Karen Cancer

Over the past four months I have been battling cancer. It has been a road that I have grown from and found faith, hope and most of all love from all who have participated in this journey with me. Here are some pictures that I would love to share. When my hair started to fall out I asked Katie to cut it for me. I know how hard it was for her, but we had some fun doing it.



















We even did a Mohawk, just for fun. But soon it all had to go. I really don't mind being bald. It is more comfortable that a wig.

























One of the treatment rooms. This blanket was made for me by Brian and Michelle. I love the breast cancer hearts. It is very warm and soft.
I stayed in school and here I am doing homework and listening to Jazz. I really couldn't keep from dancing.













Now that I am almost through with this part of this battle I can truly say that it has been a blessing. I feel yucky only about four days out of the treatment cycle but then it gets better. The Dr. say that they can't find the masses anymore by touch which is fantastic and a blessing from my Heavenly Father, through faith and prayers of everyone that I know. I will be okay and this too shall pass. Thank you again for all of your love and support.

Long Time

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted anything. School is really getting to me. I will be glad to have the summer off. But that hasn't been as bad as the snow this year. It has been cold since Oct. and lots of snow. This is a picture of our table on our deck just about two weeks ago.
Finally this week all of the snow is gone. It helped having weather in the high 60's and low 70's.
Beside school; I have started my own business. I purchased a vinyl plotter/cutter and off I went. I have had 2 jobs complete and 3 more to do. It is a lot of fun and I will be glad when I can quit work and just do this. The name of my company is:
This is the front of my brochure. My cards look like this:
Jim thought of the idea to use the vinyl on different items to show what I do. I have to thank Jenn for putting up with all of the phone calls to help me get going. I am really enjoying it and now if I can just make more money.

The rest of the news is that we are busy this year with three new grand-babies coming. Two on my side and one on Jim's.

Karen's Birthday

For my birthday Jim decided to surprise me and take me to Cape Cod Mass. It was a place that I had never been but heard so much about all of my life. It was such an adventure. Friday night we went to Melissa and Bob's for ribs, corn on the cob and cake. It was a great meal, also some very nice gifts. Thanks to Melissa's family and Laura. Thanks to Abby for the great birthday cake. Then up bright and early to the Cape we went. At the very tip is a town called Provincetown. It is very artsy, and we had a great time looking in all of the fun stores, and watching people.
Last year we found the famous Old North Church with Julie and this year we found the Old South Church. I thought that was funny that it was advertised here in Provincetown. Jim's comment was "I never knew there was an Old South Church"!













This is the Pilgrim Monument and Provincetown Museum. It is the tallest granite monument in the USA, it is 250 feet tall. The granite came from Maine. This was the first landing of the Mayflower Pilgrims in 1620. (thanks to Julie for talking to me while I climb this so I could breath right and not need to use my inhaler).











From the top of the tower the view out toward the Atlantic Ocean.
View of the bay from the top.Looking up and down the tower. It is a very long way.














Jim on the way down.














Us after the walk up and down the tower. We don't even look winded. (Jenn, this is the picture that we were taking when you called)
Jim certainly caught me just over one and half years ago.












It wouldn't be a day at Cape Cod with out going to the beach. I even got into the water. It was cold but very nice.
We had dinner at a Lobster Restaurant in Hyannis Port. This is where the Kennedy compound is. It is also where you catch the ferry boat to go to Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. Thanks to all who made my birthday great. Especially my sweet husband.

Hike with Dave at the reunion

At the reunion in June while we were at the beach Dave decided that he wanted to go on a hike really early in the morning. The only people that he could get to go with him was Papa, Anna, Kim and Hadley. They left the house at 6:00 AM and got back around noon. It was a fun time for all.

The girls along the trail.
Each of the girls had to look through the roots of a tree.


The all love see the roots from this angle. It was fun to see how big the trees are.

















It was a little cold that morning so the girls took every chance to cuddle.
Over the river and through the woods to where no one knows. Well maybe Dave!
Walking can be tiring Hadley needed a ride for just a little while. The swing bridge behind now more trail to hike.
















The girls ready to leave the forest and head down to the beach.
















Dave leading the way out of the woods to the beach. What an adventure.

Walking along the beach just to see what they could find.




















Crossing a small stream going to look in the cave and find what lives there. They all got a little wet crossing this very small stream. It got bigger each time because the tide was coming in. Glad more people didn't come.
















A starfish, is what they found they took it off of the rocks and let each of the girl hold one and here is papa taking his turn.
Here they are inside of the cave. There was more that just starfish.
















The tide was out but coming back in, so they could see lots of sea animals, including starfishes. Which is what they are pointing at.










A large root ball of a tree that fell. Now this is a big tree. Anna on top of Papa's shoulders. Kim and Hadley looking on.
The end to a perfect hike. With lots of water, caves and trees.

Fun at Julie's

On our way home we stopped at Kirtland to see some of the Church History sites there. It was great to see. I hadn't ever been there and it was very impressive.We went into the School of the Prophets room it had such a great spirit there. I really enjoyed our time there. I look forward to going back and seeing more church history sites. This year we went to Palmyra, Nauvoo, and Kirtland. At the Visitors Center they had on display these bronze statues that a women did of the life and miracles of Christ. It was so great. Our favorite one was the one of raising Lazarus. If you have a chance to see them you should. The details are amazing.
While we were at Julie's we celebrated our 1st Anniversary. We decided to go and see Nauvoo. We went to the temple and visited a number of sights. Then we drove back to Julie's. It was a great day.



Sights of Nauvoo

I know that all of you have seen the pictures of Amelia and our visit but here are some of our favorites.

I love how Miya is just touching Amelia so lightly. I think this really shows how much she loves her little sister.

Julie put on the picture of Miya a little happier and me not so much but this is the other one. Me happier and Miya not so much.
Brian and Michelle waiting for pictures so they could get on the road to their new home.

Papa soon became the favorite to play with. I think it is because he was so much fun and always gave good rides on his back.
It was Papa and my job to entertain the children. We had so much fun with Austin, Spencer, Logan and Miya.

Miya is so glad that dad is still around.
First time seeing Amelia not really sure what to think.