The second week of February, two of my best friends and roommates from college, Dawna Daugherty and Tonja Whitford, came to stay with me while Brian was in Florida for the weekend. Dawna lives in South Carolina and Tonja lives in California. We had a great time catching up, reminiscing, and having lots of girl time.

Dawna and Tonja really took care of me during their visit. Dawna came up with several awesome freezer meal recipes and they cooked all weekend. By the end of their stay, they had cooked over 30 freezer meals to use over the next few months. Tonja watched the kids while I went to have a CT scan and run some errands. Dawna completely organized my kitchen cabinets. Both Tonja and Dawna helped with the kids and housework.

The highlight was our Girls Night Out. One of my closest friends in Keller, Sarah Reed, came along. We went and had our eyebrows waxed first. (I had scheduled to get my hair shaved w my hair stylist, Ha, but chickened out. We didn't want to stiff her on business, so we decided to get our eyebrows done.) Then we went to dinner at Cristina's Mexican, one of my favs. We finished the night off with a trip to Barnes and Noble and Cheesecake Factory. Thanks to my good friend, Joanna, I didn't have to find a sitter...we had a blast!

I was so sad to see Tonja and Dawna go...but can't wait for a fun girls outing next year. I am so blessed to have such good friends. Thanks, Tonja and Dawna!!!

Ben and Tina came to visit us during our snow storm week. Their flight was one of the only flights into Dallas that wasn't cancelled. Hopefully they didn't get cabin fever at our house. Spencer and Sally kept them busy putting together puzzles and playing games. Ben played in the snow with the kids. Spencer and Sally had a blast jumping on the trampoline with Ben and Tina once it warmed up outside.
I was just starting to turn a corner in my recovery from my hysterectomy and cancer debulking surgery when Ben and Tina came to visit. They were so helpful. They did the dishes every day, helped feed the kids lunch and prepare other meals. Ben and Brian worked on a special project to add shelves in our walk in closet. Tina helped dress the kids every day, changed a lot of diapers and even vacuumed and mopped my floors. I cried when they left, for obvious reasons. I wish they were able to move in with us during this difficult time in our lives. When Spencer realized that Ben and Tina were gone, he started to cry. This morning he saw the pictures I am posting and said, 'I love Tina and I love Uncle Ben!'

In February we had the best snow storm. It lasted four days. The temperature was below zero. It iced two days in a row and then snowed on top of the ice. Dallas doesn't have snow plows. They just throw down a lot of sand. Needless to stay we were stuck at home for the rest of the week.

Spencer and Sally loved going out in the snow. It took longer to get them dressed than it did for them to go out and play and then, decide to come back inside. But they had a great time!

The week after Christmas we were blessed to have a visit from my brother, Thann, his wife, Carrie, and their two daughters, Sydney and Berlyn. We had been anticipating their visit for a month or so, but the timing was perfect. Spencer, Sally and Sterling loved playing with their California cousins. Uncle Thann played 'tickle pig' with Sally. We watched lots of dvds and ate popcorn. Carrie made her famous tacos. Brian and Thann stayed up late watching sports. Carrie fell in love with baby Sterling. Sydney and Berlyn helped out with the kids...played lots of soccer, went to the movies and had mini concerts. I had much needed quality time with Carrie. We wish we lived closer and can't wait to visit them in Cali so we can meet the twins, Carrie is expecting to deliver them early June. xoxoxo

'For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.' Isaiah 9:6

We found out I had ovarian cancer two days before Christmas. We try to focus on the Savior more during the Christmas season, but this Christmas was all about Him. We decided to make Christmas simple by giving Spencer and Sally one present each. Spencer wanted a bike ; Sally wanted a kitchen. Brian and I were given the gift of eternal perspective. We all know that our mortal life will someday come to an end. However, I have always taken for granted my physical health and expected to live through my nineties. So, this new experience with cancer has definitely been a reality check. We spent our holiday crying alone and together, pleading with the Lord for his tender mercies to help us through this trial. And of course, relating the news to close family and friends.

My favorite memory with Sally and Spencer was our Nativity tradition. Brian read the account of Jesus' birth in Luke 2 and while the children reenacted it.

I have never felt the love of my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, more than at this time in my life. My favorite doctrine in the gospel of Jesus Christ is that of eternal life and salvation...that families can be together forever. I know this is the greatest gift that I can receive because of the love of my Heavenly Father and the life and sacrifice of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' John 3:16

I always thought I'd have one more child, but we recently found out Sterling will be our last one. It's nice to know that we are through with the childbearing phase of our life. But sometimes I wish I could have that fourth. It seems so final.

I had a laparoscopic surgery to remove an ovarian cyst and my left ovary this past December. The surgery was a success--easy in, easy out. But the pathology was not so great. My ob called us the following day to let us know that the pathologist found cancer cells in the ovary and cyst.

I had my hysterectomy and cancer debulking surgery on January 14th. I recovered remarkably well because of all of the prayers and service from family and friends.

Since then, it seems like our lives have changed completely...daily appointments with the oncologist, various radiologists, surgery scheduled and completed, chemotherapy...it seems to change everything. Yet there are so many wonderful constants...our beautiful children, my loving, supportive, hardworking husband, compassionate and concerned friends, neighbors and family, the gospel of Jesus Christ, family prayer, Sunday worship. We've been so blessed with visits from close family members and friends.

My chemotherapy is scheduled to start March 2nd. Wish us luck, or better yet, pray for a miracle.

Brian and baby Sterling (4 months)...you can see where the kids get their good looks. Sterling is the best baby, ask anyone. He only cries when he is supposed to cry...hungry, tired, wet/dirty diaper. Otherwise he is a happy camper.

Spencer and Sally...Both are great helpers. They love jumping on the trampoline, watching their shows (Star Wars and Caillou), going places and playing with their friends.