelashes will grow back."  I cried.  Then Bridget said, "Don't cry, your hair will grow back."
-my nieces and nephews who pray for me and bring me so much joy and happiness.
-siblings and their love, for going out of their way for me and visiting me when they could have gone on a fancy vacation instead of coming home.
-my parents who have taken care of me over the past 6 months and done all those things that I wish I could have done for myself.
-new friends who are suffering through the same thing I have been going through.
-Great insurance, funds to pay for my medical bills and extra to live on.
-The knowledge that I work for a great company who is behind me and will take me back when I can start working again.
-a deeper appreciation and understanding of the atonement, for Jesus Christ who has suffered what I have suffered.
-making it through 5 months of chemo, with minimal side effects.
I'm ever so grateful for endurance through trails that have made me stronger and better.

God Is In The Details

May I share with you one of my most favorite quotes...

"The same God that placed that star in a precise orbit millennia before it appeared over Bethlehem in celebration of the birth of the Babe has given at least equal attention to placement of each of us in precise human orbits so that we may, if we will, illuminate the landscape of our individual lives, so that our light may not only lead others but warm them as well."
Neal A. Maxwell.

I have always loved this quote.

It makes sense that all of the people I have met along my path have been put there for a reason at the very time I needed them to cross my path.  Some have stayed, while others have been there for only a short time.

It makes sense that 2 years before I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer I felt so sure that I needed to be closer to home, even though I didn't want that change in my life, the Lord knew I needed it.  

It makes me confident that the Lord is in the very details of my life, that if I will let Him lead me, He will.  

How grateful I am for these small details, for the amazing people in my life and the direction my life has taken with the  help of an all knowing, all loving God.  

NYC I Heart You

Yes, I had a fabulous week in NYC.
Yes, I'd love to tell you all about it.
However...Tristen, Mitch and the girls are on their way home for the holiday and will be here in 1 hour and 45 minutes, which means I can't just sit here and blog, even though I'd love to do so.
So for now I will tell you this much...
Newsies
Annie
Lavaine's Bakery
Bagels with Sun-dried tomato cream cheese
Lots and Lots of Walking
Shelley's Gourmet Cooking
Great conference talks and lots of learning...
And you will just have to be patient until I can sit down and blog for a while!

Fabulous Friday Guest Blogger cutelittleaandb.blogspot.com AKA The Adorable Younger Sister!

Tristen from cutelittleaandb.blogspot.com has so graciously agreed to be a guest blogger on today's Fabulous Friday.  So far it has been a fabulous Friday, complete with a play date for some of Terah's cutest nieces, a Christmas craft and new friends.
I'll never forget the beginning of this journey.  Terah is normally fearless, but the day she was to go in for all of her scans and MRI's she was a little scared.  I tried to reassure her, through a hug and encouraging words, that it was probably nothing and that she would be fine.  I think we both knew better.  When the diagnosis was given, I still remember thinking people survive cancer all of the time right, if anyone can Terah can?  The day she was to go in for surgery my husband informed me that he had an awesome opportunity through his work in Utah and what did I think about moving there.  We were at Costco having lunch with our girls and between this big news and Terah's cancer, the tears wouldn't stop coming.  I went to the hospital that night to wait while the surgeons performed their magic.  It was very hard to contain my emotions, but I tried.  We were so glad with the promising news that they issued at the conclusion.  That night I just remember going home laying next to my husband and sobbing, the thought of that troubling time still brings tears to my eyes.(Thanks for asking me to blog about this Terah)!  He asked what he could do to help and I had no answer so I just got love pats on the back!  It was not fun to see the things that Terah had to go through in the hospital and the effects of the chemo, we all wished that we could take all of the pain away.  After we moved I felt helpless as I couldn't physically be there for her.  I feel so grateful for all of the people who volunteered their time to take her to appointments or who simply came for a visit.  This journey has been a good learning experience for all of us and especially my girls.  They pray nightly that Terah will get better and that she will get her hair back!  They are learning the power of prayer and that our Heavenly Father does answer them.  I hope we never have to go through this again though I believe it has taught us all a great deal.  Yeah for remission and the hope that it continues for years to come.  As Terah often does I thought I would share a recipe.  Food is one of my favorite things especially this yummy S'mores pie!

