Family, Angels and Dates

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. Friday was a rough day for me. I was "on my own" for the first time, and I admit, it was tough. It was just a matter of schedules not working out quite right, but I was home with the kids alone that day and it turned out to be more challenging than I thought. My physical body is still not as strong as I would like, making it difficult to care for my kids. The other struggle I have are my headaches, which are often present, but usually tolerable -- until acted upon by loud noise (ie. music or kids playing or fighting), or sadly, even just little things like too much movement, etc. So, needless to say, I quickly found myself in a tricky situation.

This made me even more grateful for my mom, who has clearly been a "buffer" between me and my children in the 4 weeks (wow!) since I have been home. She has taken care of everything, from refereeing the fights, to putting kids down for naps. She is an angel and I become more grateful for her everyday.

Just when I was struggling, another angel, a good friend, showed up on my doorstep, feeling like she needed to check on me. Together we cried and she comforted me when I was down. Even though I told her I didn't "need" anything, she showed up a few hours later with homemade pizza for dinner that night. Belinda is a saint. Later that afternoon, Debbie Cox, another dear friend came to visit. These sweet ladies cannot imagine how much they helped me that day!

I "recovered" enough that Friday night, Tolan and I went out on our first "date" in months. It was wonderful to spend a little time alone together. :) I still need to learn my limits, because even sitting down in a movie theatre was too much for me by the end of the show, but what a blessing to get out and about with my wonderful spouse! I don't know how he keeps up the energy to keep everything going on the weekends when we are "alone" at home without help from parents. Amazing.

I also had a great visit the other day with Ryan and Jenny Rackham, just down the street from me. I continue to be amazed at the love I feel from such wonderful friends and neighbors. Tears of joy streamed down our faces as we shared stories and feelings. I am so blessed to have so many angels in my life.

Yesterday was also a special day for me. The Orgill side of the family had a cousin get together. We have all talked about this for a long time, now that we are all adults with our own families, but this was the first real gathering of its kind. We discussed this option at our Grandma's funeral in January, one of the few times all of us were together. I'd like to think that last night was the start of many more great events to come...somehow silently honoring the Grandmother that we all love who started it all. (Just wish I had pictures from the fun evening!!)

My cousins were a most welcome sight. I cried with each hug and every face I saw. These amazing family members did so much to buoy my spirits along the way and they will never know how much they mean to me.

Another bonus was that I got to see my siblings, Brandon, Scott and Kristi, before the gathering, and enjoyed the company of my sister and brother-in-law, Tami and Dave, while we were there. (The others had prior commitments.) My dad is also in town again and that is always a treat to see him. Every time I think of him, I am still amazed and honored that he sat by me in the hospital, day after day, hour after hour...such love and devotion I will never forget!

In Orem, I also visited with our dear friends, the Pimsakuls. These amazing people have been so supportive of my family, not only for the last few months, but for the last many years. They have been great neighbors and friends. Their strength, attitude and testimonies are blessings in all of our lives. (Not to mention their homemade egg rolls are the best around!!) We all love them dearly and are grateful for their family!

This week I am excited because my sister, Kristi (from Hawaii), will be joining my mom in helping out at our house. I am looking forward to the time we will have to spend together! More updates on this to come!