I can't ever find my words these days...

But, in case you were wondering, we're still alive.

I want to re-do my blog again. Because hey. Maybe a makeover would make me want to blog more often again. Maybe not.

Work is still work, but added in is a really stinky human being that sheds gross something or other all over the office that I have to clean up. In my old age I've become ten thousand times more queasy. It's not convenient in times like these. On the bright side the people watching through our front window is still pretty great. Dr. Williams is probably the least stressful boss I've ever had. He's also probably the only boss that suggests I put off work until the next day so I can go home on time and actually see my hubby, or to take an early/long lunch. He also makes getting time off a breeze. Best job ever? Yes. Yes it is. Zero drama here people. It's pretty great to have only two staff members in the office, both of which are fairly non confrontational and quiet. Guys. On the slow days I get paid to read and or pinterest. (or blog?)

Pharmacy hours are still brutal. But I feel like maybe they're helping my brain get ready for this national exam. The other night I sat there saying, "amlodipine besylate" over and over... and wondering what the heck it's generic and/or brand was. That's better than nothin, right? ;) (in case you wondered it's a calcium channel blocker, used for hypertension/angina, and the generic is simply amlodipine. Amlodipine has another brand name, which is Norvasc. Easy peasy.)

Matt's one test away from being done with his summer Chem 2020 class! (Can I get a hallelujah?? I hate chemistry for him!) But he's a trooper and he's worked so hard, and he's done great! I'm so thankful I have him for my best friend and example. He's been such a wonderful husband, he makes me want to be better. :) I kinda love that guy. 

He's excited to be done, and excited that we only have one more week before we head out on our Nebraska adventure! We can't wait to see everyone again, and we'll get to see Mike and Jennifer's new house! I can't believe the summer is gone and we're already to our Anniversary trip! The past two months FLEW by!! 

Updates besides work and school, we've had some opportunities to build testimonies and grow closer as a family lately. A while back, my grandpa went through lots of fun testing and found out his kidneys were failing. Well, lots of prayers and fasting later, his kidney function is improved but now we're dealing with cancer. Sometimes life has a sense of humor like that. 

I've really wanted to do a post about him, and tell you all how amazing he is, but I haven't been able to come up with the words. My cousin, Angie, captured a lot of my emotions perfectly in her tribute to this amazing man we have for our Grandpa, and example. Really, you should probably all read it, it's perfect.  

I've been so grateful that they're in Cedar, and we're in Cedar and I have all these tender moments when we visit. It amazes me to watch my grandma still plugging along taking care of everyone else around her, and showing the most pure and perfect love to my grandpa. :) They're the marriage I want in 50 years. (Or, ya know, why wait. I want their marriage today! :) I think the kind of love and friendship they have came from years of life together though, so 50 years it is.)

We'll be in his room visiting with each other quietly while he sleeps, and gram opts out of the comfy chair because she'd rather sit on the folding chair to be closer to her sweetheart and to hold his hand, or put her hand on his knee. The way she snuggles up to him and just smiles at him while he tells us stories and reminisces makes me bawl. :) Good bawl of course. And grandpa is just as sweet with her right back. The way he talks about what an angel she is, and acknowledges how hard she works to take care of him (pauses to get choked up) and tells us how absolutely beautiful her silver hair is in the chair next to him just melts my heart. 

(Pictures stolen from other blogs and facebook, sorry!
That's what I get for blogging on someone else's computer.)

This experience isn't really all that fun, and some days my heart feels pretty broken, but I am so grateful to be able to witness this side of our family. We are strong, because we love each other and because we love the gospel. You can feel everyone's prayers in that room, and you always know without a doubt that despite what's going on with grandpa's health, he and gram are praying for all of us kids and grandkids just like always. 

What makes cancer, and trials do able is the gospel. I don't know where I'd be through life without the comfort and peace you find in our Savior Jesus Christ and his atonement. He understands all our pain and suffering better than anyone else, and because he atoned for us, we can find relief. I'm grateful for grandpa and grandma's testimonies. Last week when I was preparing my talk for Sacrament meeting I found the copy of the Book of Mormon that grandma and grandpa gave us on our Yellowstone trip last summer, and their beautiful testimony they typed and put in the front. Family, go find yours and read it. If that doesn't bring your spirits up I don't know what will. :) 

So thank you, Grandpa, for being our example of true strength (especially in these past few months), for being our example of respect, of honesty, of hard work, and of faith. I love you more than pigs love squash!