New Year, New You!

It's that time of year, where you look back at all that has gone on, and you can see all the ways you've been blessed.  You can see where you've struggled, and decide on things you want to change.

I don't make New Year Resolutions.  I, generally, have time to sit and contemplate the things I want to change at Snowbird.  There's something about being up there, at the end of summer, out in the beautiful mountains, where you can feel closer to Heavenly Father than you do in the crazy, busy-ness that goes on down in the valley.  That being said, I'm not going to post any goals or resolutions, but I want to share some things I'm grateful for.

I have to say that the last year has been amazing in many ways!  Amazing in good ways and amazing in bad ways.  I feel like I've been being a downer for the last while, and I don't like that I've become that way, so I'm working on fixing that (I think I may have stated a resolution ;)). 

I've been serving in the LDS Mid-Singles program in Davis County for nearly a year.  For those that don't know, midsingles are singles in many various circumstances from divorced, widowed, and unmarrieds between the ages of 31-45 years old.  I've probably said this before, but I would never have imagined me being a leader like this.  When I started showing up for the weekly religion classes about 19 months ago, my plan was to attend the class, because I needed the spiritual uplift and get out of there.  I was shy and nervous, and didn't want to be noticed.  Then one day someone noticed me, and welcomed me in, and it felt right, so I stuck to it.  Through this program I have met a lot of amazing people that I have grown to love!  I've also learned many, many things!  Some things I sort of wish I hadn't, but oh, well!  Overall, I can't believe I'm the same person that walked in there not that long ago!  I've been able to step out of my comfort zone, that had me sitting on the back row, by the door, with my phone in hand, so I could escape, to being in front of many, many people and feeling completely comfortable.  I'm not saying that I'm always completely comfortable, but it's been amazing, because I have moments where I'm nervous and shy, but I just have to put on that "leader persona" and I can walk up there and do what needs to be done, and the nervousness and shyness dissipate.  I'm grateful for that!  I'm grateful for the wonderful people I've been able to associate with!  I'm still in shock to think that I accompanied Emmy nominated violinist, Jenny Oaks Baker.  It was thrilling!  Terrifying, but thrilling! 

I'm so grateful for a loving and supportive family!  I don't know what I would do without my mom, my brother, sister-in-law and their kids, and the support I can feel from my dad!  I'm thankful for all of my nephews and niece!  I'm grateful for each of their own identities, with their personalities, talents and all that comes with them.  Ford is brilliant and beautiful and so talented, and knows so much!  I'm grateful for his testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!  Ev is the funniest kid I know.  He's really smart, and is an amazing, athletic boy! Ady is hilarious and darling and my little twin!  Akston has been a comfort to me these past few months, as I get to cuddle him and rock him to sleep.  I am blessed!

I'm grateful for the people I've been able to serve with in young womens.  I'm amazed at the strength of the youth in the stake!  There are so many that have amazing gifts, talents, and testimonies.  I've loved getting to know them and see them grow up. 

I'm grateful for the abilities I've been given!  Heavenly Father has blessed me in so many ways, and I'm so grateful!  I'm in awe, knowing that He knows me, and knows my needs, and loves me.  I'm amazed that I can receive answers to prayers, and that even when I don't like those answers, and I keep wanting different answers, that I still know when my prayers are answered.

I wanted to share this video , as the new year is upon us.  I hope you enjoy it and take advantage of the new beginning that we all have!

Last night I had a meeting with the committee heads of the midsingles program.  We were talking about our spring conference.  I was talking about how I want a workshop that is based on identifying yourself.  Last time, I had Matt Townsend come and speak.  He talked about it doesn't matter WHAT you are, it's WHO you are.  I thought it was a great message.  It wasn't anything new, it was something that people needed, though.  A great reminder!

My reason behind this is that I've been sad with the way some people identify themselves.  One older guy at an activity introduced himself as (names will be changed, not that anyone knows him, I don't think I'd know him if I saw him, again.)  "Hi, I'm Rob, I'm unemployed and live at his parents house, too," pointing towards the guy next to him.  Others are like, "Hi, I'm Vanessa, I'm divorced."  Yes, these are things that are a part of you, but they AREN'T you!  You are a Daughter or a Son of God!  That's your divine identity!  Believe it!  Live it! 

