Sunday Cinnamon rolls

Mom teaches the 14-15 year old kids in her ward. She told me last night that she wanted to make cinnamon rolls to share with her kids and make some extra for company coming and neighbors. I tried to talk her into letting me do them Saturday Night but she wanted them to be fresh and warm (the way SHE would do it if she could). So we got up at 5:40 this morning and made cinnamon rolls for 9am church. She was able to measure the water and offer advise and then needed to lay down. She did as much as she could and it was enough. The cinnamon rolls turned out delicious--the best dough I've even made :) The labor of love in the kitchen was Mom's love to her class and friends as she share with them her bad news. After teaching a "review" of everything she had taught them-she bore her sweet testimony of the peace she has in God's Eternal Plan. What an amazing person Mom is--always thinking of others!

Our Day Today

Good morning Sunshine!

We went to the farmer's market this morning. Mom wanted to walk (about 1/2 mile) as usual and enjoy the beautiful day. Dad convinced her to drive and then if she wanted to walk-she could walk home. She found some beautiful flowers and a delicious Nutrella, banana, strawberry crepe. Much better than her egg mcmuffin from the day before. She has sworn off Fast Food-only the good stuff these days. After enjoying the morning air, she opted for the car ride home. Next on her list--seeing her boy Brett. He came at 12 today. Mom was so anxious to see him she kept pacing the floor in the kitchen. Finally she resigned herself to the couch and waited. When Brett arrived she wanted him to help with a project-hanging up lights in the backyard for a party next week. A party her co-workers are throwing in her honor--in her backyard :) With her BBQ-we humor Mom and just do what she says. Good light hanging Brett!

Mom spent most of the day visiting with Brett and resting. She seems more tired today and worn out from our beach trip the day before. Days seem endless and we count it as a blessing-more time with Mom. Her left hand is feeling more numb. At dinner she smacked her arm and said it felt like it was "misbehaving" and had a mind of its own. She then tried to convince us that she was going to keep doing everything she could until she couldn't like hiking and snorkeling. Dad and I looked at each other and winked (indulging the desire-yeah right mom) while Brett agreed with Mom that she probably could still go snorkeling. Mom teased Dad with a sucker punch that turned into an arm flop which brought more laughing and validating that she probably shouldn't when Brett chimed in and said, "Hey-I'm the new guy, that stuff still works on me." It doesn't take much time to recognize the physical decline this tumor is having in Mom's physical abilities. Many of these trials are being faced with laughter and lightness-how else do you deal with this daily? Mom doesn't want doom and gloom so we are keeping things light intermixed with the reality and tears. Mom is an incredible lady!

MRI Pictures

On October 27, 2010 Mom was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma. A brain tumor. The tumor is on both the right and left side of her brain and is inoperable. Mom and Dad have chosen to stay in Hawaii and enjoy the following months to come surrounded by family and friends. Mom didn't want me to post her MRI but I think THIS picture speaks a thousand words. -Mom's social secretary Kari

Mom's Testimony

My dearest family I can't sleep--I think time is getting too short. I am having a hard time making my fingers hit the right keys--it seems moment to moment my capabilities are decreased. You may need the spirit to follow this. It was so wonderful to hear each of your voices and share tender messages of love. As I laid in the MRI machine today the song--"Heavenly Father, are you really there went through my mind in an endless loop. I do know that He is there and knows me--even through tonight as I prayed I said--"It's me--Kathy." I love my life on earth with you and Dad--I am so very grateful we have been here together as family. I look forward to being together in heaven--I am excited to introduce you to my grandparents, aunts, uncles etc. I wonder if the 2 babies we lost in the early stages of pregnancies will be there--I love babies you know! Dad gave me a blessing tonight to make the right choices and manage well. So we will. I know I have a Father in Heaven that is watching over me--and you. Love each other and stay close to the Lord--that is where the light is. You are my joys, my pride, my gifts from God. I love you--Mom