Sunday, November 25, 2012

Weekend full of Thanks

I'm not sure anybody even reads the blog anymore but I wanted to make a post of gratitude. This past weekend has been one of the nicest I've experienced in a very long time. I am not sure what made the difference - maybe it was because a year ago I couldn't celebrate anything. Whatever the reason, I am most thankful for these rejuvenating few days.
The pictures here are backwards from what I did, but it still encompasses the full four days.
On Friday I set up the Christmas tree.  Last year Gillian was my lifesaver because she set up the tree for me. I was so happy to be able to do it on my own this year.  Ammon helped a little bit and put ornaments on where he could reach. Jim ran errands for me, finding me another set of lights, extension cords, etc. This year I put the quilt next to the tree so we would remember how it came to be in our home and to remind us of the need to help others. I will always treasure that warm "giving" quilt from friends in Spanish Fork 2nd Ward.

 I also decorated the outside rail a little. I'd love to have lights on the outside of the house as well, but I still don't handle ladders very well and I won't let Jim crawl up on them, either. So this will have to do. It's a lot more than we had last year.
 Thanksgiving day was beautiful! Chelsey and Brent invited us to their home. We collaborated on the dinner but Chelsey made the bulk of the fantastic meal.  For the first time ever, Jim made the pumpkin pies. They were very delicious.  Chelsey's table was beautiful, as always.  It was really nice to have quiet time to visit with their family alone. That's not saying I don't love to have everybody over, but once in a while, we enjoy one-on-one time with each family. We went over to the Ellets a while after dinner to sing and celebrate Austin's 2nd birthday. His face when we all sang was worth a billion bucks! We were only there for a short time before heading out to see "Wreck It Ralph." It was creative, wacky and funny. Ammon loved it.
 The day before Thanksgiving, I had my year check-up on my knee. I met with Dr. Jeff Wallentine. I don't know of a kinder, more caring man in the whole world. He is a wonderful person.
The x-rays on my knee looked terrific so we were trying to figure out why I still have so much pain. He gave me some instructions on how to work with the knee and then I have to go back to see him in four weeks to see if any progress has been made. Leg presses, using a rolling pin (love that little Pampered Chef rolling pin I have), and walking in a pool if I can find a way to do that are his suggestions. Using the rolling pin to massage the muscles around the knee seems to be helping. I need to strengthen all the muscles around the knee. We think that's what the problem is but we're not sure. I was relieved that this doctor didn't just dismiss the issue and indicate that I was a big baby. It's been a work in progress for a whole year, and it's still not over, but looking back at last year and then seeing what I'm able to do this year has really cheered me up.  I'm getting there!

Jim and I spent a good portion of the day yesterday finishing some Christmas things. We thoroughly enjoyed our day together. I kept telling him last night that I loved being home and I really didn't want to go back to work. Someday.

7 comments:

chelsey said...

Thanks for coming up to dinner on Thanksgiving! We had a very nice, relaxed dinner. The kids liked the movie, too. Also, thanks for the pies and rolls! (Geoff finished off the left over rolls, fyi...)

Lokodi said...

Glad you guys had a good time this weekend. The table setting is beautiful and I love the tree.

We would have had a wonderful time too, except that Hans and I got the stomach bug on Thanksgiving night. We were both very sick all night and into the next day. We also infested all three families that came over too. Aren't we such good friends that we would share?...

Lindsey

The Duke said...

Oh, Lindsey! I'm sorry. You told me what a great dinner it was and how much fun you had. What a sad way to finish off a great day. :(

Jess and Jen said...

Mom, you guys ate pine cones for dinner? Yummy......

We also had a great weekend and I loved leaving work at noon on Wednesday and not coming back until today. -Jess

Seth and Natalie said...

Your tree and garland look great. I am excited for the day when I can put my decorations and nativity wherever I want, not only on the top shelf. The table at Chelsey's does look beautiful, and good job Jim on making some pies! I hope your knee can get better. Julie has been that way with her hand, improvement in movement but still a lot of pain. She's been seeing an acupuncturist and that seems to help her. I bet you'd love to see those needles sticking out of your knee!

The Duke said...

Well, Natalie, I figure that most of it will be moved upward when Lindsey's little one comes and when Gillian's baby figures things out. I'm leaving it where it is for now but fully anticipating on moving it all in a couple of weeks. I know what you mean.
I'm sorry that Julie is still having pain in her hand. I can't imagine needles sticking out of my knee. Yikes!

Lokodi said...

Mom, that's a good call about moving things up on the tree when Ceci comes. Way to think ahead! :)

Lins