However, all that being said, I identify myself as "Hi, I'm Pyper.  I have severe trust issues."  I can't wait for the day, that someone comes along that helps me overcome that!  Well, I've had someone like that before, but, well...  yep, I need to work on that.  I know that people can't make you one way or the other, you LET yourself be affected.  It's just hard!  I deal well with lots of different kinds of people, and I LOVE people, but when disappointments come along, it just pushes me farther into that hole of not trusting.  Then, it takes a lot to get me back to trusting that person, and being able to really trust what seems to be happening, or trusting myself that I can really discern what is happening. 

I've been praying that I'll be able to discern things better, and I'm grateful for the answers to those prayers.  Hopefully, I can continue to better myself in that way!  Anyways, those are my thoughts for the day! 

It's November! October is over! With that being said, I can say that I'm trying really hard to be better, have a better attitude, and to serve more. I received a priesthood blessing a week and a half ago, and am feeling better. I'm so grateful for the blessings that come through prayer, and the priesthood. I'm thankful for the righteous priesthood holders in my life that can give me blessings when I'm in need.

Interested in what priesthood blessings are? Watch this example.

I am very grateful for the many opportunities that I've been given, and the people that I've met. To think of the changes, opportunities, and things I've learned over the last year and a half, I'm amazed!

TMJ stinks! There are two things that cause it to flair. One of them is if I eat something I shouldn't, like toffee (learned that since Halloween) or chew gum. The second is stress. I can't believe how dumb it is! It's amazing for me to see how people affect me, how I LET people affect me.  From someone not treating me the way they usually do or getting hit by a ton of strange comments on event pages or timing of responses to texts, etc...  My face hurts!  I sit here, holding my face, needing my neck rubbed, telling myself that I'm so dumb for letting myself get all tight like that.  So, I know what I need to work on, I just need to know tricks for getting myself out of the stress... haha!

It's almost election day.  I'm glad it's going to be here, and be done (hopefully), because I'm so sick to death of all of the commercials and all of the signs all over the place.  I'm scared for the outcome of the election.  I see people's posts on Facebook, and I get nervous!  I've seen the events of fasting and prayer in behalf of the election.  Events like that, or reading the Book of Mormon in said amount of time, I don't rsvp to, because I think that those things are very personal.  However, seeing the negative comments on such events, makes me sad.  People say that Heavenly Father wouldn't take part in politics, and that praying for such is wrong.  I disagree whole heartedly!  Heavenly Father will answer a prayer to help me find my keys, and that is such a miniscule thing in whole realm of existence, what makes anyone think he won't answer prayers in behalf of a nation.  Reading the Bible or the Book of Mormon, you can see the Lord's hand in ALL civilizations.  He didn't just send us here, to be on our own, although a lot of people think that, he sent us here to learn and grow and overcome trials and temptations.  He sent us with help, and that's for all of us individually and as a whole.

Okay, I'm off my soap box now!  Hope everyone is doing well!

Lessons...

I don't know that I ever mentioned this before, but  a neighbor and good friend of ours passed away on April 20th.  He helped us so much!  He was always looking out for Mom, and making sure she had everything taken care of.  One day we came home and had a new mailbox.  When our bathroom was fixed for us, while we were gone, we came home to new lighting in the bathroom and the garage.  He couldn't believe that two single women would come home, without having any light on in the garage.  The other night the lightbulb on the garage door opener died, and everytime I'm out there, I think about Scott and that he's probably put out with us letting it stay that way. 

The night before he passed away, he called me and said he was someone from the Jehovah's Witnesses and that they'd been observing me, etc...  Then he said, "Just kidding, it's Scott..." and went on about how he wanted to be a good piano dad, so could I please explain somethings to him.  So, as he asked me questions about symbols, he'd play them to see if he got it right, so he could help his son.  I have to say that this is the first time, ever, that a dad had gotten so involved with his kids piano lessons. 

