Dear Diary,
I should probably write about Thanksgiving... We made it through the school week before. The kids had a whole week off of school. I had SO many plans I wanted to accomplish. FUN plans.
However, the week turned out to be survival week. Elara got strep throat on Saturday the 17th to kick off our week. We skipped church on the 18th. My sweet neighbor still offered to watch her so we could attend the conference with the Prophet, which I wrote about and it went well.
I look back and mostly it was just exhausting being home with all the kids and sick. I had a cold I could not shake and stayed down most of the week. Looking back though (which is good to do I guess), I got a lot done. We got the Christmas lights hung outside. We put up our Christmas tree. We made a Thankful tree for Thanksgiving.
We were able to spend Thanksgiving with Rob, Julie, Heidi and Jamie Pinkston. It was so fabulous. Elara had a fever of 104 the night before and so our sweet neighbors came the next morning to make sure she was ok. Then, we were able to facetime Derek and it was so wonderful having that time with him.
We took our pies we made and got on the road! We had so much wonderful fun food with our favorite peoples. I made a mississippi mud pie, pumpkin, cherry, and pineapple. SO YUMMY. We also took a green bean casserole up. The food was just SO GOOD. Julie made a feast of turkey, ham, rolls, mashed potatoes, veggies, treats. SO MUCH YUMMY.
We lounged and watched shows, then played some games and then just spent the night there. It was fun to play with the new sweet piggy Fleur. I've always wanted to try an indoor pig, and she did not disappoint us. We were going to stay longer the next day, but Kael got a fever and Elara's came back so Friday we spent the afternoon at the urgent care for just viruses.
We came home and relaxed after some much needed McDonalds. The kids played on the playground and we ordered pizza to be delivered. Best modern day convenience...
We survived. We had fun. We slept a lot. It was a good week.
It is so nice to get back into our groove. It was so needed. I love the kids, but taking care of them all at home while being sick was tough and getting back into a routine and school has helped a lot.
Miss them, but I'm glad they are in school while Derek is gone. My sanity is better when I can work out and have a little break from them all. Being surrounded 24/7 solo parenting is tough!
Do I sound wimpy yet? Being sick in one way or another since before Derek left has taken a toll. I'm a complete wimp. I am really hoping and praying the worst is behind us.
My Mom is coming today and I am beyond excited! Now to just have a small break from being sick.
This kind of is a boring journal entry and not very much fun...
Guess I'll go bathe the dogs.
Boo.
Love,
Wimpy Mom
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Monday, November 19, 2018
Entry #11 It is well with my soul
Dear Diary,
The one month mark came and went for when Derek left. Life has had ups and downs. Wimpy moments, survival moments, happy moments, and everything in between. Staying busy has been good, but we've been getting sick along the way and it might be time to slow things down for a while. The weather is finally cooling off and it is wonderful. The kids have been able to play outside and the mosquitoes are not quite nearly so vicious.
We miss Derek. A lot. But, we always have our happy faces on because in reality life is going rather well. The kids are doing well in school. Our weekly activities plug along. The kids sleep in my room probably more than 50% of the time, but I'm loving the extra snuggles and love being with them.
Tis the season for coughs, and sore throats, and watching movies in bed. We finally made it to the Thanksgiving break and it is a much needed reprieve from daily life.
Last night Kael and Eden and I were able to go with some Pinkston's to go to the alamodome and listen to our Prophet President Russel M. Nelson. It was such an amazing experience. Elder and Sister Ochoa spoke along with Elder and Sister Bednar, and last President Nelson and his wife Wendy. It was so much fun to be with family and hear from a Prophet of God.
Here are my quick notes I wrote on my phone during the conference.
The one month mark came and went for when Derek left. Life has had ups and downs. Wimpy moments, survival moments, happy moments, and everything in between. Staying busy has been good, but we've been getting sick along the way and it might be time to slow things down for a while. The weather is finally cooling off and it is wonderful. The kids have been able to play outside and the mosquitoes are not quite nearly so vicious.
We miss Derek. A lot. But, we always have our happy faces on because in reality life is going rather well. The kids are doing well in school. Our weekly activities plug along. The kids sleep in my room probably more than 50% of the time, but I'm loving the extra snuggles and love being with them.
Tis the season for coughs, and sore throats, and watching movies in bed. We finally made it to the Thanksgiving break and it is a much needed reprieve from daily life.
