MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May you all be blessed to have a wonderful Christmas surrounded by those you love.
The Best gift of Christmas, HERE:
With Love, The Mills Family

WOW, We are making Progress!

We have made it '1' year on the KANSAS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL TRANSPLANT LIST for a Kidney.  **update as of 12/27/2011
Because of Mr. Clark's delay with his colon surgery they let us know it was suspended so we are starting fresh.    :( But still making progress...

Every year we renew our request so we will be going to Kansas City on the 27th of December.

Now if you are wondering??? YES we are trying to get on the list also for BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL TRANSPLANT LIST for a KIDNEY/PANCREAS. We will be going to Dallas, Tx on Jan 2 through the 5th. for his evaluation.  *Clark is really wanting both a kidney and pancreas. Diabetes is no picnic! We can only list for both at Baylor because it has the highest success rate in the nation. This is the only place our insurance will pay for both, so we are HAPPY to go to Dallas also.

We are fortunate to list for both places. We are hoping this is the YEAR our quality of life improves!

ANTICIPATION!

Rings True for Us All

How this Christmas could change your life! Great Message/Read  HERE:

Who are the WISE MEN????

WATCH THIS! * Suprising Modern Day Wise Men HERE:  " When we find him, will we be prepared as the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures?"  Thomas S. Monson
THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!  ENJOY

Shepherds

Check out this beautiful video: Shepherds learn of his birth.

Christmas Traditions - Despite Distractions.

Christmas is what we make of it. Despite all the distractions, we can see to it that Christ is at the center of our celebration. If we have not already done so, we can establish Christmas traditions for ourselves and for our families which will help us capture and keep the spirit of Christ." -- President Thomas S. Monson
WE have had serious distractions in our lives in this season. Tragedy that may discourage us from celebrating the season.
So THANKFUL for TRADITIONS when distractions come our way, why? It is memories we establish with the ones we love that get us through the difficult times. Celebrating the birth of the Savior and the REASON for the SEASON.
May we all establish traditions to REMEMBER.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

'All will be well... in the long term'

Its hard to mention this weeks events. It has been a difficult one. I want to remember what a  difference people make in my life. How fortunate we are to be where we are at this time in our life. For each life that has touched us for good.

 Our dear Sister in Our lil' Branch
passed away this week.

It wasn't very good circumstances.

I have never thought in my life time some one close to us would pass away in this manner.

By the hands of her own. Someone she tried to help, prayed for and loved.

Our hearts has been heavily burdened all week.

Personally, I had a whisper, a calm peaceful feeling among the tragedy that 'all is well'

and her message to me was a loving message, "there is work enough for me 'ere the sun goes down'

So  thankful for this.
TO LOYCE:

She was a 2 time cancer survivor, just recovered from thyroid surgery. Her battle was yet to be fought.  

To a special friend that gathered all the intelligence she could muster and sharing that knowledge with so many young people.
(the BEST primary teacher in the world, )

To her smile and joyful spirit,

To her love for her family.

Her dedication to her Grandchildren.

Her love for the Temple.

Her love for the way she was raised.

Her wonderful heritage.

Her devotion to education,

to the handicapped.

Her service to others.

For the blessing of knowing her.

I AM THANKFUL

A comforting message here: yes, all will be well in the long term

Do you have room for the Savior?

"Each of us as the Innkeeper, decides if there is room."  Watch this:  Do you have room?

It's about Change and Being Grateful!

"Finding Joy in the Journey" Exceptional Read! Enjoy!

Thankful Thursday: Good Day's

Today we heard these words,  " OH, I FEEL SO GOOD!" If you've been around Mr. Clark, or me for that matter in the last few months. THESE WORDS ARE SO ENCOURAGING! Nothing passed a few modern MIRACLES!!!
We have tried numerous prescriptions to help Mr. Clark's neuropathy(restless leg)  It makes us feel like weeping and wailing and nashing our teeth!) and believe me nights have seemed like this!
Nothing has been effective. After so many (years) of sleepless nights and the feeling of desperation the Doctor finally prescribed LYRICA, (update: 1/2012-I'm changing my attituded about this med.. (DANGEROUS SIDE AFFECTS)although its the only thing that gives him relief the night mares/halucinations are NOT worth it. )wholey cow. What a difference (knock on wood)  Today we can confidently say:

For this we are THANKFUL!!!!!!!!!
GREAT NEWS UPCOMING
Tune in for Dec. 5th, we hope to share some good news about Mr. C's EYES! XO
and Baylor Medical Transplant Team Evaluation in Dallas Texas is finally (once again) attentively planned  (it was delayed because of his colon surgery back in Aug)  for Jan. 3-4th
WE ARE ON THE ROAD TO 'HOPE' !!!!!!!!