The next morning, there were things going on down the street, and I knew something was up, but had no idea it would be that.  I was kind of in denial, because it seemed totally impossible.  It was really strange, and too familiar!  His oldest is just younger than I was when my dad died, his daughter is how old Collin was, and then they have a baby, that just turned one last month.  His wife was teaching part time, my mom was teaching part time.  His wife was in the relief society presidency, my mom was in the relief society presidency.  Our neighbor across the street was over at their house, she was over at the house next door, where I was when we found out about dad.  Just too familiar! 

I found myself being grateful that I knew what they were going to go through, so I could help them through it.  Had I been in different circumstances, maybe having a family of my own, and not living around here, I wouldn't be able to help them.  I'm really glad that I was already teaching their oldest, so we had a relationship already, because he feels comfortable with me already.  His first lesson after his dad died, he told me he'd be really good at this part, because his dad made him practice a ton.  Then, he did really well, and he said, "It's like someone is helping me, but no one is."  That's the kind of gift you get from your deceased relatives.  I know that Heavenly Father lets them help us.

Another lesson I've learned through the example of someone I admire and appreciate, is how I deserve to be treated.  Thank you!

My conference is over and now my young women leadership meeting is over, so now I can think again.  I have to say that my brain struggled changing from being MidSingles oriented to being Young Women oriented.  I actually was wondering what in the world was wrong with me, and kept praying for direction on what I should do for the leadership meeting, and it didn't come until yesterday.  I guess that's the way it works.  I procrastinate, but eventually it works out.

I don't remember what I posted prior to the conference, about the conference, so I hope I don't bore you with stuff I've already said.

There were moments in the planning of the conference that I questioned what I was doing and why; whether I was being directed in the right direction or if it was just me.  You all know those doubts that creep up.  It was so inspiring and amazing to see how everything pulled together, and be able to see that we really were being guided in what we had planned. 

The friday night activity was going to be night games, but the weather didn't cooperate, it was way too cold.  We ended up doing games inside, though, and it was way fun!  Not all people participated, but it was fun for the ones that did. 

Saturday was full of workshops, service projects, games, a keynote speaker in the morning, food, a Greg Simpson Band concert and a dance with karaoke, video games and a photobooth.  It was awesome!  Elder Fluhman of the Seventy was our keynote speaker.  When I had told Cyd about him, she said that I needed to have his wife speak, as well, because she is a great lady.  I didn't know about doing that, since I hadn't had any contact with him, but I thought it was a great idea.  Well, that morning he walked in, was introduced to me, and said, "Now, Pyper, my wife is here, and I think you need to have her share something."  It was so cool!  She said she'd be fine just listening, but ended up sharing some stuff.  It was great!

The workshops that I got to attend were amazing, and exactly what I felt they should be, when I asked these people to do it.  My stake is great!  I may have mentioned this before, and maybe I'm biased, but we had Louise Sill and Pres. Downs come and present, and I heard comments all day about how their messages had inspired people.  My favorite quote from Louise was that the scriptures always say, "And it came to pass..." they don't say, "And it came to stay..."  It's so true!  All of our trials and struggles come, but they pass, unless we dwell on them.  Then, they won't pass as quickly as they may have.  Our lunch was provided by a guy in our stake, and then the deejay was from our stake.  I sure hope that the stake isn't tired of helping me out, because I already have people in mind for the next time :)

On Sunday night, S. Michael Wilcox did our fireside.  It was amazing!  I have always loved the story of Jesus walking on the water, and coming to save the apostles in the fourth watch of the night.  (http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/mark/6?lang=eng).  That's how He is, He could save us at the beginning of our trials, but he doesn't.  He comes in when we feel we can no longer handle it.  Bro. Wilcox said we have a fourth watch God, and we're a first watch kind of people.  It's so true!  At the beginning of the fireside, we had the choir sing Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer, arranged to the melody of Homeward Bound.  I have always loved Homeward Bound, however, I have not loved the hymn book arrangement of Precious Savior, Dear Redeemer.  Oh, my word, it was beautiful!  The choir number was a stress for us for quite sometime, but then it just worked out, and I'm so thankful for those that were able to pull it together.  Bro. Wilcox said that there are many songs that remind him of his wife, but there are three specific songs that make him feel her, everytime he hears one of them; and it just so happened that that was one of the songs.  People were close to the spirit when they picked that out.

