Briana Stephen

I had an epiphany today while sitting in the oncologist's office. There's so much talk and paraphernalia about finding cures for cancer. There's bitter talk about why Heavenly Father would allow such suffering. I sat there thinking to myself, No. My heart tells me it's not like that at all! ... Think of the communities and families that have come together to love, serve, and mourn with one another.

Our Father in heaven provides opportunities every day for us to keep his commandments, to follow His ultimate example of serving, loving, caring for His spirit children, our spirit brothers and sisters. I get to experience firsthand on a daily basis how beautiful the hearts of mankind really are.

Turn off the news of contentious politics, crime, and adultery for a bit. You'll find a world of compassion. PLEASE ACCEPT MY GRATITUDE to all those who uplift and show me what leading a Christ-like life is really all about. Loads and loads of LOVE!!!

-Bri, March 2010



Friday, December 11, 2009

Christmas Party


Crystal, Leyna & Ashlyn ~ our angels?



Leyna said, "That is not the real Santa. He's fake. I smelled him, and he does not smell like Santa. He's fake, but I'm not afraid of the fake Santa." I love 3 year olds!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

35!

Happy birthday to my best friend, supportive & helpful husband, playful father, adoring son, hardworking businessman, and faithful follower of Christ. I love you for all that you are!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Something's Amiss

Notice anything different about Kami? She lost her front tooth and is about to lose the other -- just in time to be able to sing "All I Want for Christmas are My Two Front Teeth." She rolls her eyes at me every time I start to sing the song.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

No laughing at my skinny tree. One of these years I'll get the full tree of my dreams. So I thought it'd be fun to have the kids wish you all a merry Christmas. I quit trying after three attempts. But from our home to yours, we really do wish you all a very merry Christmas season!
TAKE1

TAKE2

TAKE3

Thanksgiving

We made the drive to AZ where we had a great two days with Eric's family in Prescott and another two game-filled days with my family in Gilbert, but only a few pictures to show for it. Thanks, Tiff, for contributing to my picture collection. Christmas will be better (maybe).
Joan slaved away to make us a delicioius meal, as did my parents just two days later. Yum yum yum. I love my yam yam yams.




Blood Tests

I forgot to post that I had a blood test on Monday, November 23rd. If you remember, my last test reflected a CEA count of 0.7. It is now down to 0.4! Isn't that fabulous? This is significant because it’s the first blood test done without having had chemo for 3 months. I knew in my heart that all was going to be well, but am super ecstatic with the results. I'm awaiting similar news when I have my next scan on December 22nd. I'll keep you 'posted.' (ha ha ha...pun obviously intended)