Back to Reality

So I might have planned on getting some things done today.  You know when you come home from vacation there is always plenty to do.  But, sometimes I get surprised and things don't go as I had planned.  Kimleighel likes to tend the babies at our house.  It's easier to get them to take naps here.  When she comes they all like to hang out with gramma.   So, I usually don't get the things done that I had planned on doing.  I have to remind myself sometimes that Kimleighel and my grands won't be around all the time and to enjoy them while they are.  I really do enjoy them...they are precious as can be.

It took me the whole day to do the laundry and make a pasta salad for the SNAP closing tonight.  But it's okay that's all I was able to accomplish.  These little's are growing like weeds and I'm glad that I am able to spend time with them as they grow.  I kind of don't like when they start school because I see them even less.

Justin's ward (young men/women) came and did a little carnival for our Closing Social tonight.  He went to a lot of work to make it fun.  I think everyone enjoys coming to the Closing Social because they all like eating and we always have a big spread.  I bought the gifts for the games and spent a little more than usual just to make it a little nicer.  Usually this night is kind of sad because it means that we won't see each other until our camps.  This year however we will be getting together to do Sacrament meetings again!  Yeah! I'm so excited because these friends of mine all have such special spirits and it is felt by others as they share themselves through their talks and songs.  I didn't keep it a secret and told some of the participants.  They are excited too!

Detroit

 Ever since Larry was nine years old, he has been a Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions fan!  He has always dreamed of going to Detroit and watching his teams.  His dream finally came true.  We were able to see two Detroit Tigers games while we were there.  Each night they won and we had a great time.  Our seats were good each night too.  I enjoy baseball and am happy to accompany Larry.  I do not enjoy football though and so if Larry wants to see inside the Ford Stadium where the Lions play he will probably want to bring some sons.  These stadiums are across the street from each other.  Another stadium is being built close and I think it's for hockey...could be basketball.

Our hotel was just blocks away from the stadiums and we could see the field from our room window.  We could even see people walking around the stadium while peering out our window.  It's was a great little get away.  Much more appreciated once we got home and couldn't keep up with everything happening. We had weddings, reception, bridal and baby showers, funerals and family gatherings all the same time.  It was hard choosing what to do and how to make up for the things we missed.  Life away from home is so much simpler.

Detroit City is huge and lots of really cool old buildings right by some big new ones.  We rode the people mover around and few times just to see a little more.

Every now and then it's good to walk away from all the hustle and bustle and just relax.  This trip gave us that!

The Twins Came Early

We got a text from Kevin early Saturday Morning saying that Julie was headed to the Hospital in an ambulance to be checked out.  Julie woke up wet thinking her water had broke and was shocked to discover that it was blood and not water.  She had placenta abruption.  When she got to the hospital the specialist that she has been seeing wanting her to be life flighted to the U of U hospital.  Julie's doctor that she loves, Dr. Hartman, was the doctor on call at McKay and checked Julie and discovered that she was dilated to an 8 and there was no way she could make it.  He said he would deliver the babies.  Because of all the blood he chose to deliver the twins by C-Section.  Because it was Dr. Hartman Julie was fine with that decision and totally trusted his call.  Having Dr. Hartman be the doctor on call was one of many tiny miracles that took place that day.  

Ever since we found out the Brynlie had fluid on her brain we have been praying for miracles.  Even though I know God has His plan for us, I still believe and feel that it is okay to pray for miracles and expect them to happen.  Just because the blind man was blind didn't mean he had to stay that way.  Lots of miracles have happened because of all the prayers of our families and friends.  God knows us and hears us and answers our prayers.  We have recognized so many miracles and I am positive there are so many more happening that we aren't even aware of.

Brynlie was life flighted to the Uof U to have tests done on her.  Darinda noticed the Helicopter on her way to Shelby's wedding.  (she didn't know it had her niece in it)  The doctors discovered that Brynlie also has Spinal Bifida Occulta.  However, her reflex's and other test results were all positive and good.  She responded like a healthy baby. (another miracle) 

I was dying that I wasn't home to be with Kevin and Julie.  I was blessed with peace though knowing that everyone was stable and doing good.  We would have flown back home if they wouldn't have been.

I was anxious to get pictures and updates.  It was an emotional day for Larry and I.  We feel so blessed to have these babies here.  Thursday, Julie had gone to the doctor and he suggested a steroid shot series to be given on Thursday and then another on Friday to help boost the progress of the babies lungs.  He told Julie he thought it was a good idea just in case the babies decided to come on Saturday.  Another miracle for these cuties.

After being tested and tested some more, Brynlie was transported back to McKay to be with her mommy and brother.  That happened on Tuesday. Another miracle! Oh and since Kevin's insurance didn't pay to have a transfer back, Primary Children's Hospital took care of it. Miracle!  (I'm happy I have always donated to primary's....who'd have thought it would come back to us?)