Last night Kael and Eden and I were able to go with some Pinkston's to go to the alamodome and listen to our Prophet President Russel M. Nelson. It was such an amazing experience. Elder and Sister Ochoa spoke along with Elder and Sister Bednar, and last President Nelson and his wife Wendy. It was so much fun to be with family and hear from a Prophet of God.
Here are my quick notes I wrote on my phone during the conference.
Devotional in San Antonio:
Sis. Bednar:
(Life lessons I learned in Texas)
-temple attendance is important.
-Keep the Sabbath Day Holy
-My appearance should reflect my husband’s calling and my calling.
-Joyful experiences (joy school)
Joy comes because of Him.
-Heavenly Father knows who I am.
(For peace)
Unfailing Faith is fortified through prayer.
They always say gather Israel on both sides of the veil.
Elder Bednar:
I am all in.
Marvin J. Ashton 1983
I wasn’t all in my bed, so I fell out of my bed.
Faithfulness is not foolishness or fanaticis.
Sacrifice
For a man to lay down his all requires more than mere belief he is doing all.
It is through sacrifice we know we are doing things that are pleasing to God.
Consecrate
To become dedicated to a sacred purpose. To make yourself available.
Includes sacrifice and much more.
Time, talents, strength, property, money to establish Zion. We promise to develop our best selves to the building of the kingdom of God in earth.
Become the best we can be. Live for the Gospel.
Willing to live for the gospel is more important than being willing to die for the Gospel. I will live for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The middle of the road will be gone.
Sis. Wendy Nelson:
President Nelson is the Prophet.
Where can I turn for peace?
Night time thoughts come exponentially...
Pen and paper in drawer by bed.
Stinking amazing!
The Lord instructs his prophet.
94 years old
Foreordained
Premortally
Prepare the world for the second coming on both sides of the veil. Gather Israel.
Everything belongs to Jesus Christ.
President Russell M. Nelson
Davy Crockett has challenges. We all have challenges. Physical, spiritual or both.
Ether:
If men come into me I will unto them their weakness. I give men weakness that they will be humble.
Then I will make weak things be strong unto them.
-because though hast seen thy weakness, though shalt be made strong.
When peace like a river attenders my way. When sorrows like a sea billows roll
It is well with my soul.
With Faith the pain of a tragedy can be endured. If we understand who we are we can understand our purpose.
Absolutely certain we will be resurrected to our proper and perfect frame.
Jesus was born to give us a second birth.
We are children of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. All people will be blessed through their lineage. To gather Israel is our lineage.
Patriarchal blessing
Book of Mormon
Are both to help accomplish the gathering of Israel and convincing of all that Jesus is the Christ.
The promised gathering of Israel has begun.
Teach our children they are a part of the covenant people and they will be raised sin resistant.
Wherefore what manner of men ought he to be? Even as I am.
Whatever challenges or trials come our way:
It is well with my soul.
Sis. Bednar:
(Life lessons I learned in Texas)
-temple attendance is important.
-Keep the Sabbath Day Holy
-My appearance should reflect my husband’s calling and my calling.
-Joyful experiences (joy school)
Joy comes because of Him.
-Heavenly Father knows who I am.
(For peace)
Unfailing Faith is fortified through prayer.
They always say gather Israel on both sides of the veil.
Elder Bednar:
I am all in.
Marvin J. Ashton 1983
I wasn’t all in my bed, so I fell out of my bed.
Faithfulness is not foolishness or fanaticis.
Sacrifice
For a man to lay down his all requires more than mere belief he is doing all.
It is through sacrifice we know we are doing things that are pleasing to God.
Consecrate
To become dedicated to a sacred purpose. To make yourself available.
Includes sacrifice and much more.
Time, talents, strength, property, money to establish Zion. We promise to develop our best selves to the building of the kingdom of God in earth.
Become the best we can be. Live for the Gospel.
Willing to live for the gospel is more important than being willing to die for the Gospel. I will live for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The middle of the road will be gone.
Sis. Wendy Nelson:
President Nelson is the Prophet.
Where can I turn for peace?
Night time thoughts come exponentially...
Pen and paper in drawer by bed.
Stinking amazing!
The Lord instructs his prophet.
94 years old
Foreordained
Premortally
Prepare the world for the second coming on both sides of the veil. Gather Israel.
Everything belongs to Jesus Christ.
President Russell M. Nelson
Davy Crockett has challenges. We all have challenges. Physical, spiritual or both.
Ether:
If men come into me I will unto them their weakness. I give men weakness that they will be humble.
Then I will make weak things be strong unto them.
-because though hast seen thy weakness, though shalt be made strong.