S'mores Pie

1 1/ 2 to 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter
8 oz. chocolate either milk or semisweet, or mixed
1 cup heavy cream
1 egg
pinch salt
enough marshmallows to cover the top of the pie

For the crust melt butter, pulse graham crackers in blender till fine, mix with the butter.  It should resemble wet sand. Press firmly into a pie pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 mins.

For the pie part pour cream and chocolate in a microwavable safe  bowl. Microwave in 30 sec. intervals whisking until the chocolate mixture is melted. Mix in the egg and pinch of salt, pour into the crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until pie is set  but slightly wobbly in the center.  Remove from oven and add marshmallows to the top of the pie, turn on the broiler and watching carefully toast the mallows. 

Enjoy!

NYC Bound

Dear Readers:

As of 530 in the morning I'll be NYC bound for the next week!  I am so excited to visit friends, cousins and to take my mom along with me to see all the sights, hear all the sounds and taste all the delicious food that NYC has to offer.  I love this city that never sleeps.  There is something about it that makes me smile non-stop while I'm there.  I'm sure it is mostly because of the company that I am with when there.

I'm not taking my computer.  It is just to heavy and I have too much to see and do to blog.  You never know, I might have a guest blogger or maybe I'll have a few minutes to borrow someone else's computer for a little update.  But if you don't get a post in the next week just know I'm celebrating my remission and this long journey that I have been on.  Oh, yes I almost forgot the real reason I'm going to NYC is for a free medical conference...they usually cost a good $500-$600, so I'll be gaining some good knowledge while vacationing as well!

Hope you are all getting ready for the holidays, I sure am.  So much to look forward to and to celebrate!

See You Soon!

Remission Fabulous Friday

1.  Is there anything more fabulous than hearing the words REMISSION?  This week this was indeed the most fabulous event!  Yes, the following picture is a little blurry...mom needs some photography lessons.

2.  Friday afternoon Pam and I spent time in the kitchen making Gumbo, not just any Gumbo Brick Oven Beanery Gumbo from their new recipe book.  It tasted just like it did in the restaurant.  It took all afternoon but was well worth it.  The story of the BOB gumbo is that they got the recipe from a restaurant in NOLA.  I'd share the recipe but it would be a copyright so you will just have to buy the book or come visit and I'll cook for you.  I sure miss the BOB.

3.  We were sad to see Pam and Morgan leave Saturday morning, but we had such a great time just being together during their short visit.
4.  I finally found some new CK jeans that fit, are stylish and are slimming.  Not that I don't have a million pair of jeans, but given my abdomen isn't the same these days I needed a new pair.
5.  Wednesday after visiting Dr. Dan we went to Whole Foods.  They were the friendliest group of employees.  The man at the deli asked how our day was and if we had anything fun planned.  We told him of our good news.  As we were going to pay for our delicious sandwich another employee came up to us and put a sticker on our sandwich telling us he heard of our good news and lunch was on them.  When we were paying for another purchase the same thing happened, but this time the cashier threw in a box of caramels.   Totally awesome and much appreciated.
6.  Wednesday evening I met up with my dear friend Kaycee.  Unfortunately her life has been super crazy with buying and selling a house that we haven't seen each other since February.  We talked for a straight 3 1/2 hours.  I sure love her and our friendship.  We talked about a girls trip to Mardi Gras the end of February/beginning of March.  I hope we can do it, we'd have so much fun!
7.  I worked on Super Saturday stuff all week.  It's tomorrow and will be one more thing for me to check off of my list of things to do this year.
8.  Tonight we went to a quadriplegic wheelchair rugby game that our friend Jeff played in.  Talk about rough playing.  I was so amazed at the physic of these physically challenged guys.  Who would have known they could move like they did.  It was very entertaining.

9.  My friends the Jones' came home from their mission this week.  It was so good to see them and visit with them and their family this week!
10.  My work called today asking if I could come back to work the beginning of February.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to take them up on it.  I hate Winter and Phoenix in February would be much more comfortable for sure.  Plus February is the best time for grapefruit!  I had originally planned on waiting until the beginning of March but I think I should be ready to work by then.

