The Last 3 Months

Hello dear friends-
If anyone is still checking my blog on a regular basis, I think you are amazing. I have been seriously delinquent in keeping up w/ this. Time has flown by so fast--I can't believe it's been 3 months. Anyway, please forgive me and thank you for reading.

Some of my "excuses" for not writing sooner is this:
Our pastor took a 3 month sabbatical from Sept-Dec. During that 3 months I preached 6 sermons at our church; spoke at an elementary school; spoke at a senior citizen's lunch; spoke in a university class; and spoke at 2 other church services. I also was keeping up with my weekly counseling ministry; leading my LIFE group weekly; and leading/participating in a myriad of meetings and planning sessions to keep our church moving forward while our pastor was gone. Whew! I was busy and having a blast! I love my ministry, my church and my pastor...and I was so thrilled that he and his wife were able to take some much needed time away.

Aaron has been quite busy as usual. My busy-ness contributed to his as he is also my chauffeur! I found other drivers when I needed to, but usually Aaron cheerfully took me where I needed to go. Aaron always has such a good attitude about everything. He still the same cheerful, silly and goofy Aaron. We get along so great and I'm so thankful every day that God gave me such a great husband.

We also were able to go to Omaha for almost a week at Thanksgiving. We had a great time with my parents, my brother Dustin and neices and nephew. We actually were able to be at Dustin's graduation from the Omaha Police Academy. He is officially an OPD officer! I was so proud of him.

And next week Aaron's mom and brothers and Desiree are coming to California for Christmas! We are so excited for them to come out here. Yesterday was the 2-year anniversary of losing our precious Bryan...it will be good to be together with family next week.

I wanted to give an update on Sarah. Sarah was diagnosed w/ Stage 4 pancreatic cancer around Aug. 1. She has been through extensive chemotherapy and radiation that have produced very little results. The cancer also metastasized to her liver and abdominal wall. They had to stop treatment several weeks ago b/c her body could not handle the drugs. However, 2 weeks ago her team of oncologists decided to perform an "experimental surgery" where they basically go in laproscopically (sp?) and suck out some of the cancer w/ a vacuum. Anyway--the surgery actually worked! They were able to remove the cancer from her abdominal wall, the lower lobe of her liver, and about 2cm from her pancreas. It was enough to put her into partial remission. The doctors were so amazed. They are planning on trying more chemo in a few weeks. Sarah was very encouraged. Even if they can't put her into full remission (which we of course hope for!), they can at least buy her some more time. She left yesterday to go a cruise to the Carribean with her mom and grandma!
So please keep praying for Sarah. She still needs a miracle. Pray for her joy and encouragement.

Well- that's about it. If you want more daily type updates you can check out my facebook page! I'm on there all the time.

Many blessings to whoever reads this. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement!
Merry Christmas!