Moving Forward

Well Blaine is back at work, and in San Jose, California this week running training classes. Wow! He has recovered, I think, from the last round of chemo. I keep hoping Dr. Tricot will say, "He's done so well, his body has rebounded so much that we have decided he won't need all four rounds of VD-PACE. Two will be enough." It is SO good when he recovers and begins to gain energy, and does not have to be SICK anymore. I just hate it when he has to go through it again. But chemo is better than cancer, and we want him to stay around. He is looking very good right now, and gaining strength. I love that. He has eyelashes again, and is even getting some fuzz on his head. He's no shrinking violet and is willing to put forth the effort even when it's very difficult to work so that he can care for his family. He truly is a provider in that sense, and I can't tell you how much we respect and appreciate him for that. Working also helps him.

Since we are now in proximity to BYU, it is my intention to finish that degree that has always been just beyond my fingertips. I had four general ed classes to fill, and music history to go for a Bachelors of Music. There are a few classes that I must repeat since it has been so long, and Music History, which was covered in two consecutive classes, is now four consecutive classes. I would need to go part-time this spring, summer, next fall and winter to finish, because of the order in which the Music History classes are offered. So, if I add a few more courses, not too many, and a semester of student teaching, I will be certified to teach. Unbelievable! I will have accumulated more undergraduate credits than any other person I know before I am done! Crazy. It would be easier to just knock off the Bachelors of Music, but I would still need to certify to teach another way, so the Bachelors of Music Education makes more sense. It is the most credit intensive major at BYU. I have to re-audition for the Music-Ed program, as it is intensely competitive here, and since I have been gone for a long, long time. I am re-taking one class right now, and hope to be able to afford to continue. Wish me luck.

We are also in the process of moving. We are renting a duplex in town, and leaving this little haven that has been provided for us. We are so very grateful for the long-term use of this guest house that we have been so generously given. But alas, we must move forward. We have thoroughly enjoyed being here, and will miss it, and those who live near. May they be blessed for their loving kindness, and generosity.

In that vein, we have a golden retriever who my sister, Lael, has been taking excellent care of. They feed her more carefully, and she has lost weight. We will have to be sure and follow her lead, so Jarah can stay healthy. We miss our dog. It's a long shot, but I must ask any way. Any of our friends headed west want to bring the nicest, mellowest, sweetest dog in the world to us...? Anyone...? She can fly with someone or (!) ride in a vehicle. If you dare. I know it's a long shot, but we gotta try!

We hope you are all well. Take care, and stay warm!
(Who can resist a face like that?)