Be Thankful

A Friend shared this beautiful poem with me today.  I've never been so Thankful as I am today!

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

~Author Unknown

REMISSION!

Yesterday's CT Scan and Blood Tests:  All NORMAL!  The words REMISSION never sounded so sweet coming from Dr. Dan!  At night when I can't sleep, I've played this scenario out in my mind over the past week, but when it came down to it I wasn't sure what to do or how to react, however my relief came as tears of joy.  I'm overjoyed that the hardest part of this Journey is over, even though I know there is more to it.  Today's news seems all so real, just like it did the day I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.  It's a relief to have chemo days something of the past, no more weekly needle pokes and to realize that I have made it through one of the hardest obstacles of my life.  Yes, there are still hard things that will come like the thought of regrowing my hair, building back my energy and muscle and then going back to work after such a long time off.  But the hardest part is over!  I did it; We did it.  I couldn't have done it without my amazing army of supporters, my family, friends, and strangers.  Yes, strangers, like the people who ask me about my treatment while standing in lines at the post office or the supermarket and then who tell me they will pray for me.  I testify of the power of prayer; that our Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.  I have certainly felt his loving arms and spirit of peace encompass me throughout this journey.

For months I have worn this necklace around my neck with the faith in knowing I could accomplish hard things.  I believed I could and so I did!

I discussed with Dr. Dan that I feel like my abdomen is stretched out like I have just had a baby.  His reply, "It's like you've had 6 babies right in a row."  Thanks for making me feel a little better.  He also reminded me that he pumped me full of steroids and to be patient in letting the chemo and steroids rid themselves from my body.  It's not going to be an overnight process, just as it hasn't been an overnight process getting to where I am.  After a morning of feeling down about how I look, it helped in knowing I will be able to regain my strength and my shape hopefully soon.  I have to remember what I have gone through, that I'm still healing and that I'm not my body or my hair, but so much more.

This morning as I was thinking of my upcoming appointment with Dr. Dan, I ran across this quote which gave me comfort and peace in knowing great things were to come: "Hope has a way of being self-perpetuating.  Hope breeds faith.  And faith produces miracles."  -Tito Momen, from My Name Used to Be Muhammad.  How grateful I am for hope, faith and miracles, for I have seen the blessings of them throughout my life, especially over the past 5 1/2 months!

From here I will have tests every 2 months for the first year, port flushes every month and don't forget December 13 will wrap up this years surgery and the last sentence in this chapter of my life.

And so I say Thank You Ovarian Cancer it's been nice knowing you, for making me stronger and better, but now I hope and pray I can say good-bye to you FOREVER!

Glamour...Not

My life use to be glamourous or at least that is what some of my friend's use to tell me.  Really it wasn't, but I hate to admit it was much more glamourous 6 months ago than it is now.  My life now is far from glamourous.  No funny medical stories, no dress up occasions (thank goodness, because those clothes don't look good on me now anyways), no recent vacations (however one is 1 week away).  I hardly have eyelashes on my bottom lids and left upper lid, I wear clothes that are loose and cover my abdomen including, but not limited to yoga pants and skirts (nothing tight) and remember I still have a bald head.  The other day someone suggested that I get a belly band so I can be comfortable in my jeans (yes those are for pregnant women).  Instead I used the rubber band theory so that I could wear my jeans.  It worked, unfortunately I still have to wear a shirt that covers my abdomen and no belts.  There are other non glamourous things about my medical condition; I will spare you the details.

Moral of this post:  I miss a little glamour.  I miss having a much flatter abdomen without a bag attached to it (1 month from tomorrow it will be gone!), being able to wear normal clothes, doing my hair, going to work where I take care of patients instead of the one being taken care of, sweating like crazy for 2 hours at the gym and having the energy to do whatever I please.  In fact you should see me now, brown hoodie with the saying, "Wanted John Deere" which I got on one of my quick trips to visit my cousin Emily in Alabama and one of my most comfortable sweatshirts I own, but really who is going to wear this logo out and about?  Not me.  I have on my gray maxi skirt pulled clear up to my chest so that it won't drag on the ground, a non-matching hat and faded lip stick with bare feet.  I use to only dress down when I would work in the yard, but these days I dress for comfort and to keep warm.  I sure hope I can find something stylish for my upcoming trips.  With the stretched out abdomen that I have, I might just have to borrow some maternity clothes and of course bring my rubber bands along.
PS.  Happy 11/12/13, go celebrate and be glamourous for me today will you please?