Thankful Season Day #30

Thankful season ends with this:

Because I have been given much---

and This:

Counting my Blessings...

Thankful Season Day #29

Yesterday, we had a 'NORMAL' day. Mr. Clark worked a 10 hour day.  What was great was---

sh-sh-sh (this is a selfish comment) I had 2 1/2 hours yesterday of 'me' time.  Mr. Clark is so LOVED but this was a good feeling. I put on Christmas Music and sighed and HUGE s-i-g-h...

A little 'normal' feeling. We both cling to this routine. We appreciate being able to WORK. We have seen things change in an instant. FOR A LIL' NORMAL WE ARE THANKFUL!!!!!!!!!! 

Tearful Story

Remember I shared that our communtiy where we lived for 25 yrs was mourning a loss. Check out her four girls surprise HERE: Get a box of Kleenex's!

Thankful Season Day #28

Thankful for

FAITH.

Faith is knowing the sun will shine,

Lighting each new day.

Faith is know a seed will grow when planted.  

Faith is knowing God will hear my prayers each time I pray.

Faith is knowing ...

We'll be with our loved ones in Heaven again.

It will be a HAPPY DAY!

For this

I am

THANKFUL

Thankful Season Day #27

Mr. Clark and I were talking about never taking for granted our Thanksgiving Traditions of being with Family again.

We missed yet another year of Tradition.
We are so THANKFUL
for those TRADITIONS of the past.
Cherished Memories
In our hearts,

TRADITION IS SO IMPORTANT!
THANKSGIVING IS ABOUT THE LOVE OF FAMILY and CELEBRATING our RICH ABUNDANCE OF BLESSINGS.

For ALL our families and extended families

YOU ARE LOVED!

For BLESSINGS SOMETIMES  UNRECOGNIZED

WE WILL LIVE IN THANKSGIVING DAILY HERE:

ENJOY with MUCH LOVE!

Thankful Season Day #26

100 %  for the Savior

In one of our church leadership training meetings we received a tab "100%" to connect to our key chain.

So my first reaction was. I LOVE IT!

Then I started thinking am I  "100%"


Am I 100%  in my prayers?

Am I 100% Keeping the Commandments?

Am I 100 % Tithe Payer?

Am I 100% in the Service of Others?

Am I 100% reading the Scriptures?

Am I 100% a disciple of Christ?

Most of my percentages did not equal 100%. Yes, I was beating myself up pretty good.

My conversation with Mr. Clark was, "I am coming up short"

His comment to me was, "that is where Grace and the Atonement comes in"

He makes up the difference.

Oh, I knew this, just needed reminding, and yes it is comforting.

 But I believe I can't just do what I want and Christ will cover my back in all things.

I need to  do my best.

If not, to me that sounds like a spoiled child that is enabled to continue bad behavior knowing  someone will always cover for him.

It teaches a child to be selfish, to learn to takes things for granted.

 Children that love their parents strive to be like them.  

I love the 13th Article of Faith

a principle of the  "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" 

It helps me make a huge effort to strive to be like Christ.

   

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul -- We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to endure all things. It there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

To see all 13 principles that show what I believe in go HERE:

I can try, continually TRY and make my best EFFORT

 to shoot for 100% for the Savior

this is when I can be content to let him make up the difference.

 I'm THANKFUL for the Grace and Atonement he offers me personally. 

Thankful Season Day #25

Humbly Thankful

for the

GIFT OF LIFE

Reflections on the past 3-4 years take us in a direction that make us realize that we are taking each day as a GIFT.

In a time when technology is so advanced when is comes to keeping a human alive.

We know and are appreciative of the fact that life could not continue with out this advanced technology.



Thankful Season Gratitude Challenge

     :
Let's not talk about counting our blessings-- let's do it! Write a list of 100 things you are Thankful for. It sounds like it is too many. Try this:

 Write 10 physical abilities you are Grateful for:


10- Ability to walk, and walk fast! My ultimate fav. thing to do.
9-   I have strength. I've seen how loosing muscle affects you.
8-   Exercise:  *When* I do it I love it!
7-   I  love used to like to participate in  sports (although I do 'not' like competition)  I loved watching my boys play Football * among my FAV.
6-   I participated in 'a' 5K and FINISHED!
5-   I am very good at water skiing
4-   I love, love to swim
3-   I love to hike in the mountains
2-    I can push my physical limitations... when I work out. So why don't I do it more often??? ... I really need become more diligent to shed some necessary #'s
1-   I can do what I put my mind to. I think we all have more physical abilities than we realize.  I would love to get the *ambition/motivation  to put my own abilities to the test! 

Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for:

I am NOT a material girl, or high maintenance. Nails and pedicures (not for me) I am a simple person (a plain Jane)
BUT:
10- I love our  truck (although I dislike putting gas in it!)
09- I love our  small boat
08- Blessed to have a small but beautiful home.
07- My material dream: One of those retired old couple that have a huge motor home and trail a little suv behind and travel the world! On Our bucket list includes following the coast of Maine etc.
06-  The generator! (keeps us continue with the comforts of life when the power is out)
05-  I love, love Chrystal and anything that reminds me of my Grandmothers kitchen treasures  
04- I love flowers on the table for each month! (Not that it  happens every month but that is one material thing I enjoy)
03-  I love to shop but I am NOT a big spender.
02- I love dresses
01- I love  decorative pictures/ decorations 

 Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for:

10- My cousin Julie. I think that she is my guardian angel. She died young. Talking to other cousins they feel the same way.
09- My Grandpa Pike: He reminds me of a great prophet. Such an inspiring and spiritual person
08- My Grandma Pike: I can still remember watching her put up her hair with little metal clamps. She had a ceramic shop in her basement and I LOVED being around her. She loved quilting and she was an great candy maker. She was a talented lady. I miss her.
07- My Grandma Baker: She was a true lady with incredible talents. I wish I could have picked up tatting from her. She tried and tried to teach me.
06- My Grandpa Baker: I never knew him but I like to think that he was there to greet me when I had my near death experience. I feel he has always been my protector, looking out for me from heaven.
05- Relatives I discovered while living in Kansas, buried near where I live. I love to take a drive where they lived and imagine what their life must have been like.
04- My friend : She is my lifetime (I hope to be like her someday) Angel.
03- Kaye , wonderful lady. Wonderful memories. A great example to me. She made me feel like I was her own child. A second Mom
02- My Mother in Law DeAnn, who served us as family in so many ways. Her example of a wonderful mother and grandmother.  She was an example of Christ like service and love and she  is sorely MISSED
02- My own Mother.  She was an AMAZING, AMAZING women. I don't know how she accomplished the things she did in her life time. She was an AMAZING disciple of Christ. She was about servicing and loving others non-stop. She is my HERO
01- My Daddy, a true Christian who dedicated his entire life to serving in the church. He was an amazing gardener. Financial wiz! I absolutely KNEW he loved me.
PRIORITY #1 - Jesus Christ, who died for me personally, who lived a perfect example of love and selfless service to us all.  Who suffered in the Garden of Gethsemne for each one of our sins, he hung and died on the cross for us, YET ON THE THIRD DAY, HE WAS RISEN, SO HE LIVES!!!!!!!!!!!

Write 10 living people who you are grateful for

10-  WOW, I can not limit it to 10. The numbers are too vast.So I will go with my- My Blogging, and face book family. You all keep my uplifted.

09- My friend Dawn, I have learned as much from her as any other incluence I could have. I was blessed to see her in action. I have known her lifes challenges. SHE INSPIRES ME. If I am someday alone without a companion. I will remember her example. A quiet serving SAINT, A person of INTEGRITY, OF SERVICE, HARD, HARD WORKER, OF FAITH, OF SACRIFICE, OF A TRUE DISCIPLE OF CHRIST.

 08-Aunt Jeanne and My Uncle Jim, They have kept in touch with me and look out for our family since the passing of my parents.
07- Aunt Lou, We bonded when she took care of my mother during her battle with cancer. I will always treasure her service to our family at this time. All my Aunts are AMAZING people. They are such a treasure to me.
 
06- Clark's Aunts and Uncles. They also took us in as their own, I had a incredible life around them. They are GREAT, GREAT People and I am so fortunate to have been a part of their lives. They lives of service to Clark and I is insurmountable. Wow, Uncle Bob, Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Dan and Aunt Sherron are our HERO'S, along with second parents.

05- All of my dear, dear friends. Among them, My dear friend Nita, has been my HERO. She has never left my side! We are as close now being zillion miles away, as we were when we were close by each other. She inspires me in everything.  She is a PERFECT example of a GIVING, CARING, PERSON. There is no one I know that is more charitable. I am SO, So fortunate that she calls me her friend.

04- The miracle of being blessed with GREAT PEOPLE that Mr. Clark works for/with. ALL OF THEM! They are truely GOD SEND. We know where we'd be without them. They are appreciated beyond measure.

03 - A prophet living on Earth today. Thomas S. Monson. I know that I am fortunate to have this knowledge. I think of the people back in time in the scriptures etc. that didn't recognize a living prophet or Christ on the Earth. How blessed I am to have always been able to follow a prophet all my life who is a spoke person for God and Jesus Christ

02- Nieces and Nephews that I LOVE AND ADORE!

