This lady is incredible. She was there for Bev while she had bandages changed and prepped her before her debrided. 
Harvey picked this panda that was on the wrong shelf, so he ended up getting the most expensive gift, but I made sure Bev was ok with it before we checked out. He still drags that thing around with him all over the house. 
Ward Christmas party. 
Beverly and her girl friends at their property. 
Harvey and I on our mommy-me date.
I feel incredibly blessed this week. This Tuesday, we were invited to a Christmas party for burn victims. It was at Walmart. We were fed chick-fil-a, had pictures with Santa, and Bev was given 150 to go shopping. The boys were also given one fifty dollar gift card to split. Bev was feeling generous and shared her money with them, bought presents for her friends, and bought two gifts to donate to those in need. As we walked the toy aisles with other burn victims, I kept sucking back the tears. Bev’s burn now looks like a bad tan line. Meanwhile, some of these kids will be forever marked by their injury. Some in more visible places like their faces or hands. My heart was full with compassion for these kids and gratitude that Beverly’s burn wasn’t much worse and healed so well. I know God loves each of his children, and doesn’t preserve one and not another because of favoritism, but rather, as I’ve been struggling with Andy’s absence, I have had my understanding reaffirmed that this life isn’t meant to be easy. We need to face challenging circumstances in order to be refined. My mom and I were talking about some of the trials we have been through as a family and individually and it was a good reminder that we have been through, overcome, and risen up to many challenges. I look back at some of the challenges I’ve faced and see the growth I gained during those times, the reminder that my Savior is a part of my life, and I’ve seen the blessings that have come from some of those challenges. I don’t know what I’m supposed to learn or what blessings we’ll receive from this current struggle, but I do have faith that there is reason to the chaos, purpose to the pain.
Wednesday, after a fun workout at the gym, I met my friend, Ruby for lunch. We had Lazizas (mediterranean cuisine). I haven’t eaten there since Andy left and it was as good as ever. I had a good time catching up with her. I was assigned to be her minister just a couple of months ago and it’s been a nice chance to get to know her better. Afterwards, I zipped over to Harvey’s school to read to his class and bring them a treat. The teacher was busy working on stuff while I was reading, so after I finished one book, she asked me, “Would you like to read another?” I replied, “Would you like me to?” She smiled. So I did. And another. At the end she said, “You can come read any time! You do such a good job teaching them while you’re reading!” I guess I haven’t forgotten all of my skills even though I’ve been out of the classroom for 12+ years. I miss the teaching aspect, but not everything else that comes with being a teacher. I really enjoy teaching singing time, so I’ll get my fill there.
Thursday I made my way to Max’s school to help move bookshelves around for the library. My friend Krista was also there, which made the work much more enjoyable. Friday, I went back to the elementary school to help with their Santa’s Workshop, which is in their gym. I just have to say, those poor teachers probably have no hearing because I was pretty sure I was going to lose mine after only a couple of hours in that gym. That evening we went to our ward Christmas party. It was nice to catch up with everyone and enjoy some breakfast food along with sing-alongs and story time.
Saturday, the three youngest and I spent a lot of time cleaning, organizing, and decluttering our house. Max went on a temple trip with the youth. It has been really nice to have the bishop live next door since Max can head out at the crack of dawn to their house to hitch a ride and I don’t have to wake up the whole household to take him to the meet up spot.
I’m grateful that I have the ability and time to serve at my kids’ schools. I’m grateful for a husband, though so far away, continues to support me in my dreams and goals. I’m also grateful for these adorable, rambunctious kids. Sometimes they absolutely wear me out, but then they’ll come climb on my lap and snuggle me, or tell me “you’re the best mom in the world.” And then I think, ok, this day wasn’t so bad after all. I’m also grateful for dear friends who listen, share, and forgive. True love for someone comes when you see them in all their imperfections and are still there for them. I hope I can be that friend to others as well.
We’re going to do our family’s Christmas this Saturday so that I don’t have to haul all their stuff to Utah. So I’ll share more on that next week. Merry Christmas. I hope your days are filled with the love of your Savior and a reminder of what this season is all about.