November Leads To December

I am loving November, as we are coming to the middle of the month.  I don't think I have ever loved this month as much as I am now.  I am pretty sure some of it is because it is not freezing here YET and near 60 degree's today.  It's likely somewhat do to the fact that I'm more grateful for more than I ever have been.  Being diagnosed with a disease that could potentially take my life gives me a much deeper perspective when it comes to gratitude.  Maybe some of my love for this November is because I have so many things to look forward to in the coming months or maybe it's the people that I have seen and will see this month.  Maybe it's the thought that it is pomegranate, cranberry and pumpkin season.  Or maybe it's the fact that I'm finally feeling more like myself, without any pain and having more energy than I have had in the past several months.  I will admit I'm not super happy about turning 1 year older, but being in NYC on my birthday will make it a lot more exciting, at least I have another year thanks to modern medicine, prayers and a positive attitude.  Yesterday when driving downtown I noticed several sidewalks with piles of leaves on them and thought to myself how much I love hearing the crunch of leaves under my feet!

Today I am watching my first Hallmark Christmas movie (which takes place in NYC), sipping on a hot drink and wrapped in a blanket with the fireplace blaring.  I've been listening to Christmas music, I'm starting my first Christmas book of the season A Christ Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman, planning Decembers Relief Society Activity and I have most of my Christmas shopping done.  I am so excited about the gifts and gift baskets that I'm putting together for friends and family!  I don't need a single thing, but I love this season of giving and letting people know how much I love them!

I'm excited for the coming weeks to do some holiday baking, spend more time at the gym getting my body back (at least for the next few weeks before another surgery) and spending time with those I treasure and love!  Here's to what I hope will be the best 8 weeks of 2013 (yes that's right only 8 more weeks in 2013)!

Early Nov. FF

1.  Friday Tenielle came to town for a quick weekend home.  We met her for lunch/early dinner and a Costco run.  Friday night we went to our hometown High School football game to watch our cousin play.  It was fun to see old friends from my school days.
2.  Saturday evening we had Young Family Halloween a little late because Aunt Leslie, Uncle Gordon and cousin Lisa came for the first time!  The turn out was huge.  We had soup, long johns and hayrides.  The kids also did some trunk or treating.  Needless to say I had some massive abdominal pain before trunk or treating so I had to go home.  I did dress up as a 70's disco girl with one of my awesome wigs and a dress from a dress up dance in College; I couldn't find the awesome white boots that went with the outfit.  It was fun and fun to see lots of family.  Aunt Leslie and her family stayed at our house the two nights they were here.  It is always fun to have her in town and even more fun to have her stay at our house!

3.  Monday evening I went to Alisha's for dinner, FHE, browsing and eating her children's Halloween candy and a nice cold walk.  Yes we had to walk off the candy.  It was 36 when I got in my car after our walk, too cold for my liking, but at least we got some exercise in.
4.  Tuesday my friend Pam and her daughter Morgan came to town!  Super fun having her here! Morgan has the cutest goldie locks!

5.  Wednesday we did some shopping, had lunch with Desiree and Alisha at Flatbread and then a visit to Aunt Carols.  She made me 4 crocheted hats with thick yarn, super warm and cute!
6.  Yesterday Aunt Carol and Alisha came over.  She helped me sew my first hat!  I think I like crocheting better than sewing, but it was fun and I have a warm, stylish hat from it now.  We took Pam to lunch at our favorite Robin's Nest.  I've decided I like this "stay at home mom thing!"  We go to lunch, do crafty things and fix dinner.  I could totally do this, but I admit I do miss working.
7.  Found out this week that Boise is getting a Charming Charlies!  I can't wait.  I love this store, not like I need any more jewelry or scarves. 

