My Last Full Day

This family is doing well. Allison looks great! And, considering the fact that she had a terrifying allergic to one of the medications they administered intravenously...causing horrible, blistering hives and leaving her pain medication free after her toughest surgery, blessings from the priesthood, and many many earnest prayers were answered. Mike had a meeting at church, so I got the kids up and Allison checked to make sure they were all well and in order...and I took them to church. Again, it was nice snuggling up with my grandkids during a wonderful Sacrament Meeting. Sunday School and Relief Society were as uplifting as they were last week. This ward is so wonderful and the people are amazing and genuine.

We went home, had lunch and enjoyed the rest of our day.

Photo Bombed by Adam!

 And San got his first bath. The kids said he was stinky...but to me, he did not stinketh...

Joshy was funny that evening. We talked about me leaving the next morning, and he said he wanted his mommy back and started moving my suitcase, my blankets and my coat to a pile...I swear he would have had me out the door right then! It's ok, though. I am glad he was ready to take over and help his momma!

And  Kooper went to church for the first time...

I woke up on Monday morning, and got Adam and Grace up and ready for school. Daddy arrived home in time to take Adam, his class pet tree frog, and Grace to school. There were no tears...hooray...because we reminded each other that the next time we come, Uncle Nathan will be with us!

I learned so much these past couple of weeks. I learned how very much I respect and revere my daughter and my daughters in law for being mothers and for taking on all that comes with that great privilege. I am thankful for the dear and wonderful people that Allison associates with. Her ward friends are so wonderful. The day I had all four kids when Allison went to the emergency room, her friend Jessica came by. I was thinking today that she truly was inspired to just stop and visit. She is just that kind of person that helps you get into a good frame of mind and not worry so much. I was so grateful for her and her inspiration to just stop by. I am thankful for the Nielsen family. They live closer to Allison and family than my pizza oven is to my back door. Their daughters are beautiful and kind and helpful, and that family is right there for her. I saw amazing families, living different ways, but all living the Gospel and doing their best to guide the individual spirits they were blessed with in the way of the Lord. There is no one right way to raise kids. I did things I felt were best for my spirits in my home. Allison does things that are best for her spirits in her home. As does Amber, and Cameo, and Jessica and everyone. I am so thankful for the moms that raise my grandkids. I am amazed at Allison and Mike and how they work together, how they know just the right questions to ask, the right way to respond. I am so thankful for doctors who helped these two moms bring two healthy little boys into this world, and for brave families who don't worry about money or time, but only want to do as the Lord wants. I learned, too, that I am not able to be what I once was when I was young. I prayed more than ever that I could do what I needed to. I did hard things and the Lord blessed me to be able to...and now that I am home, I think I am almost recovered. :) I only woke up once thinking I had to get Adam and Grace and Kayty up for school and work! I am so thankful for my mom being there to loan me her car, for Liz taking Kaylee the extra weeks so that I could be away. I feel so blessed...and these two precious little baby boys remind me that tender mercies happen every single day.