On friday night, I was so tired, I was laughing uncontrollably.  It was so funny!  I don't think many of the midsingles, if any, have ever seen me like that.  Then, on Sunday during the closing song at the fireside, I just started bawling.  It was so funny, too!  I felt this huge weight lift off of my shoulders, that I hadn't even realized I was feeling. 

There were so many great experiences, even down to having lost my keys, and had many people looking for them.  Then, someone suggested we pray, and within 8 seconds (and I'm not even exaggerating) my keys were found, right where we'd already looked for them.  The turn out wasn't as huge as I was hoping for, hopefully, it will be better next time.  I do know without any doubt that all of those things were meant for someone, if not more than one, and that makes it all worth it!  I'm so grateful for all of the people that helped with everything.  I can't even put into words how grateful I am.  It was such a neat experience, and very educational.

In just over a week, the midsingles' conference I've been working on for the past four months will finally be here!  I'm so excited!  I keep worrying that I'm forgetting something, because I'm not too concerned about it, as long as people come.  As previously mentioned here, I've taken on a new calling, in addition to my calling in the stake young women presidency.

It's an awesome thing to be a part of.  I've had some great helpers in this huge endeavor.  I was so nervous terrified to announce to the committee heads that I had this really strong impression, along with the scripture that was to be the theme, that we needed to do a conference in the spring.  I hadn't had much to do with the planning of the one in the fall; I just came in towards the end of the planning and helped out with the finishing touches.  I was scared of their reaction, whether they would support me or not.  If I was more confident in myself, I'd probably be able to announce it in a way that they would just jump on board.  However I announced it, apparently pretty timid, they said they would do it; not that they were jumping for joy over it.  Some seemed way excited, and some I couldn't read.  Seeing that everyone has a full-time job, some have kids, some have school, some are just crazy busy, and we all have our own callings in our own wards and stakes, I've wanted to make this as easy for them as possible.  Apparently to the effect of making someone feel bad, even with my intents being to help out, it didn't.  (Have I mentioned that midsingles range from 31-45?  I am 31, so I'm a baby in the group, and haven't had all of the experience that some of these people have, so I'm learning as I go.)  I, also, have a fantastic high councillor that is so supportive and amazing!  I'm lucky getting to work with two amazing men, in my two positions, that have such strong testimonies in the gospel, that they will do all that is possible for any activity.  I email Bro. Grant twenty times a day, sometimes, depending on what's going on.  He's like an uncle to me; I have way more contact with him, than my real uncles.  I just have to say that I have an awesome stake!  So many people from our stake are helping out in Centerville with my conference, it's fantastic!  I'm so grateful for the individual phone calls, texts and chats that have taken place, to help give me direction and understanding of what I've needed to be doing.

In the process of planning this, I've discovered things about myself.  Some I'm glad I've found, some I hope I can change.  Prior to this, I never asked anyone to do anything.  If I had to ask something, like getting a reservation somewhere, I'd have Collin do it for me.  I've contacted so many people about doing workshops, firesides, concerts, cooking, etc.  Granted a lot of it has been via email, but that has still been a big step for me.  I've been in awe speaking with some of the people I've talked to, i.e. S. Michael Wilcox, even though he was my institute teacher once; and Virginia H. Pearce, daughter of Pres. Hinckley.  Just thinking that I was talking on the phone to a daughter of a prophet was so amazing to me. 