Show Me Love

Earlier this week I was talking with someone about the phrase "I Love You."  I have verbally expressed that phrase to only 3 men in my life.  To me that is one of the strongest phrase's in the English language and not to be used lightly.  To tell you the truth using that phrase scares me to death, because to me it means I've given a special place in my heart for a special person who will always take that place in my heart.  Using that phrase makes me vulnerable to my feelings, something I have always been afraid of, because lets face it, once you put your heart out there on the table there is always a potential of your heart being broken; something none of us ever want to experience.

The person I was talking to taught me something.  They said, "There is more to saying I love you, you must show it to really mean it."  Isn't that true?  In a romantic love (because that is what we are talking about), I agree if you tell me you love me, show me, make me see that you really love me, visit me, make time for me, call me in the middle of the afternoon, make me feel like I'm the most special person in your life.

I know the people in my life who truly love me because they show me by their actions.  Since being diagnosed with cancer I have had so many people tell me and show me that they love me.  I have never ever felt so loved as I have over the past 5 1/2 months.  People have showed me love by their many cards, letters, phone calls, gifts and visits.

This week my aunt showed me her love by making me 4 hats without me even asking her to do so.  It meant so much to me for her to do this for me.

So where am I going with this...I'm not sure, except to say if you truly love someone...SHOW IT!

Survivor/Overcomer

The day I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer was the day I became a Survivor and an Overcomer.  I always thought being a Survivor meant when you over came or got through something.  However I have learned over the past 5 months that being a Survivor and an Overcomer is about getting through challenges one day at a time, surviving each day, looking forward to the future and realizing it is ok if you have a bad day and have to back track.  I have definitely had days where I think I should be better, but I feel weak, tired and just not myself.  I look forward to the good days.  I keep having to remind myself that I have only been off of chemo for 1 week.  In my mind I think I should be back to my old self and my mind tells me I can do more, however my body tells nope, not quite yet.

I've come to the conclusion that Survivors are patient; a trait I am continually learning.  The following quote is one that I've loved for years.  It helps me remember that someone has a greater vision for me than I ever could imagine for myself.

“Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best—better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His. We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God's purposes and patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable.”  Elder Maxwell

Yes I'm a Survivor and an Overcomer.  I have Survived a lot over the past 5 months and I know over the next year I'll continue to be a Survivor.  Just because I'm finished with chemo doesn't mean I'm finished with this experience.  I will continually be tested for the next 5 years and pray and hope for many years of health.

I love the following video and the words to this song Overcomer! This makes me so happy!

http://www.youtube.com/v/b8VoUYtx0kw?version=3&autohide=1&autohide=1&feature=share&showinfo=1&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=ZUWPXdjU4Yt0glGhIaEZeQ

What's Next?

What's Next?  I hear you asking...But I'm asking the question too.  Now that my life doesn't revolve around when my next chemo treatment is, I wonder what is next in my life.  After the last unplanned 5 months I want to know what is next, where will I be in the next 5 years, what will I be doing and when will I settle down someplace and call it my home again.

Last week I was reading in Doctrine and Covenants 45:61-62 and came upon two highlighted verses which read "...That ye may be prepared for the things to come.  For verily I say unto you, that great things await you." Of course the Lord was talking to Joseph Smith in these verses, but I felt they totally applied to me in my situation at this very moment and was the answer to the questions that I had voiced earlier that day.  I know without a doubt that the Lord has prepared me for the past 5 months and He is preparing me for great things in my future.  What a beautiful verse of scripture these are, which give me hope in the future.

It is humbling to me to know that the Lord has guided me thus far and I know He will continue to do so in His time.  My focus needs to be in His time and not mine.  I feel like I want to rush through the next several months so that I might know what is ahead.  But I also feel like I need to relish in the moment and enjoy the time I have to continue doing what I have been doing to heal and make myself well.  And of course to have fun and celebrate all I have accomplished over the past 5 months.  I feel like the next year needs to be about celebrating this crazy journey!