02- Cousins that have become my Best Friends

02- My Sisters in Law- Kathy, Teresa, Pam, Connie and Lola. So lucky to have had a life with them in it. I am BLESSED to have FOREVER SISTERS!

02- My Brothers.They are my amazing advocates and I am so BLESSED

02-Clark's Dad, Grumpa Mac. Although we battle NON-STOP, I know he loves me too! He has been our only living parent and he is continually there for us. He is a giving, serving person also.

02- Our kids, I feel bad that they will have to take care of me when I am old! I love that they fight over who gets to keep me! I am so blessed to have been their mother. They all have had moments when they have made me incredibly PROUD!

02- Our Grandchildren. Oh they are PRECIOUS. How did we ever, EVER get so blessed to have such angel spirits to be a part of our lives.
01- My Husband. I could go on for HOURS, DAY'S YEARS! He has some great, great attributes and I have been forever GRATEFUL that I have spent my life with him. He has taught me through his example to love everyone. The MOST, most special quality that he possesses is the ability to forgive and forget. His health is his Gethsemane and he is VALIANT in his battle. He has such a  HIGH ENDURANCE in his system. He is the BEST listener, among so many things, but most of all, He makes me feel like there is not a person in the world he could love more, ALWAYS and for this I AM GRATEFUL



Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for:

This is EASY!
10 - The color GREEN (not my favorite color but my FAVORITE color of Nature)
09-  All the Seasons
08- The Mountains
07 - Trees, especially Pine and Aspens Quakies
06- Lakes, Streams
05- Animals
04- Oceans, Oceans, Oceans
03- Meadow
02- Birds
01- This amazing UNIVERSE

Write 10 things today you are grateful for:

10- Mornings and sunrises (nights are nightmares anymore)
09- A Job that I love
08- Warmth on cold Days
07- Cold for hot flashes!
06- Transportation
05- Wonderful people in our lives
04- Friday's
03- Garbage Day! I get empowered to clean out the fridge!
02- Phones calls
01- Baking

Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for:

10- From Coast to Coast (the OCEAN BLUE)
09- UTAH ( it's is where our Family is )
08- Louisiana ( I loved, loved the diversity of plants animals and birds and  the People and the CULTURE)
TWO years living there, we had the time of our lives
07- Kansas, I love, love the rolling hills and GREEN pastures, I love being in the Bible Belt of the U.S.A and seeing other religious beliefs and Devotion to God. It has strenghtened my own.
06- Having been in Most of the United States
05- America History/Church History Sites ( I love going back in time)
04- New England , Alaska 
03- Holland, England, Den Mark, Paris, Australia -
02- Washington State, I really want to live there some day
01- The whole beautiful world

Write 20 modern inventions you are grateful for:

10- Air Conditioning
09- Gas Fireplace
08- Toilets/Toilet Paper and Sanitary stuff
07- Heat/Electricity
06- computers
05- Airplanes
04- Cars
03- Modern Technology
02- Modern Medicine
01- Cell Phones

Write 10 foods you are grateful for:

10- Fruits and Vegetables
09- Marshmallows
08- Prime Rib
07- All Sea Food
06- Ice Cream
05- Mexican/Green Chili Relano
04- Chinese/Egg foo Young ( only at Beijing)
03- Italian
02- Cookies
01-  What is there not to love???


Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for:

10- Scriptures
09- Temples
08- Unanswered/ Answered Prayers
07- Personal and Modern Revelation (knowledge that God is mindful of each one of us personally TODAY and I am his child)
06- Knowledge that I lived in Heaven before I came to earth and that I chose the great plan of happiness
05- Eternal Salvation: Knowledge that I return to Heaven and can be with my loved ones again
04- Prophets- Old and Present Day
03- The Holy Ghost
02- Jesus Christ/ The Atonement
01- God the Eternal Father

When we make a list like this, we discover that  a list of 100 doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of all the things God has given us.

FOR All the ABUNDANCE OF BLESSINGS,  I AM GRATEFUL

Thankful Season Day #24

Thankful For Family

Thankful Season Day # 23

This picture shows a true glimpse of our lil' Maddie Cake! Her dimple melts your heart and her mischievous, Witty nature keeps us all smiling!
So Thankful for her in our lives!

A touching you/tube ENJOY!

Men's Hearts will Fail Them

Thankful Season Day #22

This is our #3  Grandaughter too!
YOU CAN TELL SHE IS DADDY'S Lil GIRL!
For her we are THANKFUL!

Thankful Season Day # 21

You can tell from this Picture that this boy loves his new Mamma!

