Debbie Lawrence (Clark)

The hood.  I've always wanted to be an ornament.

UTawna Johnson (Witney)

Happy Birthday to Marilyn Huff Devenish!!

Shauna Bona (Leetham)

I want to know what Jill and Jan are making??? What are we going to throw to the kids??? Reserve my seat, I didn't see a place for walkers??

Linda Schardine

I think we should definetely throw wrapped candy like root beer barrells, red gummy bears, tootsie rolls and whatever, we'll bring some stuff with us, sounds fun!

I'm putting this news on, not for any sympathy but just to send good vibes our way.......

My husband has a cancerous tumor in the rectum. He is now on radiation and a chemo fanny pack which gives him small doses 24-7. It's supposed to be more effective and a lot less harsh. So far, (4 days in) he's doing pretty good. They will shrink it, then do surgery, then probley more chemo. So he  has some months to go of  attacking and recovering.

He has a good attitude and we're just going on with life and trying to enjoy it even more. He has to go to CouerdAlene 5 days a week to get radiated. We also have some friends who will be helping to drive to free me up to keep my zumba routine as much as possible and keep me from getting stressed. I've been on the other side when I had breast cancer, but it's almost worse with a loved one going through it. You're afraid and feel completely helpless.

He is my soul mate and it took me a long time to find him.......

So thanks everyone for just being there! We get no points for being tough and not including others.

Linda

UTawna Johnson (Witney)

Linda, my thoughts are with you and your husband.

Daryl Tucker

Count me in for positive thoughts and prayers, Linda!

Marlene Hansen (Sheppard)

Linda our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Roy had colon cancer and it can be a hard road.  He is great and came through it tuff as nails. 

Charles (Chuck) Gividen

Linda, our thoughts and prayers are with the two of you as well. 

David Lynn

Stay tuff Ninda, we are all with you. My Dad had his colen fixed and lasted another 25 years. An old Wyoming cowboy, never a complaint. He got pulled over and the Highway Patrol asked him why he didn't have his seat belt on. He showed him hig bag and they let him go. Hope he does'nt need one, not an advantage we want but I'm glad you are so positive. God Bless.

Jan Allred (Carter)

Linda so sorry about your husband. Stay positive and know that we all love you and are sending positive energy your way.

Linda Schardine

Thank you all for the positive thoughts and good vibes, it helps a lot!!

David Lynn

You and Lars are the uplifting ones. Thanks. Happy TG everyone.

Charles (Chuck) Gividen

I thought that you all would enjoy this:

What It Means To Be Poor…

      One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people can be. 

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

       On their return from their trip, the father asked his on, “How was the trip?”  “It was great, Dad.”  “Did you see how poor people can be?” the father asked.  “Oh Yeah” said the son.  “So what did you learn from the trip?”  asked the father.

      The son answered, “I saw that we have one dog and they had four.  We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.  We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.  Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.  We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.  We have servant’s who serve us, but they serve others.  We buy our food, but they grow theirs.  We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”

      With this the boy’s father was speechless.  Then his son added, “Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are.”

      Too many times we forget what we have and concentrate on what we don’t have.  What is one person’s worthless object is another’s prize possession.  It is all based on one’s perspective.  Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for all the bounty we do have, instead of worrying about wanting more.

Take joy in all you have, especially your family and friends.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!!!

UTawna Johnson (Witney)

Thank you, Chuck, for that post. It's so true.

David Lynn

Sorry about the loss of your Father Jill C.T.

UTawna Johnson (Witney)

So sorry , Jill, on the loss of your father. Love and prayers for you and your family.

Daryl Tucker

Sorry to hear about your father, Jill. Much love to you and your family.

Linda Schardine

Jill,

My prayers and thoughts are with you, so sorry for your loss......

Love,

Linda

Dennis Sorensen

Jill I am sorry for your loss.  Losing your parents is really tough.  This time of year makes one reflect on ones life.  I have a story I want to share.  I also think we should schedule a lunch so we can share the holiday together.  Love ya all Dennis

'The last thing I did was the most exciting thing ever!' he said.

I couldn't wait to hear what it was. 

'Well, my friend, I can't imagine what you might have accomplished, but whatever it was you must share it with me,' I said.

The older man looked at me with somewhat of a surprised look on his face. 

We stared at each other and I became a bit uncomfortable. Had I misunderstood what he said? Did he say something else and I insulted him?

'Oh, I'm sorry. Did I misunderstand you?' I finally said.

'What did I say?' he replied.

'Didn't you just say, the last thing I did was the most exciting thing ever?' I repeated.

'Well, yes I did.'

'What was it? What was the most exciting thing ever?' I asked.

'Oh, I see,' he replied. 'You're waiting for me to tell you that I won something or accomplished some great thing, right?'

'Well, yes. Isn't that what you implied?' I asked.

'In a sense, yes. But permit me to clear things up,' he said.

I couldn't wait to hear this one.

'You look like a healthy man, are you?' he asked.

'Basically. I mean I have problems but nothing life threatening that I know of.'

'Then you might not understand this,' he said. Then placing his arm around my shoulder he explained.

'About a year ago I nearly died. I had a heart attack that nearly ended my life. It was an experience that took me to my knees and lifted me back up again. It was then that I really began to see how valuable every moment is in my life.'

He then crossed in front of me and placing his hands on my shoulders, said, 'Every last thing I do is the most exciting thing I have ever done. It's one more moment, day, week, month past the day I almost died. That's exciting!'

How very powerful that thought was.

It was like he hit me in the head. I have always said that everyone should have a near death experience so that they can appreciate life more.

I never have. But I have lived through it when my son and wife both had cancer. I have certainly changed the way I look at life. 

'That way when my last breath does finally come, I will go out seeing the real value of 'the last thing I did.'

Feeling down? Thinking you have nothing to be excited about in your life?

Think again. Try appreciating life so very much that the last thing you did would be the most exciting thing you ever did.

Appreciate the friends and family you have around you.  Make this the best Christmas Season you have ever spent. 

UTawna Johnson (Witney)

My heartfelt condolence to Marilyn Hatfield Christiansen on the passing of her father. 

Daryl Tucker

May you and your family find comfort and peace at this sad moment in your lives, Marilyn. Positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Nice thoughts, Dennis. When will you be up again?

David Lynn

So sorry.

Dennis Sorensen

The next trip North that I will have some time open in the morning will be December 19.  I have a meeting in SLC at 1330 hours (1:30) on that day. This is a Thursday, and yes I would have to meet for lunch at 11:30.

Sorry for you loss Marilyn.  This is really a tough time of year to lose someone.  DS

David Lynn

Gee, I was crying watching the Studabaker history.

Ok, Dennis let's do it. 11:30 somewhere.

Dennis Sorensen

You pick the spot Dave and the rest of us will show up!   Daryl, Denny, Ken, Eric, Gary, Tawna, Shauna, Jill, Marlene, Larry, Kenny, Patty, Mart, Kevin, its Christmas you have to find the time to come to lunch this time.