Preparing for Some Down Time

A year and half ago I had major surgery. As a result of that surgery I developed an incisional hernia which I detected about nine months following the operation. When I discovered it I was suffering a great deal of pain and discomfort. I really do not know if my discomfort was a result of the hernia but regardless the hernia must be repaired. As for pain over the last eight months, I have been very blessed. I have suffered very little. I've missed out on a few activities such as climbing Table Mountain and some of my activities have been limited due to a slight discomfort, but healthwise, even with the hernia, I feel great!

So now I am looking at a second surgery. Just for the record, I hate surgery! However, having done it once, I have a pretty good idea of what to expect. And I'm feeling pretty good about it. This past week we have taken the opportunity as a family to prepare meals for the month following my surgery. It is so good to see the kids working together. My family is so awesome. In 3 to 4 hours we made 19 meals, big enough to feed our family and put into the freezer! As you can see our freezer is pretty full!

That was Saturday afternoon.  For family home evening Monday night we made bread and muffins. In about two hours plus a little cooking time we had made 19 loaves of bread and about 10 dozen muffins! It was fun. Both Chad and I really enjoyed it. We love working together so much and it makes it extra rewarding to have our children join us.

I am so thankful for the opportunities we have to work together as a family! Sometimes family members complain because they would rather be dng their own thing, but almost ALWAYS, by the time we have finished our project, EVERYONE is feeling the joy of accomplishment and it is even more fun! In the case of freezer meals, everyone enjoys having a lightened work load for the next month because the meal preparation times are greatly reduced and I feel great knowing that even if I don't feel wonderful, things will continue to run smoothly. Family is such a blessing!