"Christmas Sunday"

 The Sunday before Christmas is always one that I especially look forward to with the music and stories that are shared. I was a little disappointed realizing that due to COVID restrictions we would not be able to attend in person. Well, just a few days before Sunday, the restrictions were changed and the entire ward was invited to attend Sacrament meeting (still maintaining social distancing and masks). It was a beautiful Sacrament meeting with the music and speakers. How grateful I am for the Savior, Jesus Christ and the gospel that fills my life with hope and peace.

Bryan's Birthday

It was a pretty low-key birthday celebration for Bryan as he was still only a few days post-op (not that THAT really slowed him down). We all love Bryan and are grateful that he keeps us going on adventures, looking for the good in others and encouraging less screen time and more outdoor time. Happy Birthday to an awesome father and husband!

Myles' Fractures

 While I was sitting in Bryan's hospital room, I received a call from the pediatrician letting me know that the x-rays we took yesterday showed Myles had two fractures in his right hand. He broke two bones while playing football with some older friends after school a week prior to x-rays. A bigger kid fell hard on Myles' hand and I figured it was just bruised, but after a week and Myles was still favoring it and there was residual swelling, I took him in. I felt like Mother of the Year when I received that phone call. They referred me to an orthopedic doc and asked that I take Myles that afternoon to see them. I explained that might be a little tricky as I was in the hospital with my husband, but would schedule an appointment as soon as I could! What a whirlwind!

Myles was a champ about getting his cast.  

He said, "Mom, want to know the best thing that's ever happened to me?" 

My response, "You bet!"

Myles proudly holding up his cast and exclaims, "THIS!!" (helped to ease my guilty conscience a little bit)

He broke the bone at the base of his thumb and forefinger.

Bronco's cast for this obsessive Bronco's fan.

Bryan's Appendectomy

 Bryan came home from work and immediately started having abdominal pain. He thought it was maybe a stomach bug so retreated upstairs to rest. After dinner, doing the normal kid things and bedtime, I could tell that he wasn't doing very well. We discussed possible appendicitis and after Bryan met 12/12 signs and symptoms of appendicitis, we thought we may be heading to the ER. I text Kelly to put her on standby and her husband offered to come give Bryan a blessing. After Devin and another guy from our ward gave Bryan a blessing, we decided to head to the ER. Devin stayed with the kids. The ER quickly confirmed it was appendicitis. The surgeon scheduled his surgery for first thing in the morning. I came home at 2 am and sent our friend home. The next morning, Bryan's surgery went well and I headed to the hospital as soon as the kids were at school. He's done well with his recovery and if anything, needs to take it a little easier. :) Grateful for all of our friends that checked in on us or brought us treats/dinner during this time!

Brief wait at the ER while I was checking in. He was not faking how crummy he felt!!

Waiting for the drugs to kick in!

Post surgery and feeling a million times better. The cookies helped, too.

Holiday Parties

 It was somewhat of a miracle that the kids were still attending school in-person. The rest of our district was 100% e-learning. They were even able to have holiday parties. I sent in a few items for their parties, but the most fun items were definitely for Myles with snowmen Capri Suns and popcorn balls. I was glad I prepped these items ahead of time, because the rest of the week got Crazy!!

Graham Cracker Houses

 We continued the tradition of making Graham Cracker houses. We invited Sadie and Mila to join us. It was a fun night and I was grateful that we had two extra friends who could add to the fun.

Mountain Biking

 The weather was incredible in early December. I took advantage and got in a few mountain bike rides and several full days of pickle ball. Housekeeping can wait when there's weather like that! It was so good for my soul!