Done--For Reals!

I have been somewhat of an insomniac recently and I think it has ruined my creative abilities. I have not been great at posting, but fearing ramblings, I have procrastinated it further. Also, life has been basically boring. School is out, which I am so happy about, until I realize I have no life. With Mark in Utah for a month, I realize that I really have no life! I have mowed the lawn, cleaned, not cooked, read a number of books, and watched more TV than I should have. Oh--and not sleeping. Can I just say there is nothing more frustrating than not being able to sleep? Torture. I have soared through my goal to read the Old Testament, and that hasn't even put me to sleep. We have a serious problem on our hands I think. There seems to be a few stresses that possibly contribute. If anyone knows of anyone who wants to buy a house, let me know. That could relieve at least a few of my stresses. For instance, in my last home improvement stint, I managed to not only spray paint the back door, but I left a beautiful white dust on every surface of my house. Wahoo! It took awhile, but I did get it out and off. No pictures, sorry!

So, back to the reason behind the post. Mark officially finished radiation treatment last Thursday. When he called to tell me, I cried. It is so great to have him done--with everything! However, it adds to the stress. It is hard to be confident the sneaky thing won't come back. There are great chances it won't, but I have learned I have trust issues. I suppose, unfortunately, they could be lack of faith issues. I realize that I am much more comfortable looking into the "mirror of fear" rather than the "mirror of faith" (from a talk by President Clark). My dad has been working hard on me to change my outlook. Why is it that fear is so much easier to feel? Mark will have a follow up scan in a few weeks that will show how much he has progressed. Since his midway scan was so great, I am sure it will be great, but what about the one he has next year, or the year after that? He had some pretty great nurses down in Utah and they documented the last day of his treatment. They sent like 29, so I will only favor you with a few....

By owners expense, they mean our expense. I am sure the kajillion dollars we spent to receive treatment would cover some of it. Not the easiest way to get a reserved spot, but I suppose effective.

The fancy microwave/tanning bed. Mark stays stationary, and they crazy thing rotates around. Mark had very few side affects throughout the whole thing. He has a little redness now, but he kept wondering if they were doing anything at all. That would be a funny joke--haha--or not that funny at all.

Finally--officially done! The nurses were really sweet and got a gift for Mark and I. Not a great picture, but you can see a bit of Mark's hair. It looks great.

Now, who knows. It seems like we have life back again but we aren't quite sure what is in store for us. There seems to be more questions than answers. I go back to work in about 2 weeks, but not for long.  Summer seems like it has flown by and I am not sure I am ready for fall and winter. I guess we just will enjoy the blessings we have a day at a time. Thanks again to everyone. We have had so much love and support and will never be able to repay all of it!

Lovin' Summer

Summer is the best time of year hands down, especially in Idaho. After the long and painfully slow start, the last two weeks have been lovely. I am loving the heat, the cool nights, and the occasional thunderstorm. I can't believe it is already August. With Mark receiving treatment, the weeks seem to fly by as I wish them away for weekends so we can be together. Sadly, since life has been crazy busy, running has taken a dive, and I realized tonight that there is no way I will be ready for the marathon in September. If anyone wants to pretend to be me, your fees are paid!

My brothers have been up the past week or so and it has been so good to be together as a family. It seems few and far between that we are all together. I have had a great time getting to know my nephews better. They are at a fun age. Family truly is where happiness lies. I just wanted to jot a quick post with some pictures to let everyone know we are alive and well. Mark is a champ and has had no sideaffects yet of radiation. It has been great. His hair is growing back and there is a light at the end of this tunnel!

My new baby Chula and Mark's adorable niece. It was a little hot this day, but lovely none the less.

Chula is so much smaller than Sonny. These two horses were angels letting the kids ride them all over.

The cute grandbabies loving family picture day.

Mark loving family picture day. I love how the sun is only shining on me and making my hair look pretty much not good.

I love these handsome boys! I used to hate being the only girl when I was a little one. As I have grown older, I realize I wouldn't want it any other way. These brothers are the best out there.

I must have won the lottery and got stuck in between Mess 1 and Mess 2. Seriously was surprised I came out of there alive with no ketchup splatters. See what happens when Mark leaves me to ride solo?

That is just a smidge of current life. I just wanted to let everyone know we are alive and well. The clouds seem to have lifted and Mark and I are feeling so joyous and so blessed.!