Your Emails & Stories on Cancer...

Here is another email from our friend/neighbor from Clearfield, UT. I have been so touched by all of your stories and emails regarding the Cancer post this month. Keep them coming. There is healing and love in each story.

Hi Shalee,
Just wanted to say thanks. I thought you did an awesome job on your website this month. The story of your Bishop Dunn touched my heart and brought a tear to my eye as my Mom is a colon cancer survivor. It was a rough time for my Dad and the rest of our family when my Mom had surgery to remove part of her colon, not to mention her sickness with chemo. But Shalee, as you know, families come together with love and no matter what happens, the bond of love and prayer creates something very powerful to help us all get through some rough times.
Thanks again for sharing.
Love,
Jerry and Family

Shalee,
I know you are aware of my son Bryan who lost his battle with 2 kinds of leukemia. He was 3 months old when he was diagnosed and almost a year when he died but all that he taught us and all that we have learned since is incredible. I would take him back in a heartbeat of course. But we would never have learned those things any other way. Our family learned and grew in love and courage and know where he is and what he is doing. I too hate cancer. It is a 4 letter word at my house. Everytime a child under 6 months gets a fever I panic. Shoot everytime a kid gets anything I PANIC!! But - the truth is ...God is in charge. He knew what I needed to learn and how! I know life has to go on and we have to go through it. Thank you for your love and support for those of us who still have to live with this. You are the best friend anyone could have. God bless you always and ALL WAYS!

Love, Margo

Stories and Thoughts from You All...

I have had a couple of emails re: the Cancer post on my blog. I wanted to share a couple of these with you and I will add more as they come. The first is from Bishop Dunn from the Cape Coral Ward in our Stake. Here is the story about his daughter, you have got to see the video she made...It is so touching..One amazing girl.

Hi Shalee,
As you may or may not know, our daughter, Josalin battled cancer from the age of 7 to now. She has undergone 6 months of chemo-therapy, a major surgery which removed a large tumor along with 1/3rd of her stomach. She has had a priesthood blessing and today is in remission for almost 3 years.
While going thru chemo, she would send out weekly video messages to friends and family. She ended them all with a great piece of advice- "Dance Anyway". It became her motto and it is my life mission now, to dance anyway, regardless of adversity. Josalin is my hero. Here is a link to one of her little videos she used to send out. She was in the midst of heavy chemo at the time, bald as a cue ball but still full of life and hope. Be sure to watch to the end. Feel free to share.
http://tiny-link.com/vs.asp?h=1112391111BGQEFG&l=

The second is a comment sent to me from my cousin EvaMae. She had heard this the other day and I couldn't agree more.

Hi Shalee
I heard an interesting comment just a few days ago...they said that Cancer was a 'disease of love' because of all of the love and support that one receives from wonderful friends and family during the crisis. I thought that it was a very thought provoking comment to make. Makes one think...

I couldn't agree more with this statement. Keep your stories and thoughts coming, this is very inspiring to me and really puts life in perspective. You just never know and it is so important to make the most of every day!

October-Breast Cancer & Cancer Awareness Month

I had my layout ready for the Halloween & Fall theme...but then I realized that October is one of many things. Fall, Halloween, Jaycee's Birthday and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I am sure all of us have known or had someone close deal with cancer. I had a good friend who fought a valiant fight with Breast Cancer;not only once, but twice. Unfortunately, she passed away about 5 years ago now. I have had many friends and family members who have been affected by cancer. Hence, I wanted to post something in memory of those who have passed on from any type of cancer.

I hate cancer, it is a horrible disease that is relentless to a persons body and can be devistating to families. I do however, think it turns people into heroes. My friend from IRS who had fought Breast Cancer twice is a hero because although she was going through radiation and other treatments, she would still go to work nearly every day. She never felt sorry for herself and always had the attitude that of "I'm to tough for cancer to get me". She was and I learned so much from her.

