A year ago . . . today

A year ago today:
Our journey really started before my birthday in March last year, when Mother had her routine mammogram. This time though, it wasn't clear.
As the phone rang, I jumped off my bed and ran to the phone to see that the caller-ID said NCMC. North Colorado Medical Center. I listened intently as I could hear Mother talking on the phone downstairs. Today was to be the day that we found out the biopsy results, and whether Mother had cancer or not. As soon as I heard Mother get off the phone, I ran downstairs to find her shaking, with tears in her eyes. She looked up at me and told me that the mammograms had confirmed it. Breast Cancer. Grade 1. 
I felt my heart nearly stop and I thought "I just know Mother won't make it! Why? Why this?! God, help us!"  I tore upstairs to my room again and laid on my bed crying and writing in my journal. I couldn't believe it was happening to us, a Christian, homeschooling family. We didn't deserve this.
The next month was hard as Mother and Daddy tried to make the serious decisions of how to proceed. There were many tears, many prayers, and struggles for me, as God tried to get through to me. I told myself I had to trust God, and that we were in His hands, and that He never makes mistakes. (Which is all so true!) But it was hard. Somehow, our amazing, powerful God kept our family and our hearts from falling apart, and led us through our valley. In April, Mother had a double mastectomy and implants put in. From there, after much taking care of her and she was recovered enough, she started chemo-therapy in June. She finished with her every-three-weeks chemo in September, after having six. She lost her hair, which was a HUGE change for us. I'm now used to it, and her hair gets longer every day! She is feeling great now, and is still gaining back her strength little by little.
I now look back on it in awe of all the happened, and thank the Lord for the huge amount of His help as we went through that. He was with us the entire way. He knew everything that would happen. And He knew it'd all be for the best, even if we still don't understand why it happened. I am thankful for that valley though, because it helped me to grow, really grow in Christ, which is my ultimate goal!!
And because of Mother's cheerful outlook on life and her joy in Christ, even though she had cancer, she was able to witness and bless several people. We continue to pray that God will get all the glory out of our lives, even if it takes tragedies to do it.
Whenever you are faced with a mountain of tragedy, remember that God is there. Remember that His plan, is the best plan. It is the perfect plan, even if you don't understand it. And remember that He loves you.

My birthday post!!!

Yes, my birthday was St. Patrick's Day, the 17th of March, and nobody pinched me, even though I wasn't wearing green!! Yea! =D  
Well, I had quite the birthday week. On Wednesday the 14th, some of my cousins came over and gave me gifts, then Daddy came home from work early so we could go to the mountains.
Me, Beth and our cousins, Hadassah, Sarah, and Kwani outside on our trampoline.

Jason and I hiking around in the mountains.

We babysat all day Friday, then ate supper, and when Beth and Jason got home from work, I then opened presents.
Mother and Daddy gave me some books and a sweater, and Jason gave me a book.

Then, after I had opened those gifts, Mother went upstairs and told me to keep my eyes closed.
I did, and pretty soon, I heard her come back, and then something landed on my lap!

My eyes popped open and there IT was!!!!!

...a quilt Mother just finished making, that I absolutely love!!  I was so surprised!!

Isn't it just gorgeous?!

This is Daddy, Mother, and me after Mother surprised me with the quilt.

On Saturday evening, my birthday evening, we had some friends, the Strubhars over for a meal, music, and fellowship. We really enjoyed getting to know them better, and sharing music with them!
The girls table: L-R: Grace, me, Ivanna, Faith, and Beth. We had potato-soup, salad, and blueberry desert.

 We had two violins, two accordions, two pianos, and a cello. It was beautiful!

Daddy took this picture of me on Sunday with most of my gifts (there are a few I forgot to include).

  Well, for the most part, that was my birthday excitement, and now I'm fourteen!!!

Spring is a-comin'!!

I LOVE SPRING!!!!! This past week we have had delightful weather!!! I've gotten to go on several bike-rides and finally been able to take some pictures of the flowers that I have missed very much!
What I love about spring:
* The cool breezes
* The flowers
* Not having to wear a coat anymore
* The smell of rain
* The smells of the outdoors
* Taking pictures of all the beauty
* Going on bike-rides
* Hearing the birds chirping like crazy (they must love spring to!)
* The blue skies!

What do you all enjoy most about spring?

Brothers are Treasures

Above: This is Jason and I when we were much younger, about 7 or 8 years ago. Jason has been my best friend ever since I was born. Of course like all great friends, and siblings, we argued a lot, but also had some of the best times of our lives, doing nearly EVERYTHING together.

Even though we're older now, we still do a lot together, whenever his work at ACE permits. I love spending summer evenings with him: bike-riding, jumping on the trampoline, playing Capture the Flag or Hide-n-Seek, playing violin and cello together, playing a hard tournament of Foosball (table soccer), or playing a good game of Chess that Jason almost always beats me at.  I love you Jase!

Above:  My dear brother, Jeffrey (who is now away at college) and me. He has always been a special brother to me. Not only did he do fun things with Jason and me outside on summer evenings, but he also has encouraged me or just prayed with me anytime I needed that, even if it was near midnight. I love and miss you, Jeffrey!

Above: My dear brother, Tim and me. Before he got married and left home when I was 11, he was a big part of my life. Every Sat. morning I would go to his room and give and receive a back-rub while we listened to stories on the radio. He challenged me in my Christian walk and made me think about important and eternal things, and he was always there when I needed someone to talk to. Whenever we are together we have a good, long talk, which I love.  I love and miss you, Timbo!

Above: My dear brother, Randy and me. He left home for college when I was only 6-years-old, so I don't remember him being home a whole lot. He and I were each-other's Treasures, before he married his real Treasure : ). But I love him very dearly, and I know I can talk to him about almost anything. His name (Randall) means Protector, and that's always what he has been to me. I love and miss you, Treasure!