Sunday, August 16, 2009

Another milestone down...

After a long week of wedding, BBQ's, playing with family, and utter sickness I am relieved to sit at the computer and reflect on the whole experience. Last Sunday, as I was tucking Tylie in bed for the night, I explained to her that we were going to have a very busy week and she needed to get as much rest as possible to be ready for what we ahead. I quietly rehearsed into her ear all the fun things that we were going to do and the family we were going to see. As she drifted off to sleep, I had painted a beautiful picture that she could dream to. I did not realize that in the midst of the beautiful dream would be a black streak in the form of the flu staining all of our fun events.
Josh got married on Thursday so the beginning of the week had our calenders packed with final details, hair appointments, and pedicures. We had every bow ready, every vendor prepared, and every piece of clothing nicely ironed and hung neatly in our closets. All that was left to do was wait for Thursday to arrive. Wednesday morning woke me up in the wee early hours of the morning running for the toilet. My stomach was in knots and was not willing to hold anything for more that 20 minutes. If I put something down, it pushed it right back up. Terrified that I was going to be sick for the wedding, I vowed to cancel all appointments and nurse myself back to health. Never before had I wished for the "24 hour" flu to be a bold and true statement. Jake stayed home in the morning and then I called my mom to see if she could take the kids in the afternoon so I could rest. When she answered, things only got worse. She told me that she had been up all night with the same thing and was feeling worse than I was. Heather was left to take care of any final details left for the wedding and all that we could do was pray for health. Thank goodness to my wonderful friend who whisked the kids away without me even asking (thank you Kat!) and my sister in law who took them until Jake got home late, I was able to rest and was feeling, well.... not the best, but I could at least function for the wedding. The wedding was beautiful and we are thrilled to have Kathryn in our family. She is the best thing that ever happened to him and I will probably remind him of that the rest of his life. We came home after a long night and collapsed in our beds. Jake, unfortunately, woke up at 4:30 that morning in the same state I had been just a few nights before. So, thank you to my wonderful co-workers, I was able to take a sick day and regain my strength and try to get Jake back on his feet. Just when I think that we are about back to the living, Tylie starts the process Friday night. Saturday brought another sick day and here I am today. I pray that nobody I have been around the last few day gets this sickness. I would feel absolutely awful because it is one of the worst cases of the flu I have had in a long time. If any of you do, please know that my cell phone is on and all it takes is one call and a pot of chicken soup will be on the way.
Our lesson in Relief Society today was on friendship and as I reflect on this weekend and all that had transpired, I can't help but feel truly blessed for the friends in my life, both past and present. Sometimes I do regret not staying closer to those who are no longer so prevalent in my life but as they said in the lesson- people are placed in our lives at certain times for certain reasons and we need to embrace them while they are there. There are people in my life that I will hold dear forever for the imprint the have left on me and I hope that they know how much I love them. A young women leader I had as a Mia Maid taught me patience and how to love unconditionally. My assistant manager at one of my jobs taught me how to be strong and pick up the pieces when all seems to be lost. My manager in California taught me how to reach across religious lines and see people for the goodness they have inside. She was the beginning of teaching me how to love California and really made me feel at home in a foreign place. My friend that I lived next to my entire life who I have a bond with that no amount of distance can break. And my neighbors now who are willing to come over at 10:30 at night to give my baby girl a blessing when it is the only thing left that I can think of to do. I appreciate the people in my life and adore them for who they are. I only pray that I can bless their lives in the way that they have blessed mine.
Now for a few pictures for the special day...








4 comments:

Our Busy and Chaotic Life said...

I am so sorry to hear about the flu. It sounds awful. I am glad you felt good for the wedding. My Mom said it was awesome and wished our weddings were more of that party atmosphere like theirs! I feel sorry I missed it.

Erica said...

I am so sorry to hear that you all were sick!! The flu is the worst, especially when you still have little ones to take care of!! Great pictures from the wedding...everything looked beautiful! I especially love the picture of you, Heather and Brit - you 3 are gorgeous!

judd and ash said...

I had no idea Andrea...why didn't you call me? I would have been happy to help...I know everyone always says this but seriously, please let me know if you ever need anything. Even though we never see eachother, I really do live just right across the street:) I hope you are feeling better...
Ash

btw: I love the wedding pics, you look so cute:)

Kat said...

Andrea you are gorgeous!! I love love love that picture of you and Mason! And Tylie's dress is darling! i am so glad you were feeling better for the wedding...sickness is miserable! Lets get the girls together this week...