Another friend who was 5 years younger than I am passed away from Colon Cancer. She was only 30 years old and she had two little girls. I was shocked when I found out. She was ALWAYS such a happy go lucky person. ALWAYS positive and kind to everyone. She loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Greg's Uncle Gus passed away from Prostate Cancer. HE was every one's hero. Uncle Gus fought in the Korean War and was injured within just a few days of getting out to serve..(If I'm remembering correctly) He had shrapnel injury and was not expected to live. He did live and was admired by all who came into contact with him. Although he was never able to walk again after his injury in Korea, he was determined to go on and never have anyone feel sorry for him. He moved to California where he was a very well respected and successful Almond & Olive Farmer, as well as rancher. He was AWESOME!!! Everyone loves and admires Uncle Gus to this day, and we always will.

My Father-In-Law passed away in 1997 from Bone Marrow Cancer. I still remember the day he told all of us and how in shock we all were. It is the worst news you will ever have to hear. I pray that I will never have to hear this type of news again from anyone in my family. Dad taught us all so much though. He was prompted months before finding out he had cancer to give us a FHE lesson on "Forward & Forever", which he basically told us all that when we all get to Heaven, he didn't want to see any empty chairs. He inspired all of us to do all we can as a family and as individuals to make sure we stayed worthy to live together again. Two months later we found out he had cancer. I will never forget talking to Dad and having him not thinking or concerned for himself, but worrying about his youngest son who would be going on a mission within the next year. I remember him talking to me and worrying about ArVella (my mom-in-law) and hoping she would be alright with whatever came along. Dad told us that the Lord spoke to him and Dad basically told Him that he would go where the Lord needed him. He needed him in Heaven and after 9 months of chemo, bone marrow transplant and fighting hard, Dad returned to Heavenly Father.
This is dedicated to all those who have fought, who are fighting or who will fight the ugly disease of cancer. You are my heroes!

Please support Breast Cancer Awareness & all Cancer Awareness this month.

Rays Baseball

I know I've never said this before...ha ha. But I LOVE the Rays!! I was sooooo happy that they made in to #1 in the American League. I love baseball, which really is funny. I NEVER cared for baseball until this past two years. Now I love it. I love watching the Rays and following the other teams now.
Here is a picture from the first game we took the kids too. It was against the Red Sox...yes we are a house divided. The girls love Boston and Greg & I love the Rays. They are building Tampa's Spring Training field in Port Charlotte, so that will be fun to go to next year as well.

I would love to hear from you baseball fans..Let me know what your favorite team is.

Not so fun weekend...

This has not been the best weekend. Friday Jordan called me from school, she had a fever, sore throat and stuffy nose; so I left work to pick her up. She did get spoiled as is tradition when I have a sick kid. She slept for most of the day, which is good. Saturday she still didn't feel too great, but she perked back up today.

Saturday I had a Presidency meeting at the church at 6:00 pm, then at 8:00 pm me & my counselors stayed to watch the RS Broadcast. It was very good and I'm glad I watched it with the ward. It is so easy to just stay home and watch it on TV, but I am glad I went this time. It got over around 9:30 and I headed for home. (That was the good part of my weekend)

After the RS broadcast, I got in the car and checked my cell phone; there were two messages from Greg, he had called at 6 & at 7:00 pm, and said to call ASAP, 9-11 emergency he said. So I called to see what happened and if he needed me to pick up ice cream from the store or something (That is usually the type of emergency calls I get)

Greg said that Jaycee had gone in to get a shower and she came out saying there were bugs in her hair. He checked her out and guess what...lice!!! UUUUGHHHH!! This has been my one of my big fears as a Mom. There were 3-4 girls in our neighborhood last year who got it, but Jordan & Jaycee didn't. I was so relieved. But NOT this time.

