"Hope for the best...Prepare for the worst."

That was the saying on the fortune cookie Rick got on Friday, before we were supposed to leave for Florida. If only I had heeded its counsel. I had thought of every detail for our trip. I bought a few new things for us to wear, tip money, treats for the plane, earphones. Made sure we had our chargers for laptops, phones, iPad, camera, ( in all these previously listed items I always manage to forget one of them), plus the usual items you pack for a trip. I had even managed to save some extra spending money. We were ready! We went to sleep Saturday night thinking we were ready to go. Phone call 4:30 am. The kind of phone call you hate to get, Bri was sobbing. She had driven herself to the hospital and was in horrible pain. Jarod was with the boys. She had debated whether to call or not, knowing that we were leaving. First thought was to wake up, and process info. I told Rick to shower while I finished packing. We threw the bags in the car, and headed for the emergency room. We found a very sick daughter, in severe pain. We were hoping for a quick diagnosis, but you know emergency rooms. The diagnosis came 10 minutes before we needed to leave for the airport. She had kidney stone so big that would require surgery. Brianne crying, me crying, Rick was trying to think. Brianne was saying that she would be okay, but we were seeing the opposite. She called the Jensen's from her ward. They have amazing daughters, Bri trusted to watch the boys. For a moment I thought it would be okay, but the closer we got to the airport, I knew I had to say home. Sobbing all the way I dropped off Rick, (who had to speak at a conference) and went back to the Stewart's to take over for a few days.

I got to the Stewart’s and  Jarod had already gotten Rachel to watch the boys. I told Rachel I couldn't leave Bri, and attempted to take her home. Bri's van is fully loaded with every bell and whistle you would want, but a Guggy that had never driven it. I couldn't get anything to work. Open the doors, working the VCR, garage door opener, you name it  I struggled. Finally managed to figure everything out, and got Rachel home. In my thinking, I thought the boys are probably hungry. I didn't know if Bri had groceries or what, so I headed to McDonald's (ox in the mire, right?). Got home, managed to get the van doors to open, and kids in the house to eat some breakfast. Ike did a great job. Jakie decided the big container of syrup looked better thrown all over the kitchen floor. I mopped floor, look over to see laundry. Guess what, had to figure out the washer and dryer too. Then it was off to do the dishes; of course I couldn't get the lids off the sippy cups. If that weren't enough, then it was what input device ran what favorite cartoon or movie for the boys. Are you kidding me! I cried some more.

But, then that feeling of love for my daughter, and her two little boys took over. I prayed at least two or three times a day for strength, patience, and intuition for what each boy needed. And in the end, we all survived. Brianne got home Sunday night, and helped guide me the rest of the time. Her friends from church brought in wonderful meals, which helped us a lot. It was fun to spend time with Bri and visit when we got a chance.

We spent hours coloring at the kitchen table. Taught Jake how to make a circle, spell his name, and his colors. Ike and I painted and practiced reading word families.

Jakie and I spent hours at the table when Ike was at preschool.

Ike and I played army men.

We would set them up and then knock them down.

  

The wounded warriors.

On Wednesday I got a surprise! I was going to take the money I saved and buy one of these this weekend. Thank you Stewarts!

I love these two. We survived, and I was so glad I stayed home. I would have worried the whole time I was in Florida anyway. Bri is doing much better and I have learned a hard lesson. "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst." Funny thing, other than missing a few days out of town, I still had the best. A family that needed me!