He is our newest and oldest Grandson
For him we are THANKFUL

Thankful Season Day #20

So Thankful for our oldest Grand Daughter who is a lil' mother, she is a caretaker. She has the kindest heart. She is very smart. She is the light of our world!

Thankful Season Day #19

Thankful Lil' Daxton is a part of our family!
Isn't he getting big?
Oh I could just kiss his cheeks off!
Notice the Blizzard in the background! Brrrrrrrr

Thankful Season Day #18

Thankful it's FRIDAY, it's been a L-O-N-G

week!

Mr. Clark said he's thankful today that he got word today that his proceedure ( lung scope) is

CANCELLED.

They are going to give it more time!

They are thinking the cough is from the excess fluid Mr. C is carrying due to the dialysis.

We can handle that.

This is GREAT news!!!

For this we are

THANKFUL!

Thankful Season Day #17

Mr. Clark had a GOOD day today.

First time in 2 weeks.

FOR THIS WE ARE THANKFUL!

UPDATE:
Infection in port site CONQUERED!
Then...
Peritonitis sets in. (infection inside his belly)
 Day 4 of more antibiotics and the test results show HIGH white blood count.
BOOooooo
and  yet again our house
 seems like it is a 24 hr med. center! 
11 more days of antibiotics and daytime dialysis along with every night routine.
Fionia (the dialysis machine) is booted out the door and Fionia II steps in (she has new software)to give us some peace and quiet at night!
Pneumonia- CONQUERED!
Cough-- still persistent but today seems to be a little better - Monday is his bronchial scope (at Wesley hospital, not happy about it)
 :(
11/18 - update of the update: surgery is CANCELLED.
If things haven't improved in 2 weeks, we will reschedule. SHEW...

HIS EYES?
He will get his 4th injection on Nov. 23, They are improving some.
That wraps up another update on this L-O-N-G ordeal.
One thing is for sure,
WE ARE GOING TO BE EVEN MORE THANKFUL WHEN MR. CLARK GETS BACK TO HEALTH!
He really, really needs a NEW kidney!!!!!

Thankful Season Day #16

Today,

For TEARS.

It means we love and care so much about people close to us.

Prayers  and  

Silence for now.

It's been a heartbreaking  week for yet another Dear Friend.



Thankful Season Day #15

So THANKFUL today for People that go above and beyond the call of duty!
Thankful for the FED EX Driver

and MR. GARY (Mr. Clark's Boss)

who came to the RESCUE

today.

Mr. Clark was having a low, low, low blood sugar after he shot up too much insullin. 

Mr. Clark didn't call anyone because he thought he could come out of it on his own.

 After 3 glucose tablets and 2 candy bars, he just continued to drop.

Yes, I told him he's in BIG TROUBLE! I have a job that I can leave at the drop of a hat.

Ms. Fex Ex knocked on our door only to find Mr. C with issues...
She secretly called who she new could help out.
Mr. Clark told her NOT to call 911

It pays to live in a wonderful community!

Mr. Gary who is one of  the most caring/ compassionate people we know!

KUDO'S!

You are and will always be our HERO!

Thankful Season Day # 14

Thankful today for the knowledge that we can be together with our loved ones once again after we die.

Thankful Season Day #13

Today I am Thankful for SUNDAY'S

Thankful Season Day #12



Thankful Season Day #11

For all the Men and Women who have served our country. We are THANKFUL!

THANK YOU DADDY,
I
LOVE
YOU

Thankful Season day #10

It's the LITTLE things that matter most!

FOR THIS WE ARE THANKFUL!

Update on Mr. Job!!!!!!!!!

I think JoB should be Mr. Clark's new name! He has the attitude of Job anyway. He just takes what comes with great faith. Thank goodness that from Jobs experience we understand it could be much, much  worse.

The day at the PuLmOnArY SpEcIaLiSt went well.  A little more explanation on what he's experiencing and a shout out to "Just keep being patient". The greatest challenge is that his health is so compromised with his kidney issues.  We are hopeful and we should know after this week.
 Yes, We are giving it JuSt 1 mOrE WeEk...
Then if things haven't drastically improved we "GeT" (not sure that's a good thing) to go in for another TeSt... They are thinking the cough is just imflamatory effects from the pneumonia. If not... They will test for others things lung related.  Not really worried though. The Doctor said she is pretty sure the test will show nothing significant. Yes, Knock on wood ...

On top of the fun we've had the last 2 1/2 months- he now has a dReAdEd InFeCtIon in his stomach at his dialysis site.
We both had just a bit of a melt down moment.

and possibly the INFLUENZA??? and sugar HIGH's...
my heart is going to tear apart and Mr. C (I mean Mr.J) is wearing down :(

Just thinking how much better it felt to only have the lasting effects the ChRoNiC CoUgh/SlEePLeSs NiGhTs due to the pneumonia.