So Greg was combing all the stuff out when I got home and I finished up. SOOOO GROSS!!! I still feel all itchy today. Needless to say, I was home today ripping all the rest of the beds, clothes, cleaning carpet, shampooing carpet, cleaning couches...EVERYTHING! Not a fun day!!! Hopefully we got it all and it doesn't spread to the rest of us. I called all her friends she had been with the past week, so hopefully they will all be ok.

It is a little after 8:00 pm on a Sunday night and I still have LOADS of laundry to finish up...uuuughhh!!! I hope we don't have to go thru this again, what a mess...

Next weekend has got to be better..

There is good news though...The Tampa Bay Rays clinched the #1 spot in the American League on Saturday. That makes me happy!!!! Gotta look at the good.. ha ha

Tampa Bay Rays...Make AL Playoffs!!!

Carlos Pena celebrates with Cliff Floyd after Pena’s three-run homer, which came via replay and made it 9-0.



Rays players swarm the field at the end of the game, celebrating the Rays' clinching of the team's first ever playoff spot.

Rays 7, Twins 2
Rays are in!
The Rays accomplish the unimaginable if not the unbelievable, clinching their first-ever berth in the American League playoffs by beating the Twins on Saturday.

Soccer, The Rays, Scrapbooking & Saturday's

--Last night was Jaycee's first soccer game. They lost but I think one goal. I know this is sad to say, but I think I am soccered out! The girls still like it, Jordan a little more than Jaycee, but I will be glad when they want to move on to another sport. They have been playing for about 5 years now. I am really surprised they have wanted to stick with it this long. Jaycee said this is her last season, she wants to do something else, just not sure what. We will see.




--I love the Tampa Bay Rays!!! We have really enjoyed following them and going to a few baseball games since living here. With the playoffs starting soon, they Rays are SOOOO close to making the playoffs. They won their game last night against against the Minnesotat Twins 11-1...They have two more games against the Twins tonight. Come on Rays!!! I would love seeing them make the World Series, that would be awesome. As a team they have done so well this year. A couple of my favorite players are Carlos Pena & Evan Longoria. They are AWESOME. I think the most exciting thing about the Rays is they have pulled it together as a team.. Ok I'm done with my baseball bit.

--Today I am going to my friend Holly's for a scrapbooking day. She sells Close To My Heart, which I am %110 loyal too. I love their products. All the paper, inks, markers, ribbon etc matches and they have the neatest things!! I can't wait to go. I am thinking of selling it on the side..Who knows maybe that could turn into me being able to be a stay home Mom again. (I wish).

--Greg just got home from a week in Key Largo...Rough life huh?? ha ha..He was there for work. They had all the Florida Territory Managers there for meetings & team building stuff. He had a good time. The place he stayed at was AMAZING. I told him we needed to go there. He is home for a day, then has meetings in Orlando next week. After that he will be home for a while. He hasn't had to be gone much with this job, so it has been an adjustment getting kids where they need to be, get my self to work on time..ha ha...still get things done for YW's, and whatever else comes up.

--I am soooo glad it is Saturday. I really needed a break from work. Just wish it was a long weekend with a holiday or two. Oh well, I will just enjoy the days I have home with the fam.

Have a good day!

New Addition...no not mine.

My little sister...ok 5 years younger sister(LaDawn), just gave birth to her 4th child yesterday:

Introducing
Zachary J.Birthday 9/15/2008
Time of Birth 11:56 AM
Weight 6 lbs, 12 ozs
Length 19.5 in

She has 2 girls and now 2 boys.

My sister Julie, has 2 girls and 1 boy. They are too cute!!!
Guess Greg & I are behind on the kids count..A little too late now.

Here is the link to see my newest little nephew..
http://www.our365.com/newbornportraits/babydetail.aspx?birthid=ce33bd55-dbc1-4689-bde5-acd75362b0d1

My Favorite Parable-The Ten Virgins

So I ran across a poem that I got while we lived in St. George,UT. We lived in the same ward as Gayla Prince, who painted "The Ten Virgins" painting shown here. It is one of my favorite parables and my FAVORITE painting. While we lived in St George I was lucky enough to go to a special Christmas Enrichment Night where Gayla spoke of her painting and described each virgin represented in the painting & parable. It was AWESEOME!!!