The next 2 months will come and go so quickly and I am so excited for the things which will take place.  I even will give you an outline:

*My dear friend Pam and her daughter Morgan are coming to visit tomorrow from Washington DC.  They are the ones I visited when I was in Florida earlier this year.  Pams husband is doing training in DC until the first of the year and then they will move to Kansas.  Oh the joys of being in the military.  I am excited to see Pam and to be in the kitchen with her.  We always come up with good meals when we are together.  I think we would rather cook than go out.  Pam loves food just as much as I do!  I met Pam when I lived in Kentucky.  She was already a PA.  We met at church, I did a rotation with her and then lived with her for a short time during my ER rotation.  We have fun memories together.  My mom counts her as her other daughter.  We love Pam.
*Next week I have scans and blood work Tuesday and then a meeting with Dr. Dan for the results Wednesday.  Hoping for the all clear!
*November 16 is our Super Saturday for church which I am in charge of.  We have so many cute fun things planned that day!
*November 19-25 Mom and I are going to NYC for a few reasons:  to get away (as I really need my airplane fix), I have a medical conference which I know will be great, and to see my friends the McConkies and our cousins Taylor and Kyrie!  I am so excited to go back to NYC.  I love the people I will see, the food, sights and sounds of NYC.
*I get to celebrate my Birthday Nov. 22 in NYC!
* I have a pre-op appointment with Dr. C Tuesday after we get home and then we will do Thanksgiving Day Shopping.
*Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the day we try to prepare everything we can for Thanksgiving Day.  I love this day that we spend in the kitchen together.
*Thanksgiving morning I am doing my first 5K with some of my siblings and cousins and mom.  So throughout this month I will of course be training for it.  Yesterday at church someone noted that I was "booking" it when they saw me jogging on Saturday; trust me I wasn't booking it.  I actually felt rather slow, but it felt oh so good!
* Thanksgiving weekend will be filled with lots of fun activities with the family, not including shopping...I don't do black Friday, maybe cyber Monday, but really I about have my Christmas Shopping done.
*I will go back to SLC with Tenielle Sunday after Thanksgiving so that I can fly out to Charlotte Tuesday afternoon and will be there until December 11.  There is an Ovarian Cancer Luncheon that I will be attending while I am there.  I am so excited to see my friends there and to meet others who have been through what I have been through over the past 5 months.
*I will return late December 11 to Boise and we will have our Christmas Relief Society Meeting which I am in charge of on December 12.
*December 13 I am scheduled for my ileostomy reversal!  So can't wait for this!  I will hopefully only be down for a week and then the Christmas festivities will be upon us!  Maybe some hot guy will grace us with his presence for Christmas. Now that would be something to look forward too!
*January 5-12 we are going on a cruise.
And you thought I was joking about be busy the next few months!  I'm sure my time to go back to work will come all to soon.  My goal is March 3, but I'm thinking I might move it up 2 weeks.  The problem is flu season and my immune system...I am getting quite the cabin fever these days.  So there you have What's Next at least for the next little while!

Ah, November's First Fabulous Friday!

1.  We had one of the most beautiful Octobers ever here in Idaho.  I have loved every moment of it, even if it included chemo, but chemo is over and I have a new month to work on getting well and getting my body back.  I jogged for the first time this week since May, not long, but it felt good.  Working towards my goal of a 5K on Thanksgiving day!
2.  Monday night I went to a look good, feel better class offered for cancer patients.  I enjoyed it, got a lot of nice free make up and learned how to work my eyebrows.  They look much better now.  Sure can't wait to get my full eyebrows and eyelashes back.  I hope they come by Christmas.
3.  Monday night I also went to Alisha's where we made carmel apples and had Family Home Evening.  Her kids are so awesome; I love them like my own.  I heard they are saving all their licorice from trick or treating to give to me!  What sweet kids they are.

4.  My head is getting cold and the crochet hats and scarves aren't keeping it warm.  I've thought of some cute designs and my aunt Carol has a huge fabric collection.  I went to her house yesterday and picked out some cute fabric for some hats.  Monday we are going to put them together!  I feel like I need some style, so that's what I'm hoping for.
5.  Halloween included Taco Soup, Dragon Fly (one of the greatest movies ever) mummies, cowboy's and an indian, and a little duck dynasty.  We missed the ladybug and snow white this year.

6.  Last year I published my 2009 blog and it was ok, but last week I found a better way to publish it via cutestblogontheblock.  Last week I published 2010's blog.  It was so easy and I had it in less than a week.  I got it on Monday and absolutely love it.  So I ordered 2011's this week.  It is an awesome thing to have and look through.  So grateful for technology!