Can we just go back to thinking those were our only troubles?????

We ArE SmIlLiNg tHoUgH BeCaUsE:

1- He has conquered THRUSH from  the  3 rounds of antibiotics. knock on wood again!

2- His eyesight is ImPrOvInG.

3- After 2 I.V iron shots in 3 days, and up-ing his epo (the $$expensive shot) to twice a week.  He feels like RuNniNg up the basement stairs instead of pulling himself up with the stair rail and me behind him threatening to GOOSE him. ; ) ok spoke too soon-that was short lived. He needs a shot everyday. :(

4- He  (had) a little more StReNgTh. It lasted two days. A little taste of getting back to health. Even his grip has been a struggle. He has not even been able to open a bottle of water. Now if I can just get him to the YMCA to build some muscles back. Nurse Barb gave him a pep talk today when I suggested physical therapy.  Oh I love having a team of support!


5- His appetite is coming back. I never thought we'd have such a hard time over dosing on MEAT. What, Another plus?  I no longer have to worry about me being 'F'atter(oopsie I dropped the f-bomb)  than he is. He is gaining again! No laughing matter... That one terrified me.  Not enough to cut out the ice cream though.


6-He's been able to work 2 part days in a row, now were are back to no days :( 

We can still have hope and faith and prayers that things are on the mend!

For this we are THANKFUL!

Thankful Season Day #9

Thankful Season Day #8

  It's still raining! So today I am THANKFUL for the sound of our SUMP PUMP WORKING NON-STOP.   It means our basement isn't flooding! Anybody that has stayed in our house knows how annoying that sound is. But after a drout this summer, It's a GOOD SOUND!

Thankful Season Day #7

Thankful to be with my Man for 31 years!

11 more reasons we are celebrating!

Thankful Season Day #6

THANKFUL FOR

TIME!!!

An extra hour in the day is
L-O-V-E-L-Y!

and....

I will be thankful not to drive to work in the

DARK!

Thankful Season Day #5

So Thankful for Jesus Christ. Here is One of my favorite messages on The Atonement  

Thankful Season Day #4

Ability to *PRAY for others pain, illnesses and heart aches. It has been a hard day for our son, (and also for all of those who are associated with this tragic incident)    ksl news here:
He just started a new job and was the engineer on the second engine of this train.  He witnessed a man jump in front of a train to his death.  Prayers sent to all train engineers who can not stop in time for people that for what ever reason are in a trains path.  Lots of Hugs today sent your way. TEARS

Thankful Season Day #3

THANKFUL TO BE EMPLOYED

Thankful for  jobs We enjoy.

It's so awesome to go to work at a low stress job.

(I appreciate even more thanks to my 'LA- Albertsons' experience!)

We know where we'd be without it.

Mr. Clark had this dream the other night that we lived on the street...

Literally

and he was warning me that I couldn't sleep in the middle of the road!

We got a good laugh,

Soooooo

Very, Very Thankful to be employed.

It's something we appreciate and don't take for granted.

Thankful Season Day #2

THANKFUL FOR THE RAIN!

Thankful Season Day # 1

We didn't realize how burdened we were feeling about our yard getting winterized until things were taking care of.
Our first reaction after the sprinkling system was winterized---  SIGH... "Oh Wow, do your shoulders feel lighter?" - "Yes, indeed"

              With Mr. Clark still experiencing no strength. Our "Miracle Man" (co-worker)  hooked up an air compressor for us. I towed it home, and Mr. Clark directed me on how to get the sprinkling system lines free of water. I have to say, I have a little more confidence in things I knew nothing about. It is taken care of. So for this WE ARE THANKFUL! 

THANKFUL: For our own afflictions

      We are blessed with our own trials.

 We think we have trials until we see an other's burdens, struggles and heart aches.
Is it a coincidence that we were able to see someone with problems bigger than ours this week?
Hmmm
Once again...
It is a blessing, and gives one a different perspective.

We saw a man this week at the eye doctor. While Mr. Clark was getting yet two more eye injections.
 (I think you might call what he has 'elephants disease') I'm sure what he is enduring is more than any could bear.

 I pondered his journey.
I should have went up to him and shook his hand.
And let him know I know he is one of GOD's Favored Sons

Oh I just wanted to go tell him what I believed about-

"The Great plan of Happiness" 
and how special he must be to face such challenges.
Why me? these questions answered here:  

and What I believe about our Bodies being restored to it's perfect form from the Book of Mormon:

Physical restoration. In writing of the Resurrection, Jacob taught the exquisite completeness of a physical restoration in which “the spirit and the body is restored to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and immortal” (2 Ne. 9:13). Amulek also testified that in the Resurrection “the spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame. …

“And even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame” (Alma 11:43–44; see also Alma 40:23).