That night Gayla gave us all a 8 x 10 print of the painting and also this poem that she read. I love it!!! It is my favorite parable..Did I mention that? Here is the poem she read.


Which Virgin?
by Barbara H. Dykstra

A parable the Savior told to His disciples long ago
Of wise and also foolish ways, of signs and saints in latter-days.
The things He saw, we too can see, when next He comes to you and me.

Ten virgins bearing lamps alight awaited the bridegroom through the night.
Invited, honored guests they came, some wise some foolish, not the same.
Those who have eyes will surely see, they're much the same as you and me.

The first bears palms for homage true, an olive branch, a lily, too.
Her voice speaks peace, she's humble, meek; she often turns the other cheek.
So pure in heart, oh, could it be that this first virgin could be me?

The second, gowned in burial white, seems searching for a heavenly sight.
The sacrament her gift of love; the wheat and water decreed above.
Her repentant heart we all can see; perhaps this virgin could be me.

The third in Priesthood blue and gold concerns herself with young and old;
Ordinances for the living and the dead, two doves she brings the Prince who weds
The Holy Ghost and sealings' key, this lovely virgin must be me.

Tall and fair with scrolls and lyre, the fourth seeks truth and knowledge power.
She sets her goals on talents bright, keeping eternity in sight.
She'll reach her goals and grow to be the kind of virgin I would be.

But wait, more wise than many others, the fifth gives charity to her brothers.
Quietly, gently, her fruits are shared with all who need her loving care.
Even the foolishes' needs she sees; of, that this virgin might be me.

The sixth in proud and rich array lacks for naught along life's way.
The treasures of the earth she bring; 'tis more to earth than heav'n she clings.
In her I see a part of me; is this the virgin I will be?

The seventh is surely pleasure's child, in dress and pose, not meek or mild.
It's time for eat and drink and fun; there's ample time ere the bridegroom comes.
Her foolishness she cannot see; do others see that part of me?

The eighth has much to overcome addictions and excess have quite undone
That temple holy her soul once was, now all eroded for sins' own cause.
If I'm not careful as can be, this foolish virgin will be me.

The virgin nine who loves the dark, in secret seeks to leave her mark.
Drawing others from the light, she sees all things with Satan's sight.
Her foolishness is sad to see; don't let her be a part of me.

Should I become a virgin ten, with power over the acts of men.
A troubled conscience I might know, as through the busy world I go;
All ego and dishonesty is what the world expects of me.

Am I more foolish or more wise? Am I living in disguise?
Do I gather oil ever bright, to keep my gospel flame alight?
When the bridegroom comes, I pray He'll see one wise virgin will be me.

Thankful..

This week I have a lot of be thankful for. First, we were spared any hurricanes coming this week. Ike was a very powerful storm and my heart goes to all those who were in the path of it. My prayers go with you as you deal with the effects from it.

I'm thankful for two girls who love each other, even if they won't admit it out loud. I love being their Mom.

I'm thankful Greg made it home from his week in UT. Even if it is only for a day, since he goes out of town again for work. I'm thankful that he has a job and works hard to support his family.

I'm thankful for my Young Women calling and for the wonderful counselors I have. It is a lot of work and keeps me busy, but I love the girls and know it is where I am supposed to be right now.

I'm thankful that I was able to attend Stake Conference in Fort Myers today. I am thankful to have been able to hear Elder Richard G Scott speak. One of the 12 Apostles and a true servant of the Lord. I know without a doubt that he is a man called of God. I know without a doubt that the church is true, that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. That along with the Bible, we can know the truth of all things. I KNOW that Joseph Smith was a prophet. I have NO DOUBT about it!

