Happiness

It has been twelve days since my surgery/hysterectomy. Its been harder than I thought during those first few days. During the first few days I rested a lot and felt well emotionally and physically. After those few days, I had a hard time staying in bed. I wanted to spend time with my children and my Mom who was taking care of them.  These past two days have been especially hard as my Mom left and I have needed to spend a lot if time helping Rosie and Declan (who is on Fall break). Today we are going to the thrift store and see if we can find a bike for Declan to learn to ride. I’ve been pretty sore but it’s getting better slowly. Elizabeth has helped a ton which is great! I’m grateful to my Mom and to Elizabeth and to friends who have brought over dinner, watched Rosie and brought over bread. Life is sweet!

  Today I want to talk a little about Missionary Work. I loved my mission that I served in January 1999-July 2000 (over 22 years ago) in the Spain, Bilbao Mission. It was amazing. I loved teaching anyone who would listen to us about the restoration of the Gospel and about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and their love for them. It was hard and challenging but I think about it almost every single day of my life as one of the most influential experiences that influenced my love of service and my testimony of the Gospel. Now, I have twin sons who are out in the field serving missions- Ethan in Idaho Falls and Jonah in New York City. This makes me so happy and I am so very proud of them and the work that they are doing! Who knew when they were younger that this day would come so quickly. Asher will go in two years as well.  How proud of them I am for the work that they are doing for the Lord. I know that the Lord loves them and is supporting them in each of their trials and effor...

  Ethan and Jonah are having a great time on their Missions! Ethan is in Idaho Falls proper and Jonah is in Brooklyn. We love talking to them every Monday! Good job, Elders! You are doing an amazing work!

This past Monday I had a laparoscopic hysterectomy. I had several fibroids- one a large one- that had been giving me trouble for a year and a half. Finally, after going over all the options and trying- unsuccessfully- for another baby, I did it. I was nervous and scared but got a blessing from Josh and that helped. It said that I was making the right decision for me and for my family. Queen Elizabeth passed away the week before and we were able to see some of the funeral procession as we waited in the waiting room to be called back . Dr Layon did a great job! My sister in law sent me flowers and chocolate. How sweet is that? It has been a lot less painful than I thought and now I’m just resting and recovering. My Mom came to help and it’s always wonderful to have your Mom here to help and love on you and your children. Recovery should take about 1 to 2 weeks. With a full recovery in 6 weeks. I feel lighter and healthier am glad I no longer have to deal with this issue anymore! I’m so g...

  Ethan and Jonah have arrived on their mission locations! Jonah arrived last Monday- Aug 15th, 2022 and his first area is in South Brooklyn with a trainer who is new to the area too! His first pday they walked three miles in the rain to get groceries. We talked to him through Zoom and it was great to see him! He was tired but doing well!  Ethan left the Provo MTC this morning and arrived in Idaho Falls around 3 pm this afternoon. We’ll talk to him next Monday but the pictures we’ve seen of him look great! So excited for all the new things these boys will learn and do. I’ve felt a spirit of calm and peace with them out serving the Lord for 24 months. I know the Lord is pleased with their sacrifice and with ours. We sure do love the Lord and His Gospel! ❤️

  Ethan and Jonah got their mission calls! Jonah will be going to the New York City Mission (the North and South missions have been combined) Spanish Speaking starting online MTC on Monday July 4th, 2022. He is super excited about it!  Ethan is going to Idaho, Idaho Falls Mission. Starting online on Monday, August 1st. They will be about a month apart. This is where my Grandpapa (my Dad’s Dad) lives in a care center (he is 96!) and where my Uncle lives. Ethan is super excited to go serve too. We are so very proud of them and the hard work they have put into preparing to serve the Lord for two years on their own dime. Ethan has worked and will pay for most of it. Jonah has worked and will pay a part of it as well. Yay, go Elder Abbott and Elder Abbott! We sure will miss you but we are grateful for weekly FaceTime options and for your sweet spirits!  

  On November 14, 2021, my Dad was admitted to the City of Hope Hospital after an at home test showed that he had Covid, as well as my Mom and my 97 year old Grandma Betty. His cancer was progressing as well. They found tumors in his spine and bones. There was still hope that treatment could be done. His normal Dr was on vacation for two weeks. When she got back, she said that the only option left would only give my Dad a very short time extra. For about a week before my Dad was in so much pain and had so much pain medicine that he couldn’t stay awake long. I FaceTimed him every morning. Some days were harder than others but every day we had a few good words at least. This was a tender mercy for me. On Tuesday, December 14th, the day before his string of very rough days and not able to talk we had a good talk. He told me I was just as cute as Rosie and gave me advice on how to deal with Jonah’s eye situation. He told me “keep up the good work” right before we hung up. I will always...