Big girl sleep over...

We haven't done sleep overs in the past and don't plan to much in the future, but this was a special event with all the girls in Brooke's kindergarten class. Plus, Mom was a chaperon, so that made it fun for the whole family!

Brooke was THRILLED to be a part of her first big girl sleepover, and I was thrilled to be there with her. :-) We had snacks, watched movies, played games, read books, made pancakes, etc. The fun and giggling went well into the night and resumed first at first light (maybe earlier.)

She made some great memories with her friends.

Austin had a buddy to hang out with, and they had a great time playing lots of Wii and DS. Cameron was in heaven with all those little girls to "Mommy" him. I enjoyed the company of a good friend and gracious host. It was a win-win for all of us. And yes, we all stayed the night. (John was out of town.) It was lots of fun! Even big girls like to have sleep overs now and then. :-)

What a week.

Man, it's been a long week. Time usually flies for me, but this past week was a long week. Not trying to be a whiner, it was just tiring. We were blessed with lots of love from friends though, and are so grateful for the food, balloons, cards, treats and other surprises that showed up on our doorstep, or in our mailbox. They truly made a rough week, so much better. Our family is so blessed to be loved by such wonderful people.

Brooke is actually recovering now and we have the pain med side effects under control. Whew! There were some worrisome days, so glad they've past. Cameron is almost over his nasty flu bug and will probably sleep through the night tonight. (here's hoping) After sleeping most of the weekend, John has almost kicked his flu and is back to being his helpful self again. It's just in time, since I'm coming down with a cold now and starting to feel rather worn down. Austin somehow stayed healthy amidst our germ haven and returned to school today. We are beginning to settle back into normal life around here.

Just when I was really feeling like life was wearing me down this past week, Easter came around. I love Easter. Easter was the perfect reminder of how blessed we are and what a wonderful life this is that we have been given. I love rejoicing in the Resurrection of our Savior. I love the hope and peace that I am blessed with, because of His atonement and resurrection. I love the celebration of new beginnings that accompanies the atonement. HE LIVES! He is always there for me. He will always help me through the struggles I face. He Loves me, no matter what. Celebrating that Love and hope was just what I needed this weekend and I'm so grateful for it.

We are beginning to settles back into normal life around here, and what a wonderful life it is.