Good news is good news--even when late....right?

My blogging has not been great, but I have had problems remembering my own name, let alone remembering to post. I hope Mark has had better luck remembering things, or my power might be turned off at any moment. We have been enjoying fall this year. The picture above was taken about two weeks ago at Mesa Falls. I have been to Mesa Falls numerous times, and have always thought it was cool, but I didn't gush over it or appreciate it. This time, I seriously gushed. It was so beautiful on a warm day with a thousand different colors.  I have in years past, been a fall hater. Only because it seems to last a week before it welcomes in a 9 month winter. Working outside the past few years, fall has really climbed the bitter charts. That has all changed this year. I am half-way through first block, and I have yet to wear warm-up pants to class. Last year, I was putting toe warmers in my cleats. I have loved the scenery, the smells, and most of all the fall sunshine. This semester has been warmer than summer semester, go figure!

September has been a good month for us. I know the year isn't over yet, but when I look back on it, I am amazed at how much we have grown. I can truly say that trials are a blessing. I wonder if that is because it has turned out ok, but then, with enough trust in the Lord, I guess any turnout is ok, it all depends on our attitude. With that being said, I am so full of thankfulness that my ok and the Lord's will happened to be the same thing. Mark had his final PET scan, and it came back clean and clear. We knew that it would, but the 100% assurance was welcomed. Mark can now get his port out, and we look forward to years of monitering, but no more active treatments. If it is to return, it will most likely be within the first year. Mark will have CT scans every three months the first year, and those will gradually taper off as the years go by. I am sure this is something that will never quite be in the past, but it feels good to be moving away from it. With so many talks during Conference on gratitude, Mark and I had some moments of reflection. We are grateful for the lessons we have learned, the people we have gotten to know better, and the personal growth we have both received.  We learned that people are amazing and there are everyday angels. We recognize that where much is given, much is required and we pray that we will be more aware of those around us and how we can serve others---something we have learned from countless people providing service in our favor. One of my angles, Amy, a resurgent hero from my past, has taught me the importance of paying it forward. I hope I can continue to learn from her masterful ability to see needs around her and fill them. I feel like Mark and I have more empathy and sympathy. I have reconized that Mark is a little more sensitive and mindful of others, their challenges, and their feelings. He has shed some of that tough exterior and realizes that emotion and sharing emotion isn't such a bad thing.

This season hasn't been without its storms, some still brewing, but the rainbows are close and moving out of limbo might be around the corner. It doesn't look like BYU football will make it through the year, but Mark and I feel pretty good about our chances. Being back at school has seemed to be more exhausting, maybe the sun is zapping me, or as I get worse at soccer it becomes more difficult. Whatever the case, I am feeling pretty tired daily. There seems to be a million things going on right now, and it is manifested with my constant errors on the ward bulletin each week. I am crashing and burning as a perfectionist and I have to tell you, that is a trial in its own right. Fortunaely, the insomnia that plagued this entire summer isn't so much of a problem at the moment. I am sure has a little to do with the miracle of melatonin, but being pulled in a number of different directions seems to help.

Thank you to you all for your love, concern, help, and friendship. You all are definitely part of our greatest blessings.