When peace like a river attenders my way. When sorrows like a sea billows roll
It is well with my soul.
With Faith the pain of a tragedy can be endured. If we understand who we are we can understand our purpose.
Absolutely certain we will be resurrected to our proper and perfect frame.
Jesus was born to give us a second birth.
We are children of the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. All people will be blessed through their lineage. To gather Israel is our lineage.
Patriarchal blessing
Book of Mormon
Are both to help accomplish the gathering of Israel and convincing of all that Jesus is the Christ.
The promised gathering of Israel has begun.
Teach our children they are a part of the covenant people and they will be raised sin resistant.
Wherefore what manner of men ought he to be? Even as I am.
Whatever challenges or trials come our way:
It is well with my soul.
As difficult as it was to get to this devotional there were also tender mercies. I'm grateful for them. Elara got strep throat the night before and I didn't think we would be able to go. I really searched for someone to help watch the little two because I knew it would be difficult to take them. Our sweet neighbors took Connor and sick Elara. Everything worked out and in the end like the song President Nelson spoke of "It is Well with My Soul".
I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving. To have a reason to remember all that I am thankful for. We are so blessed in this life. Having Derek gone serving far away and seeing the tragedies across the globe even through our trials and all the hardships that inevitably come to everyone on this earth we have so much to be grateful for. I'm grateful for a Savior who lifts me up even when life is tough. When I am at my wimpiest moments, He lifts me. He makes it possible for me to answer the people who ask, "how are you doing?" I am able to put a smile and happily say, "it is well with my soul", we are doing really well. And it is truthful. With Derek gone, life is NOT easy. It is so hard. The days are tough, I have been sick, I don't know how I get through each day when I am exhausted, BUT I make it each and every day. I am able to smile. My children are happy and healthy. We are all doing really well. And that is well with my soul.
I give thanks to my Savior because without Him it would not be possible. I am so grateful for Derek. Serving oversees is not easy, but he is such an example to me of who I want to be. He is an amazing Father and I am so grateful he is the father of our children. He loves them so much and they look up to him and he is the best example for them. He loves me so very much and tells me every single day that is possible. I love him so very much. We have wonderful families who love and support us. House, insurance, stable job, food, clothing, and are so well provided for. How could we not want to give back when we are so blessed! And we are capable of doing this service. I am thankful for this beautitful life. It is well with my soul.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Entry #10 Brain Fog
Dear Diary, November 7, 2018 Wednesday
Why is it that when life is happening you think, oh this might be a fun memory, I should write this down, and then when it comes time to write something down, you have total and complete brain fog about anything and everything that has happened in your life within the last month even. I know we went trick or treating, but what the heck did we do for dinner?? You know the details. Except for me it's about 1 hour later. I know I just made dinner, but what did I do that whole hour before dinner???
Ok, it might be a slight exaggeration, but still it happens! A lot lately apparently.
The real reason might just be a lack of sleep... Kael has been sick still for the last basically forever. His fevers finally went away on Monday the 5th. But the kid is wiped out and thinking about it, so am I. Connor is getting a cough now too, and that's just lame.
So where was I going with this? Oh ya i remember now, after I looked at my last post to remind me what I did last week, because remember I can't remember?!
So, Kael got his blessing on Thursday and it was beautiful and then Friday happened. He woke up feeling a little better, but because he had a fever the day before he still couldn't go to school. Well as Friday progressed he got worse and worse. I finally told him hey buddy we can still go to your soccer game, but you might just have to sit by Mom and watch.
He was so miserable I don't think he cared about not playing, but he was still determined to go. So, Friday night I got him tons of medicine, humidifier and whatever I could do to get him comfortable, and then tucked him in for the night and said a little prayer because I was doubting we would leave the house the next day and was prepping to take him to the emergency room he was getting so bad...
That night around midnight he came in to my room and looked like he had jumped in the shower fully clothed. He was soaking wet because his fever finally broke and he was just completely drenched and couldn't even get his shirt off and he was freezing from being so wet. We got him changed and more medicine, and back to bed. An hour later he came in with his shirt off this time with the exact same problem needing a new shirt. He was soaked again. After that he was fever free and slept the night. He woke up at 7 am and came running in my room. Mom, quick when is my soccer game?! I want to play. Sure enough his fever was completely gone. I told him it wasn't until noon and to go back to bed. Nothing could stop this kid. He was so excited to finally not be stuck laying on a bed or couch completely helpless.
It was a miracle. I literally was prepping to take him to the hospital the night before, and then bam, a happy kid.
