Ashlee's Surgery

Well a lot has gone on with us in the last couple of weeks. Nate had two tires blow out on his way to get his new drivers' license and we ended up having to buy three new ones. It was a blessing he wasn't on the freeway and was able to control the car just fine, for that I am very grateful. I get to have a root canal tomorrow, but that is good as I have an exposed nerve that has been causing a lot of pain to say the least. It will be expensive but very worth it. I actually need two, but will wait on the other one. Then on Wednesday Miss Ashlee will be having her right kidney removed. I will spend the night with her and hopefully be able to bring her home on Thursday. The surgeon will remove it robotically and the recovery time should be a lot less than if they had to cut her all the way open. I have the rest of the week off and some of next to make sure she is recovered and able to go back to school. I am more worried about the germs she may pick up at school than if she will recover quickly. It is Spring Break for the kids. Today they cleaned the house and went on a bike ride and I rewarded them by taking them to see "Mars needs Mom's" the movie and that was fun for them. It was nice as Nate didn't go so I only had to pay for two kids. He is very good to share his benefits with all of us and saves us a lot of money all the time. Movies are one of my favorite things and he and I are able to go all of the time and when he leaves I will really miss that time with him. The earthquake in Japan was certainly humbling and once again reminds me that we are not in control of anything here. I am so grateful at times like these natural disasters and surgeries and other health issues that I have the belief system that I do and the faith I have. How do other people do it without it? I know I couldn't. I am ever grateful for parents who taught me what was really important and hopefully I am teaching that to my kids as well. I am so grateful for Ashlee and know this is hard, but in so many ways I am glad she is the age she is to that her recovery will be faster and hopefully the memories will be better. She is a joy to have in our home and we couldn't have asked for a more vibrant, loving and caring daughter. She is very artistic and has been making paper dolls of all of our family members and is soooo creative, I can't even believe how good she is and only six years old. I will be very glad for this time next week when I hope life is moving forward and this has passed. Anyway, I just wanted to catch up a little and thought this may be the only time I have for a little while. Happy March, it came so quickly and I am sure it will go just as quickly. Love to all.