Miracles, Blessings and Angels...

So the new year is fast approaching and we have so much to be thankful for. I am so amazed at the love we have received over the last several months as we have endured our recent trials. I have been thinking the last couple of days about what we have been through and what I am taking from the last year and I thought I would share a few thoughts. I

I KNOW...

The Lord is ever present in our lives and if we will allow it, He will guide us through our challenges and allow us to be better for them. I know that I am thankful for our trials because they have brought us so much closer not only to the Lord but also to each other and to many many dear friends and family who have reached out to us in love and support. I think that not having much money this year because I have not been able to work, has really allowed us to slow down and enjoy this Christmas season more for what it really means. To focus more on the Savior and more on loving the people we have near.

I KNOW...

that even when times are hard, if we rely on each other, we can help each other through the hard times. I feel somewhat unworthy of all of the love that has been poured out in my behalf. Any time that I have felt like I was overhwhelmed by what we have been facing, there has been a friend who has reached out a hand, a listening ear, sent me note of love or gone out of their way to let me know that we are not alone. That has meant more to me that you could know. I hold the relationships in my life so dear and do not take even one for granted. I only hope I can be as good of a friend back as you all have been to me.

I KNOW...

that we need to take the time to be thankful for the small miracles in our lives and I know that the Lord has put angels in our lives who have helped us by bringing in many wonderful meals, doing yard work for us when Mike was injured, helping to get Maddy to and from school, visiting me and sitting with me even when I am sure they had plenty to do themselves. Anonymous gifts left on our door step leaving us speechless and so thankful. People who have done acts of service for us and not accepting our payment. Yes, the Lord has sent many angels to us this year. I could go on and on...

I KNOW...

That prayers are heard and answered and that the faith of so many who have been praying on my behalf and the behalf of my family is what allowed me to have the miracles I did in surgery.

I am so excited for the New Year! I am excited for a year of good health, good friendships, opportunities for more missionary work and more time spent in the Temple. I know times are hard right now with our economy but I feel so rich with the relationships we have in our lives. That is what I want to focus on this year. Being a better friend, a better wife, a better mom.

Most of all - I KNOW we need to never forget to laugh. I hope we can all find things to laugh about when times are hard. I hope we can find the good in people even when they might do things to make it hard. I hope this year for me, is filled with a little more laughing, a little more forgiveness, a chance to serve more and have fewer reasons to receive. I hope you all have a Happy New Year and that you know how sincerely we love you. I have been so humbled with what has transpired in our lives so I have been really sappy but I needed to get these thoughts out so thanks for reading. Here's to a Happy and Healthy 2009!

Merry Christmas!!

So the recovery is going well. I think yesterday was a little bit of a turning point in my recovery. I am still hurting but it is so much more manageable now. Of course in true Debbie form, I thought I was feeling better this morning so I went out with my sister to get a few things at Walmart and the walking about did me in so now I am back down for the count...I am not very good at staying down I suppose. I have had so many sweet messages for my birthday today, I feel so loved...really.

My sister Angie is here visiting and we are having a great time. It is making my downtime after surgery seem like a little vacation willed with games, movies and lots of chats! I love having her here so much!

We are opening Christmas presents today with Maddy. She leaves tomorrow to see her Mom for the week. We are sad not to have her here for Christmas this year but today will be fun because I think Santa brought a fun present that the whole family will enjoy for sure! I will list pictures this weekend.

Surgery Success

Today, Debbie had her surgery. When Debbie saw the doctor a few weeks ago, he said the infection was still in her intestines and in her colon. He said her colon would have to be removed and that she would have to wear a bag that attached to the large intestine. No, it does not sound good at all.

So we asked all our friends and family to pray and fast for Deb and I just got back from a very long day at the hospital and am so happy to announce that the surgery went better than expected. When the surgeon came out of the operating room he said when they went it they were surprised to see that the disease was mostly gone. There was a small part of the colon that still had the disease and they removed that part, but they were able to reattach the colon and Deb does not have to wear the bag.

The doctor attributed it to the amount of time she's been on the antibiotic, but I know we experienced a miracle. She was full of disease and after prayer and fasting by so many of you, she was spared a very painful experience.

To all of you who kept Debbie in your thoughts and prayers, I sincerely thank you.

I need blog saavy help!

Ok, I have been trying to find some kind of link to tell me how to set up our blog so that it lists under our friend blogs when the last update was. A lot of you have it on your blog so if someone could explain to me how to do that...I would love the help! Pleeease!

Whew Hooo!

Last night we went to see Celine Dion in concert, a very sweet client gave us tickets, anyway, it was REALLY GOOD. I was surprised how entertaining and personable she was. Great show!

So, tomorrow is the day we have been anticipating for what seems like forever. I will be going in at 11:30 and my surgery is at 1:30. I will be at Banner Gateway hospital in Gilbert.

We have received so many calls and prayers and we are so blessed to have such an amazing support group. You all have been such a comfort to me and I love you dearly.

May the Lord bless you in the things you are in need of and may we never underestimate the power of our friendships. I know we are never alone and I know that our prayers are heard and answered. I have faith that all will be well through this experience and know that Mike and I have learned so much about relying on the Lord and on each other through these times.

Love to you all,
Deb and Mike and Maddy too!

Another Change in Surgery Dates

It seemed a little crazy that Deb was going to have surgery on December 22nd. I can't imagine the surgeon was too thrilled about it either. So Debbie called his office and told him when the hospital scheduled the surgery. He wasn't happy, made a phone call and BAM! the hospital called Deb and said they suddenly had an opening for Monday (yes, a week from today).

So this Sunday, anyone whishing fast with us, please do so and keep Deb in your prayers. We really appreciate all the support everyone has given us. Hopefully we're at the end of this crazy medical journey we've been on all year.

Holiday Fun!

The oldest and the oldest...

Thanksgiving was fun hanging out with family...

Unkie and Tyler have a such a special bond...

We wonder aboutGranddad...it looks like he needs some more sleep...his hairs are standing on edge! :0





This is a happy Mom/Grandma...everyone is in town and the family is together! Good Times!!!

Even my cousin Jake joined us this year. We were glad to have him, he lives like 5 minutes away and I think we see him maybe once a year. The life of a batchelor...

We're not sure what to make of this...Tom, Tom, Tom is that any way to eat-I mean treat your wife??? (I am so funny)

These are Olive Hands...Julia and Maddy with Grandma - they are all growing up!

We love it when Stacy and Curtis come to town! We really wish they lived here!

Madyson loves her cousins so much!!! Everytime they come into town she looks forward to a girls sleep over at our house. That is the highlight and this is all 4 of them on Thanksgiving morning.

The three muskateers!




Friday morning, as tradition would have it, we put up the Christmas tree and decorations. The girls decorated the tree all by themselves - didn't they do an amazing job!!!

Finally a date and still a wait!!!

Well, we finally found out today that the operating room is full at the hospital so as of now, my surgery is scheduled on December 22nd at 7:30 am. There is a chance of a cancellation for the 15th and if that happens they will bump it up but as of now we have a few weeks. While putting it off can be a good thing, this will put me in the hospital for Christmas so I am sad. Oh well, I think I just have to let it go and put this all in the Lord's hands. Positive thinking=positive living! :-)

Thanks for all of you who are keeping tabs on us!