I took the kids to piano and then straight to Kael's soccer game where he did great! It was a tough game and they tied 1-1. He was so happy to be there and to support his team.
That night I had arranged for our neighborhood to play nightgames with all the kids. We got glow sticks and they played capture the flag, sardines, and sharks and minnows, which ended with Kael and his friend Ryan colliding and calling it quits. It was a lot of fun and I'm certain we will do it again sometime.
Around 5 oclock though Kael's fever came raging back again. It just would not quit. After some medicine he was able to sleep.
He felt pretty lucky to stay home by himself for church. On Monday I finally took him to an urgent care. It was time to just get him checked out. Turns out on top of whatever virus he had, he developed an ear infection also. We got him started on antibiotics on Monday and one more night of a fever and I think he is at least past the fevers. Now his ears bother him and his cough. I didn't even think ears because he hasn't had any drainage.
I'm just glad he is finally doing better. His cough wears him out pretty easily, but he is such a good kid and tries to help out and do his homework. Love that kid so much. So hard to see him so sick. I'm glad he is recovering.
It seems like Connor has caught his cough now though. Thankfully the girls seem to be happy and healthy and strong.
Kael was so worn out after his first day back to school yesterday, but he still really wanted to go to cub scouts, and so he did. I'm so proud of him. I'm proud of his faith to heal, and to be dedicated to working hard to get better and take care of himself, and me as well. He is the best oldest son a Mom could ask for.
In other news... Daylight savings is the worst!!! With all the politicians out there why hasn't anything been done to change this?! I'm sooo tired! Did I mention the brain fog?
Thanks for listening diary. I sure wish I could remember what I just wrote about. I better get to bed.
Sincerely,
Forgetful Wimpy Mom
Why is it that when life is happening you think, oh this might be a fun memory, I should write this down, and then when it comes time to write something down, you have total and complete brain fog about anything and everything that has happened in your life within the last month even. I know we went trick or treating, but what the heck did we do for dinner?? You know the details. Except for me it's about 1 hour later. I know I just made dinner, but what did I do that whole hour before dinner???
Ok, it might be a slight exaggeration, but still it happens! A lot lately apparently.
The real reason might just be a lack of sleep... Kael has been sick still for the last basically forever. His fevers finally went away on Monday the 5th. But the kid is wiped out and thinking about it, so am I. Connor is getting a cough now too, and that's just lame.
So where was I going with this? Oh ya i remember now, after I looked at my last post to remind me what I did last week, because remember I can't remember?!
So, Kael got his blessing on Thursday and it was beautiful and then Friday happened. He woke up feeling a little better, but because he had a fever the day before he still couldn't go to school. Well as Friday progressed he got worse and worse. I finally told him hey buddy we can still go to your soccer game, but you might just have to sit by Mom and watch.
He was so miserable I don't think he cared about not playing, but he was still determined to go. So, Friday night I got him tons of medicine, humidifier and whatever I could do to get him comfortable, and then tucked him in for the night and said a little prayer because I was doubting we would leave the house the next day and was prepping to take him to the emergency room he was getting so bad...
That night around midnight he came in to my room and looked like he had jumped in the shower fully clothed. He was soaking wet because his fever finally broke and he was just completely drenched and couldn't even get his shirt off and he was freezing from being so wet. We got him changed and more medicine, and back to bed. An hour later he came in with his shirt off this time with the exact same problem needing a new shirt. He was soaked again. After that he was fever free and slept the night. He woke up at 7 am and came running in my room. Mom, quick when is my soccer game?! I want to play. Sure enough his fever was completely gone. I told him it wasn't until noon and to go back to bed. Nothing could stop this kid. He was so excited to finally not be stuck laying on a bed or couch completely helpless.
It was a miracle. I literally was prepping to take him to the hospital the night before, and then bam, a happy kid.
I took the kids to piano and then straight to Kael's soccer game where he did great! It was a tough game and they tied 1-1. He was so happy to be there and to support his team.
That night I had arranged for our neighborhood to play nightgames with all the kids. We got glow sticks and they played capture the flag, sardines, and sharks and minnows, which ended with Kael and his friend Ryan colliding and calling it quits. It was a lot of fun and I'm certain we will do it again sometime.
Around 5 oclock though Kael's fever came raging back again. It just would not quit. After some medicine he was able to sleep.
He felt pretty lucky to stay home by himself for church. On Monday I finally took him to an urgent care. It was time to just get him checked out. Turns out on top of whatever virus he had, he developed an ear infection also. We got him started on antibiotics on Monday and one more night of a fever and I think he is at least past the fevers. Now his ears bother him and his cough. I didn't even think ears because he hasn't had any drainage.
