Girls Camp, Picnics and Headaches

On Tuesday evening I had the chance to go visit the 12-18 year old girls from church that I work with at their week-long camp. Normally I would have been there with them all week, but I am just glad I got to visit with them at all. What a choice and wonderful experience this was! We shared so many wonderful, happy tears in seeing each other. In most cases, this was the first time I have seen the girls since leaving for the hospital in May. Some of them have come to visit me, so they were more prepared to see the "new" me.

I can only imagine what it must have been like for the girls to see me, my face half paralyzed, not walking well, my eye puffy and red... But regardless of what I must have looked like to them, they were truly amazing in their show of love to me! The hugs and tears are unforgettable. They also helped me at dinner time, as I attempted to eat without drooling or spilling my drink. They accepted me 100% and seemed honestly grateful I was there. What a blessing this was for me! If they only knew how much I love them!!


Visiting with Emilie and Lisa at Girls Camp!


"My" girls helping me walk around the campground. Without them I could have ended up in the firepit! I'll see if I can get more pics from other leaders. :)

Word spread quickly that I was visiting camp and before long, many good friends started appearing at the campsite (from neighboring sites where other wards were camping). Each of these little reunions brought me to tears and I tried to express my thanks for all the love and support these wonderful people have shown me. But how can I really say thank you for what all of YOU have done?? I simply can't. Just know you all have my unending love and gratitude.

Yesterday I pushed myself to see if I could make more progress. I made my kids lunch for the first time (it was only macaroni, but I did it!!). I also helped my mom clean Lindi's room and worked around the house a bit. As a reward for all our hard work, my mom packed us all a wonderful picnic and we went to Fort Buenaventura and had dinner in a great spot by the river. It was a super evening and I was so thankful to spend fun time with my family and mom. My mom is the most amazing woman...she packs a picnic better than anyone I've ever seen! We loved the time together in the woods!

We went on a drive in the mountains afterwards, which was also beautiful. It was challenging for me, as the altitude (I think it was the altitude that did it) caused me to have severe head pain. Since the surgery on my ear/brain, I haven't really experienced pressure changes, so it is hard to say if this was the real culprit. Still, it was worth it for the views and the company!

Today I have been suffering with headaches again. These are normal, both for the tumor, and for my recovery, but some days are tougher than others. I think I may have worn myself out a bit the last few days, so I am still working on finding that balance between pushing myself to progress and not over-doing it. I rested and took some painkiller this morning and am feeling a bit better now. I am so glad, since Janene Bennett is coming over to watch the kids so I can "take" my mom to lunch for her birthday (on the 3rd). She deserves far more than lunch, but it will be wonderful to spend a little time alone with her, just to celebrate!! LOVE YOU MOM!!

Enjoy some pictures from our family night out last night. Thanks to the Bennetts for all their help this week (and always!).


All of us enjoying our picnic!


My mom is sooo amazing! She does the best picnics and helps bring lots of smiles to little (and big) faces!


So many smiles. My mom especially loves picnics and being in the mountains (perhaps that's why I love it so much too!!