The toughest week!!!!

On Sunday evening, we heard a knock at the door and there was a plate of cookies and this kind note from our neighbors. They're members of the ward, but they're not active. I've been the ministering sister/visiting teacher to the mother for years and I've wondered if I'm making a difference. She has canceled on our visits. She doesn't answer the door. I just drop things off at her door and text her. Sometimes she replies. Sometimes she doesn't. It's been an interesting relationship. Anyway, this kind note reminded me to keep trying with people, even when we wonder if we're connecting with them. It's exhausting and sometimes I've wanted to just give up, but this note was a learning experience for me.

On Monday, Austin woke up saying his tummy hurt. He rested on the couch and I thought he'd be fine. He didn't eat much of anything and after I bought him a frosty, he threw it up. He had the flu. :( He was sick for two days and finally started feeling better on Wednesday. I was grateful because my friends planned a going away party and we were all able to go! I sure love these friends. 

Wednesday night, Eli woke up and threw up all night. He was the next one with the flu. We had tons of popsicles. Eleanor was happy about that.

We watched tons of tv and rested. I finally told the kids that we needed some sunshine and to get our blood pumping. It had been cold for several days so when the sun came out, we decided to go outside. Friday evening, I thought Eli would be fine. I was getting ready to leave the kids with a babysitter and Eli threw up AGAIN!! My plans changed and I stayed home. Saturday, I started feeling sick and we stayed home AGAIN all day. We were struggling to get better. 

Saturday evening I called some friends from the ward and they came and gave Eli a blessing. I was sure we'd all be better on Sunday morning. I woke up on Sunday and I felt sick. We were dressed for church on Mother's Day and when it was time to go, I didn't have the strength and health to go. Eli still didn't feel well so we stayed home from church. I think this was the first time we've missed church when Aaron's been gone. 

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FINALLY on Sunday afternoon, we felt alive again. We even went on a walk!

The boys helped with dinner. It was the best Mother's Day gift.

We even went to the base to run around the B-52.

I woke up on Monday and still felt sick. It was a ROUGH week. I couldn't believe we were so close to the end of Aaron being home and we were all so sick. It was a memorable Mother's Day for sure. I'm grateful we finally all got better. At the beginning of the month, I fasted for patience in my mothering. I know this month has a lot of changes for our family and I wanted to be extra patient with my children during this time. And then we were all sick. :( Few. I'm glad the week is over!