I'm just glad he is finally doing better. His cough wears him out pretty easily, but he is such a good kid and tries to help out and do his homework. Love that kid so much. So hard to see him so sick. I'm glad he is recovering.
It seems like Connor has caught his cough now though. Thankfully the girls seem to be happy and healthy and strong.
Kael was so worn out after his first day back to school yesterday, but he still really wanted to go to cub scouts, and so he did. I'm so proud of him. I'm proud of his faith to heal, and to be dedicated to working hard to get better and take care of himself, and me as well. He is the best oldest son a Mom could ask for.
In other news... Daylight savings is the worst!!! With all the politicians out there why hasn't anything been done to change this?! I'm sooo tired! Did I mention the brain fog?
For your viewing pleasure. What I do in the evening when I'm by myself and no children are in my bed.
Thanks for listening diary. I sure wish I could remember what I just wrote about. I better get to bed.
Sincerely,
Forgetful Wimpy Mom
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Entry #9 A Wimpy Soccer Player this week
Dear Diary, November 1, 2018 Thursday
It's late, but I can't sleep without writing about how NOT wimpy my boy Kael is. It would be hard to not love this kid. I don't know how we got so lucky to have him as our oldest child. Kael has been sick since Monday. He has suffered through and just been amazing, which makes it break your heart all the more that he is so sick.
Right before dinner Kael mentioned that he was really worried he would be too sick to play soccer and somehow maybe he could play anyway on Saturday. Because he has been so sick he has missed his last two practices. It breaks this Mama's heart. No Mama should have to see their kid become a wimpy soccer player because they are too sick to go to practice. He has really committed himself to learning soccer to play well to help his team and now it seems like it is being taken from him. I made a suggestion and asked him if maybe he would want to ask someone for a blessing to help him. He said he wanted to ask someone. We thought through our neighbors and had Brother Hunter and his brother in law come over. It was such a sweet blessing for this boy. One of hope and courage and a promise that he would be able to be at his soccer game.
It was a great opportunity to talk about faith and the faith he exercised by wanting a blessing. And how he is really hoping now that he will be better. He was told how grateful Heavenly Father is for helping his family daily. As his Mom I am so grateful for Kael. He helps me DAILY with anything I ask of him and so very very rarely complains. He has helped me with Connor even though he has been sick. He tries to keep the girls in line. He helps to clean up messes and always tries to be the best person he can.
I have faith he will be able to go to his soccer game. I love that kid to the moon and back.
In other news, happy November. I could not picture November when it was May. Not at all. That was 6 months ago. There is always an end in sight. The next 6 months will be a blip in time.
Soon enough this all will be a memory. I hope I can make it a good memory for the kids and for our family.
Good night.
Love,
Wimpy Mom.
It's late, but I can't sleep without writing about how NOT wimpy my boy Kael is. It would be hard to not love this kid. I don't know how we got so lucky to have him as our oldest child. Kael has been sick since Monday. He has suffered through and just been amazing, which makes it break your heart all the more that he is so sick.
Right before dinner Kael mentioned that he was really worried he would be too sick to play soccer and somehow maybe he could play anyway on Saturday. Because he has been so sick he has missed his last two practices. It breaks this Mama's heart. No Mama should have to see their kid become a wimpy soccer player because they are too sick to go to practice. He has really committed himself to learning soccer to play well to help his team and now it seems like it is being taken from him. I made a suggestion and asked him if maybe he would want to ask someone for a blessing to help him. He said he wanted to ask someone. We thought through our neighbors and had Brother Hunter and his brother in law come over. It was such a sweet blessing for this boy. One of hope and courage and a promise that he would be able to be at his soccer game.
It was a great opportunity to talk about faith and the faith he exercised by wanting a blessing. And how he is really hoping now that he will be better. He was told how grateful Heavenly Father is for helping his family daily. As his Mom I am so grateful for Kael. He helps me DAILY with anything I ask of him and so very very rarely complains. He has helped me with Connor even though he has been sick. He tries to keep the girls in line. He helps to clean up messes and always tries to be the best person he can.
I have faith he will be able to go to his soccer game. I love that kid to the moon and back.
In other news, happy November. I could not picture November when it was May. Not at all. That was 6 months ago. There is always an end in sight. The next 6 months will be a blip in time.
Soon enough this all will be a memory. I hope I can make it a good memory for the kids and for our family.
Good night.
Love,
Wimpy Mom.
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