Fairy-Tale Happy

People ask me how my dad feels about my mom's weight loss. It's an odd question to me that I am never sure how to answer. My mom looks amazing for sure, but I've always felt my dad has treated my mom with love and affection regardless of her weight.  He always kisses her when he returns home and before he leaves. They cuddle on the couch. They hold hands. What has changed on the part of my father? Nothing. Nothing needed to change. I've always felt he was crazy in love with my mom. 

Here they are after 33 years of marriage. Mom can once again fit into the dress she wore for their engagement pictures. 

The exact original dress!

 

Don't they look just fairy-tale happy? 

 

Yesterday at the gym mom wanted to find a 70 lb weight. Since August, 2012 she has lost 70 lbs! She was shocked at just how heavy the weight was. With that weight gone, no wonder she is as light as a feather and has a happy bounce in her step!

 

So proud of my momma, beautiful inside and out! She is strong and brave, and an amazing example to me. Way to go mom!

Good busy, bad busy, exhausting busy, and emotionally busy

This week life did what life does often without me realizing it...it got super busy and tried to sweep me in it's undertow. Ok, so that is a bit dramatic, but I've been busy and life seems to be swirling all around me. Good busy, bad busy, exhausting busy, and emotionally busy.  A friend started chemo, I've never had anyone I know this close go through chemo, I am not sure how to react to it. Another friend has had a child taken away and I again am in a friend situation where I don't know the right things to say or do. Then there are happy things like a surprise engagement announcement and new babies being born. I've kind of been sitting back and observing it all, trying to see where I can jump in when I see people who need rescuing, or looking for moments to just jump for joy and celebrate. I've had a few sweet moments this week that are keeping me grounded and allowing me to see the tender mercies of the Lord and His hand in my life.

One sweet moment was going and hanging out with my "sick" friend. It's strange, he is going through something BIG, but he is as chill as can be on the outside. It is humbling to be able to pray for the people we love. 

Two of those moments involved patients. Monday I was sharing a recipe idea with a patient. I told her about the nutter butter brownies I made last weekend. We decided that trying the recipe with Lorna Doone cookies would be another winner. So who shows up with Lorna Doone brownies today? My patient. She made sure to save a few for me.

Also today another patient, a recent widow, arrived after being gone several weeks.  I asked her how she was and immediately she burst into tears. This poor lady is learning how lonely life is without her companion of 64 years. My heart hurt for her! I took a few objective measurements for the PT as she tearfully told me about how hard this week has been, and I shed a few tears myself. We then got in the pool and I told her we could talk about baking, boys, and babies to distract her. She left with a smile and in a much better state. I was better for it as well.

All of these moments brought me to the same conclusion. I AM RIGHT WHERE I NEED TO BE. I am sure there are others who could be in my place, being touched by lives and touching lives, BUT I GET TO BE IN THIS PLACE.  I feel very blessed to see purpose in MY world. 

Amigos, Amigos, Amigos

Cinco de Mayo...gringo style...well actually, it could be argued that Cinco de Mayo is already a gringo holiday. Cinco de Mayo commemorates a victorious battle by the Mexicans in Puebla in 1862 against the French. It is mostly celebrated in the U.S. as a day to recognize Mexican heritage and culture. 

or...it's just an excuse to have a fun evening with friends. We celebrated it a day early. 

Happy Cuatro de Mayo! 

Abraham, our authentic Mexican, otherwise known as one of my favorite men! He calls me beautiful all the time because President Monson told him to. Good man!

And what party would be complete with out a swing?

The THREE AMIGAS!

Jumping for joy, Michelle was very happy to be celebrating. She may be Gringa on the outside, but she is most certainly Latina on the inside!

And who can make jumping on a trampoline look graceful in a skirt other then the fabulous Melissa! Now that takes skill!

Building a fire, such a manly thing to do! But first he had to save a cute little lizard hiding in there. 

Mission accomplished! Fire!  Looks like Nick is on fire, but I assure you he was not.

Some people just like the marshmallows.

And some people like the smores.

And some like to roast the smores!

We were even lucky enough to have Danny Draper, future Mr. Dr. Draper, join us!

This handsome co-host fit the part with his rugged facial hair going. He looks like he belongs outdoors next to a campfire. Jeremy's tip for the evening- optimal time for melting chocolate on the s'more is 2 minutes once the roasted marshmallow has been put between the graham crackers. Works every time!

Sierra was our entertainment. This dog is faster then a speeding bullet! She was all tuckered out by the end of watching "The Three Amigos" and crashed next to Michelle on the floor.

Can my life get any better? I can't think of a better way to have spend my Cuatro de Mayo then with these wonderful friends. They are some of my favorite AMIGOS on the planet!