Happy Halloween

We had a fun Halloween weekend!

Friday Britney picked me up and we took the kids to Derek's work.  They had a Halloween Carnival and trick or treating.  Derek loved seeing his niece and nephew and they enjoyed playing the games.

Saturday we went to the movie " Sorcerer's Apprentice" We all enjoyed the show and would recommend it.

Sunday we had Britney's  family and Cameron and Kristi over for dinner.  We watched the Jazz beat Oklahoma City! 

We had a fun Halloween Weekend!

A Night to Remember

Two weeeks ago, Alden finished all his paperwork for his  mission.  They were submitted the day before my surgery.  Alden has done this without me pushing him.  He asked me to sign some paperwork and make his medical appointment.  I asked if he wanted me to review the answers to his questions but he felt confident with them.

We figured it would be two weeks to recieve his call.  I put mail in the mailbox today so that I could watch for the flag to go down.  At three o'clock the flag was down.  I calmly went to the mailbox and found the big white envelope address to "Elder Alden Hyde".  I sat it on the piano and sent a text to everyone that it had come.

Alden had spent the night deer hunting with his friends so he was not home yet.  We made arrangements to open it at 7pm.    Here is a video of how it all happened.

I am so pleased with the decision that Alden has made to serve the Lord on a mission.  Austraila, Adelaide will be blessed to have such a great young man serve them.

My Two Right Arms

I am not able to use my right arm, but  I do have two really strong right arms.  Derek and Alden have really stepped up and don't mind doing extra to help me out.  For example:  One day they got up early and canned tomatoes,  they have swept the floor, cleaned out the dishwasher, washed dishes, laundry and helped me do my daily arm exercises.  Derek is already gearing up to make the traditional holiday candy.

I don't know what I would do if they weren't around.  I would be a mess without Shane also.  He has done so much for me.  He has been working really hard all day long.

I am so grateful for my boys.

My Sister

A sister is a gift to the heart,
a friend to the spirit,
a golden thread to the meaning of life.
Isadora James

Tammy, my sister, came to visit from Wyoming.  She stayed Sunday night and had an appointment Monday afternoon before going back home.  It was fun to visit with her.

She also did a lot for me.  She cleaned the Sunday dishes.  She cut fabric for one of my projects.   She took me to the craft store. She lifted my spirits.  I am grateful for my sisters!

Fabulous Friday

My fabulous Friday was spent with my fantastic friend Gwen.   I met Gwen through the Internet when our son Derek received his mission call to Peru two and a half years ago.   I signed up on this website LDS Missionary Moms to connect with other moms who had sons in Peru.  Immediately  I heard from Gwen and Bonnie.  We met for lunch where I was able to listen to them talk with complete excitement about their missionaries.  I loved being able to ask them questions and get help with what I needed to do to prepare for Derek's mission.  I have learned so much from these ladies and we will be forever friends.

Gwen quickly offered to come help me with whatever I needed.  I had started a project this summer that I am going to have a difficult time finishing.   Gwen jumped in with both hands at the sewing machine!

Later she picked up some Chinese food for lunch.  This is my fortune from my cookie, it couldn't be more true.

      "Good things come to those who wait.  Be Patient."

Shane's parents, Doyle and Hazel came by to visit today on their way to Logan.  They were surprised to see me up and moving around.  I am feeling really well,  I just can't do anything with my right arm.

One Week Down

It has been one week since Surgery, five more weeks until I see the doctor and hope to get out of the brace.
Today was a fantastic day.  My friend Kathy came over to sweep and vacuum my floors.  The best part of her visit was when she pulled out her guitar.  My spirit was lifted as she played and sang.  What a beautiful talent!

As Kathy left, Brianna came and we visited for a couple of hours  We walk to the garden and she picked tomatoes and peppers to take home.  The weather is  warm and there are still a lot of tomatoes.

In the evening Elaine brought over dinner and we  got to visit awhile.  I am grateful for the wonderful friends that have fed us this week!  Michelle, Carla, Jill, Natalie you are all wonderful cooks.  Thank you for blessing our lives.

How Do You Keep a Good Woman Down?

For me, I have to be strapped.  Here is a look at my brace/sling.

Twice a day we take it off to do exercises.  The exercise work out my wrist and elbow.  I also feel it in my bicep and triceps.

We changed the dressing and this is what is underneath it.

Another war wound in this battle to join the other scars.  (hysterectomy, left thoracotomy, port a cath, right thorocotomy.  and many RFA sites)