The Spirit of Christmas, is the Spirit of Christ

I have been so overwhelmed at the outpouring of love and service we have had this Christmas season! Our bishop gave us an envelope filled with donations from members of our ward and other people (that I don't even know) to help with medical costs and to make sure we have a really good Christmas. So many people in our community have already done so much for us! I am astounded at how generous and service oriented our ward is. Then, as if that wasn't enough, the Young Men and Young Women dropped off a huge Christmas basket with toys and goodies (and raw honey that I am so excited about) etc... It was amazing! And then, our doorbell rings and there is a huge box filled with gifts for my kids and an enormous turkey! I can't believe it. It frustrates me that I don't know who to thank. I am so amazed by these anonymous servants of our Lord. This is what Christmas is about. It's not the gifts, money or the goodies that we were given, it's how those people must have felt as they drove off laughing because of their near escape without being detected by my kids, it's how we feel as a family when these unknown people unselfishly give of their substance and time in our behalf. It makes me want to turn around and do the same thing. This is how our Savior would want us to celebrate His birth. If any of these anonymous servants happen to read my blog, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have put the Spirit of Christ back into Christmas.

On the same Sunday, I missed my family Christmas party. It's so hard to live away from most of my family. I was in tears earlier in the day because we were not going to be there. My family always gathers at my Grandma's house to sing carols and to visit the Sunday before Christmas. I love it. It's just so hard for us to make it there every year when we plan on coming up for Christmas a few days later. They knew how much it meant to me, and decided to call me while singing "Still, Still, Still" (a family favorite). I just cried and cried as I listened to my angelic family sing to me. Thanks everyone for making my day! I love you so much! I will never be able to hear that song again the same.

Here is our yearly newsletter:

Merry Christmas 2009

Every year seems to go by faster than the last one! We have had a lot of great memories as well as some huge trials and tragedies this year.One of the highlights of this year was that we finally got a dog. The kids were so excited to have a pet. Tragically, that didn't last long. We took him on a camp-out with us and although we tied him to the bed of the truck, his collar broke and he jumped out and didn't survive. It was one of the saddest days I can remember. His name was Bronco and he was a little pug mix. My friend had given him to us and he was such a perfect match for our family. He was obedient and loyal and so much fun for the kids. I think it was the hardest on Davin. We think about getting another dog for the kids, but it will be really hard to ever replace little Bronco. We miss him.

Our year has been filled with a lot of the usual things; the boys T-ball and Soccer games, swimming lessons, a few camp-outs (we wish it were more) and sending Davin to 1st grade and the twins to Kindergarten. One of the big highlights of the year was our trip to Lake Powell with Am's family. We all saved up and rented a houseboat for an entire week! We had so much fun swimming, tubing, looking at ancient Indian dwellings, water-skiing, going off the slide on the back of the houseboat and staying up late playing games and laughing. We slept on the top of the houseboat and looked at the stars every night. (It was too hot to sleep anywhere else!) The only hard part was sleeping through the "snore sonata" each night. (There were several snorers, we won't say names...) It was such a fun trip! Davin loved to ride the tube and the twins were happy swimming in the lake or playing in the sand. Nathan loved playing in the sand with Grandpa making pretend birthday cakes and pizza. Amazingly, no one even got burned! (love 50+ spf) Thank you Mom and Dad for all the planning and for such a wonderful vacation!

We got the worst news of our lives in August when a 7 cm tumor was found on my pancreas. I had minimal pain and thought it was probably just my gallbladder acting up. It was finally determined after biopsies and a surgery that it was a neuroendocrine tumor and was cancerous. I was in surgery for over 5 hours and stayed in the hospital just over a week. I'm grateful to everyone that came to take care of me and brighten my day while I was there. Luckily, it is a slow growing cancer. Unfortunately, it has spread to my liver and is considered stage 4. After "firing" my first oncologist, I went to Huntsman and am grateful for the technology they have there. There are very few treatment options for me. At best, they will just slow the growth. My doctor said I will have to deal with this the rest of my life and that there is no cure. I refuse to believe that and am hopeful that there will be a better outcome for me that they will not be able to explain. The last scans showed no further growth. I have researched, read, changed my diet to mostly "raw" foods, juiced every day, and am taking an herbal mix that was given to me from my "witch doctor". (an herbalist and holistic healer that was recommended to me several times). So, I seek and learn and pray and hope. I pray that there may be a miracle for me so that I will be able to raise my boys and enjoy a long life. We have been guided, inspired, calmed, and encouraged through this trial. I know that Heavenly Father is in charge and will not abandon me. I have great hope that I will come through this and be able to help others in similar situations someday.

Davin is in 1st grade this year and is doing so well. He is a really good reader and loves math. He loves school and playing with his friends. He loves to ride his motorcycle, draw, play x-box, go camping, build with legos, and jump on the trampoline. He was a major role in his school play this year and did so well. Davin is very intuitive and friendly. I love to watch him grow and am amazed at what a great person he is becoming. We love having him in our family.

Aaron started Kindergarten this year and is loving it. He is now reading and doing so well. He loves to color, play with legos, go camping, play x-box, and ride his bike. He lost his tooth early this year. (yanked out by the swing chain accidentally) He looks darling with his new smile and now many of you may actually be able to tell them apart! He is always doing something funny and has such an energetic personality. We love our Aaron!

Collin is in Kindergarten and is having so much fun. He is doing so well reading already. He is a really sweet kid and is always willing to help Nathan or give me a hug when I need it. He enjoys riding his bike, coloring, camping, playing with legos and loves the color blue. He adds so much to our family and we can always count on his quiet and gentle personality to make someone else's day. We love you Collin!

Nathan is getting big way too fast! He is a really good kid. He is so smart and funny. He loves his fire truck, giraffe, Curious George ABC book, his "awesome, soft blankey, and being read to. He is usually happy and brings so much joy to our family. He truly has been a "gift of God" as his name means. He has gotten me through some really rough days. He loves to show people his "chocolate eyes" and is so fun to kiss! He is almost ready to be potty trained. No more diapers in the Rhodes house? Unimaginable, but true! We love our little Nay Nay!

Jason took 2nd place in a charity race this year. We were all so proud of him! He loves his Yamaha 450 (hopefully not more than me) and tries to ride as often as he can. I just pray every time that he doesn't get hurt! Luckily, I get to do some fun things with my girlfriends from time to time to keep me sane. I live for shopping, ice cream nights, bonko, the annual St. George trip, and stamp club. Jas and I love having date nights to the temple and watching movies together too. Our boys keep us very busy the rest of the time!

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and feel the true spirit of Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Love, The Rhodes