I'm thankful for the many things I am blessed with. I have very much to be thankful for.

Remembering Sept. 11, 2001

I can't believe it has been 7 years since 9/11. I remember it like yesterday, which is surprising anymore since I can't rememeber anything past 30 minutes...I have listened to a lot of talk radio today and had many memories come flooding back from that day. This morning they played part of the tapes from that day. How sad it is that as American's, many people are forgetting we were attacked that day!

I was taking Jordan to school. Jaycee was still at home with me. I ran into my neighbor on my way to the school, and she asked if I had listened to the news that morning, I said no why? She said because a plane just flew into the World Trade Center. I got home from taking Jordan to school, turned on the TV and watched in shock that a plane could have flown into the WTC. Then the second plane flew into the second tower. At that point, I remember still not getting it until hearing about the plane that flew into the Pentagon. I remember just sitting watching all day thinking, "This can't be real, this can't be real." Then hearing that people were jumping out of WTC's as they couldn't get out any other way.

I remember Jaycee asking why the building was on fire, and asking "what happened Mommy?" All I could say was "I don't know." My heart just broke as I saw the firemen run towards the WTC to help get people out. How brave and wonderful they are! My heart breaks for the families that lost so many brave firemen. My heart aches for all those people, holding up pictures of their loved ones who were missing. I remember praying to help them find people that maybe trapped. I remember praying to keep my family safe. I remember wanting to keep my kids home with me forever after that. I was so proud of Mayor Guillani for his leadership and keeping it together through that day. What a horrible thing to have to deal with and he did it with wonderful grace & strength.

I remember going to the grocery store the next day and looking at the faces of people, everyone was just in shock and mad that we were attacked. I remember buying a flag and putting it up within two days of 9/11. From that day on, I kept my flag flying. (Which reminds me...need to get a new flag and get it on my house now that we are in FL)

I remember days later, when they started playing some of the 911 tapes and voicemail that loved ones left for their friends and family. I still cry when I think of how desperate they must have felt, knowing that there was nothing they could do; whether they were in a plane or in the WTC building, or at the Pentagon and had no chance to go anywhere.

We must win this fight against terrorism and those who seek to destroy all that we stand for as American's. Sorry this went on a little too long, but I love this land, I love my country, I love the freedoms we have. We are so blessed!!! This is a blessed land for us that was saved for us. We need to do all we can to protect our freedoms and rights.

I will never forget!

Emergency Preparation

I had this on my blog, but changed it just a bit. This is from LDS Living http://www.ldslivingmagazine.com/articles/show/1664

As far as the college kit, I am putting this in my car to go along with my car kit. This way if there is a hurricane and we need to get out fast, my car is ready to go with essentials we will need. This is also good to have in general, as we never know what can happen.

Stay safe!
luv,
Shalee

Car Kits
Your car should be a bastion of emergency preparedness. If your car breaks down or you get lost in a remote area, would you have access to the supplies you need to survive? If you need to quickly evacuate your home, would there be enough basic provisions in your car to sustain you?

Your car kit should include water and food. Remember the temperature in your car changes drastically everyday, so choose food items that won’t be damaged. Make sure you have a basic first-aid kit and enough blankets to keep everyone in your family warm. In addition to these essential supplies, your car kit should include the following:

• Flares and reflective triangles
• Flashlight or chemical light stick
• Emergency power source
• Tools to cut through seatbelts or break windows
• Fire extinguisher
• Heavy-duty rope
• Hand sanitizer and soap
• AM/FM radio with multiple sources of power
• Cell phone


If you are unable to contact help with your cell phone, tie a bright cloth (preferably red) to your antenna. This is generally recognized as a plea for assistance and can help rescuers find you. Try signaling for help using any other method you can think of: flares, lights, whistles, etc.

In addition to an emergency kit, you should always be supplied with some basic car-care necessities.

