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Friday Favorites

1. Church on Sunday was so refreshing.  I've never felt so desperate for the spiritual nourishment of the gospel--or so relieved to receive it.  The hymns, especially, were a great source of comfort.
2. Asa and Sara, from our ward, came to visit me on Sunday afternoon.  We had a lovely conversation and then they took Toby away for a dog vacation.  They are planning to help me train Toby as a potential service dog--or at least a helpful dog for Scott.  Asa also says that he will help get the attic finished for Scott before he comes home from the hospital.  I am so grateful for their friendship.
3. When I went to visit Scott Sunday night, he had his eyes open.  He was moving the hand that I held and opened his eyes really wide whenever I left his field of vision.  I was so happy to see him awake--and every day he got a little more alert.
4. Monday, the kids and I went back to our normal routine.  We still have a bit of homeschool to finish up before Midsummer and it felt good to work with them again.  It brought me a rush of pleasure to watch them make music, read capably, and figure out tricky problems.  Scott and I have made some pretty cool kids and I couldn't be prouder of them.
5. Also on Monday, our college friend Monique came.  She stayed three days and spent most of her time up at the hospital, watching and talking with Scott.  It was really great to see her and I was grateful to know that Scott wasn't being left alone while he was returning to consciousness.
6. I talked to the nurse practitioner with neurology on Monday and she said so many hopeful things that I was giddy.  When I came home, a friend brought me dinner and flowers; I think I startled her with my exuberance.  But when you think your husband might be incapacitated for the rest of his life and an expert tells you that he could potentially get his functioning back--well, that's pretty heady stuff.
7. On Tuesday, when the kids and I went to the library, Carl brought his big jar of savings and paid off the big replacement fee on his card for the "How to Train Your Dragon" playaway that has been missing for almost six months.  I was really proud of him and he was excited to have a clear account that could check out anything again.  The librarian felt really bad taking his money; she gave him a receipt and told him that if he ever found the playaway he could get his money back.  We were certain that would never happen but ...
8. On Thursday, I got the little harp out from behind the red sofa so I could take it to the hospital and I found the playaway!  Carl was so excited.  He said it was the *best* day ever.  He danced around the house for an hour.  It was wonderful to see him so exuberant.
9. Back to Tuesday: Scott got the neck brace off and could finally have a shave!  He looks so much better without the horrible, scruffy facial hair.
10. Wednesday was the 12th day since Scott's accident and I thought he would appreciate a priesthood blessing on that, the symbolically significant day.  His dad and brother-in-law came to the hospital in the afternoon and gave him a beautiful blessing.  Rich said so very many hopeful things that I have held close to my heart ever since.  And after the blessing, I got to spend a lot of time alone with Scott.  It was the first time I really felt sure that he knew me and loved me, that he was glad I was there.
11. I have listened to a lot of mormon channel radio, which has soothed me.
12. My mom took the kids to Union Dairy and the park.  They rode the carousel for the first time this season.
13. I met with Brother Knox and Brother Ashe from Scott's lodge on Thursday.  They gave us some money on behalf of the brotherhood and have arranged for our lawn to be cut every week until Scott is able to do it himself.  I'm really glad Scott is a free mason--and they are really glad to be doing something meaningful.  
14. Speaking of masons, Brother Varner in Utah sent Scott a Scottish Rite ring to replace the one that was broken when he fell.  This one is made of real gold and will never break.  The Wasatch lodge also sent cards and some money.
15. The swelling in Scott's hands is gone, so I gave him back his wedding ring.  I had been wearing it around my neck for about a week.
16. The kids went to see Captain Underpants with my mom, which they thoroughly enjoyed.  They spent a good half hour after dinner flicking underwear at each other and singing "Tra-la-la!"
17. On Friday, Asa came to visit Scott and brought his service dog, Gideon.  When Asa walked into the hospital room, Scott's whole face lit up.  It was the first real smile I've seen from him since the accident; even his eyes crinkled.  It was the most beautiful thing I have seen all week.
18. The second most beautiful thing: Leif's face every time I come home from the hospital.  He is so happy to see me and rushes up to give me a big hug.  It has been especially hard to leave Scott this week because he is conscious and confused; Leif's hugs on the other side of the parting help a lot.

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Favorites

1. I have enjoyed the sunshine this week.  It has been perfect autumn weather.  Our kindergarten walks have been very pleasant.  I love to see the brown and yellow leaves falling all around me.  I told the kids that when they caught a falling leaf, they caught a wish in their hand.  It's harder than it sounds!  Today, one fell right on my head!  I decided to count that. 2. Monday was my brother Timothy's last P-day of his mission!  We chatted on gmail for about an hour that morning.  I am really excited for him to come home! 3. I made an apple pie for FHE.  It was amazing. 4. Scott went on a father-son date with Soren on Wednesday night.  They went to the U of U parking lot and wrote down all the license plates they saw.  When they got home, Soren was very excited to tell me about the snazzy sports car they saw as well as the license plate from England. 5. I gave myself permission to take a nap every day this week. ...