Spring Festivities

 My birthday this year happened to fall close to Easter. My birthday was on Wednesday and Easter was on Sunday (of course!).

For my birthday, we decided to invite Eric's family and Ryan to join us for dinner at a restaurant close to us called LongHorn Steakhouse. Everyone from Eric's family was able to join us except for Ethan. 

Great food and great company. Can't beat that! It was a great birthday. This is my last year to enjoy my 60's. I'd better make the best of it.

The Saturday before my birthday, we unexpectedly found ourselves needing to go to Bountiful so we decided to have lunch with Jane & Ken so Jane and I could celebrate our birthday together. Interestingly, Ben called his parents while we were at their house to see if they all wanted to go to lunch together, so Ben's family joined us. We ate at Robintino's Italian restaurant. I don't have a picture of that lunch, but it was nice to be able to spend some time with Jane celebrating our birthday. It was also nice to see Ben's growing family and spend some time with them.

On Easter Sunday, Eric's family plus Ryan, joined us for an Easter feast. Eric cooked the turkey and made the mashed potatoes. I provided homemade rolls, string beans, and dessert (Crumbl Cookies). Ryan brought some Sparkling Cider, which was a big hit. Again, we enjoyed our meal together.

It is always a highlight when we can get together with family. Family means everything to me. It's so nice to be so close to Eric's family so we can see them so often. It is so much fun to watch the girls dance, and see how quickly they are growing up. Ethan already had a semester of college at UVU and is now taking a music class at Salt Lake Community College. Ella will leave for college in just another year. That seems crazy to me. Hard to believe that my oldest grandchildren are as old as they are and as involved as they are. So proud of each and every one of my grandchildren. Wish we could see the others as often as we get to see these three.

Hip Update

 It has been over three weeks now since my hip replacement surgery and I can say that my recovery has gone remarkably well. The first week was rough. I was in quite a bit of pain and it was difficult to walk to the restroom or get in and out of bed. I used a walker for about 1.5 weeks, at which time I switched to using a cane.

At this point in my recovery, I can get around very well. I can easily get in and out of bed, I can sleep more comfortably, and I can easily walk up and down stairs. Instead of Alan having to do the laundry, prepare  our meals, or help me shower and get dressed, I can do those things on my own. Alan can retire as my nurse until my next surgery in five more weeks.

I credit my quick recovery to the Priesthood blessing I received from Alan prior to my surgery as well as all the prayers and support from so many of my friends and family members. I am surrounded by people who love as Christ loved, who lift and support as Christ did, and who serve others as Christ did. I'm so grateful for all the support I have received. It is endless!

Me doing the happy dance!

I love being able to get out of the house again and go to Church, go out to dinner, or go shopping. Being cooped up in a house is not good for the body or the soul. All in all, I am very pleased with my progress. I just wish there was something this definitive I could do to alleviate my back pain.