The knot is tied!

It started out as a cloudy rainy day, but ended up glorious! Last Saturday, the 23rd, Omar and Kristy were married in the Salt Lake Temple. It was pouring when we got to the temple but by the time they were married the sun popped out and many beautiful weddings Pics. were taken.
Kristy arrived at the beautician's home at 6:00am(which meant I got up at 4:30 to get myself ready before the busy-ness began), and she had her hair and makeup done. She looked fabulous. An elegant comb was placed in her "do" to make it look regal. Honestly, she was beautiful.
We then ventured up to the Salt Lake Temple. Many familiar faces awaited and I helped Kristy get ready. The sealing room was full of family, Friends , and loved ones from all over. Ralph and I felt in awe and there was such a sweet atmosphere of peace and love. Heaven.
The sealer who married them stated, among other things, that Love is a "choice". He said that the emotions felt today for each other are so strong and powerful. They think that each other is "perfect" and could never do anything wrong or irritate in any way. However...down the road they will find that the passion felt today will yield to an even more lasting, and powerful kind of love created by years of patience, forgiveness, and good choices. One of which, will be to choose to always love their spouse. Look for the good and remember why you married each other. Serving each other will create a powerful bond that will last.
He then married them for time and all eternity. This is my favorite part, of course. I am so grateful for the covenants Ralph and I made over 33 years ago in the Los Angelos Temple. It has brought such strength and peace to us these past challenging years.
After the ceremony pictures were taken. Ralph and I even got a couple of us. Yeah!
Like I mentioned, the sun was out and Omar and Kristy were beaming. Honestly, Kristy looked radiant! She is so happy. xo
Then we drove back to provo and had a luncheon at "La Carreta" peruvian restaurant. Omar and his darling parents provided a delicious lunch for all. Peruvian food has fast become one of my favorites. It was just yummy. We also provided a birthday cake for Ralph's mom who on that same day turned 80 years old! We all sang "happy birthday." She looks fabulous for 80! Love her. xo
After this scrumptuous luncheon we went on to the reception center, "La Chateau'. It was beautiful and welcoming. The refreshments were awesome. Cinnimon rolls, brownies, cookies and a variety of hot chocolate was offered for all. Yum! There was a large dancing hall which was a big success. Matt had prepared a slide show of Kristy and Omar and D.J. was the "DJ" and played excellent music all evening long. The place was crowded with friends and family and it was just fun.
One of the most amazing things of all was that Ralph made it through the whole day without major pain and didn't even take a nap! Another miracle to be sure. Our Heavenly Father is so merciful and aware. We both feel so grateful that Ralph could see his baby girl married.
His goodness and mercy is just never ending.
We are settling in now. Kristy and Omar are now living downstairs. They have a little kitchen and living room and bedroom and laundry room. It is so cozy and cute down there. They seem very happy to finally be together.
Ralph started radiation on this monday and will continue for two more weeks. He is very tired, but hanging in so far. As hard as it is to see him wear down like this, I am ever grateful for the blessing of having him around for so long. The surgery he had last month has aliviated most of the unbearable pain, and for that we are forever grateful.
I am now taking Sheena Marie for a walk at the georgeous park near us. She loves those ducks. Hopefully I will not fall in as it is pretty cold already. LOL It snowed this past Tuesday. Winter is coming. I have decided I need a new body. This one is getting worn out.
If only it was that simple, eh? Loves to all...xoxoxox

Life is Life!

Wow! Since my last post life has been so crazy! Two weeks ago yesterday, Ralph began having agonizing pain in his legs. Nothing relieved it. We finally called 911 as he couldn't walk. We found out after an MRI that his cancer has spread to his spine causing 5 vertibrae to collaspe. We have been so blessed to know the best spine surgeon here in the valley and he offered to put together a team and operate on Ralph to take the pain away. So a week and half ago they operated on him to remove the biggest tumor causing the crushing of the vertibrae and also fusing the vertibrae and securing them. It was extremely risky. Ralph was already weak and not breathing well and was also a high risk for blood clots etc...etc...etc...Dr. Bacon( the spine doc. that is our good friend), was very honest with us and said there were alot of factors that made the surgery dangerous for him, but if he didn't have the surgery he would live the rest of his life in the hospital under large doses of medication. We all agreed that was not a way to live.

Miraculously...he made it through and is now home. He stayed in ICU for 3 days and then another 4 days in a regular room and was doing so well he was booted out. Of course he has a nurse come 2-3 times a week now and a physical therapist as well, but he is walking and breathing on his own as well.

This week he is preparing for radiation for the next month and then a series of new chemo. It is a hard road and even though he feels so grateful for not having the horrific pain, he is tired and wondering if he can do it.

Dr. Bacon said he had the distinct impression while operating on Ralph that it was not his time to go yet. I am sure that Our Father in Heaven is giving him the opportunity to see his baby girl, Kristy, married in two weeks at least. Such a blessing. In fact...there have been so many miraculous blessings during this past month we have been here.

Being able to be here at this perfect time when Dr. Bacon was here to help is incredible. If we had been in Washington that opportunity would not have been available.

Being here with our children to help and support us. Miraculous!

Being able to actually move here and get settled abit before all of this happened. Miraculous!

The day of Ralph's surgery our fourth grand baby was born. I was there to see it. Absolutely Miraculous. Ralph was able to see Olivia before he went into surgery. She is beautiful with brown eyes, brown hair and a little browner skin than the rest. So our daughter Anne and Ralph were in the same hospital at the same time so we could be a part of all of this. Miraculous!

We have felt so blessed and amazed at how involved our Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives.

We have felt the prayers of so many and have been given peace beyond our understanding. No matter what comes along we know that our Savior is with us and will guide us through.

I know that Ralph and I will be together forever in the eternities and how grateful we are to our Savior for providing the way. My cup runneth over......



So now onward and upward to get ready for a wedding on the 23rd. Life certainly is Life!