We laughed, we cried, we applauded in our hearts....(in the chapel, it's not considered reverent to applaud out loud). She was as wonderful as we anticipated, and she helped the Spirit heal our wounded hearts. This Saturday, Hilary Weeks spoke to our Stake Relief Society (Church women's group) Conference.
She sang, and spoke, and made us think and ponder. Sister Weeks has a gift of helping you see Heavenly Father's love for you, and bringing you closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
At our house, it had been the week from Hell! Kevin and I felt like human punching-bags. Life would hit us with one knock-out punch and as we'd rise, reeling from one, we'd be hit with another. It wasn't anything life-threatening, just life's challenging moments. However, they just seemed to come right on top of each other, so we never had a second to catch our breath. By Saturday morning, we both felt like ducking for cover and cringing as we waited for the next blow to fall. Either that, or hiding under the covers like children frightened in the dark at night. But, Kevin had a lesson to finish for Church the next day, and I had promised to take Mandy and Debra to Relief Society Conference.
Even after we got there, I was sorely tempted to just drop them off and tell them I'd pick them up when it was done. I am so grateful that I stayed. It was crowded, and we couldn't get seats all together. I can't say I was in the most comfortable seat in the house, but it was so worth it!
I don't have words to say how grateful I am. For Sister Weeks who took time out of her Saturday to share her gift with us. For the wonderful women who were there and lent their sweetness to the spirit of the day. Especially for a loving Father in Heaven who knows my heart and fills my needs even before I even realize what they are. He hears the silent prayers in my heart and in answering them, fills me with peace. By the time I got home, I was at peace and Heavenly Father had worked His magic on Kevin's heart as he prepared his lesson for the next day; so he was at peace as well. The challenges haven't gone away, but our ability to handle them has increased. With Heavenly Father in our corner, we can handle whatever comes next. I am and will be, forever grateful!
I just wanted to update you on my weight loss/fitness progress. Today I was weighed and measured. I have lost 15 pounds all together, and another 5 pounds of fat. My total body fat percentage has come down by almost 10%. Last week my trainer and I set a goal for me to increase my cardio time to 40 minutes from 35. That's 40 minutes with my heart rate up to its calorie-burning level. Today I achieved that goal!!!!
This is what 5lbs of fat vs. 5 lbs of muscle looks like. ICK!
I wish I had better words to help you understand how this feels. I feel AMAZING! I have more energy, I don't feel sick or run-down all the time. I hurt, but it's a good kind of muscle-hurt, not an achy over-burdened, out-of-shape kind of hurt. I go to the gym and am constantly amazed at what my body can do. So far, I have been able to do everything my trainer has required of me. I'm not saying it's been easy, 'cause it's not. I'm just getting so much stronger everyday. When I look at where I was when I started this three months ago, and compare it to how I feel now; I am astonished! Once again, I am overwhelmed by the love and support I am receiving. I couldn't continue without it. I am especially thankful to Jerry (my trainer), Kevin, and our girls for all their cheer-leading and encouragement. Most of all I am thankful to my Heavenly Father for hearing and answering my prayers. You have no idea how often I pray for the strength to get on that treadmill and keep walking!
I feel as if I am writing an essay for school. haha I just wanted to share what we did over the Christmas Holidays. Earlier in the month, Amanda came down with a chest-cold which quickly turned into bronchitis. The doctor said it was viral and for us to just treat the symptoms with over-the counter cold medicines. The problem was that the bronchitis was aggravating her asthma. By early (REALLY early) in the morning on December 15th, Mandy's breathing was really labored; so Kev and I took her to the emergency room. They monitored her for a few hours, gave her some steroids to treat the inflammation in her lungs, and sent us home. That Wednesday brought another trip to the doctor and a chest ex-ray. This time the doctor told Mandy that she needed a cortisone shot or she would send her to the hospital for a couple of days for IV steroids. Mandy opted for the shot. It was a slow process that took almost a week; but the inflammation eventually subsided and Mandy's breathing returned to normal. While Mandy was recovering from all this, Jackie started experiencing severe abdominal pain. Late the night of December 22, we rushed Jackie to the emergency room with what we thought was appendicitis. They gave her pain meds and did an ultrasound of her abdomen. They didn't see anything amiss, so they sent us home with some pain meds and instructions to keep an eye on her. They told us that if the pain didn't stop or she started throwing up, to come back. All through that Sunday, we watched her. The pain did not diminish, and by Monday morning (Christmas Eve) she started throwing up. So back to the ER we went. This time, they were sure it was appendicitis, and we started to mentally prepare for a Christmas Eve surgery for our girl. Fortunately, the CT scan showed a kidney-stone, not appendicitis. Although, it was extremely painful, Jackie was grateful to avoid surgery. Poor kid. Jackie's essay for "What I did on my Christmas Vacation" could read: "I spent my Christmas Vacation in pain, drugged, and asleep."
It wasn't the Christmas break we had planned. I hated seeing my kids suffer. I would gladly have taken-on their afflictions if it would spare them. I know it wasn't easy for either of them to endure what they did. I KNOW it was scary for both girls at times. Still, we all saw Heavenly Father's goodness in their recovery, for which we are very grateful.
Christmas Eve found us gathered for our usual activities. Jackie and Mandy both had friends over to join us. We enjoyed having Luc and Chris celebrating with us for the evening. They added to a very interesting discussion on the Nativity.
When the guys went home, and everyone was settled in for the night; I reflected on recent events. As I thought about why we celebrate this season, and the gifts He gave us; I was swamped with gratitude. I thought about what Jesus said, that he had "suffered these things for all..." The knowledge that He came to earth and took upon Him our pains and afflictions so that He could help us through them; had extra special meaning after watching my children struggle through their recent afflictions. I was so thankful that they could turn to Him in prayer and find comfort and peace. It lent a special significance to my celebration of the birth of our Savior this year. ...So that's what I did over my Christmas Vacation... Now we start a New Year with healthier children, and hope for brighter things to come. Happy New Year to each of you. May you be happy, healthy, and safe.
