Over the weekend we watched conference and kept our hands busy.
I was patching something with needle and thread, so of course the girls wanted to sew too. . .
I was patching something with needle and thread, so of course the girls wanted to sew too. . .
We cut out some dolls and they stitched away.
Then they plumped them out with rice. What is it about making things with our own two hands that just feels good?
We also got a few things sorted out.
I sorted out my linens/fabric storage. Ah, better.
I sorted out my linens/fabric storage. Ah, better.
And we sorted out some of the girls' health issues. . .
Jane started Methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug, to treat her arthritis. The other drugs we've tried gave some bummer side effects. Her skin bled with even the lightest scratch and scarred badly, and she struggled with daily stomach aches and headaches. We're hopeful this is going to be a good change as she seems quite a bit better already.
Malan was diagnosed with IBS after over a year of daily stomach pain, puking, etc. Her new medication seems to be working well also. Yay!
As much as it really stinks sometimes to see my kids struggle to feel great, I think it's a bit of a mixed blessing. I see them treating each other with compassion, which I'd say is learned in part by experiencing pain oneself. And depth of character is definitely something we're going for around here, which I don't think comes as readily when you're leading a completely charmed life.
Jane started Methotrexate, a chemotherapy drug, to treat her arthritis. The other drugs we've tried gave some bummer side effects. Her skin bled with even the lightest scratch and scarred badly, and she struggled with daily stomach aches and headaches. We're hopeful this is going to be a good change as she seems quite a bit better already.
Malan was diagnosed with IBS after over a year of daily stomach pain, puking, etc. Her new medication seems to be working well also. Yay!
As much as it really stinks sometimes to see my kids struggle to feel great, I think it's a bit of a mixed blessing. I see them treating each other with compassion, which I'd say is learned in part by experiencing pain oneself. And depth of character is definitely something we're going for around here, which I don't think comes as readily when you're leading a completely charmed life.
I'm coming up on my one year mark serving as the Relief Society President in our ward. It seems I waver between neglecting my calling for my children and neglecting my children for my calling. I go to bed a little guilty most nights. Not trying to be hard on myself here, just struggling to find a good balance and trying to do better.
Like tomorrow I think I'll try to use my "nice mom" voice all day.
That's a bit of our real life right now, and our real life is pretty great.
Also, I have King of the Husbands watching my back. Lucky, lucky me, for reals.
I leave you with a moment from "mommy school" this week. Jane feels her artistic flow best when in sleepwear, while Olivia prefers pantless painting:
Like tomorrow I think I'll try to use my "nice mom" voice all day.
That's a bit of our real life right now, and our real life is pretty great.
Also, I have King of the Husbands watching my back. Lucky, lucky me, for reals.
I leave you with a moment from "mommy school" this week. Jane feels her artistic flow best when in sleepwear, while Olivia prefers pantless painting:
19 comments:
i love love your sweet family and you express your "real" so graciously, what a beacon of light you are to me. xoxoxo
Wow. Ibs is a real bummer. I got a little taste of it when we first moved to Pittsburgh. For me stress triggers it. I'm glad malin has been diagnosed so she can live life with better quality. It's weird to think how that can be such a problem... Until u deal with it yourself. Like always, love your pictures!
Loved your post, Kate. I was put in a few months ago as YW President. I have had a few guilty sleepless nights too. President Monson reminded us in conference that we can't give the Lord a crust without receiving a loaf in return. I'm hoping that my crust will do. Love you.
Kate plate. So sorry that both your girls have been in pain. I hope that this is a good turning point for them. Poor girlies! Tough Momma and Dad. Hang in there with the balancing act. The Lord wanted you in there and so what you can give is what is needed.
you are a remarkable family, great perspective kate!
I'm so glad Malan and Jane's health is improving. Love those littles!
You are quite the woman Kate. I maintain that I wanna be like you some day ;)
Ah, what a sweet post. Though it still makes me a little sad. So sorry Jane and Malan are having those troubles. Balancing is the thing, isn't it/ Always have to adjust one way or another while standing on that big circus ball. Cute little artists.
I'm so impressed with your little conference projects! You are always amazing me with your craftiness! I had no idea the girls had been struggling with sicknesses, or the you are the RS pres! So much on your plate and yet you do an A-mazing job! Give yourself a little more credit, you are fabulous and really, an amazing, beautiful Mother!
You are so beautiful, inside and out. I love your example and perspective. I'm sorry for the pain at your house, hope it continues to improve!
sorry to hear about malan. and jane too. but i think you are so right about the character building thing. so true. i love your pictures. i lost my camera and i'm so sad. i need your help because i might want to get a nice one.
Kate,
My heart goes out to you and your beautiful, strong girls. It's true that attitude reflects leadership and I know that your daughters are making it through these hard times because of you and your husband. What a light you are for them and I hope that the medications or any type of remedy you have for them is successful and all the pain stops!
You're amazing and loved!
R~
Oh, bah! I didn't know Malan had IBS. And poor arthritic Jane!
I wish we could make it go away.
There is a lady here whose son gets stomach pain whenever he is stressed. She says it has taught him how to calm himself--so, silver lining, I guess.
We love you guys!
I love you Kate. I really do.
I told Becky and Julie the other day how much I just love you. Every kind word of encouragement from you makes me feel so, so good. You have a gift to be a friend.
I know you do more good than you know. Your girls and Caleb are so lucky and so are the sisters in your ward. I mean that.
Sorry to hear about all the health troubles, but glad to hear medications finally seem to be helping. Praying and hoping that continues in a positive direction.
Love the little dollies the girls made, and love the artistic inspiration of Jane and Olivia. :-)
Real life is good - we all live it. Keep it up!
"Real" life is a real bummer sometimes. You handle it with such grace.
I can't think of the right thing to say, but I wanted you to know that I'm feeling for you. You impress me so much with all that you can handle, but you also stress me out with how much pressure you put on yourself and how much you expect. Just be nice to yourself okay?
Bah, it stinks to see little ones struggle...makes me realize they are their own little people and I can't just "live" for them. Almost a bummer that they have to have struggles in this life too.
Your girls are lucky to have such a great mama...even if you struggle with a balanace of doing everything else.
I love that last picture of the girls painting. So sweet! And I'm so sorry to hear that Jane and Malan are struggling--I hadn't known about that. I'm glad they're doing better, though. Sending hugs your way and theirs!
Thinking of your girls today... This post just really stuck with my heart. May they have a fantastic, memorable Easter.
Love,
R~
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