On Our Own Again

We have now been "on our own" again for a whole week. I was originally worried about not having my mother here, as she ran our whole house for the 3+ months she was here, but as it turns out, it was quite invigorating to feel a bit of independence again! We still had help from many friends and neighbors, so I guess we were never truly on our own, but a majority of the time, I needed to be in charge with the kids and the household. It was really another step back to normalcy for our family. And, though I was exhausted by the end of the day, I was also energized by the increased responsibilities and the ability I had to actually do what I needed to do. :) I am also grateful mom called almost every day this week, because I very much missed her company.

Thanks to Deanne, Carl and Aaron Smith, Iris Graham, Belinda Jackson, Cami Sanders and all the wonderful friends and neighbors who helped us out this week!

Friday night we had our church campout and it was great! The kids had a blast and Tolan and I spent most of the time running around trying to keep Daven from falling in the river. (Picture this... Tolan with his bad knee and me with my bad eye and balance, running all over the uneven field chasing after a 2-year old. Must have been quite the funny sight!! :) It was a fun chance to renew friendships and enjoy the company of those we love and who have done so much to help and serve us.

Last night we enjoyed another great evening, this time with our close friends, the Rhoads and Gardaniers. Steve and Laura Gardanier were great hosts and we all basked in the stimulating conversations, like parenting techniques, exercise, and of course, arm hair (that's for you, Steve!!). The kids all survived, too, despite the close calls on two trampolines and a very high deck. :) It was truly wonderful to eat, visit and LAUGH with our friends. We left feeling happy and completely normal!

Today I returned to church, attending all of the meetings. Again, I was worried that it would wear me out, but I found the opposite to be true. I was so uplifted by the Spirit of Christ that was there, and by all the dear friends and neighbors who surround us. We continued to feel blessed and loved by the Lord. May each of you also feel His light in your lives! Much love to all!