Breaking it down

Breaking down some events:

My cousin and her family moved out in January.  It was bitter sweet.  They found a house 10 minutes from us that was a perfect fit for their family.  We were happy that we could serve them during their time of need and they definitely served us while living here.  That's what family is all about, right?

My stomach started hurting off and on around November.  I would eat and then a pain would come in the upper part of my stomach.  I just thought it must be some acid reflux, maybe?  Or in some crazier moments I had thoughts like, what if it is stomach cancer.  I kept putting off going to the doctor.  By the time January rolled around, the pain was not getting any better.  When dad came for his visit, we moaned and groaned together.  We shared our stomach stories.  Our symptoms were so similar.  Pain in the front that shot to your back. 

Dad went back to Utah and mom called a few days later and told me that dad was going to have gall bladder surgery.  I thought, hmmm....  maybe I should go have mine checked.  I had pretty much decided I couldn't keep living like I was living.  I had no energy.  I didn't want to do anything.  I just wanted to crawl back in the bed and sleep.  I didn't even decorate or do anything special for Valentine's Day.  Now you know Mama did not feel good!  I did manage to pick up these cute slippers for Laurel and Savannah.

I made an appointment with a gastrointestinal doctor.  I just skipped right over a regular doctor and went straight to the specialist.  {thanks to my sweet friend Debbie for the referral and for that advice.  It saved much time.}  I got an ultrasound two days later.  Gall Bladder full of stones!  Poor thing was not functioning properly and was making me very sick.  A few days later, I went in for Gall Bladder surgery.  The surgeon said that there were over 20 stones.  So needless to say, between my eyes failing and getting glasses and then having my gall bladder removed, I was not feeling like a very spunky 42 year old.  Things are good now and I am grateful for good health and don't ever want to take it for granted.  Seth's mom came and helped us out while I was recovering.  She helped Laurel study for her Science test.  She was so patient.  I observed and hope that I can be like that next time.

Laurel only missed two!  Whoo Hoo!!!
I had surgery on a Monday and then left that Friday to go on a girl's trip to Memphis with 10 other ladies.  We went to Time out for Women.  This is a conference that member's of our church put together.  They have speakers who give uplifting messages.  There were also musical performances.
The theme was Higher: Think Higher, Believe Higher, Live Higher
This was my favorite quote from the Conference:
We are given protections
Put on the whole armour of God
Kneel and pray for them
They were Gods Children before yours.
{Elder Holland}

That is the main reason I wanted to go, was to hopefully come home a better mom.  And the other reason, I love being with a bunch of fun ladies! I love my friends and I am so blessed to have good ones.  We got no rest.  I really like Memphis.  We took the trolley to Bill Street, I think that's right.  It reminded me of New Orleans a little.  We ate good barbeque.  Well, I really watched them eat.  I was a little scared, you know,  since I had just had that organ removed that filters the fat for you.  I played it pretty safe.

We celebrated Seth's birthday in March!  He turned 44!

The children and I had so much fun decorating and getting ready for his special night.  We all hid and jumped out and said, "Surprise!" when he walked in the door.  Laurel wrote the sweetest letter:
I love you daddy so much!  You have been the greatest dad on Earth! I'm so happy God sent me to you!  You have helped me when I'm sick and when I'm hurt.  I love you Happy Birthday!
Love,
Laurel