I wish I didn't come across as being a strong woman, not that there's anything wrong with being strong; I'd really like someone to take care of me, though.  The more strength I show, the more I wish I didn't.  I don't like being so independent, and I really don't like doing so much on my own.  If it comes to the point that I need to ask someone to help with something, my first concern is he (she) will think I'm ridiculous, because I can't handle something, or that what I need isn't nearly as important as whatever they're doing.  I worry that I come across as not caring about people or stand-offish, because I don't let myself get close to people.  It takes me a long time to get close, but once I am, I am forever.

I've found kind of a coping mechanism for me.  I'm all business, a lot of the time.  I just want to let go, and socialize; well, that's what I tell myself, but then when I'm in the situation that I can just socialize, I'm hoping for some task to come up, so I'll have a purpose, or I get out my phone.  It's not happening as much as it used to, but every once in a while it sneaks up.  I just have to say that sometimes it's lonely when you're in charge of something.

The other night we went to Get Air in Kaysville, and jumped on trampolines, and it was so much fun!  I had no concerns of needing to get to a task, I was comfortable and having a great time. 

Well, I think that's all of my ramblings, for now.  I wish I could always keep the perspective of everything's going to work out, and not to worry about things.  I'm really good at worrying, though.  I get it from Grandma Mamie!

Whatever the case, I know that the Lord has had His hand in the planning of this conference, and I hope that those that attend will feel that, and know that He knows each of them individually, and loves them.  He has great faith in them, because He knows what they can do, and He wants to see them reach their potential!

Four years ago, yesterday, I went through the Mt. Timpanogos temple for my first time.  I'm so grateful that I decided to go through the temple.  It has been such a blessing to me!


I had been shopping for some young women things at the distribution center, and overheard a bunch of missionaries showing each other the pictures of the temples that they received their endowments in.  While I was observing this, I was like, "I want to do that."  The thought had come when I was younger, I wanted to be able to be there when Collin got married, but it just didn't seem right.  However, in that distribution center, I knew it was time.  I went to the church that night to drop some stuff off for one of my primary kids, and just stopped into the bishop's office to see what I needed to do to get ready to go to the temple.  Fifteen minutes later, I had a temple recommend and was told the next temple prep. class wasn't going to start for a while, and he thought I should just go.  So, three weeks later I went through this temple.  It was a great experience!  It was wonderful to have so many of my family and friends there.


I've seen so many blessings in my life, and in the lives of those I know and love, because of the temple.

(I hope that Steven and Seja don't mind me posting this)

This little girl's parents found out while they were expecting her, that she had a heart defect.  Their names were put on the temple prayer rolls in many temples, and one day as I was walking out of the temple, I got a text from Seja saying that they had just met with the specialist, and that she was totally fine.  She's a happy, healthy wonderful little girl! 

The power of the temple and the power of prayer are such amazing gifts!

I love General Conference!  It's such a great blessing to be able to listen to the words of the prophet.  I know that preparing for conference with a question or questions in mind, that you will receive answers.  I enjoyed every moment of this weekend, feeling the spirit so strongly!

Loved this!  http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2012/04?lang=eng&vid=1540737895001&cid=5

I really loved this, too! It fits so well with my upcoming midsingles conference.   http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2012/04?lang=eng&vid=1540737917001&cid=12

I'm grateful for the gospel in my life!  I'm grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the Plan of Happiness!

Blessings... :)

I am so grateful for the many blessings my Heavenly Father has given me!  It's amazing to see the power and love of God daily!  As many of you know this summer has been a huge struggle!
 Here's just a few examples of the Mighty miracles that have taken place in my life...