• Jumper cables
• Car repair kit and tools
• Map and compass
Customize your car kit to fit your family. Try to anticipate any special needs or circumstances that you may need to be prepared for. For babies you’ll want extra diapers, formula, and blankets, while small children will need extra snacks and a source of entertainment. Consider allergies or chronic illnesses within your family and include any appropriate medications.

College Kits (or additional car kit)
Between books, tuition, and rent, money is stretched a little too thin for most students to devote much thought to beginning a food storage supply or an emergency preparedness kit, but it is still important that they have quick access to emergency supplies. If you have sons or daughters leaving the nest for school this year, help prepare a kit for them to take to campus this fall.

Young adults living on their own for the first time probably won’t have enough space to store an extensive collection of emergency supplies. The kit you put together needs to be something they can keep under their bed or in a closet at their apartment or dorm. Young adults also usually don’t have funds to replenish a lot of perishable goods or to keep up anything too elaborate. Keep the kits simple, including only basic supplies:

• Essentials: three-day supply of food and water and a good first-aid kit
• Clothing: jacket or coat, raincoat or poncho, and extra clothing, underwear, and socks
• Bedding: blankets or a sleeping bag, an extra set of sheets, and plastic ground cloth
• Lighting: flashlight, batteries, candles, waterproof matches, lighter, and flares
• Tools: pocketknife, radio, can opener, utensils, dishes, sturdy rope, and duct tape
• Hygiene Supplies: toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, dish soap, feminine hygiene products, sunscreen, and basic and prescription medications
• Personal Documents: scriptures, patriarchal blessing, legal documents, identification, insurance policies, and vaccination papers
• Money: cash and credit cards
• Miscellaneous: prepaid phone cards, pen and paper, bags and containers


Some of these supplies will need to be rotated or replenished throughout the year. In the winter, sweaters, gloves, and hats should be included in the kit, while during warmer times of the year, a small supply of light clothing should be sufficient. Remind your students to keep everything updated.

It doesn’t take too much to piece these kinds of kits together. Start compiling things for them today. Being prepared will help you and your family face the uncertain future with a sense of courage and peace of mind.

Hurricanes..

Three storms in the Atlantic and lining up for the coastal States. Not too worried about Hanna. Ike I am very concerned. It is already a CAT 4 and very well organized. This one could hit Florida Tues and work it's way up the Carolina's. Josephine, not too worried about that one as of yet.

Please keep the East coast states in your prayers. Think it may be one wild week next week.

September, soccer & storms

I can't believe it is September..Time just goes faster & faster. Greg has a lot of business meetings this month so we will see how that goes. The girls are back on the soccer schedule. I'm just trying to keep up with it all.

Not much going on this week. We are watching the next 3 storms that are in the Atlantic. Hanna, Ike & Josephine. I think it is going to be a busy couple of weeks. Hopefully, we will once again be spared any major hurricanes. I will say I am a little nervous this year. I haven't been the last two, but I am this year.

Have a good week!

Shalee's Favorite Things:

So here are a few of my favorite things:
1- My scriptures. I use my old Seminary scripturs by my bed. I like them because they are old, well marked and have most of my favorite scriptures marked in them that are easy to find.

2- My Michael Sings McLean CD. I love Michael McLean. Especially when he sings his own songs.

3- I love having a laptop. Greg bought it for me in March, even though I told him I wasn't sure I would really use it. Boy was I wrong. I TOTALLY LOVE it.

4- I love scrapbooking w/ Close To My Heart products. I love their pages, inks, stamps etc. I love it so much I am thinking of selling it. Now just need the time to do that on top of everything else.

5- I love the Young Women Program and the opportunity I had to earn my 2nd Medallion as a leader. I appreciate the program so much more NOW. I really wished I would have taken advantage of things when I was 12-18. But now hopefully I can teach Jordan & Jaycee the importance of it.

6- I love having two girls that are good examples to me. They teach me something every day.

This is my list for today.