Merry Christmas!!

I will post a trip recap & pictures soon enough, but I wanted to share the insight that I gained today while we were finishing up our cruise from Charleston to the Bahamas.

Many of the crew members work for long periods of time without being able to contact their families - wives & children included. I freak out when Scott is on a business trip & doesn't call home daily. Last night I asked the guy at the photo kiosk if he would be able to call home for Christmas & he had the saddest face when he told me no. What?! Another young man was walking around the dining area this morning and almost crying. I felt sad for them missing the traditions and the relationships - the magical part of the holidays. But also, I pondered for a few moments & realized that the good news is that Jesus Christ was born!! I hope that I was with the heavenly hosts singing for joy. With him we are able to be forgiven & to have life eternal. I am so grateful for this knowledge. I have never been totally alone on Christmas, but I have felt alone at different times of my life. I have always felt the Comforter bringing me peace. So grateful!!

The Flu of 2.0.1.2

I have not been feeling well for several weeks now. Things took a dramatic turn for the worse two or three days ago. I knew something was wrong but could not even put it into words at the MinuteClinic. After lecturing me for ten minutes about my blood pressure, the PA gave me an antibiotic prescription & sent me on my merry way. I filled the script & started taking it. I know antibiotics don't make everything instantly better, but I seem to remember not getting worse & worse once I started taking them.

I got worse & worse. Fever of 101* and achy-ness and a bad cough and a sore throat. (Wah, wah, wah!) I called my old doctor's office (the one who will see me the day I am sick) & asked for an appointment. The PA walked in & knew immediately that I had the flu. It was probably the fact that I was leaning my head funny against the wall. I tested positive. She wrote me a prescription plus one for Scott as a preventative measure. (Nice!)

Scott worked from home so he could take care of me. Best husband ever! The pediatrician's office would not write a prescription without an appointment & a positive flu test.

Jared got up this morning VERY sick. I called & said, "I cannot walk any further than about ten feet without blacking out. My son is sick & I'm pretty sure it's the flu."

"OK. So when would you like to bring him in?" Uuuuuh... I just said that I am bedridden. (Biggest pet peeve with customer service is that they just prattle on with their normal spiel without listening to what you are saying.)

Chris (who thankfully got a flu shot) is taking Jared to the doctor. We will survive - it's not fun this time of year!!

I have not done Christmas shopping yet. It will be online all the way. I guess that's less stressful anyway. I bought all of my baking supplies & they will sit unused on the kitchen counter for now, except for the homemade Nutella resting in the fridge.

The YSA Christmas party has been moved to my friend's house.

Our sweet Relief Society president knew that I was sick because she called as I was walking into the Minute Clinic on Wednesday about something else. She called yesterday to check on me & told me that she would bring us dinner. I cried!! She has a lot of people with a lot of troubles on her plate & she took time to help us. So grateful.

The picture of Jared is from last night. He came home from a friend's house & said, "Take my picture with my arms out so I can give you an air hug!!" So sweet - melted my heart!! His cheeks were puffed out because he was holding his breath to not get sick.

The other picture is where I was for 90% of the day yesterday. The rest of the time I was in the bathroom which needs no picture.