To get a copy of this book go HERE:

This knowledge brings so many hope.

   

We get comfort and strength from the trials of others.

Check out this song/video of one of my favorite christian song writer/singer called

Beautiful Heartaches

Hilary shares Nies story and 

This lady's trial too!  

THANKFUL TUESDAY: 10 Steps forward, 5 Steps Back!

 

Well the lungs are arguing with going back to work.
We should have knocked on wood!
It's so hard to know whether to push it and get up and get going or continue to recover
??????
A hard weekend/ a hard new week :(
Just happy we had a moment of reprieve.
We Thankyou for your prayers!
XO

A little thought:
"Without patience, we will learn less in life. We will see less. We will feel less. We will hear less. Ironically, rush and ---"  take 5 steps back...

Adapted from this quote:

"Without patience, we will learn less in life. We will see less. We will feel less. We will hear less. Ironically, rush and more usually means less."  - Mother Teresa

A WISE WOMAN!

 
 

Oh say, can he see?

 

A LITTLE BETTER! We are making PROGRESS. His eyes haven't recovered yet from the 'Macho Machine' (blood dialysis  that took his eye sight),  but look... he  just went 5 days back on the job, and this is how he gets through his paperwork! The fact that he is back to work after 5 weeks well...

WE ARE CELEBRATING.

Still struggling for strength and he has to have a designated driver! :(

  BUT  we are THANKFUL for a positive change!

YA HOOOOOOOOOO

Update: The Sun is Shining in Kansas!

Today:

The Temperatures are COOL!

It is a BEAUTIFUL DAY IN KANSAS.

After a bleak start on Monday things seem to be brighter today.

Monday: Eye Injections and the Doctor broke the news that both of Mr. Clarks eyes have yet again taking a significant dip...

We are trying to keep our head up, Mr. C cannot get his drivers license until they heal, yet again.

On a positive note* We can already tell the injections are helping and we know his eyes can heal.

The PLUS: Yes, the Doc said, "It should take a shorter amount of time to heal. "

(we remember our battle 1 1/2 yrs. ago)

On Monday we were still battling the 'FEVER' yet again.

Today, the fever has subsided.

On Monday, His battle with pneumonia was exhausting, He wasn't getting any sleep.

 Last X-ray showed improvement.

A new antibiotic seems to be helping and he started on an inhaler.

Made for a better day.

A new battle?

Instead of High Blood Pressure (which kicked his eye sight)

Its now Low Blood Pressure.

The battle continues, we are just adjusting the meds.

The battle with swelling feet is better today.

We are still fighting eating enough PROTIEN (Mr. C. hates that word)

to gain strength.

Standing up is difficult, and he's started in with the shakes :(  I started to say you need more Pro-----
oopsie bad word....

If you talk to him today. He sounds back to himself, you can hear it in his voice.

I think he is feeling better.

and for this we are GRATEFUL! 

Where Can I Turn for Peace?

I follow Nies blog religiously and this post gives me comfort. Not only for her words but for her pictures. (Makes me miss FALL in Utah) This gives me GREAT PEACE. So I have to share her post HERE:and my most FAVORITE COMFORT SONG HERE and another reason this is my FAVORITE time of year?
HERE: I love to listen to a Prophets voice, and hear the word of God. You don't have to be a member.  AND A BONUS-- My friends son is singing this year. So excited to watch for him. To watch it view it Here:

The Beauty of Gratitude

A Dear Friend sent me this you tube,

My first impression was BEAUTY, COMFORT, PEACE and BLESSINGS.

See: gratitude"HERE"

Takes any sadness and heartache away and replaces is with the beauty of LIFE!

BEAUTIFUL!



Thankful Thursday: 57 degrees and LOVING IT!

GUESS WHO LOVES FALL?
& DIPPING TEMPERATURES?
THE MILLS FAMILY!
FOR THIS WE ARE THANKFUL!

Woah it's Wednesday... Our Roller Coaster

So I missed Thankful Tuesday,

It was a ROLLER COASTER DAY

Mr. Clark went in for a ct scan on Monday.

We were surprised to hear them say,

"YOU NEED TO BE ADMITTED"

Booooooo and back to I.C.U

After our whirlwind day,

We both were feeling some intense pressure.

I want to remember what we went through. Because although things SEEMED UNIMAGINABLE, it takes time to get answers and Its a reminder NOT to PANIC.

