The Season

I am so grateful for this time of year. I love Christmas. Today I had the joy of attending 2 Sacrament meetings which means Two chances to sing Christmas Songs. (I always go to 2 meetings but I love it at this time of year)
Today at Church several good friends came up to me and asked how I was doing. They are so sincere and I appreciate it so much.
One said the best line yet. "Aren't you glad your here" and yes I am glad I am here and that I have many more yet to come.

A Proud Dad!!!

The other night Cody was out to the house and told us that he had won a writing contest. He acted like it was no big deal.
Basically he entered a speech for a contest to the National Young Democrats of America on the current political outlook and where it is heading and it won.

Wow!!!! I am so proud of him. I don't agree with all of his political views but that is what makes this country great. The chance for a father and son to agree to disagree.

Sooo Grateful

This Thanksgiving is special. After the time we have had since Oct 1 I am so grateful to be able to tell family and friends when they ask that, all is well and I am doing great!
Boo continues to brighten my day every day. The other day when we got our first big snow, I went out to shovel the driveway. Soon the door opened and out comes Boo and Nat. Boo was in a old snow suit we had and loved the snow. Soon she figured out how to pick some up and throw at me. Of course Nat started laughing when she did it so Boo kept it up.
What a great life I have. Healthy, great kids, grand kids and the most wonderful wife anyone could ask for.
Now I need to really work on getting the perfect Christmas present for her. It is hard since I am kinda dumb on present buying , but i will try.

All Clear

We got the lab reports back yesterday. Everything is good. The "Tumor" was what they said it was, and the tissues around it were clear. The nods were clear etc.
Big sigh of relief!!!!!!
I am grateful I went in when I did and that I caught it in time. The thought of having Boo without me around is not a good one.

UPDATE

Well, I went into surgery Nov 2, it took longer than the 3 hours they said but what did I care, I was asleep. I feel for Nat who had to wait and wait. Turns out the little bugger wasn't so little and also was in a very difficult spot. The surgeon said he had to go old school and stitch the "Tube" together by hand. they removed a piece a bit bigger than a quarter he said. Still waiting to hear on the pathological reports. Should get those any day now and then we can either plan more stuff or breath a bit easier.
The stay in the hospital was OK. I got out Saturday afternoon. Last time I spent a night in the hospital I think I was 10 and had my tonsils out.
I do appreciate a full night sleep. No one waking me up to see if I am alive, or pull blood or get my vitals. Not to mention the other noises. Coughing, crying, squeaky wheels on carts etc.
When I got home it was decided that I would sleep the first few nights in the basement. Boo is fighting a cold and possible the flu and the last thing I need is to get sick. Also the bed upstairs is rather high for my fat belly to get into and out of smoothly.
So I thought this would be great. I have my computer setup, DVDs picked to watch and lo and behold Nat goes out Sat afternoon and buys a 32" TV for the bed room. I may be stuck in the basement for awhile now....We also changed over Boo's crib into a toddler bed for her. She is so proud. Now on to potty training.
As I have sat or laid down or slowly walked around a noise filled hospital, I have thought a lot of all the blessings I have. My family and friends mean the world to me.
My family that came to visit was great. I even got a visit from the Bishopric of the Ward I am high councilor assigned to. They came just in case I needed the last rites and to smuggle in some Diet coke.
I really did not feel like eating anything. Once I got home my mother brought over a Carmel/Marshmallow shake. Then Nat cooked up some Walmart special pizza.
I got my hunger right back.
Things have been good. I get the staples out tomorrow and slowly start to work back into life.
The Doctor said I will not feel like my self till Christmas but that's ok, at least I will have many more Christmas's to enjoy than if I had not got checked. Lesson learned....get checked!!!!

Interesting 20 days

It is no small statement to say that a lot has happened since Oct 1.
After 2 years of having my wife beg me, as well as my doctor saying each year it is only smart. I went in for my over 50 colonoscopy. The worst part was prepping for it but that wasn't even that bad.
I awoke from the process to hear the Doctor telling Nat "Thank you! You pretty much saved his life. If he had waited a few more years it could be really bad."
Now that is not what I expected to hear.
Turns out they found a "mass". The tests showed that it is pre/early cancer.
So I then had a CT Scan (turned out normal).
Met with a surgeon, (he says it is more of a extermaly large pollop) discussed options...well the only option, surgery, first part of Nov.
Went to my regular Doctor, for my yearly physical plus more tests than normal. Still ahead, I get to have a meeting with a cardio specialist and have a stress test.
Then I get to spend 3-5 days in the hospital and recovery from that...November will be interesting.
So grateful that I have a wife that is so supportive and positive, even when we don't know exactly what is going on.
For a family that is supportive with faith and prayers.
Friends that come up, give me a hug and whisper, we are praying for you.
For my kids that give me unconditional love.
For Little J whose laugh on a video brightened a very down day (Thanks Jo)
And for Boo who in her 2 year old wisdom came up the other night, gave me a big hug, almost choking me. Looked me in the eye, patted my head and said "You be ok dadee...ok?"

Conference and things

I really enjoy conference weekend. Not only the talks and counsel I hear but the kids coming over for breakfast and the Sunday Morning session.
Today we had Pumpkin French Toast! It was really good and I don't really like pumpkin. Nat also made BYU brownies but colored the mint red so they were more UofU Brownies.
The kids are all doing great. Little J is so fun to watch and see his expressions.
Boo and him got along so well.
This afternoon we went up to see Eric and Camies new place and have dinner.
I am so lucky and blessed to have the family I do.