• First of all, my family doctor had suggested that I have a gallbladder ultrasound in May '09.  I didn't, because he said I should wait until I have insurance, which I never got.  I know this doesn't sound like a miracle, because obviously he had a concern.  However, the blessing in this is that, because I didn't have that ultrasound at Tanner Clinic, I didn't have to be treated for this at Davis Hospital.  (Davis Hospital is so scary!!!)  So, because of my lack of insurance, I didn't have to suffer through being there.
• My surgeon, Dr. Varela, is really young (and cute :)).  The procedure (T-TUBE) has not been done for decades.  The fact that he knew this from so long ago, and was able to make it work IS a miracle.  Every injury or sickness I have ever had is always worse on me then it is on whoever gave me the sickness, so I just planned on that.  Overall recovery was easy!
• The many priesthood blessings I received.  The wednesday after my surgery, my liver numbers were still extremely high.  I called Collin for a blessing, and the next morning, my numbers were near normal.
• I have never felt better in my life!  I never realized how sick I actually was until the past two weeks where I have felt amazing! 
• I've had a sinus infection for the last five weeks.  Instacare had said it was a virus, and wouldn't give me any antibiotics.  So, I went to the aforementioned family doctor, and because Collin and his son played on the same comp. soccer teams, and he's known me, he gave me a free doctors appt, and prescribed me some antibiotics, that are working quite well!  Thanks Collin and Krystal for your help here!
• My business has been quite slow, and piano lessons have been at a minimum with people moving and going on vacation during the summer.  So, it's been a financial struggle, not to mention my hospital bills and no insurance (more on this later!).  Had business been good, there is no way I could've done it during the last few months with me being so sick, having surgery, and the six week recovery.  However, within the last week, I've had four design contacts and new piano students referred to me.  I start work on a house next week and new piano kids in two weeks! 
• My hospital bills were over $34,000.  My surgeon was about $2500.  The anesthesiologist was about $2500, as well.  There is no possible way that I could do this on my own.  I'm extremely grateful for the kindness of those that are close to me that have helped with this situation.  The hospital has financial assistance and they've been amazing.  Up until today, they were taking care of 80% of my surgeon's fees, and about 89% of some of the hospital bills, and no word on the largest part.  So, I've been able to pay the doctor, except for $25 that will be taken care of soon.  Today I got a bill in the mail saying that I owed $24,862 that was due in full on August 10.  I was having a total meltdown, so I called the number on the bill to really hear my balance.  After hearing it, I was pretty certain it was mistaken or not all inclusive.  So, when I got home, I got online to check.  All of it was there except the anesthesiologist.  My total balance is just over $300!

I am completely humbled and so extremely thankful for all I've been given!  I know that the Lord's hand has been in all of this.  It's His plan, and I am in awe!

A crazy month...

It's been a horrendous, sad, painful (both physically and emotionally), miraculous few weeks.  Here's how it went...

On May 18th, ALee called me and asked if I'd heard how Grandpa was doing that day.  I hadn't yet, since I'd been running around seeing Mom at her Arts' Week performances and awards night, and teaching piano.  I decided during that phone call that I was going to switch my piano lessons for the next day so I could spend time with Grandma & Grandpa.  So, I quickly rearranged my schedule and got down to AF before 10:00 in the morning.  At the time Grandpa was sleeping, but he soon got restless.  He was antsy wanting to get out of bed, but his legs weren't strong enough.  He hadn't been eating and the nurse said not to give him food unless he asked for it, because they were afraid of him choking.  He asked for some shredded wheat, so we got him up and he ate some, then he said, "Can I at least get some juice?"  It was kind of cute!  Then he wanted to go back to bed.  We got him in there, and he never really woke up again.  As we have Grandma Mamie on hospice, I've been told signs to look for in the death process, I saw it was happening, but could not believe it was really happening, because he seemed so strong.  I couldn't bare to leave.  I knew when I kissed him goodbye that I was kissing him goodbye for the last time, in the back of my mind.  I had to come home to teach piano to one family that couldn't change, so I left, so not wanting to leave Grandma alone, and not wanting to leave his side.

At 6:23 a.m., on May 20th, Grandma called and said, "Ross is gone, and I can't talk more..." 

The next 5-6 days were kind of a whirlwind, but at the same time slow motion.  There was a peace in Grandma's house.  I didn't feel peace about Grandpa.  I'm glad I got to spend that day with him.

The peace came.