We knew the results could take us in a new direction.

I can't describe the feeling of trying to think positively with out reacting  to "what might be" and the feeling of just keeping the faith that it will all be ok"

about a thousand times over in our brain in over a 30 second period and then starting all over again.

I think your brain goes into OVERLOAD! Trying to sort through the highs and lows of life at the moment.

The doctor came and talked to us and things seem grim. You know they take you to the worse possible scenario, I guess.

Possible leak in the newly spliced colon.

The colon all massed and scar tissue making it all grow together while healing so that it isn't working? Inflamation and streaks.

Ahhhhhhhhhh

So he went for testing.

Nothing that can't be fixed, We knew.

 But a sure end to any possibility of staying on the peritoneal dialysis.

Oh yes, we knew what we were headed for.

 As Mr Clark is reassuring to "BE STRONG"

We were both nervous.

When all is said and done.

NO LEAK. 

They think all is well.

Pneumonia still an issue but not life threatening.

More Antibiotics.

And we are HOME.

We know our problems are minimal.

Shew... 
On a positive note * His port cath for HEMO  (blood) dialysis is OUT. YA HOooooooooo
Fionia the Filter welcomed us home!
We are SAFE with Peritoneal (Fluid) dialysis
:) 

THANKFUL THURSDAY: SMALL MIRACLES

Hard day today,
spent most of the day in E.R
Mr. C has pneumonia
BUT...
we are home and

Fionia the filter is working succesfully.

We recognize God's hand in all things, 
simply called MIRACLES   

For these things we are THANKFUL.

Dear Fionia the Filter

We promise to never complain about you again, oh Fionia the Filter...

You have been a blessing in our home.

We just didn't realize how much you mean to us until we had to  temporarily shut you down.

We will always and forever (at least until we get a transplant) invite you to be in our daily routine.

You see, we now have had the experience of "Hemo-the macho machine". It has been a night mare.

At least you will show compassion to his blood pressures, and make Mr. Clark feel well.

Please keep Mr. Clark safe from  "HEMO the macho machine"  forever more.

We appreciate you and miss your routine...

P.S We are successfully back on home dialysis.  The Port for Hemo is rebelling. We do not want another surgery to put a permanent stent in.  We hope going back on peritoneal dialysis permanent will be considered  Prayers  answered???     We'll see.

 

Thankyful Tuesday: We keep fallin' in love with you!

As we grow older together, As we continue to change with age, There is one thing that will never change... We will always keep falling in love with you.”

HAPPY 6 MONTHS TO OUR LIL MAN!

Catch 22

We believe things happen for a reason...

Our decision to have colon surgery was with hesitation.

We both prayerfully considered NOT doing it.

And

we BOTH had the same answer.

We headed into the risks knowing that the only way Mr. Clark could get on the kidney/pancreas transplant list at BAYLOR was proceed with everything that would give him a clearance.

We have fought a hard fight getting him back to health this passed year.

His macular edema that was just cleared is back,

Due to the Hemo/dialysis.

It is a catch 22.

He must have the Hemo while his stomach heals but it is putting him ten steps back.

We will continue to keep our heads up!

We know that miracles have happened for him and will continue to happen.

He is such a rock.

Thankyou for your continued prayers.

We feel them.

XO 



Thankful Thursday: Lets skip today!

It was a 'smurf' of a day.

So we are concentrating on:

5 Thankful things about today?

1-The green trees

(Mr. Clark's fav.)
On our way home from our adventure with the team at Fresinius, Mr Clark was noticing the beautiful among the dry yellow scorched state.

2-The heat...

Mr Clark appreciated the triple digit day!

Now Kansas holds a state record of 51 days in the 100's. Mr. Clark has the uncontrolable shakes and shivers. Wobbly legs too. It is frightening.
We discovered it was not only the dehydration from the Hemo, but also the med for restless leg.  Problem solved.

3-Daddo Mac,

Mr. C's lifesafer of love and positive vibes!
After a horrible day. Discouragement set in. (Very unusual for him) At midnight Mr. Clark needed to hear his Dad's voice. It was emotional.   Yes, Dad lifted his spirits. 

4-The thought of Kylie walking Papa Clark's walk. Those cutie cakes make life wonderful!
Talking to our son today. Mr. C was able to focus on what makes our lives so blessed. (OUR FAMILY)  Being reminded has made a difference in our day.

5- Cell phones,
Thankful for communication. Although mine is having issues, it only takes one of us to have a cell phone! We would never be able to survive our ordeal without being able to talk to our family. What a blessing.

Thankful for the simple and wonderful things on a day like today.

'nough said.

P.S. Mr. C is fevering now, please keep him in your prayers. XO