Surprise!

I bet that you clicked on the link to our blog expecting to see the same old thing, huh? Actually, most of you have probably quit looking by now. But, SURPRISE! I actually posted something. I think about posting more often, and even plan to fairly frequently. But, then I have a hard time believing that I have anything post-worthy to tell you about. I love to read blogs where the blogger posts frequently. I keep making a resolve to post more often, but keep failing at it. I think that I will be better at it once I am no longer teaching seminary. But, then Julia will leave home and there will be even less to post about. Hmmmm....we'll see.

Anyway. I couldn't let last night's event go unposted (is that a word?). A local radiologist, Dr. Lynne Bliss, was recently diagnosed with lymphoma and is currently undergoing chemotherapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma. Since her diagnosis, she realized there was no place for cancer patients to research their disease. She mentioned her frustrations to her sister-in-law (who is in our ward), who decided to start raising money for one. Farmington is building a new cancer center across from the hospital and the new research library will be placed within that facility.

So,yesterday they held a 5 hour fund-raising extravaganza. MANY of the local artists donated paintings, photographs, jewelry, etc. to auctioned off in a silent auction. There was face painting for the kids, and many girls and women also got little red hair extensions put in their hair (actually quite a few boys did, too). And then for a ten dollar donation you could have your head shaved, to show your support for Dr. Bliss. You would have been amazed how many men (and women) shaved their heads! It started with a challenge from some of the area doctors and nurses. But, in the end it spread to a lot of community members. One entire middle school boy's basketball team participated and had their heads shaved. And so did Mr. Scott Rhien. :)

He has had his hair buzzed many times in the past. It has never been my favorite look for him and I finally suggested a few years ago, when he was made bishop, that he not buzz it anymore. Well, this was for a good cause yesterday, so I encouraged him to do it. In fact, I told him not to just buzz it...but to basically shave it. And I think he looks pretty good that way. I actually like the look more than when he just cut it really short. These pictures don't do it justice. He was having a tough time posing last night without a silly look on his face. But, you get the idea. I wish that I had taken my camera and gotten some before,during and after shots. But,these will have to do. Way to go, Scott. I admire you for showing your support for the Bliss family. By the way, the 5 hour event raised more than $50,000!