Soaking in the joys of family

Allen has his PMP test tomorrow. Just like finals. I know he will do great, even though he's in so much constant pain right now (probably the worst, all-the-time pain since we've been married) and he played table tennis with some friends. Four and a half hours will be killer. But he is well prepared. He'll do great.

Cammy is being so adventurous. After successfully managing to fall out if his crib on Tuesday, he has now discovered the art of pulling himself up in his crib, which means that tonight he would pull himself up, cry, let go, and fall sideways against the slats, effectively enhancing his cries and creating a domino effect. After putting him to bed 2 times and getting him after his screams alerted us, we've now set up the pack and play in his room, which (now the 4th time we've put him to bed, 1 1/2 past his maximum bedtime) will hopefully solve the problem. Truly an adventurous boy who is out and about, discovering the world around him. We love him so much! And we just want him to be able to explore without hurting himself too much. So true of Heavenly Father's relationship with us, I think.

Dad is looking improved. His hair is noticeably whiter and he looks like he's aged in these last 3 weeks. Three back surgeries and a diagnosis of cancer could do that to a person, I'm sure. Although looking frailer than I ever remember seeing him, he is able to move his body and is slowly re-learning to sustain his weight and to walk again. I know remaining optimistic is hard for him but I'm encouraged by his willingness to fight the good fight and by the wonderful staff he has around him.

Mom is incredible and has been by Dad's side this whole time. She's great at the caretaker role and I know Dad is extremely grateful to have her by his side. They are such a wonderful couple. I pray this next challenge in their lives and marriage and in our family will strengthen them and pull them together. I already see ways that it has.

Life is plugging along for us. I'm grateful for the blessings Allen and I enjoy. I am in love with our beautiful little family. I have discovered that my hobby of choice is making our house into a home. It's what makes me excited and it's what I do when I find myself without anything to do. It makes me feel happy and fulfilled at the end of the day. I enjoy playing with my baby. Who knew that playing with blocks and puzzles could be so fun? It definitely beats all the other responsibilities I have, besides that of being with my husband and making him feel good and happy. The family life is for me and I relish (and hope to continue to relish) every minute I have with them! They are my joys.

So if there was one piece of sage wisdom I would offer, it's this: see the many little joys that surround your family and soak them up.