Since about Mothers' Day, I'd been feeling pretty crappy!  I thought it was acid reflux.  The pain persisted, sometimes increasing, sometimes just being a dull pain.  The day Grandpa died, the pain left.  The pain started around Memorial day, again.  On June 1st, the pain was so horrendous, that I didn't sleep that night until 5:40 a.m. on the 2nd.  I had made an appt for June 3rd, so I was biding my time.  As many of you know, I have no health insurance, so I was just waiting until then.  I went to Cory's graduation dinner at the Olive Garden, and by 7:00 I was in tremendous pain.  I couldn't ride in the car all the way home, so we stopped at Grandma Mamie's house, so I could lie down.  We got home a little after 10:00, and by 2:00 a.m., I couldn't handle it one more second, so we went to the ER.  At the ER, they gave me some fantastic medicine, and ran some tests.  The ER dr. came back and said I had a really sick gallbladder that he'd like to get an ultrasound, but that there wasn't a tech to do it until later, so he sent me home at 5:00 something.  I returned to the hospital for an ultrasound at 9:40 a.m.  After the ER dr. saw the results of the ultrasound, she said that they needed to get me in for surgery soon, "so, what does the rest of your day look like?"  I was amazed it was that urgent.  She called over to the surgeon to see when he could do it, and he couldn't until tuesday, so that was the plan.  Then, they had me go over and meet him.  he explained what was going to happen, and said there were ways to have the surgery be sooner, if absolutely necessary, but to take the pain meds, and he'd see me on tuesday.  He said if I was running on pain pill to pain pill to call him, and he could change things.


Friday morning I woke up to yellowish eyes and yellowish skin.  I called the nurse to see what I should do, because it was listed as a "serious side effect" to the medication.  After she called around to the pharmacist and doctor, they decided I needed to go in for an MRI at 9:35 p.m., so I was running on half a sandwich all day.  The MRI was about 24 minutes long, and thank heavens for KSOP not having many commercials, I was able to make it through commercial free!


Saturday morning I felt horrific!  I waited around to hear the results, but then called in around noon.  No one was going to be there until 1:00 to read the MRI.  So, I waited.  I asked for a blessing and Derrick, Seth, and Michael from our ward came and gave me one.  It was very nice.  Right after the blessing the dr called and said I needed to go to the hospital immediately, and that he'd already have me admitted by the time I got there.


Saturday night-  I had to have a scope down my throat to get a gallstone, that they thought was blocking the bile duct of my liver.  I had adult jaundice.  The surgeon that was going to do that, told us he was the best in the nation at this procedure, and that the national average was 90 min., and he could do it in 7-9 minutes.  Well, after the procedure he came out and told Mom that there wasn't a stone there, but there was a toughness that wasn't normal, and may be a tumor.  (Mom kept this a secret from me.)  


The liver numbers are supposed to top out in the 50s, mine were in the 322+ range.  They said my numbers were too high to perform the gallbladder surgery.


Sunday morning 5:00 a.m., the dr decides he has to do the surgery.  Laproscopic gallbladder removal takes 45 mins. to an hour, and recovery is 2-3 days.  So, that was the plan.  Now remember it was Sunday, and the hospital didn't have it's normal staff.  So,  while in the surgery, they couldn't get my gallbladder out laproscopically.  So, my 45 min. surgery turned into 4 1/2 hours.  My poor mom sitting out in the waiting room was never told anything.  She just had to wait and wait.  I feel so bad for her!  They had to hold down my intestines to carve out my gallbladder that was stuck to some other organs.   They had to use a T tube, which is from like 30 years ago, and they never do those anymore, but it apparently worked.


Five days later, I was released from the hospital with two drainage bags and a lot of pain.  Today I had my first check up since, and I came home with only one bag, which I'll have for the entire 6 weeks of recovery, and no more staples!  The pain is still quite severe, but is manageable, and hopefully one day, I'll be able to eat anything I want.


I'm so grateful for all of the prayers that have been offered in my behalf and the blessings that have been given.  I'm grateful for all of the visitors and phone calls and flowers from everyone showing their love and support.  I know I've been blessed through this, and that the Lord is watching out for me.