Getting Back to "Normal"

what is normal really?  sometimes i think i have a 'new normal', that life may never be the same again (on bad days) and sometimes it seems like i am just working my way back to how it was (on good days) but i know that there are changes that need to be made either way for our family's well-being.  i feel that i have definitely lost 3 weeks of my life but i have also gained new perspective in so many things!  my little buzz lost his first tooth while my mom was still here to rescue our family.  sunday nite ben yanked it out.  he cried a bit and then was happy!   i was still in bad shape that week.  i had SO much help from family members and friends.  i can't even believe the kindness of everyone and how many different people from everywhere rallied around our family and are still offering to do so.  i really was completely unable to take care of my family, so meals were brought, family and friends stayed with us, kids went and played at friends and family.  i can't wait till i can pay it forward...all the service we received was so appreciated and kind.  thank you!

 emerson went to stay a week with lisa's family.  she offered to take ellee too, but ben wanted to see her take her first steps.  and that she did...my first week home, wednesday nite i believe.  she is officially a walker!!!  a few days ago she found bridon's fireman hat and walked all around the house with it over her eyes.  she loves that thing.  even when she falls on it and cracks it and smashes it!

somedays i feel like nothing happened.  ok, let's not go that far.  but there is relatively little pain in my shoulder or joints and i am not tired.  other days, i feel like an old woman under the weather.  for example, pictures above taken by my kids with me huddled in the recliner while they run wild!  i do know that prayer was always important to me, but now even more.  i have differing opinions from doctors.  no real answers. and a wait till the end of january to see the rheumatologist, with lots of medical bills.  we were able to attend the temple just a few days ago, and that helped but still no definite answers.  and that must be ok.  that must be part of what i am to learn...i have been brought to tears it seems more often than not with how the lord has helped certain things work out, that's for sure. and he will continue to do so, if i have faith.

 i have ventured out of the house a few times.  the temple, the library, church a bit, work one day, and my first time out (feeling a little hazy) was attending the boys' parent teacher conferences.  they both had excellent reports!  i am not putting this up to brag. but bentley's esp. is so exciting because both ben and i's jaws dropped expecting to hear he might be close to getting in trouble again (like the end of last year), but had quite the opposite report from his teacher about how he has great manners, listens, works hard, did i say great manners??? is polite and kind and is not getting in trouble???  that was a wonderful thing and i am so thankful that the boys are making good choices and trying hard in school....and getting good grades socially and academically!  they cracked me up yesterday when ben scooped up a new mound of dirt for them to play 'king' on ..as bridon put it.

i love my family so much.  i love the days i feel well.  i will never take my good health for granted.  our bodies are amazing.  having them free from all that goes wrong with them in the next life is a blessing i had never fully considered until now.  what a blessing it is to know the plan of salvation to help us realize that we are here to experience some of these things that will hopefully make us stronger!!