We were happy and when we got home Wednesday night be cleaned up and went to the hospital to meet our newest grands.  They are pretty tiny and absolutely perfect! Larry was fine with just holding Briggs but not me....I had to hold each of them. Oh my heart!  It's incredible how love just keeps filling a heart that seems so full already.  There is always room for more love!  I'm so in love with Brynlie and Briggs already!

Julie came home on Wednesday and her little nurse and assistant were ready to serve and take care of her. Kevin and Julie are so cute and they are wonderful parents.  I'm so excited that we all get to experience the joys of twins.  Our family is so blessed!

Our Get Away...More Needed than Realized

Friday morning Larry and I flew to Pennsylvania to see Shari and her family.  Shari was very thoughtful and had us stop at the Hershey Factory before heading home from the airport.  She figured that this little vacation was more for Larry since we did center it around his Detroit Tigers.  Shari knew I would be in my own little "Heaven" and she was right!  Chocolate everywhere....lots and lots of chocolate!  There were also lots and lots of people...the place was buzzing!  I did purchase some chocolate and a cute Hershey Kiss key chain.  I also got me another sweatshirt.  I'd rather wear the sweatshirt for years than all the chocolate.  This year the sweatshirt I got is purple...the prettiest purple.  I love sweatshirts!  I love chocolate! I love Shari and her family!  I love Larry and our family!

Cameron had several basketball games on Saturday and Sunday and I enjoyed watching him play.  Cameron is a great kid and so loving.  I didn't get a picture of Taylor this trip because she wasn't around much.  She's darling too.  We had to wake up early both days to drive an hour for Cameron's games.  It was enjoyable living in their world for a few days.

On Saturday Shari, Duane, Larry and I drove to Baltimore for a baseball game.  The Orioles were playing the Tigers.  It was a little cold but turned out okay since rain was a huge part of the day.  Larry wore his Tigers shirt, Shari and Duane their Orioles shirts and I wore my Hershey's shirt...all our favorite teams!  Duane got the first foal ball and their were several more hit our way throughout the game.  Larry met a player from the past, Boog Powell.  We had a great time even though the Tigers lost.  They scored first though so that was cool.

Testimony Meeting

One of my favorite meetings and activities that the Special Needs Group does together is the week we share our testimonies.  Tonight was that night.  These people have testimonies and like to share them.  Some get scared and might need someone to stand by them.  Krista asked me to stand by her. She text me to ask me and I told her I would.  She typed her testimony out and waited until the time was almost gone before standing up.  Krista has a hard time speaking but did a really good job.  Rachael, our little firecracker, felt the spirit and was crying.  Her good friend Sadie takes good care of her and got her a kleenex.  Then Sadie stood by Rachael while she reverently shared her testimony.  I didn't hear her very well and I didn't understand what Rachael was sharing but I felt the spirit.  Everyone was reverent while they listened.  It was so awesome.  After this group shares their testimony they sing one verse of their favorite song.  Their favorite songs are beautiful and some of my favorites as well.  We never have a pause at this meeting.  The participants are eager to share their sweet testimonies. The are pure and wonderful.  I waited until the end and then I shared my own testimony.  I shared the love I have for each of them and how I feel closer to Heaven since serving them.  I shared that they are "special"... so much so that their disabilities just might be protection to them from...you know who. It was a beautiful meeting.  I can't wait to start doing Sacrament Meetings with this group again.  We have been given permission and I am excited to share these spiritual giants with our wards and stakes again.

Weeding is Fun to Do?

Weeding is only fun to do if you have help.  Carla is such a great friend and has been helping me week my yard.  It really is kind of fun being out there together pulling out those weeds while we talk.  The reward is satisfying.  We got the North side of the house done and along the front fence.  We have lots of grass out in front that is really hard to pull out.  I have become really good friends with the weed killer.  I walk around the yard often with it spraying the unwanted weeds and grass.  I also like preen.  I shake it around after we pull the weeds.  Who knew these things?  Ok....I'm sure most people know these things but for some reason Larry and I didn't learn them.  There's help out there to maintain a nice yard....we finally found it.  We still have way too many weeds but we are making improvements.  You know you have a true friend when she will come and spend an hour or so helping you pull weeds.  I love Carla!

Kam's Tumbling

I got to take Kamryn to tumbling today.  I forgot where it was at and went way past the correct street.  I forget that Kamryn has tumbling on Wednesdays and so I have only gone to watch her a few times.  She is pretty good.  She's a strong girl.  I asked her if she was planning on being a cheerleader when she gets older and she said she was.  She is also planning on playing football. ☺  I love this sweet girl and enjoyed the time we had together.  We went to Trichelle's after for a little visit.  I dropped Kam off at her other grandma's house so she could help her family do yard work.  That's what Lynette wanted for her Mother's Day Service project.